What is the difference between uncoated and coated paper?

Uncoated paper features a rough, porous surface that absorbs ink, whereas coated paper includes a smooth layer that sits on top to reflect light and hold pigment. Because uncoated stock absorbs ink, your printed colours will appear slightly softer and duller, though the texture is ideal if you want to write directly on the card. Coated options, such as gloss or matt finishes, provide crisper image reproduction and sharper text edges, making them the standard choice for most modern business cards. You should select uncoated only if a tactile, organic feel is your primary design goal.

Sources

  • ISO 536:2019 — Paper and board: determination of grammage

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