Some prints burst with vivid color, while others have a softer, more organic feel. Getting the look you want comes down to one often-overlooked factor: the paper's surface treatment.

Coated paper has a sealed surface that makes colors bright and sharp. Uncoated paper absorbs ink naturally, creating softer tones. Both have their place in fine art printing.

Here's what you need to know about coated vs. uncoated paper.

Coated vs. Uncoated Paper Quick Decision Guide

• Bright, sharp images → Choose coated
• Natural, soft appearance → Choose uncoated
• Heavy color coverage → Choose coated
• Text-heavy projects → Choose uncoated
• Writing surface needed → Choose uncoated

How Paper Coatings Actually Work

Coated paper is like sealed decking planks versus uncoated paper's untreated lumber.

Coated paper gets a thin layer of clay, polymers, or other materials applied during manufacturing. This coating fills in the paper's natural texture and creates a barrier. When giclée printers drop microscopic dots of ink onto the paper, they sit on top instead of soaking in.

Uncoated paper stays in its natural state. The paper fibers remain exposed and porous. Ink penetrates the surface and spreads slightly as it absorbs.

This fundamental difference drives everything else about how these papers perform.

Understanding Paper Stock Basics

When printing companies discuss paper options, they're talking about the foundation of your project. Paper stock refers to the actual material your artwork gets printed on. Coated paper stock features that extra surface layer we mentioned. Uncoated paper stock remains in its natural state.

Fine art paper brands make both types in various weights and finishes to match different needs. Not all coated paper is glossy!

Ink Absorption Changes Everything

Coated Paper: Ink Stays Put

Coated surfaces prevent ink from sinking deep into the paper. The coating acts like a dam, keeping ink pooled on the surface in precise dots.

Results you'll see:

• Sharp edges on text and images
• Consistent color density
• Higher contrast between printed areas and white space
• Colors that match your monitor more closely

Uncoated Paper: Ink Spreads Naturally

Uncoated paper welcomes ink into its fibers. This creates a different printing behavior entirely.

What happens:

• Ink spreads slightly as it absorbs
• Colors become softer and more muted
• Edges appear less sharp
• The paper's natural texture shows through

Neither approach is "better." They're different tools for different results.

How Ink Absorption Affects Your Project

The way paper absorbs ink determines your final print quality. Coated papers resist absorption, keeping ink on the surface for maximum sharpness. Uncoated papers absorb more ink, creating that softer appearance many artists prefer.

This difference affects everything from color vibrancy to drying time. Projects with heavy ink coverage usually work better on coated stocks, which dry faster. Text-heavy documents often look better on uncoated sheets, since any kind of gloss can make text difficult to read.

Color Vibrancy: Bright vs. Natural

Coated Paper Delivers Maximum Pop

When you need colors that grab attention, coated paper wins. The sealed surface reflects light uniformly and keeps ink concentrated on the surface, making colors appear more saturated.

Professional artists often choose coated papers for:

• Gallery prints with high visual impact
• Marketing materials that need to stand out
• Artwork with fine details and gradients

Uncoated Paper Creates Sophisticated Subtlety

Uncoated surfaces produce colors that feel more natural and organic. The paper's texture scatters light, creating a softer appearance.

This works beautifully for:

• Fine art reproductions with painterly qualities
• Vintage or historical artwork
• Pieces where elegance matters more than pop

Texture Differences You Can Feel

Coated Paper: Smooth and Sleek

Most coated papers feel smooth to the touch. The coating creates an even surface that's satisfying to handle.

That said, not all coated papers are smooth. Hahnemühle's popular William Turner paper, for example, is textured like watercolor paper, yet has an inkjet coating for high print quality.

Popular finishes include:

• Gloss: Maximum shine and color saturation
• Silk/Light Gloss: Subtle texture with reduced glare (both paper and ink look slightly glossy)
• Satin/Luster/Pearl: Balanced between gloss and matte (paper looks matte, ink looks slightly glossy)
• Matte: Not glossy at all

Uncoated Paper: Natural Character

Uncoated papers showcase the natural texture of their fibers. This creates a more tactile, organic feel.

Popular textures include:

• Smooth: Minimal texture, easy to write on
• Laid: Subtle linear pattern resembling handmade paper
• Linen: Crosshatch texture like fabric
• Rough: Pronounced texture for artistic effects

The texture choice affects how ink sits on the surface and how the final print feels in your hands. Smooth surfaces give you the sharpest images and most even ink coverage. Rough texture adds character but can make fine details less precise.

Application Guide: When to Use Each Type

Choose Coated Paper When You Need:

Maximum Color Impact: Marketing materials, product catalogs, and vibrant photography benefit from coated surfaces. The enhanced color reproduction makes images more compelling.

Sharp Detail Reproduction: Fine art with intricate details, architectural photography, and technical illustrations usually print better on coated papers. Every line stays crisp.

Consistent Color Matching: When colors must match specific requirements (brand colors, product shots), coated papers provide more predictable results.

Professional Marketing Materials: Business brochures, sales sheets, and presentation materials often look more polished on coated stock. Think magazines—the gloss-coated paper makes images feel more prestigious.

Choose Uncoated Paper When You Want:

Natural, Organic Appearance: Fine art prints, vintage reproductions, and artwork with painterly qualities often look better with the softer color reproduction of uncoated papers.

Writeable Surface: Stationery, forms, certificates, and any material requiring handwriting work better on uncoated surfaces. If you've ever tried to use a pen on glossy photo paper, you know why.

Sophisticated Elegance: High-end invitations, business cards, and luxury packaging often use uncoated papers for their refined appearance. Uncoated papers also give promotional materials a more personal, trustworthy feel.

Reduced Glare: Text-heavy documents, books, and reading materials benefit from uncoated surfaces that don't reflect light. Art that's intended to go behind glass also benefits from reduced glare.

Foil Stamping and Special Effects

Foil stamping works on both paper types but creates different effects. Coated papers give foil stamping a modern, high-shine look. Uncoated papers provide nice contrast between the foil and the natural paper texture.

Understanding Paper Cutting and Handling

Paper cutting behavior differs between coated and uncoated stocks. Coated papers cut cleanly with sharp edges. The coating helps prevent tearing during the cutting process.

However, because of the nature of paper coating, folding a coated paper can cause something called "cracking." The ink coverage breaks along the fold, causing the paper to show through.

Uncoated papers can be trickier to cut precisely. The natural fibers sometimes tear slightly, especially with heavy coverage areas. Professional printing companies use sharp blades and proper techniques to minimize this.

Finishing Techniques: UV Coatings and Special Effects

UV Coating Applications

UV coatings add protection and visual impact to printed materials. They work differently on each paper type.

On coated papers, UV coatings create extra shine and protection. The smooth surface accepts the coating evenly for consistent results.

On uncoated papers, UV coatings can create interesting contrast effects. The coating fills in some texture while leaving other areas natural.

If you're using paper with OBAs, UV coatings are counterproductive.

Additional Finishing Options

Beyond UV coatings, both paper types accept various finishing techniques:

Coated papers excel at:

• Spot varnishing for selective shine
• Embossing for raised effects
• Lamination for maximum protection

Uncoated papers work well for:

• Letterpress printing
• Embossing with dramatic contrast
• Foil stamping with textural interest

Working with Professional Printing Companies: What to Ask Your Printer

When discussing your next print project with printing companies, ask about:

• Available paper options in your budget
• Recommended coated vs. uncoated for your specific images
• Sample sheets to feel the difference
• How different papers affect final costs

Always request samples before committing to large print runs. Print a portion of your artwork on both coated and uncoated options to see the actual difference.

Cost and Practical Considerations

Coated papers typically cost more due to their manufacturing process. The coating materials and additional processing steps add to the base price.

However, you might save money in other ways:

• Less ink absorption can reduce ink costs
• Lighter-weight coated papers may match the opacity of heavier uncoated papers
• Reduced need for protective coatings

Environmental Impact

Uncoated papers generally have a lower environmental footprint. They require fewer chemicals during manufacturing and can be recycled more easily.

Many uncoated papers also come from sustainably managed forests with FSC certification. This matters for artists and businesses prioritizing environmental responsibility.

Coated papers have improved their environmental profile over the years, but they still require more processing and energy to produce.

Will You Use Coated or Uncoated Paper?

Coated and uncoated papers each have their strengths. Coated papers excel at vibrant color reproduction and sharp and crisp images. Uncoated papers provide natural beauty and practical functionality.

The choice isn't about which is better. It's about which is well-suited for your specific project. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions that make your work look its best.