What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper?

If you’re not sure, then read on to find out more.

Coated paper.

Coated paper is coated with an agent to improve brightness and printing properties, as the coating fills the minute pits between the paper's fibres and usually has a gloss or matt finish.

It’s also very smooth and can either be shiny or have a subtle shine. The finish you choose affects the printed item's appearance because the ink sits on the surface. Coated paper is also more dirt-resistant and less affected by moisture and wear, making the printed material appear shiny, which is why it’s normally used for printing magazines and book covers.

Coated paper tends to limit how much ink the paper absorbs and how much it bleeds. Because the ink stays on top of the paper, you can achieve sharp images because the ink won’t wick or bleed.

Uncoated paper.

Uncoated paper tends to absorb ink more than coated paper, as it doesn’t have a coating. It’s not as smooth as coated paper, as it tends to be more porous. This paper is generally used for letterheads, comp slips, envelopes and lower-quality leaflets.

Another thing to remember is that a job printed on a coated stock will always look a different colour than the same job printed on an uncoated stock, for the reasons above. It’s always worth discussing the options before choosing a paper stock so you can meet your expectations.

I hope you have found this blog useful; as always, feel free to contact us for advice if you’re unsure.