Ideal paper weight 350gsm vs. 270gsm (go metric!)

[jimmyp]

Hello!
First post here, so I can be forgiven for starting a new thread on this subject.

I'm ordering paper from GF Smith in London—their colourplan stock is perfect.

I'm on the fence if I should print on 270gsm or 350gsm for a 18x24'' poster.
For people across the sea, I'm guessing that's 72lb vs 100lb.

My concern is that 350gsm will be difficult to roll up. I'm certain a lot of you have printed on both weights—what do you recommend?

I've and designed the gig poster for Melissa Auf der Maur's tour in the UK which starts next week. I've got 30 hours of printing starting Tuesday—the ink will barely be dry!

Thank you and have a good morning.

[squeegeethree]

Gsm and lbs are not interchangeable even with conversion. 350 gsm is much thicker than 100 lb. The thicker the paper the wider tube you need for rolling. We roll 365 gsm all the time but it goes in a 6" tube.

[jimmyp]

Damn wikipedia.

Okay cool, I'm not gonna chance it—I don't want people going home with bent posters. I'll do them at 270gsm and order some poster bags.

Thanks for the input.

[DRG]

350 gsm is waaaaaay too thick in my opinion - it's too bulky to store, let alone roll! 250 would be my ideal, so 270 should be fine.

Nice to see new printers on the scene, especially in Leeds. Look forward to seeing your work.

[DCM]

Another Leeds poster person... lovely stuff. Look forward to seeing it.

[crosshair]

Don't get caught up in high-end materials when you're starting out. It's a common mistake. Inexpensive paper is just fine for concert posters.
Concentrate on designing a good poster, and printing it well. That's what matters.
Save the fancy paper for when you're doing high-end work, for high-end clients that can pay for it. Otherwise you'll just be losing money.

[jimmyp]

Ah no shit. Where do you do your printing? As far as I know there's nowhere in Leeds… I do mine in Newcastle.

P.S. I have a signed Faith No More poster from the Edinburgh gig by you. Fucking badass.

[jimmyp]

Don't get caught up in high-end materials when you're starting out. It's a common mistake. Inexpensive paper is just fine for concert posters.
Concentrate on designing a good poster, and printing it well. That's what matters.
Save the fancy paper for when you're doing high-end work, for high-end clients that can pay for it. Otherwise you'll just be losing money.

Although it's my first gig poster—it's just another piece of graphic design for me. The main reason I'm getting great paper is because they deliver next day—and I love great paper.

[Diego Mena]

I've printed on Coulourplan 270gsm and it's sweeeet!
Good luck with the printing!

[jimmyp]

Perfect! It's ordered.
And luck yes—I need it!