Discussion: paper

What is the best paper to use to print maps? I don't think we can do synthetic but need to know about gloss, weight and other things that I don't know about.

For inkjet printing, laser printing, or offset printing by a professional printer? (These might get different answers.)

You can rely on Reflex.

~110gsm dull coated stock for offset or laser printing. Inkjet needs a coated paper that is compatible or the ink won't stick. Stay away from glossy photo paper, which is also probably too thick. When I laser print maps I get stock from the print shop that does my digital offset work. Its nothing particularly special, just their standard house dull coated stock that they use for lots of jobs that don't want gloss.

Coated is a definite requirement, since it gives a much better feel to the map, and better print resolution as the ink doesn't bleed into the fibers. While it isn't waterproof, it does a lot better with a little moisture than a standard copy paper does.

ISOM says to use a paper between 80-120gsm. I like something on the high end of that, but wouldn't want to go above 120, since I think it would get too thick and hard to fold.

You want to stay away from anything glossy. Dull, or matte finish is ok. Laser printing makes for a shiny finish to the toner, and you can't do much about that. Most modern papers have a very white white point. If you can find a paper with a more yellow white point (good luck), I think it looks better, but that is subjective and not really very important compared to other options.

Papers might be marketed under different names in different places, but... our printer uses 100gsm Colourtech and we've had no cause to look for alternatives. (Except for the holy grail - the perfect yet economical waterproof paper:-))

Thanks for the advice...heading to the printer to run some test prints.

We really like the 28 lb. Hammermill Color Copy Digital.
Good price on 11 X 17 from shoplet.com

The surface is very smooth, but is not glossy. Doesn't bleed fine lines.

Conversion table:
http://www.paper-paper.com/weight.html

20 lb/ream of 17x22" = 75.2 gsm
32 lb = 120 gsm

Thats why I quote paper weight in gsm. lb is dependent on the kind of stock it is, which I think is a hold over from when different kinds of stock would come in different master sheet sizes. 110-120gsm is ~80lb text, 30lb ledger, or 40lb cover.