Choosing The Right Paper For Magazine Printing

If you have noticed the pages of your favorite magazine, you might have come across questions related to its quality, weight, size, and so on. From what type of paper to the kind of finish that draws your attention, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. The type of paper usually depends on the company’s objectives, budget, and several factors. And the weight and finish are based on the marketing aims it wishes to achieve. 

These two factors, plus the magazine/paper size, together, help in determining the cost of a magazine. Let us read about each of these factors in detail in the following section. 

Factors Affecting The Choice Of Right Paper For Magazine Printing

1. Weight

The weight of paper is measured in terms of GSM or Grams per Square Meter. A normal printer paper is usually around 80 GSM, while a magazine paper (inside) is thicker, between 80-90 GSM. The magazine cover on the other hand is thicker and heavier than both. 

If your magazine consists of news besides just images, then you can use lightweight newsprint paper, from 35 to 55 GSM, in between the other pages. 

2. Finish

The page finishes can be categorized as two, coated and uncoated:

• Coated: The coated finish adds a protective, glossy, and professional coating to the paper. Here, the paper could not absorb the ink completely, resulting in a fairly accurate image. Moreover, coated paper is resistant to dirt, moisture, and wear and tear. Before brands use these papers, they are tested using paper coating testing equipment. Magazines with several images must choose a glossy finish, while one with a combination of text and images should choose matte. 

• Uncoated: This finish is the most appropriate for pages that are mostly textual. Unlike glossy, they do not have a shiny surface and are easier to read. Plus, they absorb more ink, due to a lack of coating. And once used, these can also be recycled. 

An uncoated finish usually gives a raw and artistic look. Hence, if you want to go with it, print a sample version of your text and images first to understand how it looks.

3. Size

Then comes the paper size. You might have seen that magazines may not necessarily hold specific sizes. While standard-sized magazines are the most pocket-friendly, large magazines are costly but provide higher visibility. Plus, large magazines are a good choice if you want to place them in book stores, hotels, restaurants, etc. Whereas, small ones are great for mailing or handing over directly to people. 

Conclusion

If you are into publishing magazines, you already know how significant it is to choose the right paper for your magazine. The choice of correct paper will not only enhance the effectiveness of your magazine but also build the trust of quality in your customers. Printability tester by UECIN is a paper coating testing instrument that is used for laboratory testing of paper and ink in conditions similar to actual printing. Get in touch with us to know more about the equipment features, prices, usage, and other specifications.