Uncoated
paper is a paper which is homogeneous throughout, with no extra
substance applied to its surface during making. It is a paper with a
higher absorbency rate than coated papers and easier to use with most
inks, markers, watercolors, and colored pencils. It has higher roughness
with more peaks and troughs on the surface. Uncoated paper requires no
ovens for printing. It is available in many different finishes, colors,
and weights.
The following are among the most common uncoated finish:
- Smooth Finish- Plain, untextured paper is made
smooth from the paper passing through the sets of rollers during
paper making.
- Linen- It is an embossed finish that gives a
refined and conservative look.
- Laid- It has a surface pattern of distinct
parallel lines.
- Vellum- This is a crisp, transclucent paper
with a subtle, rough surface available in both solid colors and
embossed designs.
- Wove- It is a popular paper that is bulky with
only a slightly rough surface. It is ideal for laser printer
projects.
Good, well-planned separations are crucial for successful printing
on uncoated paper. Because inks soak into the paper, precise halftone
dots spread and deform - a feature called dot gain. By opening the
separation, the actual dot size is decreased and the space surrounding
the dot is increased. Opening the separation allows the press operator
to print to normal ink densities. This results in true color fidelity,
image brightness and detail.
Printing on uncoated paper can be as straightforward as printing on
coated papers if the separations are properly prepared. The adjustments
will allow the press to carry more ink, thus increasing color
saturation, clarity and contrast. Uncoated paper normally needs more
drying time.
Uncoated papers are used for halftones when the designer is trying to
achieve a certain effect or look. On a corporate level, uncoated papers
are being used to project a kinder and gentler corporate image. This
paper is also used for brouchers and manuals. The natural surface of
uncoated papers is an ideal background for four-color process printing.
