Posters by their very nature are designed to be noticed. The whole point of them is to attract attention, draw people’s eye and make a statement. While much of that is down to the design, the type of paper used can make a big impact too.
But with so many types of poster paper available on the market, how do you know which one is right for your project? Here we look at the different types and how to make the best choice.
What Is Poster Paper?
If you’ve ever printed colour on ordinary paper, you’ll understand how lacklustre it looks and feels. The colour is dull, reduced and matte, and the paper might wrinkle as it dries. In terms of attractive posters, it’s right down there at the bottom of the pile.
Printing on poster paper is an entirely different experience. It’s a specially coated paper designed to create a vibrant professional feel. You’ve probably seen it all around you – on posters for theatre shows, as marketing materials for restaurants enticing you to dine or on point-of-sale marketing displays tempting you with the latest must-have product.
It’s quite different to standard office paper, designed to entice, attract and convince you to see, do or buy what’s on it. Poster paper comes in a variety of weights, finishes, and textures, each offering different advantages depending on the intended use.
Different Types Of Poster Paper
There are several different poster paper types. Which one you opt for will depend on its final intended usage:
- Matte poster paper - Matte poster paper has a smooth, non-reflective finish. It’s ideal for environments with bright lighting where glare may be an issue like trade shows or office spaces. Matte papers are also easier to write on, making them suitable for interactive displays or educational materials
- Gloss poster paper - Glossy paper has a shine to it which makes the colours pop. It’s perfect for high impact situations like advertising, photography or where maximum vibrancy is key. However, it can also be prone to glare and shows fingerprints easily so is best used in areas where it won’t be handled too much
- Satin or semi-gloss poster paper - This offers a middle ground between matte and gloss – it reduces glare while still maintaining an impactful finish. The satin nature can lend it an opulent feel with colour vibrancy still strong. It’s a go-to choice for indoor, general-purpose signage
- Photo quality poster paper - As the name suggests photo poster paper is ideal for the highest accuracy in photographic reproduction. With its thick, premium quality feel it’s often used for professional-style or gallery prints where fine detail and faithful colour matching are important
Paper Weight And Durability
A poster paper’s weight will have an impact on how it feels and how long it lasts. Poster paper comes in lighter weights (around 120-150gsm) which are good for short-term use or when you need to produce a larger volume cost-effectively. Heavier papers (200gsm and above) have a sturdier feel to them and are more resistant to creases and tearing.
For longer-term installations or situations where there will be more handling, consider a heavier paper and lamination for a long-lasting product.
Ink Compatibility
The poster paper you choose must be compatible with the type of printer you’re using. Whether it’s dye-based, pigment-based, solvent, UV or latex, you must ensure it will work as not all paper is suitable for all printers. Glossy papers, for example can suffer with “bronzing” when printed with pigment inks, where the ink is unevenly spread or insufficiently absorbed. Some papers may give off a warmer tint depending on paper type and ink used while others can experience warping post-print.
Choosing the right poster paper isn’t just about a nice finish, it’s about picking the best option for the message and scenario while also considering the lifespan and location of any display. At Signmaster we offer a range of poster papers to suit every need.
Give the team a call and let us help you pick the right paper for your next job. Contact us
