Digital vs Litho on Uncoated Paper

Digital printing, especially toner-based digital print, can leave a slight sheen on uncoated paper because of the way toner sits on the surface. This is usually most noticeable in areas with heavy ink coverage, such as solid blacks or very dark designs.

That means an uncoated sheet can still look slightly glossy if the design has a lot of print on it, while a mostly white design will show more of the natural uncoated paper surface.

Litho printing works differently. It uses liquid inks that absorb into the fibres of the sheet, so the result is usually more matte and integrated with the paper. Litho also tends to give smoother gradients and richer tones on longer runs.

If the finish matters to your job, it is worth thinking about the print process as well as the paper type.

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