When printing your planner - or any product that’s designed to be written on - there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Once your design is finalised and your content is all sorted, you’ll need to make some decisions around your printing spec — namely, your paper stock.
This is a choice that many often struggle with: matte paper or glossy paper? Thankfully, we’re here to shed some light on both options to help you in your decision-making.
Each type of stock offers different advantages. In this article, we’ll cover:
- Matte Paper: The Pros and Cons
- Glossy Paper: The Pros and Cons
- Matte vs. Glossy: The Key Differences At a Glance
- Which is Best for Your Planner: Matte Paper or Glossy Paper?
- B&B Press Recommends
- Other Paper Stock Options
- See Real Results: Carbon-Balanced Academic Planners for Twinkl
- Start Producing Brilliant Print Today
Matte Paper: The Pros and Cons
Matte paper is a regular-based paper covered in a non-reflective coating that provides a dull, matte finish and helps the paper absorb ink.
When printing on matte paper, every drop of ink from the inkjet printer is received, making for an exceptional, professional finish. The cost of printing on matte paper can differ depending on the paper weight you opt for.
When done well, a matte print can look very effective, as well as offering practical benefits — especially for products that are designed to be written on, like planners. We’ve outlined some of the pros and cons of matte paper printing below.
The Pros of Matte Paper
1. Versatility
Due to the absence of a thick, shiny, coated layer, matte paper is compatible with both inkjet and laser printers, making it amongst the most versatile paper stock options.
2. Smudge-Resistance
Matte paper absorbs ink more readily than other, glossier paper, making it quick-drying and more resistant to smudges and fingerprints when fresh off the press.
3. Writability
Without a coating to block the ink, matte paper is much easier to write on — in pen or pencil. Not only this, but your writing will also show much more clearly, making it an ideal choice for projects like planners and diaries.
4. Low Cost
Generally, matte paper is an inexpensive paper stock option, well suited to even the smallest printing budgets.
If you’re working with a restricted budget for your printed planner project, don’t stress! See how we developed the ideal, budget-friendly print solution for Twinkl’s high-quality academic planners. Read the case study.
The Cons of Matte Paper
1. Risk of Wear & Tear
Unlike glossy paper stock, matte paper doesn’t have a thick coating or protective layer, meaning it can be more prone to creasing and general wear and tear.
Top Tip: Opting for a higher grammage (paper weight) for your matte paper will help to reduce wear from turning pages and carrying your printed planner around.
2. Shorter Lifespan
Regular matte paper, similar to what you might use in a home printer, isn’t the most durable, so the lifespan of your planner could be limited.
Top Tip: Use a professional-grade matte paper to really get the most life out of your printed planner.
Glossy Finish: The Pros and Cons
Glossy paper is finished in a smooth, shiny, reflective coating, which can be great for some projects, but not ideal for others.
Prints produced on glossy paper always look ultra-professional and stand-out. But when it comes to finding the right paper for your printed planner, it’s important to find a balance between visual appeal and functionality.
Let’s consider some of the pros and cons of glossy paper printing in a bit more detail.
The Pros of Glossy Paper
1. It’s Smooth
Thanks to its coating, glossy paper gives your work a super smooth finish, which not only enhances your design, but also makes it satisfying to hold — drawing people in and inviting them to engage with the content of your planner.
2. It’s Visually Striking
Photos stand out better when printed on glossy paper, which is something to keep in mind if imagery is a key part of your planner design.
3. It’s Durable
With a heavy, protective coating, glossy paper is less vulnerable to creasing and general wear and tear, and therefore could extend the lifespan of your printed planner.
The Cons of Glossy Paper
1. Reduced Readability
Glossy paper is highly reflective, which can cause glare and make your prints harder to read under certain lighting.
2. Reduced Writability
The protective coating on glossy paper tends to make it difficult to write on, in either pen or pencil. Even if you use a marker pen, the ink is unlikely to be absorbed, leading to smudges.
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Matte vs. Glossy: The Key Differences at a Glance
1. Finish
The main difference between matte paper and glossy paper is the contrasting finish in the final prints.
Matte paper gives off a duller, more subtle finish, while glossy paper is ultra-smooth, slick and shiny.
Due to its coating, glossy paper tends to display visuals more effectively, making images appear colour-rich and vibrant.
2. Feel
There’s also a big contrast in overall feel and quality between the two options. Glossy paper is often the best for high-quality prints, but matte is the far superior choice for writing on.
3. Cost
The other factor to keep in mind is your budget, as this can often play a part in the paper stock options that are open to you. Glossy paper finishes do usually lead to a higher print cost, whilst matte paper is a great option for those who are budget-conscious.
Which is Best for Your Planner: Matte Paper or Glossy Paper?
Ultimately, the answer to this question comes down to personal preference and the overall aim for your project.
If you’re looking to produce a planner that looks great and is more durable, with colours and images that pop, then glossy paper might be the best way to go.
But if functionality is your top priority, you’ll want to opt for a paper stock that allows people to write in your planner, which would lead you towards a matte paper finish.
B&B Press Recommends
When it comes to creating your printed planner with B&B Press, there’s nothing to stop you from using a combination of matte paper and glossy paper.
For example, if you’re creating a planner for students, you could use glossy stock for the covers and images, and matte paper for the pages that will be written on.
This solution will help your planner really hit the mark in terms of both visual appeal and functionality, as your images will stand out on high-quality glossy stock, while writing is safe from smudges on matte paper pages.
Other Paper Stock Options
There are other paper options beyond matte and glossy that might better suit your print products. We’ve included some of them below:
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Uncoated — Has a natural and tactile feel. It lacks the shiny coating of glossy paper, giving it a more rustic and organic finish. Uncoated stock is also a top choice for those seeking to prioritise sustainability in their prints, as it’s really easy to recycle.
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Textured — Includes options like linen, laid, or felt, adding a tactile element to printed materials. These finishes are often chosen to convey a sense of luxury.
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Soft Touch — Also known as velvet, these finishes provide a smooth, velvety texture that feels pleasant to touch. You might opt for this finish if you’re producing premium packaging or promotional materials.
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Satin — Falling between matte and glossy, satin finishes provide a subtle sheen without being quite so reflective as glossy stock. Satin stock is versatile and can be used in various applications.
Want to learn more about the best paper type for your upcoming project? Read our recent blog post, where we compare all the different finishes and outline some of their pros and cons. You can head to the post by clicking below.
See Real Results: Carbon-Balanced Academic Planners for Twinkl
Twinkl approached the B&B Press team with a challenge. They wanted to create an engaging and visually impactful academic planner, and they had four priorities in mind:
1. High-quality product
2. Custom sizing
3. Budget-friendly
4. Carbon balanced
Read the case study to learn how we delivered a planner that students love, while hitting all four of Twinkl’s targets.
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