Introduction
Paper is at the heart of book printing and impacts your design's overall look and feel. Our Instant Quote Calculator will only display the most suitable options depending on your print specifications. Our professional paper types have been selected for their exceptional properties in brightness, colour, texture, weight, opacity, and overall print quality.
Book Sizing
A book’s size is a subtle way of helping readers understand the kind of book you’ve created. Consider your book’s genre, market expectations, cost per copy, design, and distribution strategy when choosing what size to print. Although there are some common sizes for each product, you can select from a wide range of specifications and choose custom sizing (subject to availability).
| Popular Products | Common Sizes |
| Paperback & Hardcover Books |
A4 (210 mm x 297 mm) Square (210 mm x 210 mm) US Royal (152 mm x 229 mm) |
| Comic Books | US Standard (170 mm x 260 mm) |
| Catalogues & Magazines |
A4 A5 (148 mm x 210 mm) |
What is paper weight?
Paper weight is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). The density and thickness of paper fibres influence a paper’s weight. For example, a 100gsm paper weight refers to the weight of the ream of paper in its uncut size before it’s trimmed and ready for use. It’s important to note that selecting heavier paper weights can increase shipping costs and a book’s durability. However, they’re ideal for books that will be frequently handled or require a high-end feel.
Text Paper vs Cover Paper
Text paper refers to the paper used to create inner pages, while cover paper refers to the paper used to make covers. You can choose your inner paper weight and cover paper weight on our Instant Quote Calculator by clicking the ‘Add Cover (+ 4 Printed Pages)’ option. Books, including staple or wire-bound books, without a cover will have the same paper weight as the inner pages, known as a self-cover.
TEXT PAPER WEIGHTS
| Weight | Description |
| 115gsm | Lightweight with some transparency |
| 170gsm | Moderate flexibility with minimal transparency |
| 200gsm | Sturdy and durable with minimal to no transparency |
COVER PAPER WEIGHTS
| Weight | Description |
| 170gsm | Lightweight yet firm with some transparency |
| 200gsm | Durable with some transparency |
| 250gsm | Thick with some bend resistance and transparency |
| 300gsm | Robust with low flexibility and no transparency |
What paper types does Mixam offer?
| Type | Description | Uses |
| Silk | • Coating creates a smooth texture and subtle sheen • Enhances the brightness and clarity of printed colours • Ensures sharp, well-defined prints • Excellent for readability |
For text and image-based content: • Booklets • Catalogues • Magazines |
| Gloss | • Ultra-smooth coated paper • High shine finish • Enhances the vividness of printed colours |
For image-heavy and photographic work: • Art Books • Photo Books • Photography Books |
| Uncoated | • Soft-textured paper with no coating • Natural-looking and highly absorbent • Gives printed colours a muted, understated appearance |
Items that prioritise texture, readability or intended to be written or drawn on: • Activity Books • Comic Books • Workbooks |
| Recycled Uncoated | • Eco-friendly option • High ink absorbency • Made from 100% recycled fibres • Offers a natural, organic look • High opacity with a white hue |
Items that prioritise sustainability: • Colouring Books • Zines |
| Recycled Silk | • Made from 100% recycled fibres • White hue with a slight shine • High-quality printing results • Ideal for budget-conscious and eco-friendly projects • Natural, clean appearance |
For eco-friendly projects with a rustic look: • Children's Books |
| Recycled Natural | • Made from high-quality recycled materials • Smooth texture with visible fibres for added character • Off-white colour ideal for a rustic, natural appearance • Perfect for eco-conscious projects |
Ideal for eco-friendly projects with a natural, textured look: • Cookbooks |
Note: Paper is a natural material supplied in batches and occasionally bought from different manufacturers, so its appearance and weight may vary slightly (up to 10gsm, heavier or lighter).
What is lamination in printing?
A lamination is a clear plastic coating applied to a printed surface to protect the covers by minimising the effects of general wear and tear, marking, ink transferral, smudging, creasing, fading, wrinkling, abrasion, and tearing. It differs from a finish, which refers to surface treatments like matte or gloss that enhance the appearance or texture of a printed item. Please note that we cannot add lamination to inner pages or covers made from uncoated and recycled paper stocks.
| Type | Description | Uses |
| None | • Your covers will have no lamination • Selected for artistic or practical reasons (e.g. you want to achieve a rustic look, make the covers suitable for writing or drawing, or ensure they are recyclable) |
• Colouring Books • Zines |
| Matt | • Offers a smooth, glare-free finish • Provides a soft, natural texture • Often paired with silk paper • Mutes printed colours slightly for an understated look • Provides a lower colour contrast than gloss |
• Booklets • Catalogues |
| Gloss | • Gives covers an ultra-smooth finish with a high shine • Enhances the vividness and contrast of printed colours • Perfect for graphic-heavy projects • If paired with gloss paper, colours become even brighter, with an intense, eye-catching sheen |
• Magazines • Art Books • Photography Books |
| Soft-Touch | • Creates a smooth and velvety texture • Offers a matt, shine-free finish • Mutes printed colours |
• Yearbooks • Wedding Books |
Now that you know how to customise your prints, you can start Comparing Your Print Options.