80lb gloss text vs 100lb gloss text
Updated 2026-05-31 · 3 min read
80lb and 100lb gloss text are the two most-ordered flyer weights in North American trade printing. They use the same paper family and the same gloss surface — the only difference is stiffness. The upgrade is small per unit. It changes the perceived quality of the flyer more than almost any other single spec change.
Spec by spec
| Spec | 80lb gloss text | 100lb gloss text |
|---|---|---|
| Stiffness | Bends easily | Stiffer; resists curl in stacks |
| Ship weight | Lower — fits more per pound | ~25% heavier per equivalent flyer |
| Surface | Gloss coat | Gloss coat (same family) |
| Counter-top presentation | Curls over time | Stays flat in a stand |
| Best for | Mailers, package inserts, internal handouts | Trade-show flyers, marketing collateral, retail counters |
| Cost per piece | Baseline | Small upcharge — typically 10–15% |
Verdict
Pick 80lb gloss text when the flyer is mailed inside an envelope, inserted into a package, or used in volume and unit cost is the constraint. Lighter to ship, cheaper to print, professional enough.
Pick 100lb gloss text when the flyer is handed to someone, fanned out on a counter, or held at a trade-show booth. The extra stiffness signals quality without raising the design budget.
Featured products
80lb gloss text
100lb gloss text