Learning to choose the right printing paper saves money, avoids reprints and makes your print look professional. The paper changes how a print feels, how long it lasts and how colour looks, often more than the design does.
This guide shows you how to choose the right printing paper by asking three simple questions, using the papers we actually print on in Ogbomoso. It replaces an older version of this article.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Step 1: decide whether you need paper or card
Paper is for things that are read. Card is for things that are kept. Documents, forms, flyers and leaflets are paper jobs. Invitations, business cards and certificates are card jobs. If you only remember one rule, remember this one.
Step 2: choose the weight (GSM)
GSM means grams per square metre, and it tells you how heavy and thick the paper is. We use 75 GSM bond paper for most prints, 130 GSM matte paper for flyers and cards, and 250 GSM matte card for invitations and business cards. Read GSM paper weight explained for the full explanation.
| Job | Our usual paper |
|---|---|
| Documents and everyday prints | 75 GSM bond paper |
| Flyers, greeting cards, leaflets, booklets | 130 GSM matte or art paper |
| Invitations, business cards, certificates | 250 GSM matte card |
| Formal letterheads | Conqueror paper in cream or white |
Step 3: choose the finish and texture
- Matte looks calm, reads easily and does not reflect light.
- Gloss or lamination makes colour bright and protects the surface. See matte vs gloss lamination.
- Textured paper such as Conqueror feels executive but needs care with colour. See printing on Conqueror paper.
Cost: what really changes the price
The price of a print depends on the paper weight, the size, the number of sides, colour or black and white, and the quantity. Heavier and more specialised paper generally costs more. We do not publish fixed prices in this article, because they change. For a general view of what affects cost, read printing cost in Nigeria, and for exact prices use the product pages or request a quote.
Make sure you choose the right printing paper for your file too
Even the right paper cannot save a poor file. Send a print-ready PDF at the correct size, as explained in print-ready PDF. For the full list of papers and what each is best for, see types of paper for printing in Nigeria and which paper for printing.
How do I choose the right printing paper?
Decide whether the job is paper or card, choose the weight in GSM, then choose the finish. Our paper guide has a table for each job.
What GSM paper is best for printing?
75 GSM bond paper is our standard for documents. 130 GSM is our standard for flyers, and 250 GSM for cards.
Does thicker paper cost more?
Generally yes. Heavier or specialised paper costs more than plain paper.
Can you advise me before I print?
Yes. Tell us what the print is for, and we will recommend the paper.
Need printing on the right paper?
Tell us the job, the quantity and the paper you have in mind. If you are not sure which paper suits it, ask before you print.
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