All Shiny Papers are not the Same…
Metallic, mirror, gloss, and glitter – they’re all shiny coated papers for creative projects and prints, but what’s the difference? In this post we explain these paper finishes, show you what they look like, and share some creative ideas on what they’re best used for.
Metallic Paper – Shimmery, Pearlescent
What it looks like
Metallic paper has a pearlescent, mica-infused coating that gives it a subtle sheen, iridescence, and sparkle. LCI Paper offers multiple brands of metallic coated text paper and card stock – some coated on both sides (Stardream), some coated on just one side (Gmund Metallics).
What’s available
- Metallic invitation cards
- Metallic shape cards
- Metallic envelopes (Stardream only)
- Metallic text paper & cover weight card stock (Gmund Metallics is offered in cover weight only)
How to use metallic paper
Offered in a range of neutral and bold colors and in so many sizes, metallic paper is awesome for standout stationery, branding, packaging, prints, scrapbooking, paper crafts, and more.
How to print metallic paper
Metallic paper and card stock can be printed with a laser printer (toner). Due to its coated finish, it is not inkjet printable. Please note that some laser printers are unable to print on thick, heavy card stock. Prior to purchase, please consult your printer manual and order samples to test. LCI Paper also prints and laser cuts/engraves on metallic paper products.
- Learn more about LCI Paper’s printing services
- Learn more about LCI Paper’s laser cutting and engraving services
Metallic paper may also be printed with conventional methods such as offset, embossing, silk screening, thermography, and letterpress. Please contact us for detailed printing information from the manufacturing mill.
Mirror/Foil Paper – Ultra Shiny, Reflective
What it looks like
Foil, or mirror finish cardstock is ultra shiny and reflective like a mirror. It is coated one one side and is matte white on the other.
What’s available (cardstock only)
We offer Kromekote mirror finish cardstock in silver and gold. This paper is offered in one weight only – thick, heavy 105lb card stock.
Foil/mirror text paper and envelopes are not offered at this time.
How to use mirror cardstock
With it’s striking golden and silver sheen, mirror cardstock is perfect for elegant invites, branding, packaging, and paper crafts. Dial it up and use it as the focal point of your project (a golden mirror invite, a shining silver cocktail menu), or tone it down and use it as an accent (an eye-catching invitation layer or a stand-out package insert).
Mirror paper laser cuts and engraves beautifully (hello, fun shiny shapes!) and looks sharp printed in black or white. No matter what you do with it, we know you’ll love it!
How to print mirror cardstock
Mirror cardstock can be printed with a laser printer so long as the printer can work with its thick, heavy 105lb cover weight. It may also be printed with conventional methods such as offset and embossing. Please visit our Mirror Cardstock page and scroll down to the bottom for detailed printing and handling tips.
Glossy Paper – Smooth & Shiny, Clean & Classic
What it looks like
Our glossy paper is bright white cardstock coated on one side with a high-gloss finish – giving it a smooth, shiny, clean and classic look.
What’s available
We offer glossy white cardstock in a 92lb cover. No text weight is offered at this time.
How to use it
Cast coated C/1S Kromekote white glossy card stock is known around the world for superior image reproduction, making it ideal for marketing materials, mailings, branding, business cards, announcements, and more.
How to print it
Kromekote white gloss can be printed with a laser printer so long as the printer can work with its thicknbess. It may also be printed with conventional methods such as offset and embossing. Please visit our gloss card stock page and scroll down to the bottom for detailed printing and handling tips.
Glitter Paper – Sparkly (but not Flaky)!
What it looks like
Glitter paper is coated on one side with flake-free glitter. It’s very sparkly, but doesn’t flake or shed like many other glitter papers. This means you won’t get glitter all over your hands, surfaces, or equipment!
What’s available
Glitter is offered in silver and gold, text weight (90lb) and cover weight (104lb):
- Glitter paper and card stock
- Glitter invitation cards
- Glitter invitation bands
- Glitter envelope liners
How to use it
Glitter paper is great for packaging, wrapping, paper crafts, scrapbooking, and invitation layers and accents. It’s not printable with a laser or inkjet, but laser cuts like a dream for creating cool sparkly shapes.
How to print it
This paper is not home printable, but can be printed with offset, foil stamping, thermography, silkscreen, etc.