Which Paper Material Should I Use? And For What?

Choosing the right paper material can make a noticeable difference to the quality and impact of your prints. Whether you’re producing posters, technical drawings, displays or marketing pieces, each paper type has its own strengths. The best choice depends on the purpose of your print, how it will be used and the finish you want to achieve.

This guide breaks down the most commonly used paper materials and explains when each one is the best fit for your project.

Standard Bond Paper

Standard bond paper is the go-to option for everyday printing. It’s affordable, reliable and suitable for a wide range of general-use documents. It works well for:

• Technical drawings
• Line work
• Draft layouts
• Internal documents

If you need something functional rather than decorative, bond paper is usually the most practical choice.

Coated Paper

Coated papers have a smooth surface that improves colour accuracy and sharpness. They are available in different finishes, each suited to a specific style.

Matte Coated

Ideal for clean, non-reflective visuals.

Common uses include:

• Presentation boards
• Informational posters
• Designs where readability is key

Matte finishes reduce glare, making them suitable for bright spaces or displays viewed up close.

Satin Coated

Offers a soft sheen without being too glossy.

Best for:

• Retail posters
• Event displays
• General promotional graphics

Satin strikes a balance between vibrancy and subtlety, making it one of the most versatile coated options.

Gloss Coated

Designed for high-impact visuals with strong colour and contrast.

Used for:

• Photo-based posters
• Marketing pieces
• Artwork with rich, saturated colours

Gloss enhances detail but can show reflections, so placement should be considered.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is a durable, tear-resistant material often chosen when longevity is a key consideration. It’s water-resistant and holds colour extremely well.

Best suited to:

• Indoor signage
• Long-term displays
• Point-of-sale graphics
• High-traffic areas

PP is a strong alternative when paper alone won’t withstand handling or changing environments.

Vinyl

Vinyl is used for adhesive graphics, window displays and signage that requires flexibility and durability. It’s available in both removable and permanent adhesives.

Ideal for:

• Wall graphics
• Stickers
• Window signage
• Seasonal promotions

If your print needs to adhere to a surface and stay put, vinyl is almost always the correct material.

Photo Paper

Photo paper is designed for prints that require maximum sharpness and colour depth. It comes in gloss, lustre and satin finishes.

Best for:

• High-detail artwork
• Photography
• Exhibition visuals
• Premium marketing material

If impact and clarity are the priority, photo paper delivers the most polished finish.

Draft Paper

Draft paper is a lightweight, economical choice for quick internal proofs or early-stage design work.

Common uses include:

• Test prints
• Layout checks
• Low-cost internal documents

It shouldn’t be used for finished visuals, but it’s perfect for reviewing designs before running a final print.

How to Choose the Right Material

The simplest way to decide is to think about:

• Where the print will be used (indoors, outdoors, window display, high traffic)
• How long does it need to last (short-term event vs long-term signage)
• How much detail or colour accuracy do you need
• Whether durability or finish matters more

Once you know these points, the correct paper material becomes much clearer.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single paper material that suits every project. Bond paper is suitable for technical work, while coated papers are well-suited for most visual graphics. PP and vinyl offer durability, and photo paper provides premium quality. Matching the material to the purpose of your print ensures a cleaner finish, stronger impact and a more professional result every time.

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