The variety of printed materials, the requirements for their use, and the printing methods are all different. Therefore, the paper must be selected according to the requirements and characteristics of the use and printing process. The purpose, variety, and specifications of some commonly used papers for publication are described below for reference by designers and printing companies.
Newsprint
Very lightweight, with a basis weight of 30 pounds or less, is a relatively inexpensive grade of paper. Newsprint, also known as white paper, is the main paper for newspapers and magazines; it is suitable for newspapers, periodicals, textbooks, and comic books. The characteristics of newsprint are: Paper is light and light, and it is full of good elasticity; The ink-absorbing performance is good, this ensures that the ink can be fixed on the paper surface more; After the paper is smoothed, both sides are smooth, no lint, so that both sides The print is relatively clear and full; it has a certain mechanical strength; opacity is good; suitable for high-speed web press printing.
This kind of paper is produced from mechanical pulp (or other chemical pulp) as a raw material, contains a lot of lignin and other magazines, and should not be stored for a long time. If the storage time is too long, the paper will become yellow and brittle, and the water resistance is poor, so writing is not appropriate. Must use printed ink or book ink, the ink viscosity should not be too high, the lithography must strictly control the layout of moisture.
Non-coated offset paper
Non-coating offset papers are of many different grades and are used for books, newsletters, catalogues, brochures, and direct mail. This paper is often a non-mechanical pulp that does not contain wood pulp. Paper that is generally suitable for writing is this type. Non-coated offset papers can be produced with or without wood pulp, with basis weights varying from 25 pounds to 60 pounds. Paper containing wood pulp is lighter; paper without wood pulp is higher in weight (between 45-60 pounds).
High-quality non-coated offset paper
There are also some non-coated papers produced according to different quality standards on the market. Therefore, when selecting paper, we must not only specify the choice of non-coated paper, but also indicate the manufacturer and grade. Different grades of non-coated paper, their color is very different, so we need to ask the paper supplier for a sample handbook to help determine the desired color. Also, keep in mind that colored paper will have an effect on the image printed on it. Non-coated paper is supplied in the form of webs and sheets, and is generally light in weight. When we plan to print a job, remember that non-coated paper is much more absorbent than coated paper. This difference affects the performance and process operations of inks, varnish, and coatings.
Text and cover pages
High-quality non-coated offset papers vary widely in color and texture. Designers generally choose based on the different effects they exhibit and the company’s identity, writing plans, annual reports, and market exchanges. This type of paper is available in both roll and sheet formats. Their relatively lower grade papers generally have a higher basis weight (24 lbs, sticking up to 130 lbs. in the cover), higher opacity, greater ink coverage, and a more uniform printing surface.
Highly lighted paper
Highly glossy paper, commonly referred to as SC paper, is a paper with a lighter basis weight. This paper base is made of mechanical pulp, kraft pulp, additives and minerals like clay/kaolin, talc, calcium carbonate and other minerals. These mineral fillers completely penetrate into the paper. The more mineral fillers used in the production process, the greater the basis weight of the SC paper. Once the SC paper base is made from the paper machine, it also goes through a 35-foot-long offline love-mouse. They are structurally similar to those used to produce coated paper. The SC paper base passes through a series of alternating cloth/plastic filled and heated iron rolls of the calender. After the paper passes through the calender, it is subjected to multiple presses under the effect of heat and pressure at a more gradual rate than on the papermaking machine. This calendering process produces characteristics such as paper smoothness, density, porosity, and gloss that can affect the printing effects that can be achieved with high-quality SC paper.
