PRINT SERVICE GLOSSARY
Paper Stock Terms Defined &
More!
Cover
As the name suggests, this stock is often used for the covers of brochures, booklets, calendars or
products such as business cards, postcards, rackcards, collectors cards, bookmarks, hang tags, presentation
folders and the like. Cover stock is meant for products not typically meant to be folded, bent or easily
torn. If bending is required, you would require a score. A Cover Stock weight is described in Ponts
(pt.) For example, "14 pt. Gloss Cover". The higher the points, the thicker the
paper.
Text
Also known as "Book" stock - Text stock gets its name because it is meant for products that often
include a lot of text and can be easily folded. Products such as flyers, posters, menus, catalogs, brochures,
newsletters, door hangers, letterhead, envelopes, stationery, sales sheets, are most popular. A Text
Stock weight is described in pounds (lb). For example, "100 lb Text Gloss". The lower the weight,
the thinner the paper.
Gloss
Refers to the finish of the paper. Not to be confused with a post-production process such as UV
Coating or AQ Coating, "Gloss" refers to the actual gloss sheen of the paper itself, prior to printing.
Matte
Refers to the matte finish of the paper. Often referred to as "uncoated" even though both a UV
Coating or AQ Coating may be applied to any matte paper as a post-prodcution
option.
Uncoated
Uncoated means just that; there is no additional coating. This stock is commonly used for
letterhead, envelopes and personal stationary. We recommend that you DO NOT use dark colors with high color
density on this stock (black, purple, blue, brown, etc) because they will soak into the paper and possibly
bleed. Use lighter colors for best results on an uncoated stock.
UV
Coating
Ultra Viloet Coating; Gloss
UV
"UV" or "U.V." are similar terms refering to
our Ultra-Violet coating process. In post production, a thick, clear coating is cured to the product by
a UV light process. The result is commonly described as a "high impact", "ultimate shine" or "glossy"
appearance that adds slightly to the overall weight of the product. The gloss feels very slick and refracts
light well. Often combined with a heavy duty paper weight, the result truely looks fantastic and
produces a product that won't tear or bend
easily.
AQ Coating
Aqueous Coating; Semi-Gloss Coating; Smudge-Proof
Coating
"Smudge-Proof",
"Smudge-Resistant", "Water-Resistant" are all descriptive of aqueous coating. This clear coating
is semi post-production in that it is applied directly after the inks. When the coating is applied, the
product is sent through a heated air system that quickly dries the coated sheets for post production work. AQ
Coating has long been an inexpensive substitute for a costly varnish application. The fast-drying,
water-based, protective coating does provide a gloss surface which boasts a very effective
rub or scuff resitance (ideal for sales sheets and other material that will be handled a lot). AQ coating
protects the surface from dirt, smudges, fingerprints and scratches. Aqueous coating can also improve a
products durability which is helpful for direct mailing.
Unlike UV Coating which provides an ultra shinny high gloss
finish, AQ Coating can be provided in either a semi-gloss or matte
finish.
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