How to Choose the Right Paper for Your Same-Day Prints

Choosing the right paper can have a major impact on how your printed materials look, feel and perform. The same design can appear completely different depending on whether it is printed on lightweight matt paper, thick card, glossy stock or premium photo media.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we offer a wide range of paper and large-format media for documents, flyers, business cards, posters, invitations, menus, booklets and other printed materials.

For urgent jobs, suitable products may also be available with same-day turnaround, depending on the quantity, material, artwork readiness, order time and current production capacity.

This guide explains the most important paper choices, including GSM thickness, matt and gloss finishes, card stocks, poster papers and how to match the material to your specific project.

Table of Contents

• Why Paper Choice Matters
• Understanding GSM Paper Weight
• Lightweight Paper Options
• Medium-Weight Paper Options
• Heavy Card Stocks
• Matt vs Gloss Paper
• Recycled Paper Options
• Best Paper for Flyers and Leaflets
• Best Paper for Business Cards
• Best Paper for Invitations and Cards
• Best Paper for Menus
• Best Paper for Booklets and Brochures
• Best Paper for Posters
• Photo and Large-Format Papers
• Same-Day Printing and Paper Availability
• How Paper Affects Colour
• Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Printing
• Preparing Artwork for Different Papers
• How to Choose the Right Paper
• Why Choose Printbox London?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Information

Why Paper Choice Matters

Paper affects more than just the physical thickness of the finished print.

It can influence:

• Colour appearance
• Durability
• Rigidity
• Surface shine
• Readability
• Professional feel
• Cost

The Same Design Can Look Different

A colourful promotional flyer printed on gloss paper may look brighter and more reflective than the same design printed on matt paper.

Similarly, a business card printed on 400gsm card will feel more substantial than one printed on lightweight flyer stock.

Match the Material to the Purpose

Before choosing a paper, ask:

• Will the print be handled frequently?
• Does it need to feel premium?
• Is the artwork text-heavy or image-heavy?
• Will people write on it?
• Does it need to be flexible or rigid?
• What quantity do you need?
• How quickly is it required?

Understanding GSM Paper Weight

GSM stands for grams per square metre.

It is commonly used to describe the weight of paper and card.

Generally:

• Lower GSM = lighter and more flexible
• Higher GSM = heavier and more substantial

Paper Weight Does Not Always Mean Exact Thickness

Two papers with the same GSM can sometimes feel slightly different because of:

• Coating
• Paper composition
• Surface finish
• Manufacturing method

GSM is still a useful guide when comparing print materials.

Lightweight Paper Options

80gsm Regular Paper

80gsm is commonly used for:

• Documents
• Reports
• Forms
• Internal paperwork
• Basic colour or black-and-white printing

It is economical and lightweight but generally not intended for premium marketing materials.

120gsm Matt

120gsm Matt provides a noticeable improvement in weight compared with standard copier paper.

It can be useful for:

• Flyers
• Leaflets
• Menus
• Presentation materials
• Information sheets
• Booklet pages

Why Choose Lightweight Paper?

Lighter stocks can be useful where:

• You need a larger quantity
• You want to keep the print flexible
• The material will be distributed rather than kept long term
• Budget is important

Medium-Weight Paper Options

150gsm Gloss

150gsm Gloss is a popular promotional paper because it combines relatively low weight with a shiny surface.

Suitable uses include:

• Flyers
• Leaflets
• Menus
• Promotional handouts
• Brochures

160gsm Matt

160gsm Matt offers a smooth, lower-shine appearance.

It is popular for:

• Professional flyers
• Event programmes
• Menus
• Presentation sheets
• Brochures

160gsm Recycled Paper

Suitable recycled paper may also be available for customers who prefer a recycled stock for selected products.

It can be used for:

• Flyers
• Leaflets
• Promotional cards
• Selected marketing materials

Heavy Card Stocks

When you need greater rigidity, heavier card is often more suitable than standard paper.

250gsm Gloss

250gsm Gloss can work well for:

• Premium flyers
• Menus
• Invitations
• Promotional cards
• Postcards

250gsm Matt

250gsm Matt provides a heavier card feel with a lower-shine surface.

Suitable uses include:

• Invitations
• Menus
• Postcards
• Presentation cards
• Premium flyers

300gsm Gloss

300gsm Gloss is suitable for heavier printed pieces where a glossy appearance is desired.

300gsm Matt

300gsm Matt can be a strong choice for:

• Invitations
• Business cards
• Menus
• Premium promotional cards

350gsm Gloss

350gsm Gloss provides a thick, shiny card suitable for colourful premium printed materials.

350gsm Matt

350gsm Matt is one of our popular heavier card stocks for:

• Business cards
• Invitations
• Postcards
• Premium marketing cards

400gsm Matt

400gsm Matt is one of our heaviest standard card stocks.

It is suitable when you want a particularly substantial printed piece.

Common uses include:

• Premium business cards
• Invitations
• Postcards
• High-quality promotional cards

Matt vs Gloss Paper

One of the most common choices customers make is between matt and gloss.

Matt Paper

Matt paper provides a lower-shine surface and can work particularly well for:

• Text-heavy designs
• Corporate printing
• Professional presentations
• Menus
• Minimalist designs

Advantages of Matt

• Lower reflection
• Professional appearance
• Good readability
• Suitable for subtle branding

Gloss Paper

Gloss paper has a shinier surface and can enhance:

• Photography
• Bright graphics
• Strong colours
• Promotional artwork

Advantages of Gloss

• Colourful appearance
• Shiny finish
• Good for visual marketing materials

Which Is Better?

Neither finish is universally better.

The right choice depends on the artwork and purpose.

For text-focused designs, matt is often practical.

For colourful promotional graphics, gloss can provide more visual impact.

Recycled Paper Options

Recycled paper can be suitable for selected products where customers want a different paper character or prefer recycled stock.

Available Recycled Options Can Include:

• 160gsm Recycled Paper
• 300gsm Recycled Paper for suitable projects

Things to Consider

Recycled stocks may reproduce colours differently from bright white coated paper.

If your artwork relies on extremely bright whites or highly saturated colours, discuss the intended appearance before ordering.

Best Paper for Flyers and Leaflets

Flyers and leaflets can be produced on a wide range of papers depending on budget and purpose.

120gsm Matt

A practical lightweight option for larger distributions.

150gsm Gloss

A popular choice for colourful promotions.

160gsm Matt

A slightly heavier professional matt option.

250gsm Gloss or Matt

Useful for premium flyers that need more rigidity.

300gsm and Above

These heavier stocks move into card territory and can be used when the flyer needs to feel more substantial.

Choosing Based on Quantity

For very large flyer quantities, lighter paper may be more economical.

For smaller premium campaigns, heavier card can help create a stronger impression.

Explore Flyer and Leaflet Printing

Best Paper for Business Cards

Business cards benefit from heavier card stocks because the recipient handles them frequently.

350gsm Matt

A popular professional option with good rigidity.

400gsm Matt

A heavier choice for customers wanting a more substantial card.

Gloss Options

Suitable gloss card stocks may be available where a brighter, shinier appearance is preferred.

Rounded Corners

Rounded corners may also be available for suitable business-card orders.

Explore Business Card Printing

Best Paper for Invitations and Cards

Invitations usually benefit from heavier card because they are intended to feel more substantial than ordinary flyers.

Suitable Choices Include:

• 250gsm Matt
• 250gsm Gloss
• 300gsm Matt
• 300gsm Gloss
• 350gsm Matt
• 350gsm Gloss
• 400gsm Matt

Choose Based on the Design

For elegant minimal designs, matt can work well.

For colourful photographs or bright event graphics, gloss may suit the artwork better.

Remember Folding Requirements

If the invitation is intended to fold, the suitability of very heavy card depends on the finished design and size.

Confirm folding requirements before placing the order.

Best Paper for Menus

The right menu paper depends on how long the menu needs to last and how it will be handled.

Lightweight Menus

For temporary event menus, suitable options may include:

• 120gsm Matt
• 150gsm Gloss
• 160gsm Matt

Heavier Menus

For a more substantial menu, consider:

• 250gsm Matt
• 250gsm Gloss
• 300gsm Matt
• 300gsm Gloss

Lamination

Standard lamination is available for suitable A4 and A3 printed materials.

It can be useful for menus that require greater protection from handling, subject to the individual project.

Best Paper for Booklets and Brochures

Booklets and brochures usually use lighter internal pages because multiple sheets are combined into one document.

Common Internal Page Options

• 120gsm Matt
• 150gsm Gloss
• 160gsm Matt

Heavier Covers

Depending on the booklet type, a heavier cover may be used to create a more substantial front and back.

Saddle-Stitched Booklets

For stapled booklets, paper thickness affects how easily pages fold and sit together.

Very heavy stocks may not be appropriate for every page count.

Explore Booklet and Brochure Printing

Best Paper for Posters

Large-format poster printing uses different materials from standard A4/A3 digital printing.

140gsm Matt

A lightweight large-format matt paper suitable for:

• Academic posters
• Temporary displays
• Event posters

180gsm Heavy Matt

A heavier matt option suitable for:

• Scientific posters
• Professional presentations
• Text-heavy displays

190gsm Gloss

A shiny large-format material that works well for:

• Photographs
• Promotional graphics
• Colour-heavy posters

230gsm Matt

A heavier low-glare poster option.

260gsm Lustre

A premium photographic-style paper with a softer sheen than full gloss.

Explore Poster Printing

Photo and Large-Format Papers

Photo printing places greater emphasis on image detail, colour and surface finish.

Gloss

Glossy photo media can provide:

• Strong colour
• Shiny appearance
• High visual impact

Lustre

Lustre provides a more subtle photographic sheen than full gloss.

It can work well for:

• Portraits
• Wedding photos
• Professional photography
• Artwork

Matt

Matt large-format papers are useful where glare needs to be reduced.

This is especially important for:

• Scientific posters
• Presentations
• Text-heavy displays

Same-Day Printing and Paper Availability

Suitable printing jobs may be available with same-day turnaround, but the material you choose can affect production time.

Turnaround Depends on:

• Paper or card stock
• Quantity
• Finished size
• Single or double-sided printing
• Finishing
• Artwork readiness
• Order time
• Payment confirmation
• Current production workload

Not Every Paper Is Available for Every Product

For example, large-format poster papers are different from the stocks used for standard flyers or business cards.

The correct material depends on:

• Printer type
• Finished size
• Product requirements

Ask Before Designing Around a Specific Stock

If your project requires a particular paper, contact us before finalising the artwork.

This helps confirm:

• Availability
• Compatibility
• Turnaround
• Price

How Paper Affects Colour

The same artwork can appear different on different paper surfaces.

Gloss Paper

Gloss can make colours appear brighter and more saturated.

Matt Paper

Matt produces a softer, lower-reflection appearance.

Recycled Paper

Recycled stocks may have a different base tone than bright white coated paper, which can affect the perceived colour of the design.

Screen and Print Differences

Printed colour can also differ from what you see on a phone or computer because:

• Screens use RGB light
• Printing uses physical inks or toner
• Monitor brightness varies
• Paper surfaces reflect light differently

Perfect screen-to-print matching should not be assumed.

Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Printing

Paper selection should also consider whether the artwork prints on one side or both sides.

Double-Sided Flyers

Heavier or more opaque paper can sometimes provide a more substantial feel when both sides contain strong colour coverage.

Double-Sided Business Cards

Heavy card such as 350gsm or 400gsm works well because it provides sufficient rigidity for repeated handling.

Consider the Artwork

If both sides contain dark or full-coverage artwork, the paper surface and weight can influence the final appearance.

Preparing Artwork for Different Papers

The best paper cannot compensate for poor artwork.

Use High-Resolution Images

Where practical, approximately 300 DPI at final size is recommended for raster images.

Use a Print-Ready PDF

A high-quality PDF is generally recommended for standard paper and card printing.

Add Bleed

If artwork reaches the final edge, approximately 3mm bleed around each side is generally recommended.

Keep Important Content Inside Safe Margins

Keep:

• Text
• Logos
• Phone numbers
• QR codes

away from the cutting edge.

Check Dark Designs

Very dark or heavily inked artwork may behave differently across matt and gloss stocks.

If the exact appearance is critical, discuss the material choice before production.

How to Choose the Right Paper

A simple way to choose is to start with the purpose of the print.

For Economy and High Quantities

Consider lighter papers such as:

• 120gsm Matt
• 150gsm Gloss
• 160gsm Matt

For Premium Flyers and Cards

Consider:

• 250gsm Matt
• 250gsm Gloss
• 300gsm Matt
• 300gsm Gloss

For Business Cards

Consider:

• 350gsm Matt
• 400gsm Matt
• Suitable gloss card options

For Academic Posters

Consider:

• 140gsm Matt
• 180gsm Heavy Matt
• 230gsm Matt

For Photo Posters

Consider:

• 190gsm Gloss
• 260gsm Lustre

When Unsure

Tell us:

• What you are printing
• Finished size
• Quantity
• Single or double-sided
• How the print will be used
• Your deadline

and we can suggest a suitable available stock.

Why Choose Printbox London?

Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) provides professional printing for businesses, students, event organisers, creatives and individuals across London.

Our paper and printing options can include:

• 80gsm Regular Paper
• 120gsm Matt
• 150gsm Gloss
• 160gsm Matt
• 160gsm Recycled Paper
• 250gsm Gloss
• 250gsm Matt
• 300gsm Gloss
• 300gsm Matt
• 350gsm Gloss
• 350gsm Matt
• 400gsm Matt
• 300gsm Recycled Paper for suitable products

Large-format poster media can include:

• 140gsm Matt
• 180gsm Heavy Matt
• 190gsm Gloss
• 230gsm Matt
• 260gsm Lustre

Multiple Printing Services

Relevant services include:

• Flyer and Leaflet Printing
• Business Card Printing
• Booklet and Brochure Printing
• Poster Printing

Same-Day Options

Suitable jobs may be available with same-day turnaround depending on the product, specifications and current production capacity.

Local Collection

Completed printing can be collected from our Tottenham shop once the order has been confirmed as ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paper should I use for flyers?

Popular flyer options include 120gsm Matt, 150gsm Gloss and 160gsm Matt. Heavier 250gsm and 300gsm stocks may be more suitable for premium flyers.

What is the best paper for business cards?

350gsm Matt and 400gsm Matt are strong professional choices. Suitable gloss card options may also be available depending on the design.

Do you offer cotton paper?

No. Cotton paper is not part of our standard printing range.

Do you offer textured paper?

Textured specialist paper is not part of our standard service.

Do you offer semi-gloss paper?

Our standard range focuses on available matt, gloss and lustre stocks rather than a general semi-gloss paper category.

Do you offer recycled paper?

Yes. Suitable recycled paper options may include 160gsm Recycled Paper and 300gsm Recycled Paper for selected products.

What is the thickest standard card you offer?

400gsm Matt is one of our heaviest standard card stocks for suitable digital printing projects.

Is 120gsm good for flyers?

Yes. 120gsm Matt is suitable for lightweight flyers, leaflets and promotional handouts.

Is 160gsm good for flyers?

Yes. 160gsm Matt provides a slightly heavier and more substantial flyer than 120gsm.

Is 250gsm suitable for invitations?

Yes. 250gsm Matt or Gloss can be suitable for invitations and promotional cards.

Is 300gsm suitable for invitations?

Yes. 300gsm Matt or Gloss provides a heavier card feel that can work well for invitations.

What paper is best for posters?

For large-format posters, available options include 140gsm Matt, 180gsm Heavy Matt, 190gsm Gloss, 230gsm Matt and 260gsm Lustre.

Which poster paper is best for academic presentations?

Matt papers such as 140gsm Matt, 180gsm Heavy Matt or 230gsm Matt can be practical because they reduce glare.

Which paper is best for photographs?

Gloss or lustre media may be suitable where photographic colour and detail are especially important.

Does gloss paper make colours brighter?

Gloss paper can make colours appear more vibrant and reflective than matt paper, although the exact result depends on the artwork and printing process.

Can I write on matt paper?

Matt paper is generally easier to write on than glossy coated material, although pen performance can vary depending on the exact stock and pen type.

Can I write on gloss paper?

Writing on glossy coated paper can be more difficult and some pens may smudge. If writing is important, a matt stock may be more suitable.

Can I get same-day printing on any paper?

Same-day availability depends on the selected product, stock, quantity, finishing, artwork readiness and current production workload. Contact us with your exact specification and deadline for confirmation.

Can I see paper samples?

Available paper stocks can be discussed when visiting our print shop. Availability of physical samples may vary by stock.

What file format should I send?

A high-quality print-ready PDF is generally recommended.

Can you recommend paper for my project?

Yes. Send us the product, size, quantity, artwork type and intended use, and we can recommend an appropriate available stock.

Can I collect my printing?

Yes. Collection is available from our Tottenham shop once your order has been confirmed as ready.

Do you offer delivery?

Suitable standard and same-day courier delivery options may be available depending on the order, destination, completion time and courier availability.

Choose Paper That Supports Your Design and Purpose

The right paper can turn a basic printed design into something that feels far more professional.

Rather than choosing paper based only on thickness, consider the complete project. Think about how the print will be handled, whether you need matt or gloss, how much rigidity is required and whether the artwork contains mainly text or photography.

For everyday flyers, lighter stocks such as 120gsm Matt, 150gsm Gloss or 160gsm Matt may be suitable. For invitations, cards and premium promotional materials, heavier 250gsm, 300gsm, 350gsm or 400gsm stocks can provide a more substantial feel.

Business cards generally benefit from heavier card, with 350gsm and 400gsm providing strong professional options.

Large-format posters use a separate range of media, including lightweight and heavy matt papers, high-gloss photo media and premium lustre paper.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we provide a wide range of practical paper and card choices for professional printing throughout London.

Suitable orders may be available with same-day turnaround, although availability depends on the product, stock, quantity, artwork readiness and current production capacity.

For an accurate quotation and paper recommendation, send us:

• Product required
• Finished size
• Quantity
• Single or double-sided printing
• Preferred matt or gloss finish
• Required deadline
• Final artwork

Explore Same-Day Printing in London

Contact Information

Business Name: Printbox London (Same Day Printing London)

Address: 52 West Green Road, London N15 5NR

Phone: 0207 018 5678

Email: hello@printbox.london

Website: Printbox London (Same Day Printing London)

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