C1S: Coated One Side Paper
Everything you need to know about C1S (coated one side) paper to help you make the best choices for your print project
What Is C1S (Coated One Side) Paper?
C1S paper — also called “coated one side” paper— is paper that has been with mineral clay or polymers, to fill in the gaps between the fibres, on only one side, while the other side is left uncoated. So, on the coated side it has a brighter, smoother surface; and on the uncoated side it has a plain, more natural, rougher quality to it. C1S offers “the best of both worlds” with one side — the coated side — ideal for full-colour printing, and the other, uncoated side, either left blank or printed with text, Pantone colours, or simple black-and-white graphics. C1S paper is not as white as coated and uncoated papers, having a more natural, unbleached look. It's also stiffer than either of the other two options, even at the same weight, which makes it an ideal choice for custom packaging solutions.
C1S Paper Type: Thickness and Weight
Just as with paper coated on both sides and uncoated papers, we measure the thickness of uncoated paper in terms of its weight. Lighter C1S paper is thinner, while heavier C1S paper is usually thicker. With us, you can choose from a wide range of C1S paperweights, including:
| GSM |
LB (cover paper) |
PT | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
|
250 |
92 |
14 |
0.35 mm |
|
300 |
111 |
16 |
0.41 mm |
|
350 |
129 |
20 |
0.50 mm |
|
400 |
148 |
22 |
0.55 mm |
The lighter C1S papers — 200 gsm and 250 gsm — would be used, for example, to print book covers or cards; whereas 250 gsm, 300 gsm, and 350 gsm C1S paper might be used for printing paper boxes of different sizes, custom packaging solutions, board books, and more. At QinPrinting, we also provide a full paper sample manual of our current stock so you can see and feel the paper options for yourself before you decide what's best for your project. Contact us now to get your free C1S paper sample manual.
The Pros and Cons of C1S Paper
Whether CS1 paper is right or wrong for you depends on your project. It has several advantages and potential disadvantages according to your needs. Let's look at the pros and cons of C1S paper to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
The Advantages of C1S Paper:
1. C1S paper is stiffer than both coated and uncoated paper
2. C1S paper colour is a more natural off-white rather than bright white. The look of the paper is long-lasting.
3. The two sides, one coated and one uncoated, have different qualities and uses. So, the coated side is ideal for printing colour images and for finishing with lamination, varnish, and other final touches. The uncoated side can be written on and is excellent for absorbing adhesive. These qualities make it an excellent choice for more structural print projects such as custom packaging, folding boxes, and certain board game components.
4. C1S paper comes in a wider range of customizable sizes, broadening the possible scope of your larger print project needs.
The Disadvantages of C1S Paper:
1. It's not good for printing colour images on both sides, as the result on the uncoated side will have slightly different colours and not be as crisp and sharp as the coated side.
2. Because of its extra rigidity, C1S paper does not fold so easily and requires an added process—the application of a die-cut guideline—before it can be successfully folded.
What Is C1S Paper Usually Used for?
C1S paper is typically used for print projects in which one side of the sheet will be left blank, printed only with minimal text, or glued to another substrate while the other side will be printed with images or in full colour. So, it's usually used for folding cardboard boxes, custom box inserts, self-covered board books and the interior pages of hardcover board books, black-and-white paperback book covers, postcards, visiting cards, and greeting cards, for example.
We're Here to Help!
If there's anything else you'd like to know about paper choices for your print project, talk to us. We're passionate about paper, and our experts in the printing department will be happy to help you. We want you to have a great experience working with us and — most importantly — to get the best possible results. At QinPrinting, we offer a free paper sample manual for our clients, which includes all the samples of currently available paper options in our stock. Contact us today to get your free paper manual. You're welcome!