When it comes to the process of designing a brochure one of the most important elements is choosing the right paper weight. The paper you choose for your brochure can impact upon the impression people have of your company, as much as what you say within the content, so it's crucial to make the right decisions. There are a series of different paper weights to choose from, it's just a matter of deciding which is best for what you want to produce.
Choosing the paper
Deciding on which paper weight to use is a vital aspect of the design process as well as finding the right size of paper. This could impact upon the delivery costs of your brochure, especially if you decide on a direct mail campaign. The thicker a sheet of paper is the heavier it will to be.
Choosing the paper within your brochure will also impact upon the cost and quality of your brochure which you may want to consider. The first impression your customers will have will be through the quality of paper you have used, so before they have even turned the front cover, your brochure becomes a reflection of your business.
Deciding on the right paper weight for your brochure can be a difficult task but can add value to what it is you're offering. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time and money in designing your brochure only to print it on the wrong type of paper for your business. If you want to print take-away menus for example then a simple design with light and thin paper may be best suited, whilst an estate agent who sells luxury homes might want to invest in a more high end paper which reflects what the business sells.
A guide to paper weights
You will find below a useful guide to the different paper weights to consider when printing. Paper weight is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). The higher the gsm rating the heavier and thicker the paper will be.
- 80-100gsm: This is the usual weight of standard office paper and would rarely be used for brochures
- 110-120gsm: This weight is popular with stationery paper such as letterheads and compliment slips
- 130-170gsm: A much more durable and heavier paper, ideal for posters, leaflets, flyers and pages inside your brochure
- 170-200gsm: This is the halfway point between paper and card which can be used for brochure covers as well as luxurious posters or double sided flyers
- 200-250gsm: It is possible to use this paper weight for a high quality finish to a brochure if used as a cover and is the starting point of heavier card
- 300-400gsm: Over 300gsm falls into the 'board' category and is usually the weight at which business cards are produced. This type of paper weight can be used as a cover for brochures but you must bare in mind the stitching and folding implications of using heavy board as a cover
Be sure to consider the weight of the paper on the inside and out. If you want a professional finish then opting for a heavier paper is your best choice. However, if you are looking for value for money then you may decide to choose a lighter paper weight throughout the brochure.
If you have a brochure idea it always pays to speak to us from the outset as we can talk through your ideas, offering you the best solution for your project. Give us a call on 01603 488001 and one of our team will be more than happy to speak to you.
