When it comes to creating impactful printed materials, the quality of paper is a huge factor.
Among the attributes defining paper quality is opacity, which is especially important for double-sided printing. If you want to print double-sided, your paper needs to be sufficiently opaque.
However, this doesn’t necessarily automatically mean choosing a heavier paper.
Read on to learn more about paper opacity and why it matters.
Opacity Meaning: More Than Meets the Eye
So, what exactly does opacity mean in the context of paper? Simply put, it measures how much light passes through a sheet of paper. The higher the opacity, the less light shines through.
This is specifically important when printing on both sides of the paper, as high opacity prevents the text or images on one side from showing through to the other.
Double-sided printing has become the norm as it saves paper. Ensure your double-sided printed assets are readable by choosing high-quality, high-opacity paper.
Why Opacity Matters
Opacity is an important characteristic of paper, particularly in professional settings where clarity and presentation are paramount.
Documents, presentations, brochures, and creative projects can all benefit from using premium paper with high opacity. It ensures that the text remains legible and the images vibrant, regardless of your viewing side.
In addition to enhancing the aesthetic quality of printed materials, high-opacity paper also contributes to their durability and longevity. It resists bleed-through, which improves the appearance of printed materials and protects the integrity of the content on each side.
The Misconception About GSM and Thickness
A common misconception is equating GSM (grams per square meter) or the thickness of the paper with its opacity.
While it’s true that thicker paper can sometimes be more opaque, this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
Paper opacity is more about the paper’s composition and the manufacturing process than just its weight or thickness. This is where premium paper distinguishes itself.
The Premium Paper Difference
Whether you’re producing marketing materials, reports, or any double-sided documents, the right paper can make all the difference.
Premium paper is engineered for high-quality printing, which extends to opacity.
High-quality papers offer superior opacity without necessarily increasing their weight or thickness.
This makes them ideal for double-sided printing, ensuring that each side retains its clarity and impact without interference from the other side.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the importance of paper opacity is essential for anyone looking to produce high-quality, double-sided printed materials.
With its superior opacity, premium paper is the go-to choice for quality printing projects, particularly when double-sided printing is involved.
To learn more about paper types, contact Springfield Papers to learn more.