PLEASE NOTE:

Orders placed after midday on Friday, 20th December will not be processed until Thursday, 2nd January.
Thank you for your understanding and happy holidays!

PLEASE NOTE: Orders placed after midday on Friday, 20th December will not be processed until Thursday, 2nd January.
Thank you for your understanding and happy holidays!

 
 
 
 

“What’s the Best Paper for Printing? (Hint: Pre-Scored Card Might Be Your Secret Weapon)”

12 Jun 2025
 
“What’s the Best Paper for Printing? (Hint: Pre-Scored Card Might Be Your Secret Weapon)”

What’s the Best Paper for Printing?

(Hint: Pre-Scored Card Might Be Your Secret Weapon)

Let’s face it — paper can be the unsung hero or the sneaky saboteur of your print project. One wrong choice and your wedding invites look like takeaway flyers. Choose wisely, though, and you’re laughing all the way to the compliments pile.

Whether you’re printing menus, brochures, flyers, event programmes, or crafting handmade greeting cards, the type of paper (and how it’s finished) makes a massive difference. Especially if you're planning to fold it — and that’s where pre-scored card comes in clutch.

1. GSM: The Number That Really Counts

GSM stands for grams per square metre — basically, how heavy the paper is. Heavier usually means thicker and more substantial. Here’s a cheat sheet:

  • 80–100gsm: Everyday printer paper. Fine for the office, but nobody's framing it.

  • 130–150gsm: Perfect for flyers, posters, and anything that needs to look good without feeling like card.

  • 200–250gsm: Luxe menus, smart brochures, or covers that need a bit of backbone.

  • 300gsm and up: That’s card territory. Great for invitations, greeting cards, place settings — anything that needs to stand up (literally).

 Browse paper by GSM and finish

2. Finish First: Gloss vs Silk vs Uncoated

Finish affects how your design looks and how the paper feels in hand. More importantly, it changes how it behaves with your printer and your folding plans.

Gloss Coated

Shiny, vibrant and bold — great for photos, posters, and anything that needs to grab attention from 10 paces.
 See A3 130gsm Gloss Paper

Silk/Satin Coated

Subtle, smooth and professional — ideal for brochures, menus, and understated elegance.
 Try A3 150gsm Silk/Satin Paper

Uncoated

Natural, writable, and versatile. Lovely for stationery, tags, or rustic-style invites — and essential if you’re using inkjet printers or want a handwritten finish.

 Discover our plantable uncoated paper

3. Inkjet, Laser, or Something Fancier?

Not all printers are created equal. And not all papers want to be friends with your hardware.

  • Laser & Digital Printers: Work beautifully with gloss and silk coated paper. Toner sticks, colours pop, and everyone's happy.

  • Inkjet Printers: Can be a bit precious. Coated paper (like gloss and silk) often causes smudging or puddling. Uncoated stock is safer territory.

If you're not sure, test first. Printers have moods. Trust us.

4. Folding Something? Go Pre-Scored or Go Mad

If you’ve ever tried folding 300gsm card by hand and ended up with a cracked mess that looks like it was bent over a radiator, you already know: pre-scored card is a game-changer.

At Mankey Monkey, pre-scored card is what we do best. It’s not just card with a crease — it’s your shortcut to clean folds, pro results, and zero paper rage. Perfect for:

  • Greeting cards (standard sizes and squares)

  • Wedding invitations and RSVP sets

  • Folded menus, place cards and table signage

  • DIY stationery projects that need to look polished

We stock a full jungle of sizes, textures, and thicknesses — including FSC-certified white matte, recycled kraft, laid textured, and even plantable seed card.

 Shop all Pre-Scored Card Blanks

5. Is It Eco-Friendly?

Yes, absolutely — if you shop with us. All our paper is FSC certified, and we carry an ever-growing range of recycled and plantable options. Sustainability doesn’t have to look beige or boring — it can look bold, clean and brilliant. Just like your prints.

6. Try Before You Buy (Big)

Every printer is different. Every project has its quirks. That’s why we always recommend buying a small pack first — especially if you’re printing at home or trying something new. It’s a low-risk way to test GSM, finish, and folding behaviour without committing to a larger order until you know the paper or card is the right thing for your project.

 Need a sample or custom job? We’re only a click away.

FAQs

Is pre-scored card better than folding by hand?
100%. It gives you a clean, professional fold every time. No cracking, no wonky creases, and no need for a ruler and a prayer.

Can I use gloss or silk paper with my inkjet printer?
We wouldn’t recommend it. Ink doesn’t always dry properly on coated surfaces. Use a laser or digital printer for best results.

What’s the best paper for wedding invitations?
Pre-scored 250–300gsm card in white, cream or kraft is a safe bet. Choose uncoated if you’re writing on it, or silk for a smooth printed finish.

Do you do recycled or eco card?
Yes! From kraft to seeded paper, we’ve got green options that don’t sacrifice quality. And they’re all FSC certified, of course.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right paper isn’t just about weight or finish — it’s about making your work shine, your folds behave, and your printer stay cool. Whether you’re designing your wedding invites, rolling out a menu, or launching your own card brand, the right stock matters.

And if you want it to fold beautifully? You know what to do.

 Get your paws on our pre-scored card