Glossy Paper for Newsletters, Advertising, Inserts & Catalogs (8.5x11 & 11x17)

Related Article: a review of Brochure Paper for creating in-house brochures.

The 11x17 paper size should be used when creating full-page,
newsletters and catalogs where the final folded size is 8.5x11. 

Paper Size Availability for 11x17 Glossy Paper:

  *All products listed are also available in 8.5x11.

Choosing the right paper...  (laser/copier paper)

Soft Gloss 40 lb.:  Both Soft Gloss 40 lb. and Gloss 32 lb. (see below) are best used for most glossy paper newsletters and catalogs.  These are presentation papers which create a greater impact than standard bond papers (foldable, not pre-scored). 

Notes on photo printing in your newsletter or catalog:  Photos printed on laser printers are usually less glossy in appearance compared to inkjet prints.  Toner is less glossy than inkjet inks.   The glossy coating of the paper is not allowed to reflect through the opaque toner.  This affects the choice of paper you may prefer to use on your laser printer when printing photos.

Soft Gloss 40 lb. is recommended instead of Gloss 32 lb. if you want a less obvious contrast between the glossy appearance of the paper itself and the less glossy look of toner on your photos.  

32 lb. Gloss:  Use 11x17 Gloss 32 lb., a foldable, magazine-like glossy paper for mailers, newsletters, and catalogs (not pre-scored).   For regular flyers this is also an excellent choice.  Review the notes above about photo printing if you are including large or numerous photos in your layout.

32 lb. Gloss is thin enough to be folded, but sufficiently opaque to prevent too much show through.  For cover weight, use 58 lb. Gloss below.

58 lb. Gloss:  If you want a more rigid version or cover thickness, use the 11x17 Gloss 58 lb.  This paper is also ideal for sturdy ad inserts or for creating over-sized, sturdy one-page flyers, or posters.  Keep in mind that this paper must be scored in order to fold properly, because of the thickness.

High Gloss 32 lb. 11x17 paper is a photo-grade glossy paper useful for short-term advertising.  8.5 x 11 is the more typical size for general advertising and photo presentation documents.

8.5x11 Glossy Paper applications: 8.5 x 11 glossy paper is used in an even wider range of applications, including business reports, presentations, product hot sheets, and advertising pieces. The 11x17 glossy papers listed above are all available in 8.5x11, in addition to other common sizes.

Note about folding and scoring:  The papers mentioned on this page are not pre-scored.  Check with a local Kinko's, another copy shop, or print shop for a relatively simple and fast solution to get your 8.5x11 or 11x17 glossy paper folded when creating your catalog or brochure.

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Most common paper sizes 8.5x11, 8.5x14, 11x17...

Glossy Paper for Laser:  HP Soft Gloss   Soft Gloss: 40 lb. or 58 lb.    Laser Gloss: 32 lb. and 58 lb.

Photo Paper for Laser:  High Gloss: 32 lb. or 50 lb.

Glossy Paper for Inkjet:   HP Brochure and Flyer Paper    HP Proofing Gloss 

More Articles:   Product Guides, FAQs, & References

Site Links:  All Printer Papers (by Size)   Home:  Graytex.com