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Double-coated paper, whose full name is double-sided offset printing paper, is also known as offset paper or Daolin paper (originally introduced from the Hong Kong-based Dowlin Company). Its primary raw material is pulp, and the key additives (which determine the characteristics of “double-coated paper”) are sizing agents (such as starch, PVA, AKD, etc.). These agents make the paper water-resistant, prevent ink from bleeding, and ensure it does not shed fibers. The core feature is double-sided sizing, which ensures both sides are smooth, water-resistant, and free from powder shedding.
High-grade double-coated paper is made from 100% virgin wood pulp (coniferous and broadleaf). Mid-grade double-coated paper consists primarily of virgin wood pulp with a small amount of filler, while some low-grade varieties may contain a small amount of recycled pulp (waste paper pulp) or non-wood fibers such as straw or bamboo pulp.
Since there is double-coated paper, there is naturally also single-coated paper (which can only be printed on one side; the other side is prone to linting, show-through, and wrinkling).
Double-coated paper is the most commonly used uncoated paper for printing and writing, with the following characteristics:
1. Excellent printability. Minimal shrinkage; even ink absorption; smooth surface.
2. Stable physical properties. High opacity; good strength; good water resistance; uniform whiteness.
3. Texture and cost. Soft and comfortable to the touch; wide range of basis weights; high value for money.
4. Main uses. Book, textbook, and magazine covers; art books, instruction manuals, posters, and maps; office paper, forms, envelopes, and notebooks.
There is little difference in the base pulp used for double-coated paper and coated paper. The raw materials for both types of paper are primarily softwood pulp (long fibers, strong and tough) and hardwood pulp (short fibers, fine-textured), with wood pulp being the main component in both.
The key difference lies in the presence or absence of a “coating layer.” Double-coated paper has no coating layer; it is only surface-sized (with starch, PVA, or sizing agents) to provide water resistance, prevent ink bleeding, and minimize linting—the base material remains paper fibers. Coated paper has a distinct and thick coating layer; this coating fills in the paper’s surface and is calendered to create a smooth, mirror-like finish.
Simply put, double-coated paper = wood pulp + double-sided sizing; coated paper = base paper + coating.
1. Surface texture. Double-coated paper has a fine, non-reflective surface with a natural matte finish; it feels like ordinary paper to the touch. Coated paper has a surface that looks as if it’s been coated with oil—smooth and glossy—and feels smoother and stiffer to the touch.
2. Printing results. On double-coated paper, the ink is absorbed into the paper, resulting in clear text that is easy on the eyes during prolonged reading, while images appear softer. On coated paper, the ink sits on the surface, producing vivid, highly saturated colors, and photographs or illustrations appear exceptionally sharp and detailed.
3. Paper surface coating. Double-coated paper: uncoated, with only double-sided sizing applied; it has a distinct fibrous texture. Coated paper: coated with a white mineral coating.
4. Recommended Uses. Uncoated paper is primarily used for book pages, novels, textbooks, contracts, notebooks, and instruction manuals; coated paper is primarily used for art books, brochures, posters, magazine covers, high-end product manuals, and business cards.
The simplest way to tell them apart is to hold them up to the light: the one that isn’t shiny is uncoated paper, and the one that is shiny is coated paper.
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