Whats the difference between Cover and Book ?
The terms “Cover” and “Book” refer to different types of paper stock commonly used in printing, and they have distinct characteristics:
- Cover Stock:
- Thickness: Cover stock is thicker and heavier than book stock. It’s often referred to as cardstock.
- Usage: It is primarily used for things that need sturdiness, such as business cards, postcards, flyers, and covers for books or catalogs. The extra weight makes it more durable and gives a premium feel.
- Weight: Cover stock is typically measured in pounds (lb), and weights commonly range from 80lb to 120lb. For example, 100lb Cover is thick and stiff.
- Book Stock:
- Thickness: Book stock is lighter and thinner than cover stock. It’s more like the paper you find in the pages of a book or magazine.
- Usage: It is typically used for interior pages of books, brochures, newsletters, or catalogs. It’s designed for easy page-turning and reading.
- Weight: Book stock is also measured in pounds but is much lighter, typically ranging from 50lb to 100lb. For example, 100lb Book is significantly thinner than 100lb Cover.
Key Difference:
- Cover stock is thicker and more rigid, making it ideal for outer layers or projects requiring durability.
- Book stock is thinner, lighter, and used for pages where flexibility and readability are important.
Can you write on 100lb Gloss Cover or Book ?
Yes, you can write on 100lb Gloss Cover or Book paper, but it may not be as easy as writing on uncoated paper. The gloss coating can make it more difficult for certain pens or pencils to leave a mark. For best results, use a permanent marker or a pen with quick-drying ink (such as a ballpoint or gel pen). Standard pencils and some inks might smudge or not adhere well to the glossy surface.
I’m confused because I see 100lb Gloss Cover and 100lb Gloss Book.. I thought 100lb was the thickness
I can see why that would be confusing! The 100lb weight on both Gloss Cover and Gloss Book refers to the basis weight of the paper, but these two types of paper have different thicknesses and purposes despite both being labeled “100lb.”
Key Points:
- 100lb Gloss Cover and 100lb Gloss Book are not the same thickness, even though both are labeled “100lb.”
- The 100lb weight refers to the weight of 500 sheets of the paper in its standard size before it’s cut down for use.
- Cover stock has a standard size of 20″ x 26″.
- Book stock has a standard size of 25″ x 38″.
Why They’re Different in Thickness:
- 100lb Gloss Cover:
- Cover stock is thicker and heavier. Even though it’s 100lb, it feels stiffer and more rigid because of the different paper size standard used to calculate its weight.
- A 100lb Cover is roughly equivalent in thickness to about 270 GSM (grams per square meter).
- 100lb Gloss Book:
- Book stock is thinner and more flexible, despite also being labeled 100lb. This is due to the larger sheet size used to measure its weight.
- A 100lb Book paper is around 148 GSM, so it’s much thinner and more suited for internal pages rather than covers.
In Summary:
Even though both say “100lb,” 100lb Gloss Cover is much thicker and stiffer than 100lb Gloss Book, because cover stock is measured using a smaller sheet size, making it denser. Think of 100lb Cover as being for sturdier projects like postcards or business cards, while 100lb Book is more for magazine pages or brochures where you want flexibility.
Which one can be used in a mailing service?
Both 100lb Gloss Cover and 100lb Gloss Book can be used in a mailing service, but they serve different purposes depending on the type of mailing piece you are creating:
100lb Gloss Cover:
- Ideal for: Postcards, self-mailers (where the piece folds and mails without an envelope), greeting cards, and direct mail pieces that need sturdiness.
- Reason: The thickness and rigidity of 100lb Gloss Cover make it durable enough to withstand the mailing process without getting damaged easily. It’s a popular choice for postcards, flyers, and brochures that don’t require envelopes.
100lb Gloss Book:
- Ideal for: Items like catalogs, magazines, newsletters, and brochures that are mailed in envelopes or have multiple pages.
- Reason: 100lb Gloss Book is lighter and more flexible, making it a better choice for multi-page materials that need to be folded or placed inside envelopes.
When to Use Each for Mailing:
- 100lb Gloss Cover is best if you want a thick, durable piece to mail on its own without an envelope (like a postcard or heavy flyer).
- 100lb Gloss Book is more suitable for multi-page documents or items that need to be folded or inserted into an envelope (like a brochure or catalog).
For a self-mailer, where the piece isn’t enclosed in an envelope, 100lb Gloss Cover would be a better option due to its durability in the postal system. If you’re mailing something in an envelope, 100lb Gloss Book might be preferable because it’s thinner and lighter, which can help reduce mailing costs.