Coated and uncoated paper
Summary: Coated paper has a mineral or polymer layer that seals its surface for sharper, brighter print; uncoated paper has none and is easier to write on.[1][2]
Definitions
Coated paper has a layer of clay, calcium carbonate or polymer applied to one or both sides to fill the surface between fibers; uncoated paper has no such layer.[1] Replica’s 2026 guide defines it the same way: coated paper is treated with clay, plastic or other compounds that seal the surface, while uncoated paper keeps a natural, porous texture, and most coated paper uses kaolin clay.[2]
| Property | Coated | Uncoated |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Sealed with a mineral or polymer coating; smooth | Bare fibers; natural, porous texture |
| Ink | Sits on the surface; sharp dots, vivid color | Absorbed into fibers; softer, slightly duller color |
| Finish | Gloss, silk/satin or matte | Smooth, vellum, linen or other textures |
| Writing | Hard to write on with ballpoint or pencil, especially gloss | Easy to write on and stamp |
| Typical uses | Brochures, photo-heavy flyers, posters, catalogs | Letterhead, forms, notepads, envelopes, books |
Drawn from the general reference and the company guide.[1][2]
On Replica’s order form
Replica’s contact form asks customers to choose among glossy card stock, matte card stock, glossy text, matte text and other.[3] In that list, “glossy” and “matte” describe the finish of coated papers, and “text” and “card” describe weight: text weights are for flyers and inside pages, card weights for covers, postcards and business cards.[3][1] Uncoated stock falls under “other” on the form. Weights in grams are on paper weight conversions.
Why ink behaves differently
On uncoated paper ink spreads slightly into the fibers, a process printers call dot gain, so images look softer and colors less saturated. On coated paper the ink stays on the surface and dots stay sharp.[1] Color-managed workflows therefore use different profiles for coated and uncoated stock; a brand color can look noticeably different on each, which is one reason Pantone publishes separate coated and uncoated guides.[4]
Writing, stamping and laser use
Uncoated paper takes pen, pencil and stamps easily, which makes it the usual choice for letterhead, forms and anything a recipient will write on. Gloss-coated paper resists ballpoint and pencil.[1][2] For mail, the address area must be readable by Postal Service equipment, so very glossy surfaces on the address side can be a problem for inkjet addressing unless the ink is suited to coated stock.[5][6]
Feel and perception
Replica’s guide says coated stocks usually give more vibrant color and sharper detail, while uncoated stocks give a more tactile, premium feel and better ink adhesion for writing.[2] It suggests testing both before a large run.[2] The company says it offers samples to view in person, which is the simplest way to compare.[7]
Recycling
Both kinds are generally recyclable in household paper recycling; coatings are removed in the pulping process.[1] Replica’s digital printing page mentions recycled papers among its materials.[7]
Common questions
What is coated paper?
Paper with a clay or polymer layer that seals the surface, giving sharper, more vivid print.
Can you write on coated paper?
Gloss-coated paper resists ballpoint and pencil; uncoated paper is easier to write on.
Is matte paper coated?
Matte stocks on a printer’s order form are usually coated papers with a low-gloss finish.
Continue reading
- Paper weight conversions
- Preparing print files
- Digital vs offset printing
- USPS mailing prices, 2026
- History and ownership
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Coated paper. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper? (2026). Replica Printing Services (replicaprinting.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ a b Contact Replica. Replica Printing Services (replicaprinting.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Pantone. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Mailing Standards (DMM 201: physical standards for commercial letters, flats and cards). U.S. Postal Service, Postal Explorer. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Direct mail San Diego. Replica Printing Services (replicaprinting.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ a b Digital printing. Replica Printing Services (replicaprinting.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.