After creating your graphic project or text, printing it to paper is your next major challenge -
         Which paper will make it look as good as you pictured it in your mind?

   You might consider first the typical selections for the type of project you just completed. For a vibrant image with vibrant color, bright white paper works best. There is more than one shade of white, of course - Photo white for maximum contrast between light and dark hues, off-whites for printed pages with a lot of text - when comparing whites, or any colors, examine them under normal viewing conditions.

   Your client may specify how they want your finished work to look - both design and hard copy. If
those specifications include paper and design basics, your choice of paper will be narrowed down.

    If not, here's a short list of a few suggestions to help with your basic paper choices-

   Here are a few more things to think about -

    Paper Surface - final manufacturing process of paper is "calendaring" - pressing paper between
                          a series of rollers which makes the surface smoother, glossier, less opaque,
                          thinner, less bright, and better able to retain ink.

   Paper Color -   this is what people notice first. White is most popular and applicable to many
                         printing projects. Other colors are available in pastel shades, bright, and even
                         ultra bright. Other specialties include fluorescent, color-one-side special coating
                         on the other, etc.

   Brightness -    Paper reflects light, normally 60 to 90 percent of the incoming light. Brightness
                         can actually be measured with special instruments. For example, standard
                         copy quality paper is commonly available with brightness rating of 82 to 96.
                         The lower the number, the more dull the sheet of paper appears.

   Opacity -        High opacity minimizes the possibility of printing showing through from the
                         other side of the page, making a page more readable. Opacity is influenced by
                         paper thickness, color, coatings, ink color, etc.

   Grain -            Paper is composed of tiny fibers of wood pulp, linen, etc. If the sheets of
                         finished paper are cut with the grain running parallel to the long side, it is
                         know as grain long. When cut so that the grain is parallel to the width of
                         sheet, it is grain short. Grain direction has a direct effect on strength,
                         flexibility, and the usefulness of the paper.                         
  
   Weight -         Paper is sold by the pound. The 'basis weight' of paper is calculated as
                        the weight in pounds of one ream (if 500 sheets of 22 inch by 34 inch
                        paper weighs 20 pounds, the basis weight is 20 pounds)

   Thickness -    Also referred to as bulk. Depending on the amount of calendaring, some paper
                        can have more bulk than other paper and still have the same basis weight.              

   Size -            Letter size is 8.5 x 11, or 8 1/2 inches wide by 11 inches long. Paper is
                        available in multiples of letter size, as well as special or custom sizes. Rolls
                        of paper, for example, are available in various lengths for use on large
                        format printers, web presses, etc. Planning your projects to use standard
                        paper sizes will help control costs.

   There is a lot to know and learn about paper. There are also many helpful sources for answers
to questions that arise during the execution of your projects. Your Printing Professionals will often
be able to provide the Printing Solutions that will make your projects a success.