You’ve poured hours into designing your magazine — the layout is tight, the visuals pop, the copy’s clean, and the fonts are carefully chosen. But here’s the thing most people overlook: the paper. It’s not just a surface to print on; it’s part of the experience. Whether you're a graphic designer bringing a creative concept to life or a brand publishing your first magazine, choosing the right magazine paper for printing can make or break how your work feels in someone’s hands.
The glossy paper might make your colors shine, but does it fit the mood? The uncoated stock feels raw and authentic — but will your images hold up? And what about page weight and texture, and how does it affect cost? If you're unsure where to start, you're not alone.
In this blog, we’ll break down how to choose the best magazine printing paper — without the guesswork — so your magazine looks great and leaves a lasting impression.
The type of paper you choose is essential for your magazine's style and how readers feel about it. There are particularly two types of magazine paper printing. Let's have a look at it.
Coated paper grabs attention with its shiny finish and vivid colors. It’s ideal for high-gloss magazines, and its protective coating resists moisture and damage.
A clear, side-by-side visual comparison of magazines printed on various GSM weights by Ex Why Zed, highlighting how paper thickness impacts durability, appearance, and the overall premium feel of the finished product.
Coated paper is perfect for a sleek, professional look, but be mindful of glare. Semi-gloss or matte finishes offer the same vibrancy with less shine, balancing appeal and readability.
Looking to bring your magazine to life? Ex Why Zed, a leading printing firm, offers a sleek combo on soft copies of 100 copies—300 gsm silk for the cover and 130 gsm silk for the inside pages—all for just £114. Avail quality and style, without breaking the bank.
Uncoated paper has a natural, textured feel, making it great for text-heavy magazines like journals or newsletters. It reduces glare, enhances readability, and absorbs ink for softer images.
Eco-friendly, budget-friendly, uncoated paper is recyclable and works well for shorter runs. While not as durable as coated, it’s perfect for cost-conscious, sustainable projects.
Various paper trends are currently ongoing in 2025. These include:
Commercial magazine printing relies on high-end glossy paper and advanced printing technology, making home printers less suitable. Standard home printers often struggle with thick, glossy finishes, limiting their ability to deliver vibrant colors and crisp details. They are usually restricted to lightweight, everyday paper, which doesn’t achieve the same professional look.
If you’re determined to print magazines at home, you might be able to use thinner glossy paper, like 80 lb gloss text, if your printer allows it.
However, professional digital printing services, like opting for paper magazine print from Ex Why Zed's Magazine Printing Service, can be your best bet.
Printing with ExWhyZed is fast, easy, and reliable. Just send us your PDF—we’ll handle the rest. From 3-day delivery on stapled magazines to perfect bound copies in just 5, we move quickly without compromising quality. Need a small run? Get instant pricing for up to 20 copies.
Plus, we also offer storage, fulfilment, and distribution, plus free file checks and paper samples. And if you have questions, real humans are here to help with friendly, expert advice.
Overall, our expert service offers the precision and high-quality materials necessary to produce a magazine that truly stands out.
Glossy magazines are printed on specially coated paper with a high-gloss finish that makes colors and details pop, bringing photographs to life. This paper is a favorite for fashion, lifestyle, and photo magazines, offering a vibrant, eye-catching look.
These magazines often use thicker paper, measured in grams per square meter (GSM), with a higher GSM indicating stronger, more durable paper that resists tearing. The covers typically feature even thicker glossy paper, providing a premium, lasting feel. The inner pages and cover benefit from shiny paper, elevating the magazine’s quality and adding a touch of luxury to high-end publications.
Choosing the right paper weight balances quality and cost. Most magazine interiors use paper between 115 and 170 GSM for flexibility and durability, while covers typically range from 218 to 270 GSM for a sturdy, premium feel.
Heavier paper improves appearance but increases shipping costs, a factor to consider for bulk distribution. Lighter paper keeps costs down for promotional or trade magazines.
If longevity and a premium feel are your goals, higher GSM paper, which refers to the weight of the paper, delivers professional results without compromising practicality.
The size of the paper affects how magazines look and the cost to print. Here’s a simple guide:
Standard Size (inches) | Usage |
|---|---|
8.5 x 11 | Most cost-effective for general printing |
5.5 x 8.5 | Great for small, text-based magazines |
11 x 17 | Best for large magazines |
Standard printing sizes help publishers keep costs low. Custom sizes can make magazines stand out and meet special printing needs. Before choosing the right format, consider how you will distribute your magazine.
When selecting a paper for your magazine, consider both your budget and quality needs. You must also test different paper types to learn their durability. In the following sections, let's discuss the same.
Your budget plays a key role in paper selection. Affordable options often use thinner paper for interior pages and thicker paper for covers. Striking a balance helps maintain an attractive finish without blowing your budget.
Consider eco-friendly choices like recycled or lighter GSM paper. If you aim for a premium feel and want to attract high-end ads, glossy or coated paper can elevate your brand, justifying the extra cost.
The lifespan of your paper depends on its strength and usage. Glossy, coated paper lasts longer, resists damage, and is ideal for collectible magazines.
On the flip side, uncoated paper is eco-friendly but wears down quickly. For long-lasting, high-quality results, go for heavier-coated paper.
At Ex Why Zed, we make choosing the right paper for your magazine easy and impactful. Whether you’re aiming for vibrant gloss to showcase stunning visuals or a textured finish that speaks to your brand’s authenticity, we have you covered.
Our team works with you to find the ideal paper that aligns with your vision, budget, and target audience. With a deep understanding of printing techniques and paper options, we ensure your magazine looks great and feels right in your readers’ hands.
Contact us today to create a publication that leaves a lasting impression, one page at a time.
The paper you select for your magazine is more than just a surface—it reflects your brand’s identity, including your logo. From glossy finishes that elevate visuals to textured options that invite readers to linger, the right paper sets the stage for a memorable experience.
It’s about finding the perfect balance between durability, cost, and the feeling you want to evoke in your audience. Each paper choice tells a story of luxury, practicality, or creativity.
When you get it right, your magazine becomes more than just reading material—it becomes a tangible piece of art that resonates with every page turn.
The cheapest choice is lighter GSM paper, like 80-100# gloss text for interior pages and uncoated paper for sections with a lot of text. Using lightweight paper also helps reduce shipping costs, making it even more affordable.
Absolutely! Recycled paper is good for the environment and still maintains quality. The colors might look less bright than shiny paper, but using recycled paper shows a commitment to eco-friendliness. It attracts readers who care about the planet.
The type of paper you choose affects how your magazine looks and feels. The glossy paper makes the colors pop and enhances the graphics. On the other hand, matte or uncoated finishes give a classy touch to text-heavy designs. Choosing the right paper helps to improve artwork and how your brand is viewed.
Magazines usually use glossy paper with a shiny coating for bright images. For magazines packed with text, they prefer thicker uncoated paper. A high GSM gives the paper strength. The different paper finishes help make the final product look the way the designers want it to.
