This article provides a comprehensive overview of the paper types available at Gelato. We'll delve into the characteristics of each paper type, helping you make informed decisions for your printing needs.
Exploring Paper Options
Our Product Catalog, accessible through the Gelato Dashboard, showcases the diverse range of products, formats, sizes, and paper combinations we offer. Let's explore the distinctive qualities of our most popular paper types:
Matte or Uncoated
Matte paper, recognized for its non-shiny finish, is often favored for its elegant aesthetic. Keep in mind:
Matte paper generally comes at a higher price point compared to coated paper.
Its availability and consistency may vary across different global regions.
Due to its absorbent nature, matte paper is not ideal for designs with heavy ink coverage, as it can lead to a mottled appearance.
Semi-Glossy or Silk Coated
Silk paper offers a middle ground between matte and glossy finishes, providing a subtle sheen that enhances visual appeal. Consider these aspects:
Silk paper is well-suited for documents with heavy ink coverage, as its coating ensures vibrant and consistent color reproduction.
You can further enhance silk paper with either a matte or glossy protective layer, adding durability and preventing smudging (more details on protection below).
Keep in mind that silk paper's smooth surface is not optimal for writing.
The distinction between "classic semi-glossy paper" and "classic semi-glossy paper (legacy)" lies in their compatibility. The "legacy" option caters to products with separate inches/centimeters formats that predate our product catalog update.
Protection for Lasting Quality
Applying a protective layer to your printed materials provides a shield against scratches, scuffs, and color fading. This is particularly crucial for documents with heavy ink coverage, as it prevents the color from rubbing off. We highly recommend opting for protection on heavily colored cover pages of saddle-stitched or perfect-bound documents to prevent unsightly cracks along the spine.
You can choose between a glossy or matte protective finish, aligning with your desired aesthetic and level of sheen.
Understanding Paper Weight
Navigating the world of paperweights can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. To simplify things, we've outlined the key differences in how paper weight is measured across the globe:
North America: The standard unit of measurement for paper weight is pounds (lb).
Rest of the World: The metric system reigns supreme, with grams per square meter (gsm) being the preferred unit.
While we strive to offer a wide array of paper options, please be aware that we currently do not offer photographic paper.