Standard Certificates

Available paper types for certificates with an acrylic frame

Standard Coated Paper

Coated paper is produced during manufacturing with an extra layer, which causes the paper to be less porous. It has clay or polymer coating applied to both sides of the paper, making it reflective. When used in printing, coated paper presents sharper and brighter images or designs because it absorbs less ink. Coated paper is slightly resistant to dirt, moisture, and wear and tear, and this helps to keep your printed piece appearing crisp and professional for a longer period. Note that it’s more difficult to use a pen or pencil to write on coated paper. Because it reflects light, a coated paper stock will cause glare a little bit.

Coated paper is ideal for printing high-resolution photographs and graphics. This makes it the perfect choice for marketing and promotional materials, plus other image-heavy documents like catalogs or magazines where color accuracy and vibrancy are important.

Also, because coated stocks are more durable and offer some resistance against dirt and stains, it is a good choice for print materials that will be handled frequently. However, coated papers are not the best choice for printing that will need to be written or drawn upon, such as notepads, coloring books, workbooks, forms, or appointment cards.

Uncoated paper for standard gift certificates (bond paper/stationary paper)

Uncoated paper refers to paper with no coating or finishing on its surface. This type of paper is porous and absorbent, which makes it an ideal choice for printing materials that require ink to dry quickly and without smudging. It is generally rougher than coated paper, and also an option for novels or books that you will be writing in. Uncoated bond paper is typically used for everyday drawing, printing, and copying or office stationary. This paper option is ideal for printing projects such as books, notepads, and business cards. Some professionals also use it when printing flyers, as it provides a more natural look and is easy to write on.

Uncoated paper refers to paper that does not receive any coating during the manufacturing process. This means the paper will have a rougher, more natural texture. It is also more absorbent than coated paper. Because no surface treatment is applied, uncoated paper has virtually no sheen. Common examples of uncoated stocks include offset, bond, opaque, Bristol, laid, linen, index, and vellum.

Because it doesn’t reflect light, an uncoated paper stock does not cause glare. This makes uncoated paper a good choice for the pages of books, manuals, newsletters, and other text-heavy documents.

Uncoated paper is also a good option for any print materials that will need to be written on or overprinted, such as letterhead and envelopes. However, because uncoated paper is porous, it may not be the best choice for printing that will be handled frequently.

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