Coated vs uncoated paper
Coated paper has a smooth finish that keeps photos sharp. Uncoated paper feels natural and is easy to write on.
Coated paper has a thin layer of clay that fills in the paper's fibers. Ink sits on top instead of soaking in, so photos look sharp and colors stay bright. It comes in gloss, silk (also called satin) and matte.
Uncoated paper is the paper itself. Ink soaks in a little, so colors are softer and slightly muted. It feels warmer and more natural in the hand, and pens and pencils write on it easily.
Which one
- Photos, brochures, postcards: coated, usually silk or matte.
- Letterhead, notepads, forms, RSVP cards: uncoated, so people can write on them.
- Invitations and place cards: either, depending on the look. Heavy uncoated stock feels classic.
Pantone colors come in C and U versions for this exact reason. The same ink looks different on the two papers.
