Ayup! The best paper stock for leaflet printing will ultimately depend on your campaign requirements. That said, most of our clients here at Leaflet Lion choose from one of three options.
This quick read covers GSM (the paper’s thickness) and the various available finishes. It’s mainly aimed at door drops, but will provide a solid overview, no matter how you intend to distribute your flyers.
Flyer or leaflets? I’ll mention both in this article, but to briefly confirm the difference:
- Flyer – A single sheet of unfolded paper (usually A5 or A6) printed on either one side or both sides (recommended). Most popular.
- Leaflet – Always includes a fold. For example, an A4 sheet folded to A5 to make a leaflet with four sides (4pp). Usually printed on all sides.
The Top 3 Paper Stocks for Flyer & Leaflet Printing
- 170gsm silk
- 250gsm silk
- 350gsm silk
As you can see from this fairly concise list, silk paper stocks are by far the most popular. The alternative, gloss, hasn’t been used by any of our clients for several years now. Uncoated stocks will sometimes be chosen for a natural feel. This one’s popular with the arts industry. Museums, galleries and exhibitions, etc.
170gsm (grams per square meter) is the people’s favourite when it comes to door drops. It’s budget-friendly, but retains enough sturdiness to make it through the letterbox in one piece. That said, this stock can sometimes become a little crumpled.
250gsm offers a mid-range weight, without increasing the cost by too much. We’d always recommend upgrading to this paper stock if the budget allows. It gives a slightly more premium feel, and minimises any crumpling as it’s being posted.
350gsm is for brands that mean business. A beautiful, premium paper stock with some heft and weight behind it. Heavier stocks are becoming increasingly popular as a way of demonstrating high-end services. Estate agents tend to love this one.
What about 130gsm?
130gsm could be a viable option if you don’t plan to distribute your flyers residentially. This one’s unsuitable for door drops, as it’s far too thin. That said, if you’re using your flyers to hand out directly or place on a surface for people to take, it could be a budget-friendly alternative.
Choose the best paper stock within your budget
Ultimately, the best paper for flyer or leaflet printing is the best that your marketing budget can afford. First impressions are everything. As a minimum, we always suggest 170gsm silk. For a more premium feel, consider upping this to 250gsm silk or even 350gsm silk.