Physical photobooks are a great and unique way to record special memories in print. The paper you use to make your photo book matters, and there are several types of paper that are used to make a photo book.
Choosing the right type of paper is crucial if you want your photos to look as good as possible. The paper type will also influence the durability of the photo book.
There are many factors that will influence the type of paper you choose including cost, availability, and picture quality. Therefore, you should know as much as possible about the paper used to make your photo book.
The following are the most common types of paper used to make a photo book:
Semi Matte
The standard paper used to make a photo book is the semi matte type of paper. It is the type of paper that you use to make a photo book that is over 240 pages long.
Semi matte paper is also the lightest type of paper you can use to make a photo book. It weighs only 180 GSM.
Therefore, if you want to print a large photo book, semi matte paper is the one to use. Moreover, semi matte paper is quite cheap so it is a good alternative if price is a concern.
Premium Matte
Premium matte paper has incredible richness in its feel and finish. It is slightly denser than the semi matte paper.
You can use premium matte paper to make a photo book that is no more than 240 pages long. The paper is a great choice if you want a photo book with a subdued feel.
It is also better for photo books that include paintings and drawings. Premium matte paper is better than any premium lustre paper in this regard.
Premium Lustre
If you want paper for your photo book that is heavier and a bit more opaque than the semi matte paper, premium lustre is an alternative. The paper weighs about 148 GSM. The paper also has some gloss which adds shine to the pictures on your photo book.
A photo book with more gloss and heftier pages can handle a lot of use as well as last for a long time. Premium lustre paper will hence increase the lifespan of your photo book.
Premium lustre paper has incredible tonal range and contrast. Therefore, the photos are of better quality.
Standard Layflat
Layflat paper that is bound together allows you to open your photo book until it is completely flat. If you want photos spread across two pages of your photo book, standard layflat paper is the best to use.
It is very thick paper weighing in at about 432 GSM. However, due to the thickness and binding of the paper, it is typically used for a photo book that is less than 110 pages long.
Standard layflat paper is hence the best option for large and incredibly detailed photos. On the other hand, you will have to pay more for standard layflat paper than other types of paper.
There are other types of photo book paper. However, the ones on this list are the most common ones.
