Reskid double-sided coated cover cardstock, pack of 100, second angle

Coated vs. Uncoated Paper: How to Choose for Your Print Job

Picking paper often comes down to one question: coated or uncoated? The answer changes how colors look, how the sheet feels, and whether you can write on it. This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose with confidence.

Reskid double-sided coated cover cardstock, 100 packReskid premium smooth uncoated cardstock cover, 100 pack
Coated cover cardstock (left) and smooth uncoated cardstock cover (right)

What is coated paper?

Coated paper has a thin mineral coating applied to the surface. That coating keeps ink sitting on top of the sheet instead of soaking in, which makes colors look richer and images look sharper. You will often see the term C2S, which means coated on two sides, so you can print on both faces.

Coated paper comes in two common finishes:

  • Gloss: a shiny, high-impact finish that makes photos and bold colors pop.
  • Dull (matte or satin): a smooth finish with little glare that still delivers sharp print quality and is easier to read under bright light.

What is uncoated paper?

Uncoated paper has a natural, fiber-forward surface. It absorbs ink a little, so colors look softer, and it feels more like classic stationery. It is also the easiest paper to write on with pens, pencils and markers.

Gloss vs. dull vs. uncoated at a glanceGlossDull coatedUncoatedColor popLow glareEasy to write onA general guide. Results vary by paper, ink and printer.
How the three finishes generally compare

Coated vs. uncoated at a glance

  • Color and image sharpness: coated paper usually wins, especially for photos.
  • Writing: uncoated paper is better. Ballpoint and some inks can smear on gloss.
  • Glare: uncoated and dull-coated sheets reflect less light than gloss.
  • Fingerprints: gloss shows them more than uncoated or dull finishes.
  • Feel: uncoated feels natural and warm. Coated feels smooth and polished.

Which should you use?

  • Flyers, brochures and catalogs: coated, gloss or dull, for vivid color.
  • Postcards: either works. Coated gives a bold front, and uncoated gives a writable back.
  • Invitations and stationery: uncoated cardstock for an elegant, writable feel.
  • Letters, forms and reports: uncoated text paper.
  • Photo-heavy marketing pieces: gloss coated stock.
Flyers and brochuresCoated: gloss or dullPhoto-heavy marketingGloss coated stockInvitations and stationeryUncoated cardstockLetters, forms and reportsUncoated text paper
A quick project-to-paper cheat sheet

A note on your printer

Coated papers made for digital and laser printing are not always a good match for desktop inkjet printers, which can struggle to dry ink on a coated surface. Check that the paper is designed for your type of printer before you buy in bulk.

Shop coated and uncoated paper

Browse our coated paper and cardstock, including gloss cover and dull cover, or explore smooth uncoated text paper and cardstock. Mix and match to save with our volume discounts.

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