GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is the international standard for measuring paper thickness. It represents the weight of one square meter of paper.
Higher GSM = Thicker paper (e.g., 300gsm business cards)
Lower GSM = Thinner paper (e.g., 70gsm notepads)
Example:
Newsprint: 45gsm
Letterhead: 100gsm
Premium Packaging: 400+gsm
| Application | Recommended GSM |
|---|---|
| Notepads / Novel Pages | 60–70gsm |
| Invoices / Stationery | 80–100gsm |
| Magazines / Brochures | 90–130gsm |
| Flyers / Posters | 130–170gsm |
| Business Cards / Invitations | 250–300gsm |
| Luxury Packaging | 400+gsm |
| Property | Coated Paper | Uncoated Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Clay/polymer layer (Gloss/Matte) | Natural fiber texture |
| Print Quality | Superior color reproduction | Softer image rendering |
| Writing Ability | Poor (repels ink) | Excellent |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best For | Photo books, marketing collateral | Notebooks, letterheads |
Textured Papers
Laid, Linen, or Felt finishes
Adds tactile premium feel to packaging
Metallic Papers
Foil-laminated surfaces (gold/silver)
Used for luxury invitations and certificates
Acid-Free/Archival Paper
pH-neutral (7.0-8.5) with calcium carbonate buffer
Prevents yellowing/brittleness (50+ year lifespan)
Critical for: Museum prints, legal documents, fine art
Bleaching Process: Chlorine bleaching increases acidity → accelerates oxidation
Optical Brighteners: Short-term whiteness at cost of longevity
Acid-Free Solution: Uses alkaline sizing for permanent preservation
Tip: Always specify acid-free paper for heirloom projects.
