Paper

Paper Options Available at FastPrint

We Often Get Questions About Paper - Here's A Breakdown

In the print industry, paper stock plays a crucial role in the quality, appearance, and functionality of printed materials. At a university print shop like FastPrint, understanding the different types of paper stock and their best uses can help ensure the right choice for each project.

Rule of Thumb:  The more “lb’s” to a weight, the heavier the paper is.  For Example:  20 lb is light and thin, while 120 lb is heavier and thick. 

Sustainability

FastPrint also strives to make environmentally responsible choices whenever possible. Our standard paper selections are chosen with sustainability in mind and often include stocks that feature:

  • Postconsumer recycled fiber, reducing waste and supporting the reuse of materials.
  • Processed chlorine free (PCF) manufacturing, which avoids the use of harmful bleaching agents.
  • Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) Certified Sourcing, which ensures that the fiber used in our paper products comes from responsible and legal forest management practices.
  • FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certification, which verifies that the paper originates from forests managed to preserve biodiversity, benefit local communities, and sustain economic viability.
  • Green Seal® Certified, meeting rigorous environmental and performance standards for manufacturing, energy use, and waste reduction.
  • Acid-free paper, which prevents yellowing and deterioration over time for long-lasting prints.
  • Made in the USA or North America, supporting domestic manufacturing and reducing the environmental footprint associated with international shipping.

Paper Quick Links

Bond Paper (Black & White Copy Paper)

  • Description
    • Durable and commonly used for everyday printing. 
  • Weight
    •  20 lb
  • Best Uses
    • Documents
    • Forms
    • Handouts
    • Reports
    • Tests
  • Primarily Used for Printing In
    • Black & White
  • Colors
    • Blue
    • Canary
    • Green
    • Orchid
    • Pink
    • White

Text Weight Paper (Color Copy Paper)

  • Description
    • A higher-quality paper than bond, often used for more formal or professional documents.
  • Weight
    • Ranges from 28 lb to 100 lb.
  • Best Uses
    • Booklets
    • Brochures
    • Flyers
    • Handbills
  • Primarily Used for Printing In
    • Color
  • Finish
    • Smooth Digital Color Copy Paper
    • Coated Matte
    • Coated Gloss
    • Uncoated (Brighter White)

Cover Weight Paper (Cardstock)

  • Description
    • Thick and stiff paper, ideal for covers and items requiring durability.
  • Weight
    • Typically 65 lb to 120 lb.
  • Best Uses
    • Book Covers
    • Business Cards
    • Greeting Cards
    • Postcards
  • Primarily Used for Printing In
    • Color
    • Black & White
  • Finish
    • Coated Matte (White)
    • Coated Gloss (White)
    • Uncoated (Brighter White)
    • Uncoated Index (Colored Paper)
  • Colors
    • Blue
    • Canary
    • Green
    • Lunar Blue
    • Orchid
    • Pink
    • Pulsar Pink
    • Solar Yellow
    • Terra Green
    • White

Glossy Paper

  • Description
    • Coated paper with a shiny finish that enhances color and detail.
  • Weight
    • Varies widely, often 80 lb to 100 lb text or cover.
  • Best Uses
    • Magazines
    • Photo Prints
    • Promotional Materials
  • Primarily Used for Printing In
    • Color

Matte Paper

  • Description
    • Coated paper with a non-glossy finish, offering a smooth and professional look.
  • Weight
    • Varies widely, often 80 lb to 100 lb text or cover.
  • Best Uses
    • Greeting Cards
    • High-End Brochures and Booklets
    • Professional Presentations
    • Postcards
  • Primarily Used for Printing In
    • Color

Uncoated Paper

  • Description
    • Uncoated paper with a true white shade with a smooth finish that enhances sharpness, color, and detail.
  • Weight
    • Varies widely, often 70 lb to 100 lb text or cover.
  • Best Uses
    • Art Prints
    • Business Cards 
    • Certificates
    • Invitations
    • Office Name Plates
    • Museum Cards
    • Stationary
  • Primarily Used for Printing In
    • Color

Specialty Paper

We work with a variety of paper vendors and have access to other specialty papers on request.  If you have a desired paper type or color that you do not see here, please specify it in your Estimate or Order and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.  Please know that specialty papers will require additional lead time, as well as additional costs, and will be billed accordingly.