What kind of paper is the inside of a book usually printed on?

What kind of paper is the inside of a book usually printed on?

The choice of paper for the inside of a book is very important and depends on:

• the type of book,
• its use, 
• the presentation style we want to achieve
• as well as the production cost

The most common choices are:
• bookpaper,
• white matte or cream
• and velvet (velvet or satin).

Let's see what each one is and how we choose:

________________________________________

Main types of paper for books

Thickness – Paper Weight (grams)

Paper is measured in gsm (grams per square meter) — the higher the number, the “thicker” and “heavier” it is

How to choose the right paper for your book

1. Readability:
Ivory paper is less tiring on the eyes than white, especially for large texts.

2. Aesthetics & Feel:
A paper with a soft, natural texture makes the book “look” more quality.

3.Cost:
Plain offset is cheaper than coated or special paper.

4.Transparent or not:
If the paper is too thin, the words on the back page “show through”.
So a balance needs to be struck between thickness and cost.

Paper for literary books

Paper: Ivory / cream chamois

• Slightly yellowish, not completely white.
• Relaxes the eyes and gives a “warm” feeling.
• Considered more “literary” and aesthetically pleasing.
• Better emphasizes the black of the font without strong contrast.

Weight: 80–100 gsm
80 gsm is lightweight, economical, and sufficient for large books.
100 gsm offers a little more “body” and the back page is not visible — ideal for a more “quality” edition.

 If your book has over 300 pages, choose 80 gsm so it doesn't come out too bulky

 If it has under 250 pages, 100 gsm will look more "full" and sturdy.

 Type: Matte, uncoated paper
It has no gloss (like magazines or catalogs).
It gives a natural texture to the touch, more “human” and bookish.
Reading is relaxing and does not reflect light.

 In summary:
Ivory paper 80–100 gsm, matte (uncoated).
✅ Classic and timeless for literature
✅ Relaxes the eyes
✅ Maintains a balance of quality and cost
✅ Widely used by publishing houses

Watch our video about this category of paper

Paper for scientific book

Paper: White matte
• White paper is the standard choice for scientific, academic or technical books.
• It offers better contrast with black text and highlights tables, graphs and images.
• It gives a more “professional” and “clean” feel.

 Weight: 80–100 gsm
80 gsm paper: ideal for publications with mainly text (e.g. university textbooks).

100 gsm paper: if it contains many images, diagrams or tables — it delivers ink better and reduces “bleed-through”.

 For a more “quality” edition or reference books, 100 gsm is the most common choice.
 If it is large in volume, 80 gsm for a lighter result.

 Type: Matte, uncoated writing type or lightly coated matte
If you have mostly text, offset matte (uncoated) is sufficient — it doesn't shine and is more economical.

In Summary:
White paper 80–100 gsm, matte or slightly matte coated.
✅ Clean, professional look
✅ Ideal for tables, math, images
✅ Durable and long-lasting
✅ White tint helps to make graphs and formulas stand out
✅ Matte finish allows for easy-to-read text without reflections
✅ 100 gsm weight avoids “transparent” printing and looks professional

Watch our video about this category of paper

Paper for color printing or children's books

• coated papers with a smooth velvet feel and a soft surface on both sides.
• Usually heavier (100,115-130 gr/m²).
• Has excellent color rendering.
• Ideal for photographs, illustrations and impressive presentation.
• Adds an air of luxury to the book publication.

If you have a lot of images, the coated matte, velvet type gives clearer colors.

Watch our video about this category of paper

Practical recommendation:
For a literary or essay book, the most common and balanced choice is:
Ivory 80–90 gsm (matte, uncoated)
✅ It is easy on the eye
✅ It is not shiny
✅ The back pages are not visible
✅ It has a nice “feel” when leafing through

In conclusion:
• Novel, Essay, Poetry with impressive presentation → Bookpaper or cream paper 
• Album, Illustrated children's book, Corporate publication → Velvet
• Literary, tutorial and university textbooks → white matte or cream depending on the result we want.

Are you looking for the ideal paper for your book? Contact us for a quote. Call us at 210 5156300 or email us at info@printhouse.gr