Paper Weight Caution!

Ever ordered some expensive brochure only to find that on delivery the cover or the text pages feel a bit thin? Don't be fooled by the weight of the paper. Paper is generally measured and sold in weight ie 350gsm or for say letterheads 115gsm. Although weight is an indication of 'thickness' it's not an accurate measure of it.

The same weight paper can vary in perceived thickness. In addition, different finishes also have a different thickness:

For example: a 200gsm range of papers: a gloss coated feels thinnest , then feeling heavier as you go on from silk to matt to an uncoated board.

Top tip: if you want your brochure cover to feel substantial either avoid a gloss coated board or better go up to higher weight board. Finally, as a fail safe, always ask for a sample of the board before giving the go ahead to print!