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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?

    Written by Kraig Downham, Marketing Director, with Printing Partners since 2005. Last updated October 2026.Gloss paper is a coated printing paper with a shiny, reflective finish that holds ink on the surface, so photos print sharp and colors look saturated. Printers also call it glossy paper, gloss coated paper, or gloss text and gloss cover, depending on the weight. 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 the gloss sheets most jobs are printed on. These papers have a higher-gloss finish designed specifically for vibrant color reproduction and sharp images.

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

    C1S and C2S Coated Board

    C1S and C2S describe how many sides of the sheet are coated, not how shiny the coating is. Gloss text and gloss cover are coated on both sides, and in day to day ordering the C1S and C2S labels are used mostly for heavier board measured in points. We keep 10 pt, 12 pt, 14 pt, and 16 pt C2S on hand, and our offset presses run C2S up to 28 pt.

    • 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, in gloss, satin, or matte. Common for postcards, business cards, and covers where both faces carry print.

    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. Oil-based ballpoint pens write most reliably on gloss. Quick-dry gel pens and fine-tip permanent markers can also work if you let the ink dry completely, and pressing hard tends to make any pen skip. Test your pen on a corner of a printed piece before writing on the whole run. If the piece has to be written on, such as a reply card or a form, choose matte or uncoated stock instead.

    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 run from about 70 to 100 lb, while cover weights run from 80 to 100 lb 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, such as photographs, promotional flyers, brochures, posters, and postcards. The reflective coating gives high-contrast images, saturated color, and sharp detail. For pieces that are mostly text or will be handled a lot, satin or matte is usually the better finish because it cuts glare and hides fingerprints. For postcards and mailers we usually recommend 100 lb gloss or satin cover, and for brochure pages 80 lb or 100 lb gloss text.

    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.

    A collection of assorted stationery items including folders, notepads, and business cards in various colors.
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    Abstract white zigzag pattern on a black background, creating a dynamic visual effect.

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