How to Choose the Best Paper and Finish for Printing Booklets

Ever Printed a Booklet That Didn’t Feel Right?

You’ve spent weeks (or even months) carefully crafting your booklet. Every word has been reviewed, every image has been carefully selected, and the design is flawless on your screen. But then, when the final printed version arrives, something feels… off.

Maybe the pages are too flimsy, making the whole thing feel cheap. Or the glossy finish reflects too much light, making it hard to read. Or perhaps the colors don’t look as vibrant as they did on your computer.

We’ve been there too. And trust us, choosing the right paper and finish for your booklet printing is just as important as the content itself. The way your booklet printing feels in someone’s hands can shape their perception of your brand, product, or message.

But how do you make the right choice? With so many paper weights, finishes, and binding options, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we will guide you through it in a simple, practical way.

Let’s make sure your next printed booklet looks and feels just as amazing as you imagined.

Guidelines for Selecting the Ideal Paper and Finish for Booklet Printing

Choosing the right paper and finish for printing booklets is essential for achieving the perfect look, feel, and durability. The right choice enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Here Are the Tips:

What’s the Purpose of Your Booklet? (Start Here!)

Before we even talk about paper types and finishes, let’s get clear on one thing:

What is your booklet meant to do?

Think about the primary purpose:
- Is it meant to impress high-end clients (like a premium brand catalog)?
- Will it be handled frequently, requiring durability (like a training manual)?
- Is it image-heavy, needing vibrant colors (like a photography portfolio)?
- Or does it focus more on text, requiring easy readability (like an annual report)?
This single decision will set the foundation for everything else.

For example:
- If your booklet is a corporate brochure, you’ll want something sleek and professional—probably a matte finish on thick paper.
- If it’s an event program, you might need something lightweight and cost-effective—maybe 80 lb text paper with a glossy cover.
- If it’s a workbook, it should be easy to write on—so an uncoated paper would be best.
Now that you know the purpose, let’s talk about paper weight.
Understanding Paper Weight (What Those Numbers Mean)

You might have seen terms like 80 lb, 100 lb, or 14 pt paper. But what do these actually mean?

Paper weight determines how thick and durable the paper feels. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Paper Weight Categories:
- Text Paper (measured in pounds, like 70 lb or 100 lb): Lightweight, flexible, similar to magazine pages.
- Cover Paper (measured in points or pounds, like 10 pt or 100 lb cover): Thicker, like business cards, ideal for booklet covers.
Best Choices for Booklets:
- Inner Pages: 80 lb or 100 lb text paper (light but strong enough to feel premium).
- Covers: 10 pt or 14 pt cover stock (sturdy and professional).
Pro Tip:

If you want a booklet that feels substantial and high-quality, 100 lb text for inner pages + 14 pt cover paper is a winning combo.
Glossy, Matte, or Uncoated? The Finish Makes a Difference

Once you’ve chosen the right weight, the next big decision is the finish. The finish affects how your booklet looks, feels, and even how easy it is to read.

Glossy Finish – Best for bold, vibrant colors
- Ideal for photography books, catalogs, and promotional booklets
- Makes images and colors pop
- Feels sleek and high-end
- Can reflect too much light, making text harder to read
Matte Finish – Best for a smooth, elegant feel
- Ideal for business brochures, high-end marketing materials, and reports
- Gives a luxurious, modern look
- Easy to read (no glare!)
- Colors appear slightly muted compared to glossy
Uncoated Paper – Best for a natural, organic feel
- Ideal for workbooks, training manuals, or booklets with lots of writing space
- Easy to write on
- Has a soft, natural texture
- Not as vibrant as coated papers
Binding Style Matters Too!

Paper and finish aren’t the only things to think about. How your booklet is bound can impact its durability and usability.

Which Binding Style Should You Choose?
- Saddle Stitch (Stapled): Budget-friendly, best for smaller booklets (8-48 pages).
- Perfect Bound (Like a Paperback Book): Professional look, great for thicker booklets (50+ pages).
- Wire-O or Spiral Binding: Lays flat when open, perfect for manuals and workbooks.
Don’t Forget Print Quality & Sustainability

Even the best paper won’t matter if the printing booklet quality is poor. Always check with your printer for:
- High-resolution print booklet (300 DPI or higher)
- Eco-friendly options (recycled paper or FSC-certified paper)
- Color accuracy (CMYK vs. RGB—CMYK is best for print booklet)

Sustainability is also a growing priority. If your brand values eco-friendliness, ask about soy-based inks and recycled paper options.

Final Thought: What’s the Best Paper and Finish for YOU?

There’s no universal “best” paper and finish. It depends on your audience, purpose, and budget.

Quick Cheat Sheet:

For a high-end, image-heavy booklet → Glossy Cover + Glossy 100 lb Inner Page.
For a professional, readable report → Matte Cover + Matte 80 lb Inner Pages
For a workbook or manual → Uncoated Cover + Uncoated 70 lb Inner Pages

Pro Tip:

Always request paper samples before making a final decision. Seeing and feeling the options firsthand can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Let’s Make Your Booklet Stand Out!

If you want expert guidance, high-quality printing, and premium finishes, PrintBooks is here to help. We offer a wide range of paper stocks, finishes, and binding options to make your booklet look and feel exactly how you imagined.