Silk vs gloss paper

Choosing the right type of paper to bring your project to life can be tough. With so many colours, finishes, and GSMs to choose from, it’s hard to know where to turn. But choosing the right paper type for your project is key. Get it wrong and you could be left with dull colours or an uninspiring finish. But get it right and your print project could sing right off the page.

From envelopes to A6, place cards to A4, we supply card and paper types for every occasion. But what is the difference and when should you use them? Today we’ll clear up all your questions on two major paper types. So, let’s pit silk and gloss paper against each other, lifting the lid on the difference, and when you should use them.

What’s the difference between silk and gloss paper?

Whether you’re making your own wedding invitations, planning some craft-filled activities or a veteran designer and printer, you’ll have to understand the major paper types and how and when to use them, no more so that two of the most common: silk and gloss paper. So, what’s the difference between the two?

Silk paper

Silk is the classic paper of the modern printer. It’s smooth, matte finish sits somewhere in between gloss and matte. Silk lends itself to full colour, high-quality printing – it’s why it’s become the preferred for designers, printers, and artists.

Silk paper offers:

• Texture-less finish
• Rich reproduction of colours
• Good ink absorption for detailed images
• Less glare than a gloss finish
• A range of coloured papers
• Available in a range of weights often ranging from 100 gsm to 450 gsm

Gloss paper

You’ll commonly find gloss paper used for photographs, art prints, and brochures. Its smooth surface has a high gloss compared to silk’s more matte finish. This gloss gives your design a shine when you print on it, resulting in a luxurious print ready for the wall.

Gloss paper offers:

• Texture-less finish
• Less bleed when printing
• Unbeatable rich colour reproduction
• A luxurious and high-quality feel
• Excellent definition when printing photos
• Available in a range of weights often ranging from 100 gsm to 350 gsm

What are the uses of silk vs gloss paper?

While there may be no right or wrong answer when it comes to art, but the fact is that some papers react to different uses better than others. For example, if you’re planning on printing a high-quality photograph then you may not consider a think matte card. However, if you’re looking to create a greeting card then that same paper type may be just what you’re looking for.

So, what are the uses for silk and gloss paper?

When to use silk paper

Because of its qualities, silk paper is the perfect candidate for many uses for designers, artist, and crafters.

Silk paper will be perfect if you’re looking to…

• Print: anything design and art related that needs more of a matte finish and clear colours
• Paper crafts: silk is a mailable and versatile paper type for crafts
• Painting and drawing: silk paper absorbs paints and inks evenly for a consistent colour
• Writing: because of its ink absorption silk paper is great for writing
• Inexpensive: this is the cheaper of the two and so is a good choice for a smaller budget

Disadvantages of silk paper: because it’s so versatile, this finish is very popular and, as such, if you’re looking for something to stand out, silk may not be the choice for you. It’s also more prone to tearing, creasing, and cracking when bent.

When to use gloss paper

Because of its shine, gloss paper is ideal for bringing a little class to your project.

Gloss paper will be perfect if you’re looking to…

• Print: prints for photos, calendars, brochures and anything that needs a shine finish
• Paper crafts: like silk paper, glossy can be great for crafts and can provide another texture to your project
• Luxury: gloss finish will bring an air of luxury and value to any print which shouldn’t be understated

Disadvantages of gloss paper: although the gloss makes for great photographs and colours the sheen can make it impractical for drawing or painting on so it’s best to look elsewhere if that’s what you want to do. Text can also be a little tougher to read with a gloss as it can produce a glare in light. 

Silk vs gloss paper: which is best for you?

Hopefully by now we’ve given you a strong base to make an informed decision on whether you choose gloss or silk paper for your project. While there may be no right or wrong answer when it comes to being creative, it’s up to you to make the right decision and make your next creation sing.

If you need more help choosing the right paper or card for you, please get in touch.