Online Printing Services

Paper Colors

Paper Stocks

Paper Weights, Colors and Finishes

Choosing the right paper for your printing job is one of the most important choices you'll make. Read on for detailed descriptions of the paper stocks we carry, including Bond, Smooth, and Glossy Text weights, cover stocks, metallics, linens and more.

You'll notice we identify most of our paper options by their weight, but in some cases you'll see points instead. This refers to the thickness of the paper in units of 1/1000th of an inch (.001 being a "point"). For example, 8pt paper would have a thickness of .008", while 12pt cover stock would be .012" thick.

Another less-common unit of measurement is GSM (grams per square meter). This is more commonly used in offset printing, particularly in the United States, where the metric weight system is not standard. Please contact us if you need to know the GSM or any other details about our paper stocks.

Cover Paper Finish & Color Comparison

Select Cover Finish Type / Color:
Cover Smooth finish includes the 80#, 100#, and 16pt cover stocks. This paper offers a smooth finish, much like a matte paper, and is also the brightest white of all the standard cover papers. Depending on the level of ink coverage, you can sometimes see the paper texture in the printed image. For this reason, gloss papers are usually recommended for the best photo reproduction.
Cover Gloss finish includes 80# and 100# cover stocks. This paper has a semi-gloss coating on both sides and offers a smooth uniform surface for printing. For this reason, it is often recommended for use with projects that have a lot of photos or ink coverage. While this is a gloss coated paper, it is not a high gloss, so it has a duller finish than the high gloss C1S cover stock.
Cover C2S (Coated 2 Sides) comes in 16pt and 18pt thickness. This cover stock has a smooth, slightly shiny finish on both sides and is great for book covers, postcards and business cards. The level of gloss is a bit less than the 80# and 100# Gloss Covers, but areas with full print coverage will have more shine due to the toner itself.
The 12pt High Gloss C1S (Coated 1 Side) cover stock offers a beautiful high gloss coating on one side and an uncoated surface on the other. The high gloss side really reflects the light in unprinted areas or where the white of the paper shows through. The uncoated side has a similar finish to the cover laser white cover stocks. The high gloss coating on the front makes this paper ideal for postcards and book covers.
This synthetic waterproof paper is only available in 8pt, which is similar in weight to a 65# cover stock. That being said, this is the most durable paper that we offer. Not only is it waterproof but it is also tear resistant. This makes it perfect for restaurant menus or book covers / pages that go through a lot of wear & tear. This paper features a super smooth finish, so you don't have to worry about seeing paper fibers or texture in the print.
The 100# Natural Color Linen Cover features an off white / ivory color tone and raised paper fibers which provide a unique look and feel to the paper.
The 100# White Color Linen cover features a bright white color tone and raised paper fibers which provide a unique look and feel to the paper.
The 100# Beargrass Metallic Cover features a slightly off white color tone and a faux metallic Mica coating which gives this cover stock a unique shimmer when light is reflected off of it. Compared to the silver and gold metallic stocks, the beargrass will give you the best color reproduction.
The 100# Silver Metallic Cover features a gray color tone and a faux metallic Mica coating which gives this cover stock a unique shimmer when light is reflected off of it. Please note that the color of your artwork will change slightly when printing on a non-white stock.
The 100# Gold Metallic Cover features a golden yellow color tone and a faux metallic mica coating which gives this cover stock a unique shimmer when light is reflected off of it. Please note that the color of your artwork will change slightly when printing on a non-white stock.
The 65# Blue Cover features a smooth finish like that of the 80# and 100# Cover Smooth. Please note that the color of your artwork will change slightly when printing on a non-white stock.
The 65# Bright Blue Cover features a smooth finish like that of the cover laser white cover stocks. Please note that the color of your artwork will change slightly when printing on a non-white stock.
The 65# Green Cover features a smooth finish like that of the cover laser white cover stocks. Please note that the color of your artwork will change slightly when printing on a non-white stock.
The 65# Bright Green cover stock features a smooth finish like that of the cover laser white cover stocks. Please note that the color of your artwork will change slightly when printing on a non-white stock.
The 65# Bright Yellow cover stock features a smooth finish like that of the cover laser white cover stocks. Please note that the color of your artwork will change slightly when printing on a non-white stock.
The 65# Bright Orange cover stock features a smooth finish like that of the cover laser white cover stocks. Please note that the color of your artwork will change slightly when printing on a non-white stock.
Angle Picture
Closeup Picture
Main Picture
Please note: These photos of our prints are genuine but intended for comparison's sake only. Every screen and monitor may display color and brightness differently and this cannot be considered a 100% accurate portrayal of how your product will look in-hand.

Text Weight Papers

20/50# BondLeast Expensive

Finish: Smooth

This is your everyday printer paper. It has an attractive blue-white shade and is most commonly found in home printers. This paper is made for economical printing. Made with Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) virgin fiber content and manufactured under alkaline (acid-free) conditions for increased longevity and performance.

20/50# Bond - Pastels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This bond paper comes in a variety of pastel colors. Choose from Blue, Yellow, Ivory, Green, Tan, Pink, and Salmon. Contains 30% recycled fiber.

24/60# Text Smooth

Finish: Smooth

This paper features a uniform surface for better resolution and higher opacity for less show-through than the 20/50# paper. If you are printing double sided we recommend not using any lighter paper than this. Made with Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) virgin fiber content and manufactured under alkaline (acid-free) conditions for increased longevity and performance.

24/60# Text Smooth - Pastels / Brights
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This bond paper comes in a variety of colors. Choose from Ivory, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink, Bright Green, Bright Yellow, Bright Blue, Bright Red, and Bright Orange. Bright Blue, and Bright Orange are 30% post consumer recycled.

28/70# Text SmoothBest Cost vs Quality

Finish: Smooth

This paper is our most popular because of its affordability and quality, with a bright white opacity and minimal show through. Made with Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) virgin fiber content and manufactured under alkaline (acid-free) conditions for increased longevity and performance.

28/70# Text Linen
 
 

Finish: Linen

This text weight paper is available in two colors: natural (off white) or brilliant white. The raised paper fibers of the linen texture give this paper a unique look and feel.

32/80# Text Smooth

Finish: Smooth

This is the highest grade text weight paper we carry. This paper features superb opacity for virtually no show-through. Made with Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) virgin fiber content and manufactured under alkaline (acid-free) conditions for increased longevity and performance.

32/80# Text GlossHighest Quality

Finish: Gloss

Featuring superior toner adhesion for better image reproduction that rivals offset printing. The high quality semi-gloss finish makes this a perfect paper choice for high-end marketing collateral, advertising, annual reports and photo books, short run catalogs and magazines, brochures and more. Manufactured in North America.

100# Text GlossHighest Quality

Finish: Gloss

Heaviest text weight paper available. The high quality semi-gloss finish gives a magazine like look and feel. Common for high-end brochures, pamphlets, and books and manuals, this paper is meant to hold up to abuse while looking and feeling exceptionally professional.

Cover Weight Papers

65# Cover Smooth - Pastels / Brights
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This paper comes in a variety of colors. Choose from Blue, Green, Bright Yellow, Bright Green, Bright Blue, Bright Red, Bright Orange, Xmas Green, and Xmas Red. Bright Blue, Bright Orange, Xmas Green, and Xmas Red are 30% post consumer recycled.

80# Cover SmoothMedium Weight

Finish: Smooth

A medium cover weight (cardstock) paper, the 80# Cover Smooth is a good choice for book and booklet covers or products that you may want to hang up like posters.

80# Cover Gloss

Finish: Gloss

This paper is similar to the 80# Cover Smooth but has a slightly lighter feel and semi-gloss finish. The gloss finish lends itself well to items with photos or a lot of color coverage.

100# Cover Smooth

Finish: Smooth

One of the thicker cover weight (cardstock) papers, the 100# Cover Smooth is better for business cards, postcards, and book covers than the 80# cover weight papers.

100# Cover Gloss

Finish: Gloss

This is similar to the 100# Cover Smooth but has a slightly lighter feel and semi-gloss finish.

100# Cover Linen
 
 

Finish: Linen

This 100# cover weight paper is available in two colors: natural (off white) or brilliant white. The raised paper fibers of the linen texture give this paper a unique look and feel.

8pt Cover Smooth - Water / TearproofWater And Tearproof

Finish: Ultra Smooth

This 8pt synthetic paper is ideal for situations where moisture or wear are of concern. The paper is waterproof and tearproof making it an ideal stock for menus, cookbooks, manuals, and other high use products.

12pt Cover High Gloss C1S

Finish: High Gloss

The 12pt Cover High Gloss C1S (coated one side) cover stock offers a beautiful high gloss coating on one side and an uncoated surface on the other. The high gloss side really reflects the light in unprinted areas or where the white of the paper shows through. The uncoated side has a similar finish to the cover laser white cover stocks.

16pt Extra Thick Cover SmoothExtra Heavy Weight

Finish: Smooth (Matte-like)

Extra thick 16pt cardstock. Excellent for business cards, postcards, greeting cards, and other collateral that requires the use of thick paper stock.

16pt Extra Thick Cover C2SExtra Heavy Weight

Finish: Coated Both Sides

Similar feel as the 16pt Extra Thick Cover Smooth, but with a slightly shiny coating.

18pt Ultra Thick Cover C2SUltra Heavy Weight

Finish: Coated Both Sides

Heaviest paper we offer. Great for extra protection on book covers. Also ideal to create thick postcards and business cards.

Metallic Papers

100# Cover Metallic
 
 
 

Beautiful mica coated metallic surface will add a shimmer of sophistication and elegance to any print job. FSC certified. Elemental chlorine free. Acid free. Lignin free.

Recycled Papers

28/70# Text Smooth - 100% Recycled100% Recycled

Finish: Smooth

100% post consumer recycled fiber. Acid free. Manufactured with windpower. Unique digital imaging surface for enhanced toner transfer and color copy image quality.

80# Cover Smooth - 100% Recycled100% Recycled

Finish: Smooth

100% post consumer recycled fiber. Acid free. Manufactured with windpower. Unique digital imaging surface for enhanced toner transfer and color copy image quality.

Carbonless (Form) Papers

2 and 3 Part

The 2 part carbonless form consists of a white and canary sheet while the 3 part carbonless form consists of a white, canary, and pink sheet. Carbonless forms are sometimes referred to as carbon copies or NCR forms.

Wide Format Papers

7.9 mil HP Photo Semi-Gloss (Borderless)Highest Quality

Finish: Semi-Gloss

Beautiful high quality paper that will make your posters stand out from the crowd. The semi-gloss coating adds a slight shine to the finished product.

HP Logo

7.7 mil HP Photo High-Gloss (Borderless)Highest Quality

Finish: High-Gloss

Go for the high gloss when you really want your posters to shine.

HP Logo

15 mil Scrim VinylExtra Heavy Weight

Finish: Scrim

Great for short-term outdoor use. 3-6 months.

16 mil Artist Matte CanvasExtra Heavy Weight

Finish: Matte

This slightly textured matte canvas provides great color quality that can stand the test of time - up to 200 years lifespan away from direct sunlight. This is ideal for artists, photographers, and other graphics professionals.

6 mil Self Adhesive Matte

Finish: Matte

This paper has a beautiful Matte finish and is a self-adhesive polypropylene perfect for mounting on foam board or other surfaces. Great for sign up boards or other items that may need to be written on.

7 mil Repositionable Fabric (Self Adhesive)

Finish: Matte

This repositionable self-adhesive fabric is 7 mil, or 13 mil including the self-adhesive backing (which is peeled off before adhering). Fantastic print quality, scratch resistance and durability make this a great choice for large format graphics that need to be repositioned and adhered again and again.

8 mil Self Adhesive Gloss

Finish: Gloss

This paper has a beautiful Gloss finish and is a self-adhesive polypropylene perfect for mounting on foam board or other surfaces. The slightly thicker 8 mil gloss gives the final product a higher shine than the matte finish.