Paper types and grain direction
In print, the main distinction is between coated papers (gloss, silk or matt) and uncoated papers (offset and textured papers). Coated papers make photos look more brilliant, uncoated papers are easier to write on. For folding, the grain direction of the fibres is what counts.
Contents of this page
The main paper types
| Type | Properties | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss coated | coated, smooth, high gloss, strong colours | photos, catalogues, image-heavy flyers |
| Matt coated | coated, no shine, no reflections | brochures, annual reports, text-heavy flyers |
| Silk coated | between matt and gloss | an all-rounder for mixed content |
| Uncoated offset | no coating, pleasant to touch, easy to write on | letterheads, forms, notepads |
| Textured or natural paper | uncoated, often with a surface texture, high bulk | invitations, premium print |
| Recycled paper | made from waste paper, slightly grey or very white depending on the grade | office use, sustainability reports |
| Card | from about 150 g/m², stiff | postcards, business cards, brochure covers |
Coated or uncoated?
Coated paper has a surface layer of fine pigments. The ink stays on top and looks brilliant. Uncoated paper absorbs more ink, so images come out a little flatter and softer, but you can write on it with any pen and it feels more natural.
For file preparation, this means coated paper needs a different colour profile from uncoated (usually PSO Coated v3 against PSO Uncoated v3 in Europe). Mix them up and your images come out too dark or too washed out. More on print-ready files.
Environmental labels
- Blue Angel (Blauer Engel): the German label for recycled paper made from 100 % waste paper, with strict rules for manufacture.
- FSC and PEFC: virgin fibre paper from wood managed under each organisation’s rules. FSC Recycled marks recycled paper.
- EU Ecolabel: the EU’s environmental label, with criteria for manufacturing and chemicals.
Grain direction: long grain and short grain
In the paper machine, most fibres line up in one direction, the grain direction. Paper bends and folds more easily parallel to the grain, and is stiffer and tears less cleanly across it.
- Long grain
- The grain runs parallel to the long side of the sheet. In German: Schmalbahn (SB).
- Short grain
- The grain runs parallel to the short side of the sheet. In German: Breitbahn (BB).
The rule in practice is simple: the grain should run parallel to the fold. For books and brochures, that means parallel to the spine. Otherwise the pages ripple, the fold cracks and books do not open well. For business cards and postcards, grain parallel to the long side resists bending better.
How to find the grain direction
- Bend test: bend the sheet gently lengthwise and then crosswise, without creasing it. It gives more easily along the grain.
- Tear test: paper tears straighter along the grain. Across it, the tear frays and wanders.
- Damp test: moisten one side of a strip. It curls so that the axis of the curl runs parallel to the grain.
- Packaging: ream wrappers often show the grain as an arrow, or underline the dimension that runs with the grain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between matt and gloss?
Both are coated papers. Gloss shows colours more brilliantly but reflects light. Matt is calmer and easier to read.
What is grain direction in paper?
The direction in which most fibres lie. Paper folds and bends more easily parallel to it.
What does long grain mean?
The grain runs parallel to the long side of the sheet. With short grain, it runs parallel to the short side.
Which paper for flyers?
Often matt or gloss coated at 135 to 170 g/m². For a more natural feel, choose an uncoated textured paper.