Printed folder material guide
Six paper stocks — coated, uncoated or natural.
Paper choice shapes how a folder looks, feels in the hand, holds documents and communicates your brand before the cover is even opened. Here's a breakdown of every stock we offer, what each does well, and where each works best.
Our six paper stocks
Each stock can be specified at a range of weights when you order — the team will help match the right weight and finish to your job. Grouped conceptually: coated, then uncoated, then natural.
Gloss coated
A smooth, glassy coating on both sides keeps ink on the surface — colours stay vibrant and contrasts stay sharp. Best for image-led covers; large blocks of body text can suffer under bright lighting glare. Pair with gloss lamination to push the shine further.
Silk coated
A softer sheen than full gloss — vibrant colour without the glare. Equally good for image-driven and text-driven work, which makes it the default for most corporate folders and the safest all-rounder if you're undecided.
Uncoated
Ink absorbs into the fibre for a natural, matte finish — closer to writing paper than a magazine cover. Softens colours into an editorial, understated look. Done in a heavier weight and creased before folding, an uncoated folder feels considered and premium — particularly for professional services, legal and design-led brands.
Premium uncoated
Smoother and denser than standard uncoated, with a heavier weight that feels noticeably more substantial in the hand. The kind of finish you'd expect from a high-end brochure or luxury stationery — communicates quality through texture and weight rather than visual punch.
Recycled
Post-consumer waste paper, available in a range of weights and finishes so you don't compromise on quality to make the sustainable choice. A visible signal of environmental responsibility — useful in tenders, B Corp contexts and any sector where sustainability credentials carry weight.
Kraft
Unbleached wood pulp gives kraft its distinctive brown colour and slightly fibrous texture — tough, tear-resistant, visually unmistakable. Suits food & drink, lifestyle and independent brands. Designs that lean in (white ink, foiling, bold blocks) outperform those fighting the brown base.
Laminates, foils, spot UV and other surface finishes sit separately — see what we offer on the finishing options page.
Feel the paper
before you commit
Tell us what the folders are for, the look you're after, and your budget — we'll recommend the right stock and weight. Samples available on request.