USING ELECTRONIC FILE MANIPULATION, OUR UNCOATED PRESS SHEET MATCHES COATED PROOFING & PRINTING

When printing on an uncoated paper the ink is absorbed into the paper and this characteristic does not have to mean that images printed on uncoated stock are less crisp and defined.

The sheet on the right is our EPSON proof 
The left is our uncoated press sheet
​
Take a closer look at the paper shade of the Epson proof verses the white shade of the uncoated paper - there is a big difference. 

Using an UNCOATED paper doesn't mean you sacrifice any quality 
and Kirkwood can PROVE & PROOF it!*

A BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT PAPERS:

COATED PAPER STOCK
​​Coating creates paper with fantastic ink holdout, which is ideal for color reproduction. Coated papers often called art papers, are commonly found in glossy art books and textbooks containing photographs or illustrations. They have exceptional finish to print on, as well as a consistently high-quality surface, stiffness, bulk and opacity. This is due to the fact that coated papers are more calendared. This means the paper is flattened more, making sheets thinner than uncoated stocks. 

UNCOATED PAPER STOCK
Uncoated papers are generally more porous than coated papers and are available in many different textures, colors, weights and finishes. This subtle, understated quality of printing on uncoated stocks may be just the perfect solution for certain high quality print work where a more approachable appearance is desirable.
Not all uncoated papers are created equal. Higher quality paper mills (called text & cover category) are formulated specifically to strike a balance between ink holdout and absorption.   

SELECTING COATED OR UNCOATED PAPER FOR YOUR PROJECT

When choosing coated or uncoated papers, talk to us at Kirkwood about the effect you hope to achieve with your print work in terms of crispness vs. warmth, smoothness or a high tactile feel and economy vs. style.

We can guide you in selecting just the right combination of inks, paper textures, finish and coatings and print techniques that make your projects outcome is exactly what you want.  Whether you choose a gloss, silk or matte finish it really comes down to your personal preference. Some people think that gloss is classy while others consider it to be a bit tacky. Uncoated paper can be used for full color projects and can be vibrant or produce a natural, refined look. If your document is designed to be written on, your best option is to select an uncoated stock. You'll find letterheads, stationary, invitations, etc. are almost always printed using an uncoated paper. (PRO TIP - always test the stock you are going to use on your laser printer - heavy weights and textures can be problematic.)

* Reach out - Kirkwood will prove this to you.