Brochure/Flyer paper?

[Noted]

I'm trying to print a brochure or leaflet using my inkjet printer but I can never seem to find the right paper.

Flyers always seem to be on this sort of laminate semi-gloss paper which has a smooth surface. However when I buy any type of semi-gloss or gloss paper it seems to have a non-smooth surface and makes that horrible squeaking sound when you run your fingers across it. It just doesnt feel right holding it.

Does anyone know what paper I should be looking for?

[Broacher]

This is for proofing, right? Are you looking for best colour matching, sharpness-- or what?

[Noted]

No this is for a university project. I'm trying to get the right paper which makes it look/feel like a flyer.

[Craig B]

Can you not take it somewhere and get it printed digitally ... then just ask the printer what stock they have, and pick the one you think is closest to what you need.

[Noted]

I could but I'd rather do it myself and not spend money on getting it done pro. I've always wanted to know what paper is used for them anyway.

[DesignVHL]

What printer are you using? Paper is often dependent upon your printer - papers all print differently for each printer. I've had good luck with HP Glossy brochure/flyer paper (tho it DOES leave some print head streakies, and is squeaky when you run your thumb over it). Nothing will print perfectly - thats why professional printers exist!

I'm going to second printing digitally if its a quantity 200+. If it is less than 200 its fine to do on your inkjet if your happy with the final quality.

[Noted]

I'm only doing 1 or 2. It's just for my portfolio. Thats the problem DesignVHL, I don't want the squeaky feeling of the paper. I want the smooth stuff you get for real flyers.

My printer is pretty good.. its an A3+ Epson Stylus Photo 1400 using dye inks.

[Craig B]

There is no single "brochure" paper stock.

Even though different stocks might not be right for an ink jet do you have a paper house somewhere near you that you can visit? I know when I was in university there were a few paper houses that were very accommodating to design students and were more than willing with you to walk out with 50 or so sample sheets form their store room.

[DesignVHL]

Ok cool..well, as long as any solid areas of color don't look 'funny' you should be just fine. I assume you will be mounting this on black board for showing?

I'd start off first by checking out all the Epson papers...as their papers WILL print the best for your needs. However, I've used the HP Brochure paper for my Canon inkjet, with somewhat decent results. But all glossy paper I think is going to give you the squeekers...

Do a search in google for "inkjet glossy brochure paper" and see what comes up...i came up w/ a few interesting links....really its just trial and error...keep at it till you find something that works for you....and let us know! :)

[DesignVHL]

I have to agree with craig also...there is no standard paper. But I do think that you should hit up a local printer - see if they have something like 80# glossy text weight papers (perfect for brochures). I'd also see if they may have some samples of SATIN papers (its kinda a half glossy, half matte - I love love love it)...it may work great in your printer.

[Broacher]

I think the act of trying to match real print stock to a student flyer design on an inkjet would say to me, as a portfolio reviewer-- well, I just don't know what you are trying to say with that move. That the piece was printed when it actually wasn't? I wouldn't count on that, or even put much value in trying. Typically, you'll see colours come off a good inkjet/paper combo that you just can't match in offset. Likewise for screens and details. It's pretty easy to spot.

I'd be more interested in your actual design and NOT concerned how faithfully you recreated a printed version. I think most reviewers would be too-- especially given you're a student. And in almost any case, a good quality colour laser print is cheaper than the consumable costs of an inkjet/premium paper combo.

Or is there some other reason why it has to look 'printed'?

[jmacleve]

I think you need to worry about what works best with your printer.

My experience with a gloss stock in an inkjet is that it takes forever to dry (if it ever really does) and streaks easily. You really would be better off with the paper made by your inkjet printer. Or sending it to a print shop that has true digital offset and is used to very small runs, if you have to have "real" paper.

[Spunky Nerd]

I have to agree with craig also...there is no standard paper. But I do think that you should hit up a local printer - see if they have something like 80# glossy text weight papers (perfect for brochures). I'd also see if they may have some samples of SATIN papers (its kinda a half glossy, half matte - I love love love it)...it may work great in your printer.

80# gloss text would work very well for what you are trying to do although I think most are laser only. If you are wanting a gloss paper the best thing to do would be get them printed digitaly. Even somewhere like kinkos or office max can do that for you with out screwing it up.. The cost for one or two flier would be a couple bucks... I would definitely recommend going with a 100# silk paper... Go to an officemax ImPress department and tell them to get that and print double sided on one of their laser printers, and ask for a UPS price match (39 cent color copies per side... )

[PrintPharmacist]

I am with Broacher...

I think you may end up hurting your design by attempting something of that caliber.

To get the quality I think you speak of, it would most definitely have to be taken offset or digitally. Some lasers may handle "ok", but I being in print I can tell a HUGE difference in quality.