Glossy Paper
 Article: Paper Selections

Product References:  
HP Soft Gloss    Soft Gloss 40 lb. and 58 lb.   Laser Gloss: 32 lb. and 58 lb.    High Gloss: 32 lb. and 50 lb.
HP Brochure and Flyer Paper    HP Proofing Gloss 

Related Article: Glossy Paper for creating in-house brochures.
 

 
Glossy Paper Options...
 

There is an enormous variety of glossy paper, but essentially it all falls into two categories:  photo-gloss (mirror-like sheen) and soft-gloss (magazine-page sheen).  Other considerations for choosing a glossy paper amount to paper size availability, compatibility with your printer, and preference.

While all glossy papers are intended to enhance the color intensity and resolution accuracy of printing, certain types lends themselves well to specific applications depending on the presentation impact of each type of gloss coating, including soft gloss, gloss, and photo gloss.


Photo-Gloss

Photo-gloss, glossy paper for photographic printing, provides a maximum glossy appearance and the highest resolution accuracy of printed images. 

Laser High Gloss (for Laser and Color laser Printers)
Maximum visual impact and color-image accuracy. Unlike inkjet photo paper, this product employs a cast-coated process which is compatible with color laser printers.  It provides a comparable counterpart to inkjet photo paper.

Color-Laser compatibility: It's also important to note that it is easy to confuse offset glossy papers (used by commercial printers) with laser glossy papers.  These are not color laser compatible and will usually bubble or melt in color laser printers.

Refer to Laser High Gloss in thicknesses of 32 lb. or 50 lb.

Inkjet Premium Gloss
Maximum visual impact and accurate color reproduction. This is a 10 mil thick true photographic glossy paper. Check your printer's specifications for compatibility with this thickness.  Refer to Inkjet Premium Gloss.


Gloss

For laser and color laser printers, Laser Gloss is the ideal choice for two-sided glossy paper applications such as folded brochures.  Refer to the soft gloss papers in the next section for other alternatives.  However, a high-quality magazine-like appearance is best provided by Laser Gloss below. For inkjet printers, the equivalent to Laser Gloss is HP Brochure and Flyer Paper.
  
Laser Gloss
Laser Gloss is a glossy paper that is an ideal choice for flyers, two-sided brochures and similar applications.  It is an improved soft gloss with a glossier appearance. The product exists because of customer demand for a glossier brochure paper and was made possible by a more advanced paper manufacturing technique. It most closely resembles high quality magazine paper.

Product details:  refer to size and price charts for either 32 lb. or 58 lb.

HP Brochure and Flyer Paper
HP Brochure and Flyer Paper is one of the few glossy inkjet brochure papers available at a reasonable price.  It is thin enough to be folded with a glossy appearance similar to a high-quality magazine paper. 

It is available in 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17 from Hewlett Packard and available from Graytex in 8.5 x 14.  Refer to the product page for details.

HP Proofing Gloss
HP Proofing Gloss is a unique solution intended for presentations and design work when a realistic final "proof" is needed.  It is for short-term applications only. For more details, refer to the product page.

 
Soft Gloss

For Laser and Color Laser Printers...

Soft gloss papers also provide a magazine-like, less expensive glossy paper for brochures, flyers, corporate reports and similar applications.  It is intended to equal the high-impact print results of a professional printing service. 

Note: refer also to a Laser Gloss in the section above.  It is a glossy paper appropriate for similar applications to soft gloss such as brochures.

HP Soft Gloss
HP Soft Gloss is available in 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17 from Hewlett Packard and available in 8.5 x 14 from Graytex.  This is a popular paper for color laser printers. Click here for product information.

58 lb. Soft Gloss
If you prefer a heavier weight, such as for a single-sheet folded brochure, a 58 lb. soft gloss is available. This paper has a look and feel that is comparable to HP Soft Gloss, but in a heavier weight.  It is color laser compatible.  Available in a range of sizes up to 12 x 18.

Product details: size and price chart for 58 lb. Soft Gloss.

© 2007 Graytex. All rights reserved.

 
Glossy Paper for Laser:  HP Soft Gloss   Soft Gloss: 40 lb. or 58 lb.    Laser Gloss: 32 lb. and 58 lb.

Photo Paper for Laser:  High Gloss: 32 lb. or 50 lb.

Glossy Paper for Inkjet:   HP Brochure and Flyer Paper    HP Proofing Gloss 

More Articles:   Product Guides, FAQs, & References

Site Links:  All Printer Papers (by Size)   Home:  Graytex.com