Professional Paper Stock & Printing Options

Choosing the right paper is the difference between a project that looks “okay” and one that feels legendary. At Pressquatch, we offer a diverse range of stocks to ensure your business cards, brochures, and marketing materials leave a lasting impression.

1. Understanding Our Paper Types

Before diving into specific weights, it is helpful to understand the coating and finish of your paper.

DP Bond 20 lb

• What it is: A lightweight and smooth option, ideal for everyday printing needs.
• Perfect for: Forms, letters, and anything where cost-efficiency meets quality.

C1S Cover (.010 – .018)

• What it is: “C1S” stands for “Coated One Side,” meaning one side of the paper has a glossy finish while the other is uncoated.
• The numbers: (.010 – .018) represent the paper’s thickness in inches—higher numbers mean a thicker, sturdier paper.
• Perfect for: Projects where you need a glossy finish on one side and a writable surface on the other—think postcards and greeting cards.

C2S Cover (.010 – .018)

• What it is: “C2S” or “Coated Two Sides” has a glossy finish on both sides, offering a smooth, shiny appearance all around.
• The numbers: (.010 – .018) represent the paper’s thickness in inches—higher numbers mean a thicker, sturdier paper.
• Perfect for: Rack cards, bookmarks, and any project where both sides need to shine.

NCR – Reverse (2 Part, 3 Part, 4 Part)

• What it is: NCR stands for “No Carbon Required,” They let you make multi-part forms that are self-copying without the need for messy carbon paper.
• Perfect for: Invoices, order forms, or any documentation where you need multiple copies instantly.

Gloss Book (80 lb – 100 lb)

• What it is: Glossy, lightweight paper, typically used for high-quality booklets or catalogs.
• Perfect for: Brochures, catalogs, and magazines where image quality and vibrant colors are key.

Gloss Cover (100 lb – 130 lb)

• What it is: A thicker, sturdier version of Gloss Book, offering more durability.
• Perfect for: Covers of booklets, premium brochures, and any print project needing a little extra heft.

Silk Book (80 lb – 100 lb)

• What it is: A smooth, matte finish that offers a softer, more elegant look than gloss without the shine. By the way, “silk” is just another way of saying “matte” in the printing world, so if you see those terms used interchangeably, now you know why!
• Perfect for: High-end publications, magazines, and brochures where sophistication is the goal.

Silk Cover (80 lb – 130 lb)

• What it is: A thicker variant of Silk Book, giving your project that added touch of luxury. And remember, this “silk” finish is the same as a “matte” finish—just with a fancier name!
• Perfect for: Book covers, premium brochures, and any project that demands a refined, matte finish.

Super Smooth Text (60 lb – 100 lb)

• What it is: As smooth as a Sasquatch’s fur after a long soak in a mountain stream. This paper is ultra-smooth, making it great for high-quality text.
• Perfect for: Premium letterhead, formal documents, and anything that needs a touch of class.

Smooth Text (60 lb – 70 lb)

• What it is: A slightly lighter option than Super Smooth, but still offers that crisp, clean finish.
• Perfect for: Everyday printing needs where quality matters but you don’t need the extra weight.

Uncoated Smooth Cover (80 lb – 130 lb)

• What it is: Uncoated and smooth, this paper offers a natural, tactile feel with excellent print quality.
• Perfect for: Business cards, postcards, and any project where you want a natural look without the gloss.

Choosing the Right Paper

With so many options, it can be hard to choose! Here’s a quick guide:

• Lightweight & Everyday: Go for DP Bond or Smooth Text.
• High-End & Elegant: Choose Silk (Matte) or Super Smooth Text.
• Durable & Glossy: Opt for Gloss or C1S/C2S Cover.

Remember, whatever you choose, it’s Sasquatch-approved!

2. Text vs. Cover Weight: What’s the Difference?

Text or book weight stock refers to a category of paper that is typically used for print materials that are desired to be thinner such as brochures, flyers, and booklets. It is a great weight class for materials that need to fold due to its light weight thinner attributes. Text weight stock can also be referred to as “book” weight. 

• Text (Book) Weight:
  • Thickness and Weight: Text weight stock usually has a lighter weight compared to cover stock, commonly ranging from 60 to 100 pounds (or around 90 to 150 gsm). This makes it suitable for printing documents that need to be folded or easily handled.
  • Smoothness: It often comes in various finishes, including smooth, linen, and felt, allowing for different textures and aesthetic preferences.
  • Printing Quality: Text weight paper is designed to deliver good print quality, making it suitable for both text-heavy documents and designs with images or graphics.
  • Uses: Commonly used for newsletters, reports, magazines, and stationery, where a balance of professional appearance and usability is desired.
• Cover Weight: Cover weight stock, also known simply as cover stock, is a type of paper that is thicker and sturdier than text weight stock. Here are some key characteristics:
  • Thickness and Weight: Cover weight stock generally ranges from 80 to 130 pounds (or 216 to 320 gsm). Its heavier weight makes it ideal for applications requiring durability and a premium feel.
  • Uses: Commonly used for business cards, postcards, brochures, and book covers. It is also suitable for packaging and presentation materials.
  • Finish Options: Cover stock is available in various finishes, including glossy, matte, and textured, allowing for diverse aesthetic choices.
  • Printing Quality: This stock provides excellent print quality, making it suitable for high-impact graphics and vibrant colors that convey professionalism.
  • Cover weight stock is chosen for projects that need to stand out or require an extra layer of sturdiness.

Stock Thickness

Thinnest to thickest

Text or Book Weight	Cover Weight
20#	80#
60#	100#
70#	111#
80#	130#
100#	12pt (0.012)
110#	14pt (.014) 16pt (.016) 18pt (.018)

3. The Pressquatch Paper Menu

Here is a breakdown of our most popular selections and their best uses:

Stock Type	Best For…	Key Characteristics
70lb Uncoated	Letterheads & Envelopes	Professional, easy to write on, and premium feel.
80lb / 100lb Gloss Text	Flyers & Brochures	High-shine finish that makes photography look brilliant.
80lb / 100lb Silk Text	High-end Brochures	A sophisticated, “low-glare” matte finish that is easy to read.
10pt / 12pt Gloss Cover	Postcards & Rack Cards	Thick and durable with a vibrant, light-reflecting surface.
10pt / 12pt Silk Cover	Business Cards	A heavy-duty cardstock with a smooth, premium “soft” finish.
Super Smooth (100lb – 130lb)	Premium Invitations	Ultra-white and extremely smooth for high-quality art.

4. Speciality Legend Stocks

For projects that need a unique tactile experience, we offer specialized textures:

• Smooth/Velvet: A slightly “grippy” feel that provides a luxury, high-end sensation to the touch.
• Linen/Texture: Features a cross-hatch pattern that provides a classic, authoritative feel.