Generally, the higher quality or more unique the paper, the more it draws attention, adding value to the printed content and reflecting your brand’s quality. This applies to typography as well—beautiful design naturally catches the eye.
When selecting paper, consider these key factors:
Purpose of Use
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For important short prints (1–4 pages), thicker paper is ideal, while 80–120 gsm is sufficient for flyers.
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Save on color printing by choosing colored paper as your substrate (though note that a snowman on red paper will appear red).
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Unique, creative papers create a standout look.
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For color magazines where color accuracy matters, we recommend 90–150 gsm matte coated paper; for creative publications, almost any substrate works.
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For book interiors, avoid stark white paper to prevent eye strain for readers.
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Where durability or water resistance is key, plastic-based substrates are excellent.
Brand Alignment
Certain colors and design elements instantly evoke specific brands or events. This connection is significant, but occasionally using surprising, bold choices—like striking black-and-white images in a wedding album—can create a memorable impact.
We’ve carefully sourced papers inspired by nature (imported from the U.S. and Japan) to support environmentally conscious messaging.
Cost
More common papers are produced in larger quantities, making them more cost-effective. Specialty papers, often made in smaller batches with greater effort (e.g., textured surfaces requiring post-production embossing), are pricier. The Gmund factory, for instance, operates just two machines to produce hundreds of color, texture, and weight variations. Each new color requires a complete system cleaning—a stark contrast to papers produced continuously for days or weeks. The production location (e.g., Szolnok, Germany, North America, or Japan) also impacts cost.
This is reflected in pricing: standard 80 gsm offset paper costs just a few forints per sheet, while the most unique papers can reach up to 1,700 forints per sheet.
Is this an unnecessary expense? Not when you consider that for many printed products, the paper itself serves as packaging that enhances the purchase experience.
Harmony
Expensive paper is wasted if the content is lackluster or the typography poor. The harmony of paper, content, and design creates the greatest impact.
