
Coated one side paper, commonly referred to as C1S paper, is a highly versatile material that is widely used in the printing industry. It’s particularly favored for projects where one side of the paper needs to remain unprinted or is meant to be affixed to another surface. This makes it an ideal choice for a variety of products such as board books, folding carton boxes, postcards and more.
What’s Coated One Side Paper
Coated One Side Paper (C1S) is a type of paper that has a glossy coating on one side, while the other side remains uncoated. This unique characteristic provides a dual functionality: the coated side offers a smooth, high-quality surface for vibrant printing, while the uncoated side allows for easy adhesion or can be left blank. This paper is a popular choice for products that require clear, vivid printing on one side while maintaining a non-slip, writable, or adhesive-friendly surface on the other.
C1S Paper Weight and Thickness Options
C1S paper comes in a variety of weights and thicknesses, allowing for customization based on the specific needs of a project. The weight of the paper is determined by its thickness, which also affects its durability and the feel it provides in the hands of the end-user. Here are some common options:
| GSM | LB | PT | Thickness |
| 250gsm | 92 lb cover | 12 pt | 0.35 mm |
| 300gsm | 111 lb cover | 14 pt | 0.42 mm |
| 350gsm | 129 lb cover | 16 pt | 0.49 mm |
| 400gsm | 148 lb cover | 18 pt | 0.56mm |
The lighter weight 200-250gsm is often used for products like paperback covers, flyers and brochures, greeting cards, postcards, small folding box, where some rigidity is desired, but flexibility is still important. The lighter weight allows for easy folding and manipulation. 250gsm, 300gsm, 350gsm, typically used for printing board books, paper boxes and more, where need strong rigidity.

Uses of C1S Paper
C1S paper’s unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries. Its versatility ensures that it can be adapted to meet the demands of different products, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Children’s Board Books: C1S paper is often used in the production of children’s board books due to its ability to handle vibrant printing and withstand frequent handling. The coated side allows for clear, engaging illustrations, while the uncoated side can be used for adhesive purposes. Similarly, it is an excellent choice for the covers of paperback and coil-bound books, where the inside cover remains unprinted, offering a clean, professional look.
Cards: The high-quality print finish offered by C1S paper makes it ideal for creating various types of cards. Greeting cards and postcards benefit from the vibrant colors and sharp images that can be printed on the coated side, while the uncoated side can be used for personal messages or mailing information. Some flashcards or other card sets typically the coated side for vibrant printing and the uncoated side for adhesive bonding, making them both durable and visually appealing.
Folding Cardboard Boxes: Folding carton boxes require a sturdy and durable material that can also display printed designs effectively. C1S paper is perfect for this application as its coated side ensures that logos, product information, and other graphics are presented clearly and attractively. The uncoated side can be glued to provide structural integrity to the boxes, ensuring they remain functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Flyers and Other Promotion Materials: When it comes to marketing materials like flyers or other promotional materials, C1S paper provides an excellent balance of print quality and cost-effectiveness. The coated side ensures that promotional images and text are vibrant and eye-catching, while uncoated side allow for writing or personal message. This makes it a preferred choice for businesses looking to maximize their marketing impact without overspending.
The Benefits of C1S Paper
C1S paper offers many advantages that make it a popular choice among printing professionals. Its unique combination of functional and aesthetic benefits ensures that it remains in demand for a variety of applications.
Cost-effective: C1S paper is a cost-effective option for single side printing, making it a popular choice for businesses seeking to reduce costs without compromising the quality of printing on the coated side.
Vibrant Prints: The primary appeal of C1S paper lies in its ability to achieve vibrant prints. The coating applied to one side of the paper is designed to accept ink evenly, resulting in sharp, vibrant images and text. This makes it an excellent choice for any project where high-quality image reproduction is essential.
Adhesion and Writing: The uncoated side of C1S paper is more suitable for adhesive bonding or writing information, which is important for board book production that requires mounting two C1S papers together, or postcards that require mailing information.
Durability & Strength: The coating applied to one side of the paper not only enhances print quality but also adds to the durability and strength of the material. This ensures that printed products can withstand handling and use over time, maintaining their appearance and functionality.
Multiple Purpose: One of the key benefits of C1S paper is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of applications, from self-cover board books and folding carton boxes to greeting cards and promotional material.
C1S vs C2S: The Difference
Understanding the differences between C1S and C2S (Coated Two Sides) paper is essential for making informed decisions about which material best suits a specific project.
Coating: The most obvious difference between C1S and C2S paper is the coating. C1S paper has a glossy coating on one side, while C2S paper is coated on both sides. This distinction impacts both the cost and functionality of the paper.
Cost: C1S paper is generally more affordable than C2S paper due to the single-side coating process. This makes it a cost-effective option for projects that do not require printing on both sides, such as certain types of packaging and marketing materials.
Printing Quality: While C2S paper offers the advantage of being printable on both sides, C1S paper is typically printed on the coated side only. This allows the uncoated side to be used for writing or adhesive bonding, making it suitable for specific applications.
Durability: C2S paper tends to be more durable than C1S paper due to the double-sided coating. This makes it ideal for products that require additional protection and strength, such as books and catalogs that will be handled frequently.
Application: C2S paper is well-suited for projects that require double-sided printing, such as books, catalogs, and packaging. In contrast, C1S paper is often used for single-sided printing applications, including self-cover board books, unprinted paperback or spiral book inside covers, and greeting cards.

Talk to Us
At Chinaprinting4u, we understand the importance of choosing the right paper for your printing projects. We offer a variety of paper options, including C1S, C2S, uncoated paper and more, as well as provide expert guidance to help bring your vision to life. Whether you are looking for high-quality printing solutions for board books, packaging, or marketing materials, our team is here to assist you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your printing goals.
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of C1S paper for your next printing project, don’t hesitate to reach out to Chinaprinting4u. Our experienced team is ready to provide you with personalized recommendations and ensure that your project is a success. Contact us today and let’s make your ideas a reality.

