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With several finishes, weights and sizes available, choosing the right photo paper can feel a little overwhelming. The best option depends on what you are printing, how much shine you prefer, how substantial you want the finished piece to feel and whether you value the flexibility of a printable surface on both sides.
This guide compares the complete Koala inkjet photo paper range available at Create Print Love, including glossy, semi-gloss and satin papers from 115gsm to 260gsm.
Compare the complete Koala photo paper range by finish, reflection, weight, resistance and typical uses.
Start with the finish
The surface finish has the greatest effect on how your finished print looks under light.
Glossy photo paper
Glossy paper has a smooth, shiny surface that produces vibrant colour, strong contrast and the classic photographic look. It is an excellent choice when you want colourful images to stand out, although its reflective surface can create more glare under bright lighting.
Choose glossy for:
- Pressed photo magnets
- Bright photographs and colourful prints
- Brochures, flyers and promotional inserts
- Double-sided projects requiring strong colour impact
- Everyday craft projects
The glossy range includes 115gsm single-sided A4, 120gsm double-sided A4, 140gsm double-sided A4 and 120gsm double-sided 4×6” sheets.
Semi-gloss photo paper
Semi-gloss sits between glossy and matte in appearance. It retains rich, vibrant colour while producing less reflection and glare than a full glossy finish. This makes it a versatile choice when you still want some sheen without a highly reflective surface.
Choose semi-gloss for:
- Photo magnets
- Photographs with a softer finish
- Cards, brochures and double-sided prints
- Craft projects and printables
- Designs that may be viewed under bright lighting
Both the 120gsm and 140gsm semi-gloss papers are double-sided A4 sheets.
Satin resin-coated photo paper
The 260gsm Satin RC paper has a soft, refined sheen and a heavyweight, substantial feel. Its resin-coated construction offers enhanced resistance to water, scratches and curling, making it particularly suited to premium or more durable applications.
Choose Satin RC for:
- Premium photographs
- Flexible photo magnets
- Display prints
- Albums and keepsakes
- Projects requiring greater durability
Choosing the right paper weight
Paper weight is measured in gsm, or grams per square metre. A higher gsm generally feels thicker and more substantial, but the heaviest paper is not automatically the best choice for every project.
115gsm: Light and flexible
The 115gsm Glossy A4 paper is the lightest option in the range. It is single-sided and well suited to pressed photo magnets, everyday photo printing and craft projects where a lightweight, flexible sheet is preferred.
120gsm: Versatile for everyday projects
The 120gsm papers remain lightweight and flexible while offering double-sided printing. Choose between glossy and semi-gloss A4 finishes, or use the ready-cut 4x6” glossy size for photo printing, events and markets.
140gsm: A firmer, more substantial feel
The 140gsm double-sided papers are available in glossy and semi-gloss finishes. They offer the same general finish choices as the lighter papers but with a firmer feel, making them useful for brochures, cards, inserts and projects where presentation matters.
260gsm: Heavyweight and premium
The 260gsm Satin RC paper is the thickest paper in the range. It is single-sided and designed for projects that benefit from a premium appearance, greater rigidity and enhanced resistance.
Why choose double-sided photo paper?
Double-sided photo paper is not only for projects that will be printed on both sides. Many people choose it for single-sided printing because both surfaces are printable, giving them greater flexibility when loading, handling and using each sheet.
Advantages of double-sided paper include:
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Either side can be used for printing. There is no coated front and plain reverse to identify before loading the paper.
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Greater flexibility during production. If one side is lightly marked, handled or does not print as expected, the reverse may still be usable, depending on the project.
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A finished surface on the reverse. Even when only one side is printed, the unprinted back has a cleaner, more consistent appearance than the plain reverse of many single-sided photo papers.
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Suitable for both single and double-sided projects. You can use the same paper for photographs, photo magnets and crafts as well as brochures, cards, invitations and information inserts.
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More options for testing and creative work. Both sides can be used when trialling printer settings, comparing designs or creating small samples.
Single-sided paper remains a practical choice when you only need one printable surface and the reverse will be hidden in the finished project. Double-sided paper provides greater versatility when you want the option to use either surface, regardless of whether you ultimately print on one side or both.
All 120gsm and 140gsm papers in the Koala range are double-sided. They can be used whether you plan to print on one side or both. The 115gsm Glossy and 260gsm Satin RC papers are single-sided.
A4 or 4×6”?
Choose A4 when you want to print several photographs or designs on one sheet, or when your finished items will be different sizes. You can arrange the layout to suit your project and trim each item as needed.
Choose 4×6” when you want to print a standard-sized photo without trimming it from an A4 sheet. The ready-cut size can save preparation time and reduce paper offcuts, making it convenient for photo orders, events and markets.
Quick product guide
| Product | Best suited to |
|---|---|
| 115gsm Glossy Single-Sided A4 | Pressed photo magnets, everyday photos and lightweight craft projects |
| 120gsm Glossy Double-Sided A4 | Photo magnets, photos, brochures, flyers, crafts and projects requiring a versatile printable surface |
| 120gsm Glossy Double-Sided 4×6” | Ready-cut photos, events, markets and efficient repeat printing |
| 120gsm Semi-Gloss Double-Sided A4 | Photos, magnets, crafts and projects requiring reduced reflection and a versatile printable surface |
| 140gsm Glossy Double-Sided A4 | Photos, magnets, brochures, flyers and glossy projects needing a firmer feel |
| 140gsm Semi-Gloss Double-Sided A4 | Photos, magnets, cards, brochures and projects combining reduced reflection with a more substantial feel |
| 260gsm Satin RC Single-Sided A4 | Premium photos, flexible magnets, albums, displays and durable projects |
Which Koala photo paper should you choose?
There is no single paper that is best for every project. Use these simple starting points:
- For maximum shine and colour impact, choose glossy.
- For vibrant colour with less reflection, choose semi-gloss.
- For a soft sheen and premium, heavyweight result, choose Satin RC.
- For pressed photo magnets, begin with 115gsm or one of the 120gsm or 140gsm photo papers, depending on the finish and firmness you prefer.
- For the flexibility to print on either side - even when the finished project only needs one printed side - choose any of the 120gsm or 140gsm options.
- For ready-cut standard photo sheets, choose 120gsm Double-Sided Glossy 4x6”.
- For flexible photo magnets or more durable premium prints, choose 260gsm Satin RC.
Your printer, ink, print settings and final application can also affect the result. If you are deciding between papers, testing a small quantity first is the best way to compare the finish and feel with your own equipment and designs.
