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When you place a print order in Singapore, the paper stock selection often comes down to a choice between art card and woodfree paper — and if you are not sure which to pick, you are not alone. These two materials print differently, feel different in the hand, and suit different products. Getting this choice right saves you from reprints and ensures your final piece looks the way you intended.
What art card actually is
Art card — sometimes labelled as coated paper or cast-coated paper — has a smooth clay coating applied to one or both sides. This coating seals the surface, which means ink sits on top of the paper rather than being absorbed into the fibres. The result is sharper dot reproduction, richer colour saturation, and a bright, consistent finish. Art card is the default stock for most commercial printing in Singapore, and it is what most flyers, brochures, and business cards are printed on.
Art card is available in gloss or matte variants, and typically in weights from 128gsm (standard brochure stock) up to 400gsm (premium name card stock). The higher the gsm, the thicker and stiffer the card.
What woodfree paper actually is
Woodfree paper — also called uncoated paper or bond paper — has no clay coating. The surface is slightly absorbent, which gives it a natural, tactile texture. Ink is partly absorbed into the fibres rather than sitting on the surface, which produces a softer, less saturated print. Text reads very clearly on woodfree because there is no surface glare, making it the standard choice for document printing, letterheads, reports, and anything that will be read at length or written on.
Side-by-side: art card vs woodfree
- Colour reproduction: Art card produces richer, more saturated colour. Woodfree produces softer, slightly muted colour — acceptable for text and simple graphics, less ideal for photography.
- Writing surface: Woodfree accepts ballpoint and rollerball pen well. Art card repels ink — writing on a gloss art card surface smears immediately.
- Feel: Art card feels smooth and formal. Woodfree feels natural and tactile — preferred for premium stationery and editorial contexts.
- Lamination: Art card accepts gloss, matte, and soft-touch lamination cleanly. Woodfree is not typically laminated.
- Cost: Art card is slightly more expensive at equivalent weights. Woodfree 80gsm is the most cost-effective stock for high-volume document printing.
Common mistake to avoid
Ordering brochures on woodfree when you want photography to look vibrant is the most common stock error at ExpressPrint. Images that look vivid on screen can look flat and grey when printed on uncoated stock. If your brochure or booklet contains full-colour photography, always use art card.
Which to choose for your product
Use art card for business cards, flyers, brochures, booklet covers, and any piece where colour accuracy and a polished finish matters. Use woodfree for documents, report interiors, letterheads, notepads, and anything that will be read, annotated, or filed. For booklets with full-colour covers and text-heavy interiors, many Singapore businesses choose art card covers with woodfree inner pages — the best of both materials.
Talk to ExpressPrint before you order
If you are unsure which stock suits your job, ExpressPrint offers samples of our most common paper weights and finishes. Contact us before placing your order and we will advise on the right stock for your brochure, booklet, or document job.
Products mentioned in this article:
Flyers & brochuresBusiness cardsBooklet (saddle stitch)Booklet (perfect bind)Document printing
