6 Types of Papers for Printing

Introduction

When it comes to printing, the type of paper you choose plays a critical role in the final result. It affects how your design looks, how long it lasts, and how it's used. In this article, we'll walk you through six different types of printing paper—C1S/C2S coated paper, art board, offset paper, carbonless paper, lightweight coated paper (LWC), and self-adhesive sticker paper—so you can understand their features and choose the right option for your needs.

Types of Papers for Printing

C1S / C2S Coated Art Paper

C1S and C2S coated paper is a glossy, high-quality paper used for detailed color printing. It comes in one-side coated (C1S) and two-side coated (C2S) versions, with weights typically ranging from 80 to 250gsm. This paper is known for its ultra-smooth surface, making it ideal for printing sharp images with vibrant colors. Because it has a high level of whiteness and uniform coating, it ensures accurate color reproduction without any printing defects. If you're looking for coated paper for product catalogs or high-resolution images, this paper offers excellent ink absorption and works well with offset and letterpress printing. For example, many businesses use C2S paper for printing brochures, promotional flyers, posters, and luxury product packaging because it gives a professional and polished look.

C2S Art Board / High Bulk Art Board

Art board is a heavyweight coated paper ranging from 210 to 400gsm, designed to add a premium feel to printed materials. It offers outstanding stiffness and durability, making it perfect for high-end applications. If you're printing custom packaging or luxury tags, this paper helps you deliver bold, rich visuals and precise color tones. C2S art board performs very well in high-speed two-sided printing and doesn't fade easily, even under strong light. It also holds its shape during die-cutting, making it ideal for precision print jobs. For example, many cosmetic brands and electronics companies use high-bulk art board for their packaging, while publishers use it for premium book covers and greeting cards.

Woodfree Offset Paper / Bond Paper

Offset paper is an uncoated but double-sized paper commonly used in everyday printing. It's available in weights from 60 to 120gsm and is known for its smooth texture and high print clarity, especially for text. While it doesn't offer the glossy finish of coated papers, it still delivers solid color performance and fast ink drying, reducing the risk of smudging. If you're printing books, office reports, or manuals, offset paper is a great choice for cost-effective and clean results. You can also choose softer colors like cream for better readability in novels or long documents. For example, most textbooks, invoices, office forms, and instruction booklets use woodfree paper because it's reliable, budget-friendly, and versatile.

Carbonless Paper / NCR Paper

Carbonless paper, often called NCR (No Carbon Required) paper, is designed for making instant duplicates without using carbon sheets. It comes in weights from 45 to 80gsm. When pressure is applied—like when writing or printing—the microcapsules inside the paper break and release dye, creating a duplicate on the sheet below. If you need paper for multi-copy business forms, carbonless paper is a clean and efficient solution. It produces clear, long-lasting copies that won't fade or smudge easily, and it's safe for the environment and your skin. For example, companies use NCR paper for invoices, receipts, contracts, and medical or legal documents that require multiple copies and long-term storage.

Lightweight Coated Paper (LWC)

LWC paper is a coated printing paper that offers a balance between quality and cost. It usually weighs between 48 and 80gsm and provides a smooth surface for color printing. If you need affordable printing paper for high-volume color jobs, this type is ideal. It's lighter than traditional coated paper, which means lower shipping costs and faster printing. LWC paper works well with rotary presses and delivers bright, detailed prints for a wide range of applications. For example, it's commonly used in magazine inserts, product leaflets, promotional materials, and newspaper supplements that need to be both eye-catching and economical.

Self-Adhesive Sticker Paper

Sticker paper consists of three layers: a face material, adhesive, and release liner. It typically weighs 80–105gsm and is easy to use—just peel off the backing and stick it where needed. This paper is perfect for printing custom labels, as you can choose from a wide range of face materials, including glossy coated paper, writable paper, thermal paper, and even film. Adhesive options include permanent and removable glues to suit various needs. If you're producing labels for packaging, this material allows fast and efficient application without additional glue. For example, sticker paper is widely used for food and cosmetic packaging, barcode labels, office file tags, and anti-tamper seals for electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Conclusion

Each type of printing paper has its unique advantages and best-use cases. Choosing the right one depends on your printing purpose, quality requirements, and budget. At Golden Paper, we provide a full range of paper solutions to meet your printing needs—whether you're creating books, labels, marketing materials, or packaging. Contact us today to explore your options or request a free sample.