If you've ever considered printing your own marketing materials like flyers and business cards, you might have come across the term 'GSM' when exploring paper options.
At Fast Print UK, we understand the importance of choosing the right GSM paper for your prints. GSM, or 'grams per square metre,' refers to the weight of the paper. The higher the GSM, the thicker and more substantial the paper, often associated with higher quality.
Our quick beginner’s guide to GSM paper and paper weight is designed to assist you in making informed decisions for your printing needs.
Understanding GSM in Printing:GSM stands for 'grams per square metre,' indicating the weight of the paper. The term 'grammage' is sometimes used to describe this weight. For instance, a 150gsm flyer is thinner and easier to fold, while a 250gsm flyer is thicker and more robust.
The weight is determined by cutting a square metre of paper to size and weighing it. Although the weight decreases when cut to the required size, the GSM remains the same.
Why Different GSMs Exist:Different products require different GSMs. Greetings cards, for example, need a heavier stock to stand freely, while posters can be on lighter paper since they are often displayed on walls.
Consider letterheads – heavy enough to convey a premium feel but still compatible with standard office printers. Thinner stocks are cost-effective for bulk flyers, while thicker stocks are suitable for items like restaurant menus that are likely to be reused.
Our premium business card range, available in 450gsm, offers a thicker and higher-quality option compared to the standard 350gsm cards from most printers.
Choosing the Right GSM:While a lower GSM may seem cost-effective, it's essential to consider your specific needs. Heavier GSMs are more durable, making them ideal for materials that require a longer lifespan, such as exhibition flyers.
Guide to Paper Weight:Fast Print UK offers a variety of paper weights suitable for different purposes:
- 70-90gsm: Thin paper, often used for lined notebook pages.
- 90-100gsm: Commonly used in household and office printers.
- 120-150gsm: Ideal for thin flyers, takeaway menus, and movie posters.
- 200-300gsm: Stiffer but flexible, used for magazine covers, high-quality flyers, and menus.
- 350-450gsm: Thick, card-like stock, perfect for business cards, greetings cards, postcards, and table talkers.
Choose the right GSM and paper weight with Fast Print UK to enhance the quality and impact of your printed materials.
If you’re still confused or need advice on a specific product, remember that our friendly customer service team are on hand to help! Give them a call on 020 8793 9046 or click the live chat button at the bottom right-hand side of website and they’ll provide you with free advice about your next print project.