When it comes to choosing the correct perforated paper for your project, paper weight is more than just a number on a specification sheet. The weight of the paper can determine the functionality, appearance, and overall feel of your finished product. Lighter weights can offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for items like forms, mailers, and high-volume printing, while heavier weights provide a more substantial, premium feel that’s perfect for tickets, postcards, and materials that will be handled frequently.
So What is GSM and Why Does it Matter?
Paper weight is measured in GSM, which stands for grams per square metre. This figure tells you how much a sheet of paper would weigh if it were exactly one square metre in size. While it’s a straightforward measurement, GSM can make a big difference to how your perforated paper feels, looks, and performs for different tasks. Lower GSM numbers represent lighter papers that are thinner and more flexible, while higher GSM numbers indicate thicker, sturdier sheets with a more substantial feel. Understanding GSM is the first step to selecting a paper weight that complements your project perfectly.
Choosing the Right Paper Weight for Your Project
Selecting the right paper weight comes down to how you plan to use your perforated paper and the impression you want it to make. For everyday business use, such as forms, mailers, or internal documents, lighter options like 90gsm or 120gsm are cost-effective, easy to handle, and work well for high-volume printing. If you’re aiming for a premium presentation, such as event tickets, postcards, business cards, or branded vouchers, heavier options like 170gsm or 190gsm give a more substantial feel that instantly adds to the perceived quality.
Durability requirements also play a role. If your perforated sheets will be handled multiple times or need to withstand transport, a mid-to-heavy weight such as 150gsm or 170gsm offers a strong, professional finish that holds its shape.
Finally, think about how often the paper will be handled. Documents intended for one-time use can be lighter, while items that will be kept, displayed, or passed around will benefit from a heavier stock. Matching the weight to your project’s needs will ensure your perforated paper performs well and delivers the right impression.
We also offer scored paper in selected heavier weights, 150gsm, 170gsm, and 190gsm, which is ideal when you need a neat, professional fold without cracking. Thicker stocks benefit from scoring because they are stiffer and less flexible, meaning that trying to fold them without scoring can cause cracking, misalignment, or a bulky fold. Lighter-weight papers, on the other hand, are typically easier to fold without scoring, and in many cases, scoring them can actually weaken the sheet or cause tearing along the fold. By selecting the right combination of weight and scoring, you can ensure your folded pieces look sharp, open smoothly, and maintain their professional finish.
Matching Paper Weight to Common Applications
Different perforated paper projects call for different paper weights, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in both appearance and performance.
For shelf-edge labels, a mid-weight option such as 120gsm or 150gsm strikes the perfect balance between flexibility and durability, ensuring the labels slide easily into holders while still looking neat and professional.
When it comes to price cards, heavier weights like 170gsm or 190gsm work best. These offer a more substantial feel, helping the cards stand out and maintain their shape even when displayed for extended periods.
For event tickets, 150gsm or 170gsm is ideal. This paper weight is sturdy enough to withstand handling before and during the event, while still being easy to print on and separate along the perforations.
Postcards and A6 cards benefit from the heaviest options, such as 170gsm or 190gsm. These weights provide the rigidity and premium quality associated with printed cards, ensuring they arrive in excellent condition if mailed or handed out.
Finally, vouchers and coupons can be produced in a range of weights depending on their use. For high-volume promotions, 120gsm keeps costs manageable while still providing a professional finish. For more exclusive or premium campaigns, stepping up to 150gsm or 170gsm adds a quality feel that enhances the perceived value of the offer.
Ready-Made vs. Custom Perforated Paper
At perforated-paper.co.uk, we offer both ready-made perforated sheets and fully custom layouts, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that best suits your needs.
Custom layouts are the perfect choice when your project requires specific dimensions, unique perforation positions, or a particular combination of vertical and horizontal perforations. This is ideal for businesses that need sheets tailored to fit into specific holders, match an existing design, or create something truly unique, such as bespoke vouchers, tickets, or specialist forms. With our Custom Perforated Paper Generator, you can design your layout online, select your paper weight, colour, and pack size, and even receive a Microsoft Word template for perfect printing alignment.
Our stocked products offer a quick, convenient, and cost-effective solution when you need a standard layout in a range of paper weights. These pre-set designs are available for popular uses such as shelf-edge labels, price cards, vouchers, and A6 cards. They’re ideal if you need to place an order quickly, work with a proven layout, or purchase in various pack sizes without the need for customisation.
Discover Our Range Of Perforated Paper Products
Here at Perforated Paper, we stock a range of paper weights to suit almost any project. Our 90gsm option is ideal for everyday printing, forms, and mailers where flexibility and cost-effectiveness are important. 120gsm offers a little more substance, making it a popular choice for vouchers, notices, and general business use. 150gsm provides a smooth balance between strength and print quality, ideal for items that need to feel durable without being too heavy. For a more premium finish, our 170gsm paper is perfect for tickets, promotional materials, and perforated cards, while 190gsm delivers a truly substantial feel, making it ideal for postcards, event passes, and high-impact printed pieces. All of our perforated paper products are suitable for use with both laser and inkjet printers, ensuring you get sharp, consistent results every time. Whatever your application, we have a paper weight to match your needs.
Getting Expert Advice
Choosing the right paper weight and layout can feel overwhelming, but our friendly team is here to help. We’ve worked with customers across a wide range of industries, from retail and hospitality to events and education, so we know how to match the right product to the job.
If you’re unsure which weight or layout will work best, simply tell us how you plan to use the perforated paper, and we can recommend the ideal combination of paper weight, colour, and pack size for your application. Whether you’re printing shelf edge labels for hundreds of stores, creating premium event tickets, or designing vouchers for a marketing campaign, we can ensure you get a product that looks professional, performs reliably, and fits your budget.
