Choosing the Right Paper for Your Print Project: A Complete Guide

The paper you select for your customers' print projects can mean the difference between forgettable and something that really leaves a mark. In a world where digital communication is everywhere, there’s just something really special about holding a well-made printed piece—but only when it’s done right. As a 4over partner, knowing your paper options means you can help your customers pick what works best for their designs and make sure their projects have the impact they're looking for. 

Why Paper Selection Matters 

Paper is more than just a substrate for ink. It communicates quality, durability, and brand positioning before a single word is read. When guiding your customers through paper choices, consider these three key factors: 

1. Purpose and function 
2. Brand perception 
3. Budget considerations

Let's take a look at how each of these factors affects paper selection and how you can help your customers make smart and informed choices.  

Understanding Paper Properties 

Weight and Thickness 

Paper weight is often a source of confusion for customers. In the US, papers are categorized by their basis weight—the weight of 500 sheets of the paper in its basic size. Key things to explain to your customers: 

1. Text weight (measured in pounds) is typically used for letterhead, flyers, and brochures 
2. Cover weight (also in pounds) is heavier and used for business cards, postcards, and packaging 
3. GSM (grams per square meter) is a universal measurement that's more consistent across paper types

Use this simple comparison guide with your customers: 

Finishes and Coatings 

Paper finish affects both appearance and performance. To help your customers understand the best choice, here are some common options:  

Uncoated: Natural finish with excellent writability, ideal for letterhead, stationery, and materials that will be written on.  

Coating and Lamination: Available in gloss, satin, or matte finishes: 

1. Gloss: Shiny and reflective, enhancing color vibrancy for photos and graphics 
2. Matte: Non-reflective with a sophisticated look, easier to-read text 
3. Satin: Middle ground between gloss and matte, offering some shine with less glare  
4. Suede: Velvety feel that adds luxury to business cards and premium marketing materials 

Specialty Stocks: 4over offers premium options including:  

1. Pearl: Shimmering effect ideal for high-end products, wedding invitations, holiday cards 
2. Kraft: Natural, earthy appearance perfect for eco-friendly brands 
3. Linen: Textured surface resembling woven fabric for a premium, traditional feel 

Matching Paper to Print Applications 

Marketing Collateral 

When it comes to brochures, flyers, and sell sheets, consider usage patterns: 

1. Single-use promotional flyers: Lighter text weights (70-80# text) 
2. Frequently referenced brochures: Heavier text or light cover stocks (100# text or 80# cover) 
3. Sales presentations: Coated stocks to enhance visual impact 

Business Identity 

Business cards make a tactile first impression, Choosing the right paper and finish can say a lot about your brand so it’s worth picking something that looks and feels right.  

1. Standard business cards: 110-130# cover stock 
2. Premium business cards: Consider 4over's Premium Majestic line with options like suede, raised foil, pearl, dual raised, 32pt painted edge, or natural business cards 

Direct Mail & EDDM 

For postcards and mailers: 

1. Durability for postal processing: 100-130# cover with aqueous coating 
2. Attention-grabbing: Consider using textured or colored stocks to stand out in mailboxes 

Signage and Displays 

Signage for various environments requires different considerations: 

1. Posters: 100# gloss text for short-term indoor use, 100# cover for longer display life 
2. Banners and displays: Synthetic options for durability with indoor/outdoor versatility 

Special Considerations 

Environmental Concerns  

4over offers sustainable printing options to meet the rising demand from our customers for responsible products, reflecting growing environmental awareness and shifting consumer values when choosing paper for printing. When your customers prioritize sustainability, here's what to consider: 

1. Recycled content options that maintain quality while reducing environmental impact 
2. FSC certification for responsible sourcing that customers can proudly promote in their marketing 
3. Synthetic papers for applications requiring durability and water resistance without frequent replacement 

Print Technology Compatibility  

Different printing technologies require specific paper types to achieve optimal results. As a 4over partner, understanding these compatibility requirements helps you guide customers toward choices that ensure the highest quality output for their projects: 

1. Digital printing typically requires smoother surfaces for precise toner adhesion and color reproduction 
2. Offset printing offers more flexibility with paper types, including textured and specialty stocks 
3. Specialty finishes may require specific production methods to achieve desired effects without compromising quality 

Helping Customers Choose  

Helping your customers choose the right paper can make a big difference in the final product. To guide them through paper selection process, consider asking these key questions:  

1. How long will the printed piece be used? (one-time event vs. long-term reference) 
2. What kind of handling will it receive? (heavy handling needs durability) 
3. What impression are they trying to convey? (premium, eco-friendly, traditional) 
4. Will recipients write on the piece? (uncoated is better for writability) 
5. What's the primary content? (photos benefit from gloss, text-heavy pieces from matte) 
   

4over Paper Options to Highlight 

Leverage 4over's extensive paper selection to meet diverse customer needs: 

Standard Options  

When advising customers on paper selection, these reliable options serve as the foundation for most print projects, each offering specific benefits depending on the application: 

• 100# Gloss Cover (270 GSM): Versatile choice for postcards, business cards, 20pt plastic, 32pt, and presentation folders with excellent color reproduction 

• 100# Gloss Text (148 GSM): Perfect for brochures, flyers, and booklets where vibrant images need to shine without excess bulk 

• 80# Uncoated Text (118 GSM): Ideal for letterhead and writeable materials where pen or pencil marks are expected 

• 14pt C2S (350 GSM): Premium standard for high-quality business cards and hang tags that convey substantial feel 

• 100# Dull/Matte Cover (270 GSM): Professional look with reduced glare for text-heavy pieces that prioritize readability 

Premium Majestic Line 

4over's Majestic line offers premium options that help your customers stand out: 

• Suede: Velvety finish that elevates business cards and premium marketing pieces with a tactile luxury experience 

• Pearl Metallic: Shimmering surface that underlays designs with an eye-catching luster, perfect for upscale announcements and fashion marketing 

• Natural: Eco-friendly appearance with visible natural grain, ideal for brands positioning themselves as sustainable or artisanal 

• Brown Kraft: Subtle flecks of natural fibers, eco-friendly brown kraft products contain 30% recycled materials 

• Linen: Textured surface with a woven appearance that adds sophistication to business cards and invitations 

• 32pt Painted Edge: Ultra-thick stock with a colored middle layer visible on the edges for a distinctive multi-layered look 

Specialty Options  

Beyond standard papers, 4over offers specialty stocks that give your customers distinctive options for projects that need to stand out from the competition or meet specific functional needs:  

• EnduraACE: Synthetic, tear, and water-resistant stock perfect for menus, outdoor materials, and items requiring exceptional durability 

• Akuafoil: Metallic finish that creates the look of foil stamping through a more cost-effective process, available in various colors 

• 100# Linen Uncoated: Premium feel with excellent writability for event invitations and response cards 

• Raised UV: 1.5mil scuff-resistant, soft velvet laminate that elevates the 16pt stock into a 19pt thickness—raised UV measures 50 microns and is offered on one or two sides  

Coating Options 

Enhance your paper selection with these finishing options: 

• UV Coating: High-gloss, protective layer that increases color vibrancy and provides fade resistance 

• Aqueous Coating: Water-based protective coating available in gloss, satin, or matte finishes 

• Silk/Suede Lamination: Soft-touch finish that adds a luxury tactile element 

• Spot UV: Selective glossy coating that creates contrast between treated and untreated areas 

• Raised Foil: Metallic embossing to a variety of card products, printed on 16pt stock and laminated on both sides with our 1.5mil scuff resistant, soft velvet suede laminate resulting in a 19pt thickness 

• Foil Worx: Hot-stamped accents of vivid foil to a variety of popular card products—available on 14pt uncoated and 16pt silk laminated stocks 

Making the Most of 4over's Print Technology 

4over's state-of-the-art equipment is optimized for different paper types, helping you deliver exceptional quality regardless of the stock chosen: 

• Gang-Run Offset Presses: Ideal for high-volume projects on standard stocks, delivering crisp, consistent color at competitive price points 

• Digital Presses: Perfect for short runs, variable data printing, and quick turnarounds on a variety of paper types 

• Large Format Printers: Specialized equipment for signs, banners, and displays using synthetic materials and heavy stocks 

• Scodix UV Machines: Create dimensional and textured effects on select papers for high-end finishing touches  

For specialty jobs requiring unique papers or finishing techniques, reach out to the 4over Customer Success Team. They’ll help you choose the right paper for your project and make sure it’s compatible with the equipment and finishing processes—so you can deliver the best results to your customers. 

Wrapping Up 

Choosing the right paper is where science meets art in printing. When you help your customers understand their options and make informed choices, you become more than just a print provider – you become a trusted advisor. Picking the perfect paper for their project not only boosts their brand but also makes their marketing more effective and builds a stronger relationship between you and your customers.  

To help your customers make confident paper decisions, take advantage of the resources available to you as a 4over partner. You have access to sample kits that showcase a wide variety of paper options, including both standard and premium stocks.  These tangible examples are invaluable for guiding customer conversations—there’s nothing quite like letting someone feel the difference between paper stocks to help them understand their choices. The 4over sample kit includes swatches of all standard and premium papers, along with printed examples showing how different visuals appear on each stock. 

Don't have a sample kit? Check out our website to get yours so you can start taking your customers' print projects to the next level with smart paper choices. If you need any extra help picking the right paper or want to talk about custom options for specialty projects, the 4over team is ready to offer expert advice tailored just for you!