Coated (Art) Paper is base paper finished with a pigment/binder coating and calendered for a smooth, high-whiteness surface. It delivers vivid color reproduction and fine detail, widely used for premium print and lightweight packaging.
Common Types
Gloss: high sheen, punchy colors, strong contrast—great for imagery.
Matte / Silk: low glare, refined look, better readability for text.
Cast-Coated (High-Gloss): mirror-like finish; excellent for foil and spot colors.
C1S / C2S: Coated One Side (covers, labels) vs. Coated Two Sides (two-sided print).
Typical Specs (reference)
Basis weight: 80–200 gsm for publications; 210–350 gsm for covers/light cartons.
Caliper: varies by GSM and calendering; generally thinner than cartonboards (SBS/FBB) at the same GSM.
Key Characteristics
High whiteness & smoothness: low dot gain, accurate color.
Excellent detail rendering: supports high line screens and fine type.
Moderate stiffness: suited to prints and light packaging; choose SBS/FBB when structural strength is critical.
Writeability: limited on gloss; better on matte.
Printing & Finishing
Printing: Offset/UV offset and digital (Indigo/inkjet-qualified grades). Control ink/water balance and drying to reduce set-off.
Finishing: lamination (gloss/matte), varnish (AQ/UV), foil, spot UV, emboss/deboss, die-cut, saddle-stitch/perfect bind.
Process tips:
For large solids, consider higher ink laydown or spot colors to avoid mottling.
Score/crease folds (especially with film lamination) to reduce cracking.
For food contact, use low-migration inks and water-based coatings per local regulations.
Typical Applications
Premium print: brochures, posters, catalogs, art prints, slipcases.
Brand collaterals: hang tags, label facestocks, gift cards, covers.
Light packaging: sleeves, inner cartons for cosmetics/small electronics (often laminated or mounted to greyboard for rigidity).
Comparisons
- Uncoated (offset) paper:Coated yields richer color and sharper detail; uncoated writes better and has a paperier feel.
- SBS / FBB cartonboard:Coated paper is thinner/more flexible—best for print & light packs; SBS/FBBgive higher stiffness for formed boxes.
- Greyboard composites:Coated paper is often laminated to greyboardfor rigid boxes, balancing print quality with strength.
Sustainability & Compliance
FSC/PEFC available; pair with water-based varnish, solvent-free adhesives, and recyclable films where possible.
Food/pharma uses require grade-specific compliance and migration checks.
Purchasing & Sampling Tips
Selection: choose gloss vs. matte and C1S vs. C2S per use; set target GSM and handfeel.
Proofing: do digital or press proofs; run process samples for heavy solids/foil/spot UV.
Artwork: provide editable AI/PDF, Pantone/CMYK specs, and list finishes (lamination/varnish/foil).
Production care: manage drying/stacking (interleaving), control temperature/humidity to avoid curl and set-off.