CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTO PAPER TYPE
If you have ever tried to print a photograph on a home printer, you might have been disappointed by the lack of vibrancy in the colors or the flimsiness of the photo. Why does this happen? You might be surprised to learn that it has less to do with your photography skills and more to do with photo printing paper types. It is important to consider photo paper types, such as premium and lustre paper, when you create a hardcover photo book.
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Standard Paper for Photo Books
The default option on the SimplePrints app is to use our standard paper. This photo paper type has a slightly glossy finish and superior toner adhesion, which makes for higher-quality image printing. Standard paper is 100# cover gloss text for clear definition and a nice, thick feel. Standard paper is available for both softcover and hardcover photo books.
We love standard paper for photo books that will get casual, everyday use. Standard paper is the most budget-friendly option and has no additional cost per page.
Premium Photo Paper for Paperback Photo Books
Our premium paper is our thickest paper option. This highly durable paper has a delicate glossy finish and offers a 10/10 dark color rating. Our premium lightly glossy paper has a 80# cover gloss text and can be used with a softcover or hardcover photo book.
This photo paper type is perfect for gifts or books that will get a lot of use. Use premium photo paper for special books, such as school photo books or Valentine’s day gift books. Premium paper is still affordable at only an additional $0.25 per page and the high-quality dark color rating makes this a staff favorite.
What is Lustre Paper?
If you create a hardcover photo book, you will have the option to use lustre paper. This paper type is our most durable, the highest quality finish of the interior paper. It has medium thickness and feels elegant when you turn the pages of your custom hardcover photo book. Lustre paper has 190 GSM (grams per square meter). Lustre paper in our layflat hardcover photo book has 225 GSM. A higher GSM means a heavier photo paper type.
Premium lustre photo paper is the perfect option for elegant gifts and special occasions. If you are creating a photo book from your gorgeous wedding photos, high-detail newborn photography, or photographs that highlight a variety of colors, this premium lustre paper is perfect for you.
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You might wonder whether lustre paper is matte or glossy. Lustre photo paper is not as glossy as premium photo paper. It reflects less light than premium glossy paper and allows for a higher definition photograph. Lustre creates a delicate shine with vibrant color definition.
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Lustre Paper vs Glossy
You might wonder whether lustre paper is matte or glossy. Lustre photo paper is not as glossy as premium photo paper. It reflects less light than premium glossy paper and allows for a higher definition photograph. Lustre creates a delicate shine with vibrant color definition.
Deep Matte vs Lustre
If lustre paper prints are not quite glossy, does that make them matte? Not quite. Matte paper options have a lot of texture and don’t show off the fine details in color photography. Some photographers prefer matte paper for black and white photography, but it lacks the shine of lustre paper prints.
Layflat Hardcover Photo Books
In the sections above, we discussed premium lustre photo paper and briefly mentioned layflat hardcover photo book options. Our Layflat Hardcover Photo Books are the best hardcover photo books available. It is a premium product, which offers a unique perspective for your photo creations. Layflat hardcover photo books have a gutter-less spine which allows the book to lay flat (that’s where it gets the name!) and create a panoramic view.
If you’ve ever had one of your photographs cut off in the gutter of your photo book, you will love this commanding and uninterrupted flow from one page to the next. When you use premium lustre photo paper in your photo book, you will be stunned by the vibrancy and color definition.
Layflat hardcover photo books and hardcover photo books are different products with different layouts and features. Because of this, you cannot change a regular photo book into a layflat hardcover photo book or vice versa.
With SimplePrints, creating a custom photo book doesn’t have to be difficult. We love to help simplify the process with our easy-to-use app. Check out our Youtube Channel for photo book tutorials!