Book pages paper quality - and reading experience
A lot of book readers often get upset with a bad page quality . How to figure out and choose a book with right paper sheets, to get the best reading experience ? Let me give you a few hints how to do it.
Coated and uncoated paper
1 Coated and uncoated paper are two major categories in the realm of printing paper. The primary difference between them lies in the manufacturing process. Without delving into intricate details, it can be said that coated paper has a special clay layer applied to the sheets, while uncoated paper lacks this coating.
Coated paper is known for being whiter, brighter, and smoother compared to uncoated paper. It is commonly used in magazines, advertisement booklets, and similar publications. You can simply pick up any magazine in a supermarket to see examples of coated paper sheets. While it offers a visually appealing and vibrant appearance, it may not be ideal for prolonged reading due to the strong contrast between black text and white pages. Additionally, coated paper is typically 25-35% heavier than uncoated paper, which further contributes to a potentially less comfortable reading experience.
Uncoated paper is a much better material for reading. The contrast between black letters and white pages is not as drastic, making it easier on the eyes and reducing eye fatigue. Good quality uncoated paper provides a feeling of warmth and coziness, which is highly valued by dedicated readers.
Therefore, my advice is not to purchase books with coated paper sheets for extended reading sessions. While coated paper may initially appear visually appealing, it becomes challenging to read for more than 20 minutes continuously.
Paper weight
2 Paper weight is an important parameter to consider when choosing a book. If the paper is too light, it becomes transparent, uncomfortable to read, and prone to damage. Over time, it may also turn yellow and appear worn. On the other hand, if the paper is too heavy, it adds unnecessary weight to the book, making it uncomfortable to hold and difficult to keep open.
Paper weight is measured in LBS (in the United States) and GSM (grams per square meter, used in the rest of the world). To provide some orientation regarding paper weight, here are a few examples:
- 30 LBS paper (50 GSM): Similar to newspaper weight.
- 50 LBS paper (80 GSM): Commonly used for copy or computer paper and more affordable publishing materials.
- 60 LBS paper (90 GSM): The most popular weight in the book publishing industry. The majority of books in your library are likely made of this paper stock.
- 70-80 LBS paper (105-120 GSM): Reserved for high-quality books. This paper is opaque, pleasant to read, and can include illustrated color images.
Paper brightness
3 Regarding paper brightness, it is generally recommended to choose books with cream or slightly yellow pages, as they are easier on the eyes. White paper can cause glare and even lead to headaches, potentially compromising the reading experience.
These are a few tips regarding book page materials. I hope they will help you enhance the quality of your reading. That's all for today. Read good books!
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