From the perspectives of both the publisher and the reader a printed book is far more than the words that are in the book. The paper is perhaps one of the key components that make a direct impact on the experience and quality of the book that is being read. Considering texture, weight and color, the papers play an enormous role in the looks of a book project as well as the level of its durability and its price. For this reason, it is crucial to be acquainted with paper types, weights, and finishes and how they impact the books to get the right printed product.
Paper Type
The type of raw material that is used in the manufacture of the paper affects all the aspects like the ecological quality of the paper to its fitness for use in books. Major paper types used in book publishing include:
- Credits – Although it is made from wood pulp, the paper manufacturer uses chemical and mechanical processes in producing Offset paper. Most common for book printing because it’s easy to print on it, it gives good print quality, the surface is quite smooth, and it is cheaper due to high availability. Often available from FSC certified sources for those who want to use sustainable raw materials.
- Unsized freesheet – This is an offset paper that does not have a subsequent applied surface coating. It retains better absorbency of ink than the coated paper thus making it a viable option. Usual for black and white insides of books and sometimes used on colored ones as well.
- Coated paper- It is paper whose base paper material is treated with a coating material such as china clay or other during the paper manufacturing process. The coating has a positive effect on smoothness, ink gloss and graphic reproduction. A standard for picture books and that books that use color photographs.
- Recycled paper – crafted completely or in part from recycled waste paper products. Using book papers that have been recycled on the production of new books also ensure that the use of natural resources is retained and landfill space is also conserved. Another factor which affects the percentage of overall quality, then softness is the recycled content.
- Specialty paper – But there is often much more to paper selection than the traditional paper types used in printing books; sometimes for artistic effects, interesting specialty papers are used such as art papers for photographic book, transparent paper, colored paper or tough and archival paper used for high quality limited editions. This further extends design possibilities.
Paper Weight
The density and thickness of paper stock for books is measured by two different scales: weight (lbs) or thickness, points/pt. Standard weights for book printing cover from 50 offset (50 pt) for soft bound books with low page count to 80 offset (118 pt) for hard bound books and standard interior paper. Here are insights on assessing paper weight:
Glossy papers have got better feel they make a book look more posh and are more withstanding. However, the additional thickness causes an increase in the cost of printing and binding of the journal. For an examples such weights, like 100 lb offset (148 pt), are limited to high quality hard back only.
Low cost pape from 50-55 lbs offset is used for mass market paperbacks and children’s books, since they don’t require high quality and durability the same way hard cover books do. But with these super lightweight stocks there is some loss of show through and tonal value control, so 60-70gsm sheets are much better suited to soft covers.
Hardcover interior paper usually targets the 70-80 lbs range because this allows for slightly opaque, strong enough, printable and affordable enough paper for most HC books. The range can go further up to 100 lb text for interiors especially in bestsellers or special editions.
Coated papers of higher basis weight in matte, dull or gloss surface is used in illustrated books or photography books to render brilliant colour prints. Sections may also contain both coated, heavyweight coated and uncoated paper as supplementary for both coloured and black & white prints.
Paper Finishes
Besides the basic sheer types of paper and its weight, special coatings applied on the paper after production add more dimensions of appearance. Major types of paper finishes to consider for books include:
- Gloss – Generally high-shine polished surface; coatings of this type offer a non-porous, shiny skin that is reflective and has excellent color acuity. Potentially enhance perceived value for books such as photography books and the illustrated editions when used sporadically. Excessive gloss can again create problems of glare or can just give a slippery touch.
- Matte/Dull – less glossy surface used to reduce color differentiation but enhances readability attributed to the low reflection glare. Regarded as the most fitting ending to books of a traditional nature. Matte coated papers also suit interior pages that feature a combination of illustrations and graphics with text since their shading capability is exceptional.Linen – application of a delicate pattern of a relief on the surface of paper ; the use of linen models contributes to the creation of the refined and lightweight image of the paper. Linen-textured stocks give a little touch and assist minimize hitches of smudge/fingerprints. Ideal for place mats instead of blocks of texts inside a case.
- Uncoated – The paper is not coated hence its surface is smooth and timely absorbent however it is not as shiny as coated papers and it also does not have the same degree of color richness as those papers. Retains an organic, softer touch – is not typical for illustrated cover stocks but may look great on distinguished literary hardbacks.
By recognizing these paper factors—and how they are interconnected—buyers can find the perfect medium to match the style envisioned for their book printing projects. Whether the goal is to create an aesthetically striking art book or distribute low-cost paperback books in large quantities, paper plays a crucial role that significantly impacts both the printed book and the reader’s experience. Details like the difference between glossy and matte finishes, or the feel of a hardcover’s weight in hand, make a big difference for readers; the small things count. Ultimately, the paper gives the book printing project a sensory reality, imparting perceptual qualities and character beyond the words printed on its pages.