Magazine Paper Types – Choosing the Best Paper for Your Magazine

Magazines are commonly printed on coated or uncoated paper, with the best choice depending on the publication’s design, photography, readership, budget and desired look and feel.

Gloss and silk coated papers are often used where strong colour reproduction and sharp images are important, while uncoated papers provide a more natural, tactile appearance. Recycled and other sustainably sourced papers can also be used depending on the specification.

Paper type should be considered separately from paper weight. The type of paper affects characteristics such as surface, appearance and print reproduction, while GSM describes its weight in grams per square metre.

Magazine Paper Types at a Glance

There is no single paper type that is best for every magazine. The right choice depends on how the publication should look and feel, how it will be printed and bound, and how it will be distributed.

Gloss Paper for Magazine Printing

Gloss paper is a coated paper with a smooth, reflective surface. The coating helps printed colours and images appear sharp and vibrant, making gloss a popular choice for magazines where photography and visual impact are important.

Gloss paper can work particularly well for consumer magazines, product-led publications, travel titles, photography-heavy magazines and promotional publications.

The reflective surface is less suitable where easy reading of long passages of text is the main priority, particularly under strong lighting. For publications combining substantial editorial text with photography, a less reflective silk-coated paper may be preferable.

What are the advantages of gloss paper for magazines?

• Strong colour reproduction
• Sharp photographic images
• Smooth, polished appearance
• Good resistance to handling and marking compared with some uncoated papers
• Suitable for publications where visual impact is important

What are the disadvantages of gloss magazine paper?

Gloss paper can create reflections under bright lighting and may not suit every editorial design. It can also produce a very different aesthetic from the softer, more tactile appearance of an uncoated stock.

The choice should therefore be based on the magazine’s design and readership rather than assuming that a glossy finish automatically means higher quality.

Silk and Matt Paper for Magazine Printing

Silk and matt papers are coated stocks that provide a smoother, less reflective surface than gloss paper. They offer strong colour and image reproduction while reducing glare, making them a popular choice for magazines that combine photography, graphics and substantial editorial content.

In UK magazine printing, silk coated paper is one of the most commonly specified options because it provides a balance between image reproduction, readability and a high-quality feel.

Silk or matt coated stocks can work particularly well for membership magazines, trade publications, corporate magazines, lifestyle titles and general consumer publications.

What are the advantages of silk paper for magazines?

• Strong image and colour reproduction
• Less reflective than gloss paper
• Comfortable for reading longer editorial content
• Smooth, high-quality surface
• Suitable for a wide range of magazine designs

Is silk paper the same as matt paper?

The terms silk and matt are sometimes used loosely, but they should not always be assumed to describe exactly the same paper. Different mills and paper ranges can have different surface characteristics even when stocks are marketed as silk, satin or matt.

Publishers should therefore compare the actual paper specification and physical samples rather than choosing solely by the name of the finish.

Gloss vs silk paper for magazines

Choose gloss where maximum shine and visual impact are important. Choose silk where you want strong image reproduction but prefer a less reflective surface and easier readability.

Neither is inherently better quality; the best choice depends on the design and purpose of the magazine.

We can send publishers physical paper samples so that gloss, silk, matt and uncoated stocks can be compared before the final specification is chosen.

Uncoated Paper for Magazine Printing

Uncoated paper does not have the smooth surface coating applied to gloss, silk or other coated magazine papers. This leaves more of the natural texture of the paper visible and gives the finished publication a softer, more tactile appearance.

Uncoated stocks are often chosen for independent magazines, literary publications, lifestyle titles, arts and cultural magazines, journals and design-led publications where the feel of the paper forms part of the character of the magazine.

Because the surface is more absorbent than coated paper, ink behaves differently on uncoated stock. Colours and photographs can appear softer and less glossy, which may be exactly the effect the designer wants rather than a reduction in print quality.

What are the advantages of uncoated paper for magazines?

• Natural and tactile appearance
• Low-glare surface
• Comfortable for text-heavy publications
• Distinctive look and feel
• Well suited to publications seeking a less commercial or highly polished aesthetic

What are the disadvantages of uncoated magazine paper?

Uncoated paper generally does not reproduce images with the same surface sharpness and colour intensity as a coated gloss or silk stock. It can also require careful consideration of ink coverage and design because the paper absorbs ink differently.

This does not make uncoated paper inferior. It simply produces a different result and should be selected when that appearance suits the publication.

Is matt paper the same as uncoated paper?

No. Matt and uncoated do not necessarily mean the same thing.

A matt paper can still be a coated paper with a low-sheen surface, whereas uncoated paper has no surface coating. This distinction affects the way the paper feels and how ink and images reproduce.

If you are unsure which finish is appropriate, comparing physical samples is the easiest way to see the difference.

Recycled and Sustainable Paper for Magazines

Publishers looking to reduce the environmental impact of their magazines can choose from a range of recycled and responsibly sourced papers. The appropriate choice depends on the required appearance, print performance, availability, budget and the environmental objectives of the publication.

Recycled magazine papers are available with different levels of recycled fibre content and in a variety of coated and uncoated finishes. Using recycled fibre does not automatically mean accepting poor print quality; modern recycled papers can produce high-quality results when matched correctly to the design and printing process.

Is recycled paper good for magazine printing?

Yes. Recycled paper can be suitable for many types of magazines, including image-led and editorial publications. The result depends on the particular paper rather than simply whether it contains recycled fibre.

Publishers should consider factors such as whiteness, opacity, surface, bulk, recycled content and print characteristics when comparing stocks.

What does FSC-certified paper mean?

FSC certification provides assurance that forest-based materials used in a product come from FSC-certified forests, recycled material and/or other controlled sources within the FSC system.

FSC certification and recycled content are not the same thing. A paper can carry FSC certification without being made entirely from recycled fibre, while recycled papers can contain varying percentages of recovered fibre.

That distinction is useful because people often conflate FSC = recycled, which isn’t correct.

Can you recommend sustainable magazine papers?

Yes. We can discuss recycled and responsibly sourced paper options alongside the magazine’s print specification, budget and required look and feel.

Where appropriate, we can also provide physical samples so publishers can compare the appearance and feel of different paper options before making a decision.

Lightweight Coated Paper (LWC) for Magazines

Lightweight coated paper, usually referred to as LWC, is a lightweight paper with a coated printing surface. It is commonly associated with higher-volume publications where publishers want good image reproduction while controlling the overall weight and paper consumption of the magazine.

LWC can be particularly useful for higher-pagination magazines, catalogues and larger-circulation publications, where using a heavier coated stock throughout could significantly increase the finished weight.

What are the advantages of LWC for magazine printing?

• Lower finished weight than heavier coated stocks
• Suitable for publications with higher page counts
• Coated surface for good image reproduction
• Can help control paper and distribution weight
• Well suited to efficient high-volume production

Is LWC suitable for every magazine?

No. LWC has different characteristics from heavier coated and uncoated papers, and the correct choice depends on the publication’s design, pagination, print process, circulation and desired feel.

Publishers producing a premium, low-page-count magazine may prefer a more substantial stock, while a high-pagination publication mailed in large quantities may benefit considerably from a lighter paper.

What are LWC, MWC and wood-free papers?

LWC, MWC and wood-free describe different categories and characteristics of printing paper. The terminology can become technical, particularly when comparing paper manufacturing methods and grades.

We explain these terms in more detail in our guide to magazine printing paper stocks.

Coated vs Uncoated Paper for Magazines

The main difference between coated and uncoated magazine paper is the surface. Coated papers have a coating that creates a smoother printing surface, while uncoated papers retain more of the natural texture and absorbency of the paper fibres.

Neither is automatically better. The choice depends on the appearance, photography, editorial content and tactile character you want for the magazine.

Should I choose coated or uncoated paper for my magazine?

Choose a coated paper when sharp photography, strong colour reproduction and a smooth surface are important. Silk-coated stocks can provide these benefits without the high level of reflection associated with gloss.

Choose uncoated paper where a more natural, tactile appearance is part of the publication’s design or where the magazine contains substantial editorial content and a low-glare surface is desirable.

For some magazines, the most effective specification can combine different paper types — for example, a coated cover with uncoated inside pages.

Can I use different paper for the cover and inside pages?

Yes. A magazine can use a heavier or different paper for the cover while using another stock for the inside pages. This allows publishers to create contrast in appearance and feel while also controlling the overall weight and cost of the publication.

Alternatively, a self-cover magazine uses the same paper throughout.

For guidance on choosing the appropriate GSM for covers, inside pages and self-cover magazines, see our magazine paper weight guide.

How to Choose the Right Paper for Your Magazine

Choosing magazine paper is not simply a choice between gloss, silk and uncoated stock. The paper should be considered alongside the design, page count, binding, distribution method, postage and budget.

1. Decide how you want the magazine to look and feel

Start with the character of the publication. A photography-led consumer magazine may suit a coated paper, while an independent or literary title may deliberately choose an uncoated stock for a more natural and tactile appearance.

2. Consider photography and colour reproduction

If the magazine relies heavily on photography, illustrations or strong colours, consider how the paper surface will affect reproduction. Gloss and silk coated stocks generally produce a different result from more absorbent uncoated papers.

3. Consider page count and finished weight

Paper choice affects the weight and thickness of the finished magazine. This becomes increasingly important as page count rises, particularly for magazines mailed directly to subscribers or members.

The paper type and GSM should therefore be considered together rather than independently.

4. Consider the binding method

Paper thickness, surface and page count can influence how the finished publication binds and handles. The proposed paper should therefore be checked against the binding method before the specification is finalised.

5. Consider postage and distribution

For subscription and membership publications, the finished magazine weight can affect postage costs. Choosing a paper purely for appearance without considering the complete mailing specification can create unnecessary distribution costs.

6. Compare physical paper samples

Paper is a physical product, and specifications on a screen cannot fully communicate how a stock looks and feels.

We can send publishers physical paper samples so that gloss, silk, matt, uncoated, recycled and other suitable stocks can be compared before the final specification is chosen.

Magazine Paper Types FAQs

What is the best paper for printing a magazine?

There is no single best paper for every magazine. Silk coated paper is a common choice because it combines good image reproduction with relatively low glare, while gloss can suit highly visual publications and uncoated paper can provide a more natural, tactile appearance. The best choice depends on the magazine’s design, content, page count, binding and distribution.

What type of paper are magazines usually printed on?

Magazines are commonly printed on coated papers such as silk or gloss, or on uncoated paper. Lightweight coated papers such as LWC are also used for some higher-pagination and larger-circulation publications.

Is gloss or silk better for a magazine?

Neither is inherently better. Gloss provides a shinier surface and strong visual impact, while silk provides good image reproduction with less reflection. Silk is often preferred for magazines combining photography with substantial editorial content.

Is uncoated paper suitable for magazines?

Yes. Uncoated paper is widely used for independent, literary, arts, lifestyle and design-led magazines. It provides a natural, tactile appearance and low-glare reading surface, although images reproduce differently from coated paper.

What is the difference between matt and uncoated paper?

Matt paper can still be a coated stock with a low-sheen surface, while uncoated paper has no surface coating. They therefore behave differently when printed and have different surface characteristics.

Can magazines be printed on recycled paper?

Yes. Magazines can be printed on recycled papers with different levels of recycled fibre content and a range of finishes. The appropriate stock depends on the required appearance, print performance, availability and budget.

What is LWC paper?

LWC stands for lightweight coated paper. It combines a relatively low paper weight with a coated printing surface and is often considered for higher-pagination or larger-circulation publications where controlling finished weight is important.

Can you send magazine paper samples?

Yes. We can send publishers physical paper samples so that different paper types, finishes and weights can be compared before the final magazine specification is agreed.

Why Ask Cliffe Enterprise About Magazine Paper?

Magazine printing experience since 1991

Cliffe Enterprise has worked with magazine publishers since 1991. We help publishers choose paper as part of the complete magazine specification rather than considering paper type in isolation.

Independent paper recommendations

The right paper depends on the publication, not simply on which stock is most expensive or has the highest GSM. We can compare coated, uncoated, recycled and lightweight papers according to the design, pagination, binding, distribution and budget of the magazine.

Physical paper samples

We can send physical paper samples so publishers can compare different stocks, finishes and weights before committing to a specification. This is particularly useful when comparing papers that appear similar on a technical data sheet but feel noticeably different when handled.

Printing, paper and postage considered together

Paper choice affects more than appearance. It can influence the finished weight, thickness, binding and postage requirements of a magazine. We can assess these factors together before production begins.

Need Help Choosing Paper for Your Magazine?

Tell us your magazine size, page count, binding, circulation and how the publication will be distributed. We can recommend suitable paper options and send you physical samples to compare.

If you already have an existing magazine, we can also review its current paper specification and discuss alternatives where appropriate.

Magazine specialists since 1991 | Physical paper samples available | Printing, mailing and distribution managed through one team