This post highlights common types of printing papers to consider in your everyday office needs to specialized printing projects; including their quality, texture and sizes. Paper occupies over 75% of all the printing projects we execute in our life times. And using the wrong type of paper for your print on or printer can cause paper jams or poor-quality printouts.

Again, using the wrong type of paper can as well be a waste of money when you need to purchase the right paper after spending money and materials printing on the wrong type of paper. As a leading printing company in Lagos Nigeria with many years of experienced, we’ve learned a lot (probably too much) about printer papers in our years of printing and coping services.

Here, we want to educate our customers on what they need to know about the different types of printer paper and the features to be aware of. For example, printer paper is simply paper that is designed for printing and copying of documents; irrespective of the printer make. When we talk about printing paper, it is important to note that there is no difference between a printer paper and copy paper.

This means that you can use a copy paper to print documents if your printing machine supports it size and texture. This is the paper materials we use for everyday printing of documents which can have varying features; such as size, brightness, weight, coating, surface nature, and certain quantity in pack or cartons. Paper weight is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (grams/m^2).

Here are some of the most common types of printing paper materials that you need to know in details.

15 Types Of Printing Papers You Need To Know And Their Uses:

#1. Bond Paper

Bond paper is a high-quality, durable paper commonly used for everyday printing and office needs. It typically ranges in weight from 20lb to 32lb and is known for its smooth, uncoated finish, which provides a professional appearance to documents. Bond paper is commonly used letterheads, business forms, and photocopying, making it a staple in both home and corporate environments.

This paper is often bright white, ensuring that printed text and images appear crisp and clear. Its durability allows it to withstand frequent handling without tearing or becoming damaged, making it ideal for official documents, legal documents, academic certificates, stationery and correspondence.

#2. Glossy Paper

Glossy paper or art paper is coated with a polymer that gives it that smooth, shiny, reflective surface that give a richer color output and more vibrant than regular paper.  This paper can be used to print photographs or photo images, and high-resolution prints. However, it has a much longer dry time and can have some smudges if handled incorrectly.

Glossy paper weight ranges from 80gsm to 350gsm. As a best practice, it’s usably for printing of promotional flyers, brochures, and posters with digital or laser printers.

#3. Matte Paper

Matte paper is the most common, non-reflective surface paper used for printing professional documents, presentations, and invitations. You can think of this paper as the classic  A4 white “copy paper” with smooth matte texture which helps to absorb ink quickly.

Unlike glossy art paper, you can use matte paper to avoid smudges and smears in your printouts. Matte paper weight ranges from 80gsm to 350gsm. In offset lithography printing, and bookbinding, such A4 paper stands as a standard paper size; with dimension measuring 210mm by 297mm.

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#4. Card Paper

Available in both matte and glossy, this is the most common type of heavyweight paper, usually called cardstock. It is made from normal cardboard materials and commonly used for printing of paper business cards, greeting card, postcards, invitations, among other print consumables.

Cardstock weight ranges from 200gsm to 400gsm. In Nigeria, there are two available weights of the paper stock that you can choose from, which will determine the thickness of your work; they are 250gsm and 300gsm. However, you need to ensure that your printing machine can handle it successfully.

#5. Photo Paper

Photo paper is available in glossy, semi-gloss, or matte textured surface; designed to enhance image detail and color.  As the name implies, photo paper is primarily used for printing high-quality photographs and images.

Weighing typically 200gsm to 300gsm,  this type of printer paper is usually made with photographic films at the front side with shiny glossy look, and a matte on the back side; indicating different texture and appearance.

#6. Conqueror Paper

Conqueror or concord paper is one of the most common fancy papers widely used for business name cards, letterheads, booklets, and book covers. It is regular white, light cream or light yellow paper with specially formulated features to give it an exceptionally smooth surface, and a brilliant pattern or coating.

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#7. Carbonless Paper (NCR Paper)

Carbonless paper, also known as NCR (No Carbon Required) paper, is a specialized type of paper used to create multiple copies of a document without the need for carbon paper. It consists of sheets coated with micro-encapsulated dye or ink on the back of the top sheet and a clay coating on the front of the subsequent sheet.

When pressure is applied—such as when writing or printing—the dye capsules transfer the written information onto the sheets below. Commonly used for NCR invoices, receipts, and order forms, carbonless paper is an essential tool in businesses that require duplicate or triplicate copies for sales and shipping record-keeping.

It’s available in sets of two, three, or more sheets (usually white, yellow, and pink), providing a clean and efficient way to produce multiple copies simultaneously. Weighing typically from 60gsm to 120gsm and coated to transfer writing from the top sheet to the sheets below; NCR paper is valued for its convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency in generating multiple copies without mess.

#8. Coated paper

Coated paper is a high-quality paper that has been treated with a surface sealant or coating to improve its printability and appearance resulting in highest image enhancement. It’s available in glossy, matte, or satin, which enhances the paper’s smoothness and provides a brighter, sharper finish to printed images and text. As a result, coated paper is widely used in high-end printing applications, such as magazines, brochures, catalogs, and book covers printing.

Weighing typically from 90gsm to 350gsm, the coating on the paper reduces ink absorption, allowing colors to appear more vibrant and images to display higher detail and contrast. Glossy coated paper offers a shiny, reflective finish, ideal for photographs and visually striking graphics.

The matte coated paper, on the other hand, has a non-reflective surface, which is perfect for text-heavy documents that require a more subdued, professional look. Coated paper’s durability and premium appearance make it a preferred choice for marketing materials and publications where visual impact is crucial.

#9. Sticker Paper

This type of paper is one of the most popular self adhesive papers used for printing customized labeling, packaging, branding, and decoration stickers. They are versatile, easy to apply, and come in various shapes, sizes, and designs to suit different needs.

Paper stickers can be printed on using standard inkjet or laser printers with vibrant colors and detailed graphics, making them ideal for promotional materials, product labels, and crafts. Inkjet printing papers are specifically designed for inkjet printers; which are smaller desktop printers that use liquid toner as opposed to laser printers that work with a dry (powder-like) toner.

These types of printing papers typically have a smooth or matte finish, with a peel-and-stick backing for convenient application. While they are cost-effective and widely used, paper stickers are not as durable as transparent sticker, plastic or vinyl stickers and are best suited for indoor use where they won’t be exposed to moisture or heavy wear.

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#10. Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is a high-quality, distinctive paper known for its antique appearance and unique texture, which mimics the look of traditional parchment. Its slightly translucent, marbled surface gives documents a timeless, elegant feel, making it a popular choice for printing certificates, diplomas, awards, and invitations.

Unlike modern, smooth papers, parchment paper offers a rich, tactile experience, often used to convey a sense of history, formality, or prestige. It is available in various shades, from off-white to more aged, sepia tones, enhancing its classic appeal. Parchment paper is compatible with most printers and can handle both text and light graphics well, though its textured surface is best suited for simple, elegant designs.

This paper type is often acid-free, ensuring longevity without yellowing or degrading over time, making it ideal for archival purposes. Whether for official documents or special events, parchment paper adds a touch of sophistication, elegance and tradition.

#11. Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is a strong, durable type of paper made from wood pulp through the kraft process. Known for its natural brown color, kraft paper is highly versatile and is widely used in packaging, wrapping, and crafting. Its strength and tear-resistance make it ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as wrapping parcels, making grocery bags, kraft envelops, cartons and creating protective layers in shipping.

It can be easily cut, folded, and glued, offering flexibility in various DIY projects. Available in different thicknesses and finishes, including bleached white variants, kraft paper is not only functional but also environmentally friendly, as it is biodegradable and often made from recycled paper materials. Its durability and eco-conscious nature make it a preferred choice for sustainable packaging solutions.

#12. FBB Paper

Folding Box Board, also referred to as FBB, is a virgin fibre paperboard grade that is made up of two layers of chemically bleached pulp and a middle layer of mechanical corrugated pulp sandwiched in between. The top layer is a low-density material with high stiffness and slightly yellow colour. The combination of the inner and outer layers give the coated surface a great printability and visual appeal.

FBB paper is widely used in packaging, particularly in making foldable boxes, cartons and packets for health and beauty products, cosmetics, food items, confectionaries, pharmaceutical products, paper bags, and cigarette packs. FBB is a high-quality printing paper known for its lightweight, sturdy construction and eco-friendly attributes. The board’s smooth surface ensures sharp, vibrant printing, while its strength allows for effective protection of contents. It is commonly available in 150grams to 400gsm.

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#13. SBS Paper

Solid Bleached Sulphate, (SBS) is the highest quality and most expensive paperboard. Similar to FBB, SBS is a premium grade paper board derived from virgin wood fiber, pulped, and then bleached. If you want luxury paper conversion like customized greeting cards, weeding invitations; or mono cartons like milk carton or biscuit pack with a cut-out window, SBS is the best option.

SBS or ivory paperboard as it’s commonly called, and FBB can be easily printed on, embossed, laminated, lined with other materials, and folded intricately. Available in 150-400 gsm, they are superior in strength, ideal for packaging and easily recycled paper boards; except when plastic lamination and metalized printing inks are used.

Unlike FBB, SBS is a medium-density board and perfectly white inside-out. It can be single or multiple-layered board. The rigidity of the boxboard retains shape, leading to less wrapping and better crafting and folding.

#14. Synthetic Paper

Synthetic paper is a durable, versatile material made from synthetic polymers rather than wood pulp. Unlike traditional paper, it offers exceptional resistance to water, tearing, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for applications where durability is key. Commonly used for outdoor signage, maps, labels, menus, and even industrial tags, synthetic paper maintains its integrity in harsh environments.

Its smooth surface allows for high-quality printing, producing crisp text and vibrant images. Synthetic paper is compatible with various printing technologies, including offset, flexographic, and digital printing, making it a flexible choice for different industries.

Despite its plastic-like composition, synthetic paper often mimics the look and feel of traditional paper, offering a similar texture while providing enhanced longevity. Its combination of durability, printability, and environmental benefits makes synthetic paper an increasingly popular choice in specialized printing applications.

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#15. Textured Paper

Textured paper is a premium paper type characterized by its distinctive surface, which adds a tactile dimension to printed materials. Unlike smooth paper, textured paper features various patterns or finishes, such as linen, felt, or laid, which are either embossed or naturally integrated during the manufacturing process. This unique surface enhances the visual appeal and sensory experience of printed projects, making it a popular choice for high-end applications.

Textured paper is often used for invitations, business cards, greeting cards, and artistic prints such as picture canvas where a luxurious, sophisticated feel is desired. The texture not only adds depth but also helps convey a sense of quality and elegance, making it ideal for formal occasions and professional branding.

Despite its decorative surface, textured paper is compatible with various printing methods, including letterpress, digital, and offset printing. Its ability to elevate the look and feel of printed materials while offering excellent print quality makes textured paper a favorite for special projects. Parchment paper can be used by laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, calligraphy and even typewriters.

Wrapping up: Types Of Printing Papers and Their Uses

Now you know different types of printing papers you need for your print jobs right? No doubt there are other types of printing papers that we are not able to cover in this article. Nevertheless, we hope this post serves your purpose.

There are different printing paper weights you need to understand also, these include: 70gsm, 75gsm, 80gsm, 90gsm, 250sm and 300gsm. The papers weighting 70-80g are used for the printing of texts and office related documents. While papers weighting 90g and above are used for normal photo printing and double-sided printing, and printing of symbols or high-quality graphics.

Another paper that you need to know is crystal paper. This is one of the most valuable and expensive types of printing papers available on request. it is used mostly by big companies or government agencies for correspondences between high-profiles company managers, individuals and much more. It has both the light type used mainly for such luxury letters; while the thick one is also used to print personal cards.