What is the difference between gloss and silk paper?

In the world of printing, there are many paper types to choose from. With so many finishes, you want to be able to narrow your selection to the best option for your project or document.

Gloss and silk papers are two popular choices for high-quality printing that need a little extra shine. But what's the difference between these two types of paper? How do you choose which one is right for your work? Let's take a closer look at gloss and silk paper so you can understand how to choose the best option for you.

Is There Much of a Difference?

Both silk and gloss paper are categorised as coated papers and are two of the most popular types of paper for printing. Both have a smooth surface that is ideal for printing high-quality images and text. We offer both in a range of paper weights from 130gsm to 350gsm. 

Both finishes can help give your work a polished look that will impress clients, friends, family, and customers. Plus, they are relatively inexpensive, so you won't have to break the bank to get the professional results you're after.

Gloss Paper

Gloss printing paper is produced by adding a gloss coating to the paper. The gloss coating makes the paper less absorbent, so it is less likely to bleed when printing. In addition, gloss paper creates a higher colour definition, which makes it ideal for printing photos and other graphics. If you want something that will enhance graphics or photography and make them pop, then gloss is an excellent choice. 

The gloss coating also gives the paper a smooth finish and a more luxurious feel than standard printer paper. However, if you are looking for a finish that doesn’t produce any glare, then gloss is not the best option.

Silk Paper

The process of producing silk paper is like gloss; it just has less gloss coating applied. This creates a finished product which has a slight sheen, like silk. Because silk printing paper is less coated than glossy paper, it is more resistant to fingerprints.

It also doesn’t produce a strong glare effect like gloss paper. This makes it a good choice for printing photographs or other images you want to be easily visible and not too shiny. Ultimately, your work will still stand out on the page but will simply have a more natural look and feel.

Which Option Should You Go For?

Both silk and gloss offer their own unique benefits that can be perfect for your printing needs. So, when choosing a paper for your project, there is no right or wrong decision. It all depends on your personal preferences. Either way, you will still have a high-quality finished product or document. And you can always experiment with both to see which one best suits your needs.

So, which is right for you? If you're looking for something simple and understated, go with silk paper. If you want your project to really shine, go with gloss paper