The following are important terms to know when purchasing paper:
To view our entire select of business paper, photo paper, labels and all other print media, Click Here.
Also, see these links for additional information:
"How to Choose a Photographic Paper" - eHow.com
"Choosing HP photo paper" - hp.com
"Choosing the best Photo Printing Paper" - bytephoto.com
Acid Free Paper
A paper manufactured to a neutral pH reading. Primarily used for permanent records and to protect other materials when contact with paper acidity would be harmful. Examples: paper used for fine art prints and limited edition printing.
Archival Paper
Paper that is long lasting, acid/lignin free and normally has great color retention.
Basis Weight
The weight of one ream (500 sheets) of paper when cut to the industry standard for that specific paper grade. Example: 500 sheets of 8.5 ” x 11 ” photo paper weighing 60 pounds is 60 lb. photo paper. The higher the weight, the thicker the paper. Thicker paper is stiffer, more tear-resistant. Thicker weight papers are reserved for photo paper, resume paper, cards, etc.
Brightness (ISO)
The light reflecting property of paper when measured under a specially calibrated blue light. Also refers to how “white” the paper is. The brighter the paper, the sharper the images and the more vibrant the colors. For photo printing, choose a photo paper that has an ISO Brightness of 90.
Caliper
Synonymous with paper's thickness. The thickness of a sheet of paper usually expressed in thousandths of an inch (points of mils). Example: .010” thickness = 10 pt. Caliper or 10 mil.
Card Stock
Usually refers to a sheet of paper that can be (or already is) perforated to produce smaller cards. Average Card stock paper can create 4" x 6 " or 5" x 7" cards, and is usually of a higher weight. Card stock paper is used for producing postcards, occasion cards, placement cards, etc.
Cover Paper
General description of heavy, durable paper used as covers for literature such as brochures and booklets, and as the vehicle for menus, folders, posters, etc. Often manufactured to match text paper in the same color and texture (see Text Paper). Standard basis weights for cover paper are based on the weight of 500 sheets in the base 40” x 26” size. Traditional cover weights are 50, 65, 80, 100, 130 lb., and double thick (two sheets pasted).
Density
Refers to the weight of paper compared to its volume. Related to a paper’s absorbency, stiffness and opacity. High density often indicates high strength.
Fiber
Thread-like filament of cellulose growth (primarily wood) used in making paper pulp. The pattern created by the alignment of fibers in pulp creates various qualities within paper, such as strength and grain direction.
Grain
The direction in which a majority of the fibers lie in a finished sheet of paper determined by their alignment parallel with the movement of the paper as it travels through the paper machine. Depending on how paper is cut to a finished size, it will be grain long (grain parallel to the longest dimension), or the opposite, grain short. Paper folds easier along the grain, but offers greater resistance to tearing across the grain.
Ink Absorption
Extent and rate of penetration by printing ink through the surface of a paper. Influences drying time and degree of ink holdout.
Opacity:
How well light travels or not travels through the paper. Due to the fact that light is a factor that can affect your photos life span and color quality, the more opaque the paper is the higher the resistance against damage caused from light.
Photo Paper:
Type of paper manufactured specifically for printing images that have the look, weight and feel of traditional photos. Photo paper comes in various qualities and is produced by many companies. Most photo paper has a glossy or semi gloss finish, is higher in weight than regular paper, and may also include a high brightness.
Thickness
Synonymous with paper's caliper. Thickness of the paper is important for choosing the right kind of photo paper. Thinner papers (4-9 ml) are great for most everyday photos; for higher quality photos, flyers and brochures, the thicker papers (10+ ml) will work best.
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Antique
The surface quality of paper having a natural random finish imparted by felts in the manufacturing process.
Embossed
A manufacturing term describing the overall design or pattern impressed in paper when passed between metal rolls engraved with the desired pattern. Produced on a special embossing machine after the paper has dried to create finishes such as linen.
Felt
Surface characteristics of paper formed at the wet end of a paper machine using woven wool and synthetic felts with distinctive patterns to create a similar texture in the finished sheets. Also called felt mark, genuine felt finish, or felt marked finish.
Finish
The general surface properties of paper, determined by various manufacturing techniques. Can describe textures and patterns created by the use of felts, calendars, embossing rolls, and dandy rolls or the smooth and rough characteristics of paper.
Handmade
Paper with a finish that resembles the surface qualities of paper made by traditional handmade methods using a wire and frame mold.
Glossy (High-Gloss)
Smooth finish that looks and feels like traditional photos. Produces sharp photos with the most tones and brightest colors. Has a high shine to the surface and protects against fingerprints. Reserved for premium papers and photo paper.
Semi-Gloss
Similar to glossy finish, but usually less thickness and less of a shine to the top side of the paper. Produces sharp photos with the most tones and brightest colors. Has a low shine to the surface and protects against fingerprints. Reserved for premium papers and photo paper.
Linen
An overall embossed pattern on a paper surface resembling the look and feel of linen cloth, usually manufactured with engraved embossing rolls.
Luster
Similar to semi-gloss but is slightly textured. Has a low shine to the surface and protects against fingerprints. Reserved for premium papers and photo paper.
Matte
Does not have any reflective or shiny coat but is great for capturing subtle details. A matte finish is an alternative to gloss or semi-gloss finishes, for those who do not want as much of a shine for photos. This paper is great for formal portraits and heirloom quality black and white photos. Basic matte finish is also referred to regular everyday business paper used by printers, fax machines, copiers, etc.
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