Paper Options

Paper and Material Options for Printing and Packaging

The material you choose affects how your finished product looks, feels, and performs. Below is our complete catalog of paper, cardstock, board, and cover materials, organized by type. Not sure where to start? See our guide on how to choose the right paper, or order a sample pack to feel the options firsthand.

Paper options for printing and packaging

Paper & Board

These are the paper and cardstock types we offer for printing surfaces, interior pages, covers, and packaging wraps.

Matte Art Paper
Coated Paper (Art Paper)

High-quality paper with a smooth, coated surface for vivid color printing. Available in gloss and matte finishes.

Offset (uncoated) paper
Uncoated Paper (Offset Paper)

Natural, absorbent paper ideal for text-heavy content and writable surfaces.

Cream Paper
Cream Paper

Warm, off-white uncoated paper designed for comfortable extended reading. The standard choice for text-heavy nonfiction.

C1S Paper
C1S Paper (Coated One Side)

Coated on one side for printing, uncoated on the other for gluing or structural use. The most common material for packaging and board books.

Holographic Paper
Holographic Paper

Reflective paper with a rainbow-like iridescent surface for eye-catching covers and cards.

Textured paper 
Textured Paper

Papers with embossed or woven surface patterns, such as linen, canvas, or parchment textures.

Colored Paper
Colored Paper

Pre-dyed paper in a wide range of colors for decorative covers, end sheets, and packaging.

Vellum Paper
Vellum Paper

Lightweight, translucent paper for overlays, inserts, and artistic effects.

Metallic cardstock
Metallic Cardstock

Paper with a metallic sheen for premium packaging, invitations, and covers.

Black Core Paper
Black Core Paper

Opaque cardstock with a black layer between the front and back surfaces, preventing light from passing through.

Soft Touch Cardstock
Soft-Touch Cardstock

Cardstock with a velvety, matte coating that feels smooth and luxurious to the touch.

Gold Stock Paper
Special Paper

Our extended catalog of specialty papers, including gold, silver, pearlescent, and other decorative options.

Kraft Paper
Kraft Paper

Strong, durable paper made from chemical pulp with a distinctive natural brown or white appearance.

Grayboard
Grayboard

Rigid board used as the structural core of hardcover books, rigid boxes, and game boards. Available in 1.0 to 3.0 mm thicknesses.

Corrugated Board
Corrugated Board

Fluted cardboard material consisting of a corrugated inner layer sandwiched between two flat liner sheets.

Specialty Materials

Structural and decorative materials used for cover construction, box building, and premium finishes.

Cloth Materials
Cloth

Linen, cotton, and blended fabrics for wrapping hardcover book cases. Over 20 colors and textures available. Compatible with foil stamping and debossing.

Imitation Leather Options
Imitation Leather

Synthetic leather in multiple textures and colors for premium book covers, journals, and gift editions. Compatible with foil stamping and debossing.

Tools and Guides

Technical guidance to help you interpret and compare paper weight and thickness across regional systems.

GSM to LB
Paper Weight Conversion (GSM to LBS)

Convert between metric and imperial paper weight systems.

Paper Thickness
Paper Thickness Reference

Compare thicknesses across different paper types and weights.

Paper Sample Manual
Paper Sample Manual

See and feel our materials before you order.

Find Materials by Product Type

Not sure which materials apply to your project? Here is a quick reference by product category:

Books (interior pages): Coated Paper (gloss or matte art paper), Uncoated Paper (offset paper), Cream Paper. Choice depends on whether your content is image-heavy, text-heavy, or mixed.

Books (covers and end sheets): Coated Paper, C1S Paper, Cloth, PU Leather, Textured Paper, Uncoated Paper (offset paper), Colored Paper. Hardcover cases also use Grayboard as the structural core.

Card decks: Coated Paper, C1S Paper, Black Core Paper, Holographic Paper. Card stock weight typically ranges from 300 to 350 gsm.

Packaging (folding cartons and rigid boxes): C1S Paper, Coated Paper, Textured Paper, Colored Paper, Soft-Touch Cardstock, Metallic Cardstock, Kraft Paper. Rigid boxes also use Grayboard as the structural base. Corrugated Board is used for shipping boxes and mailer boxes.

Board games: Coated Paper and C1S Paper for printed surfaces, Grayboard for game boards, tiles, and tokens. Cards use the same stock options as card decks.

Packaging inserts and trays: PVC trays, foam inserts, and cardboard dividers for securing products inside boxes. Used across packaging, board games, and card deck products.

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