When to pick Coated woodfree
Pick coated woodfree when the print surface is load-bearing: high-contrast color photography, detailed halftones, gloss impact for brand collateral. Annual reports, luxury brochures, high-end catalogs, and magazine covers are the typical applications.
When to pick Uncoated woodfree
Pick uncoated woodfree when the paper's touch and natural look matter: office copy paper, books, invitations, stationery, envelopes. Uncoated is also the default for long-text reading because its non-reflective surface is easier on the eye.
The decision in one paragraph
Text-heavy products use uncoated. Image-heavy or brand-premium products use coated. The price premium for coated is typically 15 to 30% per tonne.
Frequently asked questions
Is coated paper harder to recycle?
Slightly. Clay and latex coatings don't repulp as cleanly as fiber alone, but both are standard inputs to modern recycled paper streams. Most mixed-paper recovery mills handle both.
Can I print CMYK on uncoated?
Yes. Uncoated woodfree accepts offset and digital CMYK print, just with softer color saturation and less contrast than coated. Books, stationery, and most office print use uncoated.
What's the difference between matte coated and gloss coated?
Both are coated, differing in calendering intensity. Matte coated has a low-gloss finish; silk sits between matte and gloss; high-gloss is the most reflective. All three use identical base stock.