Since print marketing is a tactile medium, the texture paper you select matters. There are many different options these days. You can select the best option for you based on the message you want to convey and your branding. Let’s look at some of your options.

Smooth Texture Paper Options:

• Vellum – This type appears smooth to the naked eye, but when you touch it, you will notice a subtle waxy feel. This paper is incredibly versatile and is commonly used for books, catalogs, and direct mail.
• Wove – This type of paper feels smooth to the touch. Wove is one of the most popular finishes on the market so it is good for any type of print marketing you are planning.
• Smooth – This type of paper feels texture-free. It can be valuable for a variety of purposes and make a great impression thanks to the remarkably smooth feel.

Embossed Textured Paper Options:

• Linen – Linen paper has crosshatched lines that give it texture. This has a old school feel to it and is commonly used for stationery, cards, invitations, and other types of direct mail.
• Laid – Laid paper texture is similar to handmade paper, with a subtle grid pattern that feels special. This is commonly chosen for printing stationery, brochures, invitations and other types of direct mail.
• Felt – Felt paper looks soft to the eye and feels like a combination of woven fabric and paper. Commonly used for invitations, menus, brochures and other direct mail types to add interest.
• Pinstripe – This paper has a ribbed texture. Long ribbed lines run parallel down the length of the paper, giving it like its name suggest subtle pinstripe markings and a very elegant feel.

Uncoated Textured Paper Options:

• Parchment – Parchment paper, sometimes referred to as marble paper. It has a bit of a rough marble like texture. It is commonly used for certificates, menus, personal stationery, newsletters and other direct mail types.
• Cockle – This paper has a handmade, uneven appearance. Commonly used for brochures, stationery, invitations and menus.

Coated Textured Paper Options:

• Foil/Metallic – This paper has a thin film of plastic or metal in the same color as the base paper. This film creates a shiny, smooth coating. This is great for grabbing attention on brochures, direct mail and invitations.
• Stardream – This paper finish comes in three verities (metallic, iridescent and pearlescent). All finishes are relatively smooth to the touch but have a shimmery coating. These are great for special announcements, invitations and direct mail.
• Gloss – This paper texture is very smooth. One side of the paper can be uncoated and rough while the other is coated with a shiny gloss or both sides can be coated. Used in posters, brochures, newsletters, flyers and a lot of direct mail pieces.

How To Choose the Right Texture?

There are several things to consider when selecting your paper. Longevity of use is also a factor as well as the weight of the stock. Cover stock is thicker and longer lasting than text weight stock. Remember that you are selecting for the overall look as well as how the paper feels when your customers touch it. Are you ready to get started? We can help! Call us (619) 297-2281 or email contact@neyenesch.com.