Not all paper is created equal – and if you've ever printed a beautiful planner or colouring page only for it to come out looking dull or flimsy, the paper is usually the culprit. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right paper for printing at home in the UK.
Understanding Paper Weight (GSM)
Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre). The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the paper. Here's a quick guide:
- 75–80gsm – Standard printer paper. Fine for everyday documents but can feel flimsy for planners and colouring pages.
- 90–100gsm – A noticeable step up. Great for colouring pages, activity sheets, and planners. Feels more premium without costing much more.
- 120–160gsm – Thick paper, ideal for covers, certificates, and anything you want to feel substantial.
- 160–300gsm (cardstock) – Best for invitations, greeting cards, and posters. May not feed through all home printers – check your printer's maximum GSM before buying.
Which Printer Should I Use for Printing at Home?
The paper you choose matters, but so does your printer. Here are the best home printers for getting great results with printables:
- Canon PIXMA TS705a — A reliable, affordable inkjet that handles both plain and photo paper beautifully. Great for colouring pages and worksheets. Widely available in the UK.
- Epson EcoTank ET-2851 — The best value long-term option. Refillable ink tanks mean very low cost-per-page, ideal if you print frequently. Produces sharp, vibrant results on 80gsm and above.
- HP Envy Inspire 7921e — A solid all-rounder with good colour accuracy. Works well with glossy and matte photo paper for premium results.
Top tip: For our printables, pair any of the above with 90–100gsm paper for everyday prints, or matte photo paper for anything you want to frame or gift.
For independent printer reviews and comparisons, Which? Printers is a trusted UK resource that tests home printers for print quality, running costs, and reliability.
Best Paper for Colouring Pages
For kids' colouring pages and adult colouring sheets, 90gsm plain white paper is the sweet spot. It's thick enough to handle felt tips and coloured pencils without bleeding through, and it's widely available and affordable. If you're using alcohol markers, go for 160gsm+ to prevent bleed-through.
Looking for something to print? Browse our printable colouring books for kids and adults — all instant PDF downloads, ready to print at home.
Best Paper for Planners and Worksheets
For weekly planners, checklists, and workbooks, 90–100gsm works beautifully. It feels sturdy enough to write on comfortably and holds up well if you're punching holes to put it in a binder. Standard 80gsm can buckle when written on with ballpoint pens, so it's worth the small upgrade.
Best Paper for Invitations and Posters
For wedding invitations, birthday invitations, and decorative posters, you'll want cardstock at 160–250gsm. This gives a premium, professional feel. Many home inkjet printers can handle up to 200–250gsm – check your printer manual to be sure.
Matte vs Glossy Paper
Most home printers work best with matte paper – it's versatile, easy to write on, and produces crisp, clear prints. Glossy paper can look stunning for photo-style prints but isn't always writable and can smear with inkjet ink if not given time to dry. For planners and colouring pages, stick with matte.
Where to Buy Good Paper in the UK
You don't need to spend a fortune. Here are some reliable options:
- Ryman – Good range of paper weights, available in store and online
- Staples – Solid everyday options including 90gsm and cardstock
- Amazon – Great for buying in bulk; look for brands like Navigator, Clairefontaine, or Hammermill
- Hobbycraft – Brilliant for cardstock and specialty papers
- Tesco/Sainsbury's – Fine for standard 80gsm in a pinch
Quick Reference Guide
- 🎨 Colouring pages – 90gsm plain white matte
- 🗓️ Planners & worksheets – 90–100gsm matte
- 💌 Invitations & cards – 160–250gsm cardstock
- 📌 Posters & certificates – 120–160gsm matte
- 📝 Everyday documents – 80gsm standard
We Also Personalise!
Did you know we offer a personalisation service? After checkout, simply message us your details – your name, dates, or company name – and we'll customise your PDF and send it back ready to download and print on your perfect paper choice.
We're based in BST and aim to deliver personalised PDFs within 30 minutes where possible, though it can take up to 12 hours depending on your time zone. 😊
Ready to Print?
Not sure where to start? Try our free colouring book first – it's a great way to test your paper and printer settings before buying. Then browse our full range of instant-download printables at reggieandco.co.uk – from kids' colouring books to wedding planners, there's something for every occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GSM paper is best for printing at home?
For most home printing, 90–100gsm is the sweet spot — it's noticeably better than standard 80gsm paper and works well for colouring pages, planners, and worksheets. For invitations and cards, go for 160–250gsm cardstock. For everyday documents, standard 80gsm is perfectly fine.
Can I use any paper in my home printer?
Most home inkjet printers can handle paper up to around 200–250gsm, but it varies by model. Always check your printer's manual or manufacturer's website for the maximum supported paper weight before buying cardstock. Using paper that's too thick can cause paper jams or damage the printer.
Is inkjet or laser better for printing colouring pages?
Inkjet printers generally produce better results for colouring pages and illustrated printables because they handle colour gradients and fine detail more accurately. Laser printers are faster and cheaper per page for text-heavy documents, but can look flatter on illustrated designs. For our printables, an inkjet on 90gsm+ paper gives the best results.
What's the difference between matte and glossy paper?
Matte paper has a non-reflective finish that's easy to write on and works well for planners, worksheets, and colouring pages. Glossy paper has a shiny finish that makes colours pop — great for photo-style prints — but it can smear with inkjet ink and isn't suitable for writing on. For most of our printables, matte is the better choice.
Where can I buy 90gsm or 100gsm paper in the UK?
Ryman, Staples, and Amazon are all good options. On Amazon, look for brands like Navigator, Clairefontaine, or Hammermill — all widely available and reliable. Hobbycraft is a great option for cardstock and specialty papers if you need heavier weights.
Can I print your PDFs at a print shop instead of at home?
Yes — all our PDFs can be taken to a local print shop such as Ryman, Staples, or a local copy shop. This is a great option if you want to print on heavier cardstock that your home printer can't handle, or if you need a large number of copies. Simply download the PDF and take it on a USB stick or email it to the shop.
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