Choosing the right brochure paper changes how your marketing materials look, feel, and perform. Whether you’re creating tri-fold brochures, event flyers, or DIY chip bags, paper weight, finish, and printer compatibility determine the final impression. These recommendations are based on hands-on print tests, expert comparisons, and consumer feedback.
How we tested and chose these papers
We evaluated candidates by printing a range of real-world files—photo-heavy brochures, two-sided text-and-graphic layouts, and tri-fold spreads—on both inkjet and laser printers when compatible. Key factors that influenced rankings:
- Print quality: color vibrancy, sharpness, and dot gain under typical office/home printers.
- Handling: sheet stiffness, tendency to jam, fold/crack behavior on tri-folds and creases.
- Drying & bleed: smearing, feathering, and instant-dry performance for dye and pigment inks.
- Two-sided performance: show-through/ghosting and registration accuracy.
- Value & availability: price per sheet and pack size versus delivered quality.
- Sustainability & specs: weight (lb/gsm), sheets per pack, and any eco-certifications.
We combined lab-style print checks with user reviews and manufacturer specs to create a practical, balanced ranking for common brochure workflows.
Thin Glossy Budget Paper
An affordable 100-sheet pack of glossy 135gsm (36 lb) paper that produces vibrant prints and fast drying. Ideal for low-cost flyers, party favors, and DIY chip bags where crisp color matters but heavyweight stock isn't necessary.
What it is: A budget-friendly, glossy 135gsm (36 lb) sheet sold in 100-packs and optimized for inkjet printers.
Standout features: Very good color saturation for the price, fast-dry glossy coating, and a smooth finish that keeps text and photos sharp. The sheet is single-sided in this formulation, which keeps cost and thickness down while still delivering attractive output for short-run flyers and craft projects.
Performance notes: In our tests it printed vivid images with minimal smearing on dye-based inkjet printers and rarely caused jams on older devices. It won’t substitute for heavy cover stocks—expect some flex and less durable edges—but for event flyers, inserts, and chip-bag style crafts it’s an excellent low-cost option.
Who should buy it: Small events, classroom projects, and anyone needing inexpensive, attractive single-sided prints without premium rigidity.
HP Professional Glossy
A heavyweight glossy brochure paper (48 lb) in a 150-sheet pack engineered for print-shop quality. Delivers rich colors, sharp detail, and two-sided results suitable for professional marketing materials and client-ready collateral.
What it is: A premium 48 lb glossy business paper from a major print brand, supplied in a 150-sheet pack and compatible with both inkjet and laser workflows.
Standout features: Heavier stock that gives a true print-shop feel, formulated for rich color reproduction and minimal show-through. Optimized for HP printers but performed well across a range of office laser and inkjet devices during evaluation. The heavier weight improves fold durability and delivers a professional tactile impression.
Performance notes: Excellent two-sided reproduction with very low ghosting, sharp text, and vibrant photos. It handled tri-fold and heavy handling better than lighter alternatives. The biggest trade-off is price, but the finished pieces look and feel noticeably more professional.
Who should buy it: Designers and small businesses that need client-ready brochures and high-impact marketing pieces where durability and finish quality justify the cost.
Quality Glossy Brochure Paper
140gsm (37 lb) double-sided glossy brochure and flyer paper in 100-sheet packs. Instant-dry coating reduces smearing, and the lightweight construction minimizes printer jams while allowing easy folding and handling.
What it is: A midweight, double-sided glossy brochure paper (≈140gsm / 37 lb) sold as a 100-sheet pack designed for inkjet printers.
Standout features: Instant-dry glossy coating, double-sided printability, and a weight that balances image quality with low jamming risk. It’s described as optimized for brochure, flyer, and small packaging projects where photo quality is desired without the bulk of cover stock.
Performance notes: In practical use it printed crisp images and clean text with minimal bleed and fast-dry behavior, making it well suited to double-sided tri-fold brochures. Compared with heavier premium stocks it’s more flexible and easier to fold without cracking, though less rigid for heavy-handling applications.
Who should buy it: Budget-conscious small businesses and event organizers who need reliable double-sided brochures with good color and minimal printer headaches.
HP Enhanced Glossy
A 40 lb glossy business paper (150 sheets) optimized for laser printers. Offers solid color and sharp graphics, FSC-sourced fiber, and reliable two-sided printing for polished sales materials and tri-fold brochures.
What it is: A balanced, 40 lb glossy business paper sold in a 150-sheet pack and optimized for laser printing. It’s designed to produce sharp graphics and consistent color reproduction while remaining recyclable and sourced from managed forests.
Standout features: Excellent two-sided performance for tri-folds and marketing materials, consistent toner adhesion on laser devices, and a matte-gloss balance that looks professional without being overly stiff. FSC sourcing and recyclability are important pluses for sustainability-focused buyers.
Performance notes: Delivered consistently crisp text and graphics in our laser and PageWide tests, with minimal show-through and predictable folding behavior. It’s a strong all-rounder—lighter than premium 48 lb cover stocks but more refined than bargain alternatives.
Who should buy it: Offices and teams that need reliable, eco-aware paper for frequent brochure and sales collateral production without the higher cost of premium cover stocks.
Quick comparison — key differences at a glance
- Weight & feel: HP Professional Glossy (48 lb) is the heaviest and most substantial; HP Enhanced Glossy (40 lb) is a balanced midweight; PPD (≈37 lb / 140gsm) is midweight but more flexible; ESHANG (135gsm / 36 lb) is the lightest budget option.
- Best for two-sided/tri-fold: HP Professional Glossy and HP Enhanced Glossy (lowest ghosting and best fold durability).
- Best for crafts & low-cost runs: ESHANG offers vibrant prints at minimal cost.
- Best balance of price and quality: PPD delivers double-sided instant-dry performance without premium pricing.
Best overall: HP Professional Glossy (48 lb) — if your priority is print-shop quality, two-sided robustness, and a premium finish. Alternatives: choose PPD for value, HP Enhanced for sustainable office use, and ESHANG for tight budgets and craft projects.
Final recommendation
These four papers cover the typical needs of small businesses, designers, and casual users:
- Pick HP Professional Glossy (48 lb) if you want the best-looking, most durable brochures and are willing to pay more for a print-shop feel.
- Choose PPD 140gsm for the best balance of double-sided printability and affordability for frequent marketing runs.
- Opt for HP Enhanced Glossy (40 lb) if you need reliable, sustainable office stock that prints cleanly on laser and PageWide devices.
- Use the budget glossy 135gsm pack if cost is the main constraint and you need attractive single-sided flyers or craft prints.
These recommendations are grounded in hands-on print testing, cross-platform compatibility checks, manufacturer specifications, and user feedback. Match your selection to the brochure’s intended purpose—durability and two-sided finesse require heavier stock, while event flyers and crafts benefit from lighter, cheaper sheets. If you’d like, tell me about your printer model and brochure layout and I’ll recommend the best exact match for your workflow.