At some point buying print you will hear the terms "coated paper" and "uncoated paper" and they can be confusing. The truth is that avoiding these terms (as some internet printers do!) can be worse. It is the most basic way that paper is categorized and a good thing to understand. Very simply coated paper has some sort of clay coating on top (that can be matte dull or glossy). Think glossy magazine paper and you have the concept! The clay allows the inks and varnishes to sit up on the sheet and as a result - often printer sharper and clearer than on the other option. Coated paper (such as our house 14pt or 100# gloss book) take varnishes very well so you can use a dull sheet and apply gloss varnish or use a gloss sheet and apply dull varnish! Confused? No need - just talk to us about the look you want and we can suggest a good combination and show you samples.
Uncoated paper is completely different - think "fine stationery" or letterhead paper. With this paper there is NO clay coating and as such....this paper does NOT take varnishes well - it simply dives into the sheet and colors will look more subdued with less "pop" vs a coated sheet. We LOVE uncoated paper for all stationery uses and especially classy business cards! Our most popular business card is our 18pt which is in fact and "uncoated sheet".
Ask us for samples - we are happy to send!
-Sean
