The Ultimate Guide to Paper Types in Printing (2025) : Choose the Right Stock, Elevate Your Brand

Have you ever held a brochure or a business card and instantly felt:
“This looks and feels incredibly professional.”
That feeling doesn’t come from luck.
It comes from the paper — the silent hero behind every high-quality print.
According to Print Industry Australia 2024, 63% of customers judge a brand’s professionalism based on the feel of the paper alone.
One gentle touch… and they know exactly how much care your business puts into its marketing.
At Coast Print, we believe:
“A beautiful print starts with the right paper.”
Today, let’s explore each paper type as if they were characters in a story — each with a unique personality that shapes the look, feel, and emotion of your final product.
This guide will help you choose the right stock for flyers, brochures, business cards, menus, posters, labels, and more.
1. Gloss Paper :The Vibrant Showstopper

Imagine you’re promoting a big event and want your flyer to stand out instantly.
Gloss is the “star” of the stage — bright, exciting, and impossible to ignore.
Its shiny finish enhances every colour, making your design look lively and full of energy.
Perfect for:
- Promotional flyers
- Event posters
- Photo-heavy brochures
- Marketing handouts
Why Gloss stands out:
- Vivid, high-contrast colours
- Crisp, sharp images
- Grabs attention instantly
Explore Gloss Flyers at Coast Print
2. Matte Paper :The Quiet, Sophisticated Storyteller

If Gloss is bold and outgoing, Matte is the elegant introvert.
Pick up a Matte business card and you’ll notice how gentle, calm, and premium it feels.
No glare. No harsh reflections. Just pure sophistication.
Ideal for:
- Business cards
- Premium brochures
- Minimal posters
- High-end menus
Why people love Matte:
- Easy to read in any lighting
- Modern, refined, and timeless
- Soft, natural colour tones
See Matte Business Cards at Coast Print
3. Silk Paper : The Perfect Balance

Silk Paper is the peacemaker — not too shiny, not too flat — just the perfect middle ground.
With its soft sheen and smooth touch, Silk creates a polished professional look without trying too hard.
Best for:
- Tri-fold brochures
- Restaurant menus
- Catalogues
- Company profiles
Why Silk works:
- Clean, natural colours
- Low reflection
- Resistant to fingerprints
Silk is like the “silk dress” of the printing world: understated, elegant, unforgettable.
4. Uncoated Paper :The Natural Minimalist

If your brand embraces authenticity, simplicity, or eco aesthetics, Uncoated Paper is your canvas.
It has no coating — just the raw, tactile feel of real paper.
Perfect for:
- Letterheads
- Envelopes
- Minimal business cards
- Notepads
Why it inspires:
- Soft, natural texture
- Easy to write on
- Organic and timeless
Sometimes, simplicity makes the strongest impression.
5. Kraft Paper :The Vintage, Eco-Friendly Icon

Kraft Paper carries a warm, earthy tone that instantly evokes sustainability and handmade charm.
It’s perfect for brands that want to show they care — about the earth, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Best for:
- Café menus
- Product tags
- Eco-friendly cards
- Rustic brochures
Why Kraft stands out:
- 100% recyclable
- Unique natural colour
- Trendy “rustic” aesthetic
Kraft doesn’t shout for attention — it whispers, yet leaves a lasting impact.
6. Cardstock:The Strong, Premium Powerhouse

Cardstock is the heavyweight champion — thick, sturdy, and built to impress.
Hand someone a Cardstock business card and they’ll feel the difference instantly.
It tells the world:
“This brand takes itself seriously.”
Ideal for:
- Business cards
- Premium menus
- Certificates
- Postcards
Why Cardstock matters:
- Solid, premium hand feel
- Highly durable
- Maintains shape and structure
Explore Cardstock Business Cards at Coast Print
7. Recycled Paper: The Sustainable Choice

As sustainability grows, Recycled Paper has become the hero for eco-conscious brands.
It’s not just paper — it’s a message:
“We care about our planet.”
Perfect for:
- Eco menus
- Organic-style brochures
- Conscious marketing materials
- Recycled business cards
Why choose Recycled:
- Environmentally friendly
- Beautiful natural textures
- Soft, muted tones
A small choice that delivers a powerful brand story.
8. Synthetic Paper : The Waterproof Warrior

Synthetic Paper is the indestructible member of the paper family.
Water?
Oil?
Weather?
Daily use?
No problem at all.
Great for:
- Restaurant menus
- Outdoor posters
- Product tags
- Long-term signage
Why it’s incredible:
- Waterproof
- Tear-proof
- Extremely durable
Print Waterproof Menus at Coast Print
9. Lightweight Paper :The Flexible, Budget-Friendly Hero

When you need high volume with fast turnaround, Lightweight Paper is your best friend.
Perfect for:
- Mass flyer distribution
- Event posters
- Handouts
Why people choose it:
- Affordable
- Quick to print
- Easy to fold and distribute
10. Heavyweight Paper : Luxury You Can Feel

If you want your print to feel premium the moment someone touches it, choose Heavyweight Paper.
Ideal for:
- Premium business cards
- Invitations
- High-end menus
- Catalogue covers
Why it impresses:
- Strong first impression
- Excellent durability
- Premium texture and weight
FAQ
1. What is GSM? How do I choose the right GSM?
GSM measures paper thickness.
- 80–150gsm: flyers, posters
- 150–250gsm: brochures, menus
- 300–450gsm: business cards, premium menus
2. Should I choose Gloss or Matte?
- Gloss: bright, vibrant colours → perfect for advertising
- Matte: elegant, readable, refined → ideal for branding
3. What paper is the most durable?
Synthetic Paper — waterproof, tear-proof, long-lasting.
4. What paper is best for restaurant menus?
- Daily use → Synthetic Paper
- Premium dining → Matte or Silk 300gsm
5. Can Coast Print help me choose the right paper?
Absolutely — we offer free paper stock advice and free pre-print file checks.
Contact Coast Print for personalised paper recommendations
Conclusion – The Right Paper Creates the Right Emotion
Choosing paper isn’t just a technical step — it’s choosing the feeling you want your audience to experience.
A flyer can attract.
A brochure can tell a story.
A business card can build trust.
And the perfect paper brings all of that to life.
At Coast Print, we help you choose the right paper so every print becomes a meaningful part of your brand’s story.
Explore Coast Print’s full range of printing products:
- Business Cards
- Flyers
- Brochures
- Posters & Banners
- Menus
- Stickers & Labels
