You’ve heard people say it: That design isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. But sometimes the paper makes all the difference in the quality and impact of a graphical element or design. Banta Corp., a paper and printing company, offers these guidelines for choosing the right paper for your designs.

Suiting Paper

* Matte. This paper has a smooth, level surface. It scatters light, so it retains a soft, grainy feel. Colors often appear softer and text is easier to read than on glossy surfaces. Banta says it’s the Suiting Paper right choice for publications, manuals and workbooks, especially where the ability to write on the surface is important. One caveat: It tends to mottle, especially in solid areas.

* Velvet. This coated finish offers low to moderate paper gloss. It works best for images that need high resolution but not high gloss, such as earth tones and illustrations. It’s also known for its high text readability.

* Dull/Silk. Banta says this paper type is used primarily for high-end print materials such as annual reports and corporate identity brochures. It provides a soft-finished surface with moderate paper gloss. Its lower ink absorption makes it a good choice for printing subjects that require high resolution without high gloss, such as people and fine art. Banta says dull sheets provide the best balance between readability and high-quality image reproduction.

* Gloss. This shiny surface offers high reflection for subjects that require strong ink gloss retention, such as the gleam of paint on a car or the sparkle of glassware. Suiting Paper It’s used primarily for high-end catalogs and advertising where image reproduction is most important, and text is on the lighter side.

* Cast Coated. This is a high-gloss, super-smooth finish. It offers excellent ink lie-down, with printing similar to that of a glossy photograph. This is the paper for projects that need an extra snap – such as prestige pieces, presentation portfolios, art prints, posters and so on.