Magazines still hold our attention in a way digital media can’t match. From the tactile sensation of turning the first page, to the quiet sense of quality that emanates from the weight and texture of the paper – the printed experience can reach customers on a much more personal level.
But what makes magazine paper so special? And how can you achieve the same results for your next print project? Magazine paper is engineered to replicate visuals and text with stunning detail, making it a great choice for showcasing your brand or products to potential new customers. In this article we’ll dive into the differences between magazine paper and regular paper stock, as well as how to create a truly captivating magazine.
Can You Print Magazine Paper on a Regular Printer?
Most standard home or office printers aren’t designed to work with the specialized paper used in magazine printing. High-volume magazines use thinner paper to reduce bulk and save money on shipping costs, while targeted magazines with smaller circulations tend to use thicker, heavier paper stock for a more prestigious feel. In both cases, an even stronger paper stock is often used for the magazine’s cover, which not only looks brilliant but helps to protect the more delicate inside pages.
Regular printer paper is designed for slower, more everyday printing tasks like documents or flyers. It’s thinner and more absorbent, leading to ink bleed and less vibrant visuals. Magazine paper, on the other hand, tends to have several key characteristics:
- Coating: A thin layer of coating – usually a type of clay called kaolinite – creates a smooth, glossy surface that reflects more light, resulting in those vibrant colors and crisp images that define a quality magazine. This glossy finish accounts for up to 25% of the paper’s weight.
- Weight: Premium magazine paper is heavier than regular paper. This increased weight gives the paper a more substantial feel and enhances the overall perception of quality. While small volume magazines tend to use heavier paper, retail magazines with very large circulations – the ones you might see on the newsstand every day – will often use much thinner paper to reduce bulk and keep shipping costs down.
- Opacity: Good quality magazine paper offers greater opacity than regular paper, meaning you won’t see text or images from the opposite page showing through. This keeps visuals accurate and clean, and provides an uninterrupted reading experience.
If you want professional-looking results for your magazine, using the best paper for the job, you should partner with a commercial print shop. At Unique Print NY we use state-of-the-art equipment and fine color calibration to achieve exceptional print quality across the full range of available paper weights, including magazine paper.
What to consider before designing and printing your magazine
Before you think about the size, shape and design of your magazine, first take a moment to consider what it is you want to achieve
- Who are you creating this magazine for? Think about your reader before you start designing your magazine. Understanding their interests and expectations will influence your content, design choices, and ultimately, the paper selection.
- What kind of content will you include? Is your magazine text-heavy, featuring in-depth articles with lots of information? Or is it more image-driven, with a focus on photography or illustrations? Deciding on your content mix will help you choose the most appropriate paper weight and finish.
- What’s your budget? Magazine paper varies in cost depending on weight, finish, and quantity, which means there’s always an option that will suit your budget while still meeting your needs.
Tips for selecting the right paper for your magazine
Once you have a good idea of your content, your reader and your budget, we can start to think about selecting the best paper for your magazine project. Here are a few of the main options to consider when choosing the right magazine paper.
Gloss vs. matte
Glossy paper offers a vibrant, high-shine finish that makes photos and graphics pop. It’s commonly used in magazines with large circulations and is a popular choice for showcasing visual content and creating a luxurious feel.
Matte paper is an increasingly popular option for premium and high-end magazines, and has a smooth, non-reflective finish. It’s easier on the eyes for text-heavy publications and offers a more subtle, sophisticated aesthetic.
Paper weight
Paper weight is largely determined by the thickness of the paper. There are two main ways to measure paper weight. The international standard is gsm (grams per square meter), while in the US and Canada you’ll see paper weights listed as a “basis weight” specified in pounds.
Office paper is commonly available in 20 lb and 24 lb stock, or between 70 gsm and 80 gsm. Thicker paper (above 60 lb) provides a more substantial feel and is ideal for magazines with a focus on high-quality visuals. Even heavier weights are suitable for magazine covers, helping to protect the thinner interior pages of the magazine while looking great.
Paper weight conventions can be confusing at first, but you don’t have to break out the calculator to figure out which paper is right for your print project. By partnering with Unique Print NY, you can rely on our expertise and experience in magazine printing to land on your ideal paper weight.
Best way to bind your magazine
The binding method you choose will influence the overall look, personality and lifespan of your magazine.
- Perfect binding – This type of binding creates a professional, book-like feel with a glued spine. You’ll see perfect binding used on many of the most popular magazines on the newsstand (think Vogue and National Geographic). It’s ideal for larger magazines with a higher page count.
- Saddle stitch – A cost-effective binding option for slimmer magazines printed at volume, the saddle stitch is ideal for short booklets of between 8 and 64 pages. You’ll recognise this binding technique in comic books. It uses no glue and is fast to turn around.
- Spiral binding – This durable style of binding offers flexibility and allows your magazine to lay flat. It’s a good choice for publications printed on heavy card stock that might need to be referenced frequently.
Remember, when you partner with Unique Print NY we can provide expert guidance on paper selection, binding options, and overall magazine production. Our expertise will ensure your final product delivers on your vision to grow your brand and reach new customers.
Steve Hogarty
