A Practical Guide to Matching Paper Stocks and Finishes to Guest-Facing Uses
In hospitality, every detail counts—and that includes the way your printed materials feel in a guest’s hand. Whether you’re designing menus, welcome kits, or event signage, the stock you choose plays a key role in how your brand is perceived.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to select the right paper and finish for common hospitality applications, with real-world suggestions based on durability, aesthetics, and guest expectations.
Why Materials Matter
Guests interact with printed materials in different ways depending on the setting. A poolside drink menu will get wet. A spa brochure might live in someone’s purse for a week. A room directory will be flipped through dozens of times.
That means your material choices should be based on function first—then aesthetics. Paper weight, finish, coating, and texture all influence how long your print holds up and how well it performs.
Common Hospitality Print Uses and What to Choose
Here’s a breakdown of typical guest-facing items and what materials are best suited to each.
-
Poolside Menus
Material: 100 lb gloss cover
Finish: Lamination (matte or soft-touch), or synthetic stock for water resistance
Why: These menus get handled, splashed, and left in the sun. Durability is a must. -
Welcome Letters & In-Room Collateral
Material: 80 lb or 100 lb uncoated or silk-coated text
Finish: Soft-touch or matte coating optional
Why: You want an elegant, tactile impression. Uncoated or silky finishes give a premium, understated feel. -
Spa Brochures & Folded Rack Cards
Material: 80 lb or 100 lb cover stock
Finish: Gloss UV or aqueous coating
Why: These materials need to withstand repeated handling while maintaining their polished look. -
Pocket Maps & Itineraries
Material: 70 lb or 80 lb text
Finish: Scuff-resistant matte or gloss
Why: Lightweight for folding and portability, but still strong enough to avoid tearing. A coating keeps them looking clean. -
Event & Directional Signage (Indoor/Outdoor)
Material: Foam board, coroplast, or vinyl banner stock
Finish: Weather-resistant inks or UV coating
Why: Visibility and durability are key. Match the material to your mounting setup and expected exposure to the elements. -
Restaurant Menus
Material: 100 lb gloss cover or synthetic waterproof stock
Finish: Lamination (for long-term use) or UV coating (for short-term)
Why: These need to clean easily and resist grease, moisture, and wear.
Tips for Choosing the Right Stock
• Uncoated = soft, writable, elegant. Best for stationery, directories, or upscale brochures.
• Gloss = vibrant and crisp. Ideal for menus, maps, and any piece with photography.
• Matte = professional and subdued. A great choice for service menus or formal collateral.
• Synthetic = ultra-durable. If it’s going outside or into high-traffic areas, this is your go-to.
Need help deciding? Reach out to Eagle Web Press for expert recommendations on stock, finish, and format.
Choose Eagle Web Press to Enhance Every Step of the Guest Journey
A good print partner will help you weigh the options and may even suggest stock samples before you commit. At Eagle Web Press, we regularly work with hotels, resorts, and event venues across Oregon to match print materials for hospitality spaces to real-world use cases and budgets.
We’ll help you choose print materials for hospitality spaces that not only look great but also stand up to the demands of the hospitality world. Contact us today to get started.
With our experience, Eagle Web Press is the trusted source for print materials for hospitality spaces that deliver both style and durability.