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Printing Partners > Paper Types Explained > Gloss Paper

Gloss Paper

Gloss Paper: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It for Printing

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    Best Uses of Gloss Paper in Offset Printing

    What Is Glossy Paper Called?

    Glossy Paper is simply called gloss paper. Gloss paper is a coated printing paper engineered to produce sharp images, deep color saturation, and high contrast. A smooth coating seals the paper fibers. This lets the ink sit closer to the surface instead of soaking into the sheet.

    This surface behavior directly causes:

    • Higher perceived image sharpness
    • Increased color vibrancy
    • A reflective, polished finish

    Gloss paper is commonly used when visual impact is the primary goal.

    Open glossy brochure displaying vibrant landscape images with colorful skies and water reflections.

    Types of Gloss Paper Used in Commercial Printing

    Standard Gloss Text and Gloss Cover (Most Common)

    In commercial printing, standard gloss text and gloss cover papers are used far more often than C1S or C2S. These papers have a higher-gloss finish designed specifically for vibrant color reproduction and sharp images.

    • 80 lb Gloss Text – flyers, inserts, multi-page brochures
    • 100 lb Gloss Text – higher-end brochures and catalogs
    • 80 lb Gloss Cover – postcards, self-mailers, lightweight covers
    • 100 lb Gloss Cover – premium marketing pieces and durable covers

    C1S and C2S Coated Paper (Less Common Use)

    While C1S and C2S papers are technically coated, they typically have a lower sheen than true gloss text or gloss cover. These stocks are chosen more for function than maximum gloss.

    • C1S (Coated One Side)
      Coated on one side, uncoated on the other. Commonly used for covers, folders, or pieces that require writing on one side.
    • C2S (Coated Two Sides)
      Coated on both sides, but usually with a more muted finish than full gloss stocks. Used for brochures and flyers when moderate sheen is acceptable.

    What Is Gloss Paper Used For?

    Gloss paper is selected when image clarity and color intensity matter more than writability. Its smooth, reflective surface enhances photos, graphics, and bold color.

    • Brochures and sales sheets
    • Product catalogs
    • Flyers and postcards
    • Magazine pages
    • Photo prints
    • Promotional marketing materials

    Gloss Paper vs Matte Paper

    Choosing between gloss and matte depends on function, not preference.

    Feature Gloss Paper Matte Paper
    Color intensity High Moderate
    Image sharpness Very high High
    Glare Yes Minimal
    Fingerprints Visible Hidden
    Writing surface Poor Excellent

    Rule of thumb:

    • Use gloss for visuals
    • Use matte for readability and writing

    Learn more about matte finishes here: Matte Paper Explained

    Advantages of Gloss Paper

    • Enhances photos and graphics
    • Creates a premium, professional look
    • Excellent for marketing impact
    • Ideal for high-resolution printing
    Spiral bound book mockup featuring a cover design with a sports theme and text for apparel and footwear.

    Disadvantages of Gloss Paper

    • Glare under bright lighting
    • Fingerprints are visible
    • Not ideal for handwriting
    • Slightly higher production cost

    While glossy sheets excel at printing, writing on them requires care. The smooth coating means many pens will smudge or skip. According to the professional print-shop Forever, oil-based ballpoint pens, quick-dry gel pens, fine-tip permanent markers and rollerball pens with waterproof ink adhere best to satin-coated (semi-gloss) paper [source]. They recommend allowing ink to dry completely and testing a small area first [source]. Heavy pressure can cause skipping [source]. In general, ballpoint pens are the safest choice; gel inks may smudge unless labeled quick-dry.

    Like other printing stocks, gloss paper is available in text weights (lightweight sheets for internal pages of brochures, booklets or flyers) and cover weights (heavier cardstock for covers, postcards or business cards). Text weights generally range from about 70–100 #, while cover weights run 80–100 # or higher. Selecting the right weight depends on your project: thicker stocks offer durability and a premium feel; lighter weights are economical and easier to fold.

    Choose gloss paper for photo-forward and color-intensive projects—photographs, promotional flyers, brochures, posters and premium business cards. Its reflective finish delivers the impact you need for high-contrast images, saturated colors and sharp details [source] [source]. For pieces with more text or that will be handled frequently, consider semi-gloss or satin finishes; they reduce glare and resist fingerprints [source].

    How Gloss Paper Is Made

    Gloss paper is produced by adding a coating layer, usually made of clay or polymer, onto a base sheet.

    Coating Effects on Print

    Because the coating reduces absorption:

    • Ink dries on the surface
    • Dot gain is minimized
    • Colors appear more saturated


    This is why gloss paper outperforms uncoated paper for photography and marketing graphics.

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