The Basics: Grade Comparison
There are three basic decisions necessary for specifying paper: they are grade, surface, and weight. In North America, coated papers are categorized by the AF&PA (American Forest and Paper Association) into #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 grades, based on brightness, as the following chart indicates. AF&PA standard grade classifications (all finishes):
Brightness is reflected light. With lower brightness, overall contrast is reduced, and highlights are dulled. Brighter papers cost more, in general, since brightness is a result of adding costly additives like titanium dioxide to the stock.
Not all papers within a given grade category are equal, however. European and Asian coated papers tend to cost less than American sheets, however, they tend to contian less paper pulp content and more coating than American sheets. Differences in ink holdout, smoothness, opacity, the amount of coating, side to side consistency, and runability must be taken into account as well. It is also important to note that coated papers can have either a "blue white" or "warm white" color cast which can affect the appearance of the printed piece.
Papers come in a variety of surface types, and once again, individual stocks vary within a classification. The most common coated surfaces are cast-coated, gloss, dull, matte, silk and embossed; uncoated grades come in a wide variety of finishes such as smooth, linen, vellum, and felt. Each of these surfaces will provide different print quality and overall appearance. Each has its strengths and appropriateness for a particular job.
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