The holidays are here and we’re all dreaming of a white…sandy beach somewhere warm! Maybe that was my inspiration for this blog post or maybe I wanted to shed a little light on how a few of our most popular white paper options can enhance the look of a photograph. Let’s go ahead and take a closer look at this custom photo holiday card with foil stamped greeting on four different papers, and we’ll get a few insights from our Art Director, Eric.
White Smooth, 115 lb. Paper
“I think everyone should choose our White Smooth, 115 lb. for everything, but that’s just me. I mean, it always looks great and there’s no upcharge.” – Eric, Art Director
The White Smooth, 115 lb. is our standard paper option and requires no additional fee. There is also a 94 lb. White Smooth paper option but we printed on the 115 lb. because it most closely matches the paperweight of the other three options. Plus, what stationery lover wouldn’t choose the heavier weight if there’s no additional cost?
White Coated, 120 lb. Paper
“Although I wouldn’t normally choose the coated stock for a photo card, I will say that it looks really good with foil and especially enhanced raised foil. It runs through that press beautifully so I would recommend it for any enhanced foil orders.” – Eric
The White Coated, 120 lb. is a nice stock with a subtle shiny finish. We think it lends especially well to promotional pieces or marketing mailers because that mild shine stands out against other papers. This stock is also made of 30% recycled paper.
White Shimmer, 105 lb. Paper
“I like the pop that white shimmer adds to the photo. It gives it a pearlescent sort of look.”
The White Shimmer, 105 lb. paper is a favorite all around whether printing photos or not. It’s simply a really pretty paper for all purposes and although photographing it is tricky, you’ll find that shimmer paper retains a high level of detail just like White Smooth paper.
White Texture, 110 lb. Paper
“I like to reserve textured stock for high-end stationery and highly stylized pieces where you really want that tactile experience. It’s fine for photos but I find it a bit distracting.”
The White Texture, 110 lb. is a beautiful stock and the texture is wonderful to touch. Plus, as you can see with the foil stamping on this sample, the foil impression is very distinct and pretty. Photos on textured stock are a matter of preference and the overall experience you’re going for.
We also printed samples on White and Ultra White Superfine Eggshell and they looked great, but for the purpose of showcasing photos, they did not present any significant visual advantages. However, if you’re looking for a soft paper that provides a pleasing feel, either one is an excellent choice.
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