What is Mirror Coat Paper? Features, Differences from Other Coated Papers, and Considerations

Mirror coated paper is a type of paper characterized by its smooth texture and high gloss. Thanks to its excellent ink color reproduction, it can express vivid hues, which makes it widely used in contexts such as photographs and advertisements where visibility is key. Despite its luxurious appearance, it offers excellent cost performance, making it a versatile material for various applications.

We produce a wide range of stickers tailored to our customers’ design and usage requirements. If you are considering creating original stickers, please feel free to consult with us.

What is Mirror Coated Paper?

Mirror coated paper is a highly glossy paper material, formally known as cast coated paper. The term “mirror coated paper” commonly used is actually a trademark owned by the paper company Oji Paper. Being one of the most affordable paper types alongside matte coated paper and quality paper, it is utilized in a wide variety of applications.

This paper material is especially recommended for those who want to achieve a glamorous appearance while keeping costs down.

Characteristics of Mirror Coated Paper

Mirror coated paper is distinguished by its smooth feel and high gloss. Its vivid color reproduction and excellent color fidelity make it particularly well-suited for designs featuring vibrant hues.

It is widely used for labels and shop stickers placed in prominent locations, as well as in advertising and promotional contexts.

Differences Between Mirror Coated Paper and Other Paper Materials

The differences between mirror coated paper and other paper materials are as follows:

	Mirror Coated Paper	Quality Paper	Art Paper
Gloss	Yes	No	Yes (slight gloss)
Texture	Smooth to the touch	A natural feel unique to paper	Smooth to the touch
Types	・73kg (0.0080mm) ・For corrections	・55kg (0.080mm) ・70kg (0.090mm) ・90kg (0.120mm) ・For corrections	・73kg (0.080mm) ・90kg (0.090mm) ・110kg (0.105mm) ・For corrections
Adhesion	Standard adhesion, high adhesion, reinforced adhesion, low adhesion, high-adhesion re-peelable. Also available in low-adhesion re-peelable, for chilled food, etc.	Standard adhesion, high adhesion, reinforced adhesion, low adhesion, high-adhesion re-peelable. Also available in low-adhesion re-peelable, for chilled food, etc.	Standard adhesion, high adhesion, reinforced adhesion, low adhesion, high-adhesion re-peelable. Also available in low-adhesion re-peelable, for chilled food, etc.
Chemical Substance Evaluation	REACH Regulation, RoHS Directive, etc. Documentation can be submitted ※ Some materials may not be applicable	REACH Regulation, RoHS Directive, etc. Documentation can be submitted ※ Some materials may not be applicable	REACH Regulation, RoHS Directive, etc. Documentation can be submitted ※ Some materials may not be applicable

The differences primarily lie in the intensity of the gloss and the variety of available types. Art paper, with its slight gloss and wide range of thickness options, is versatile for use in magazines, catalogs, pamphlets, and more. Quality paper, lacking gloss, is often used as standard copy paper; however, its low cost, natural appearance, and high versatility are its key features.

Mirror coated paper exhibits strong gloss and reflects light like a mirror. Although it offers fewer thickness options compared to art paper, it is particularly suited for applications such as advertisements and photographs where vivid color reproduction and design fidelity are required.

Differences from Quality Paper

Quality paper is a type of paper often referred to as general-purpose paper, and is widely used for various applications including copy paper.

Because no coating agent is applied to its surface, it features a natural feel and a smooth texture. Compared to mirror coated paper or art paper, it tends to absorb ink more readily and displays a subdued color tone. It is recommended to perform color proofs and test prints to verify the final appearance before use.

Mirror coated paper is not suitable for writing or stamping, whereas quality paper is ideal for writing with pencils or pens, making it useful for documents such as questionnaires and application forms that require filling out.

When used for stickers, combining quality paper with a design that emphasizes a natural look can bring out its unique charm.

Differences from Art Paper

Art paper is a type of coated paper made by applying a gloss-type coating to quality paper, and is sometimes referred to as art coated paper. Its coated surface yields excellent ink color reproduction and allows for more beautiful color expression. While mirror coated paper, due to its high reflectiveness, is not suitable for pamphlets or flyers with extensive text, art paper, with its slight gloss, is adaptable to a wider range of applications.

On the other hand, for applications that require strong visual impact such as advertisements, mirror coated paper offers a more striking appearance and can deliver effective results. It is recommended to understand the characteristics of each material and use them accordingly.

We produce stickers that fully capitalize on the unique characteristics of materials such as mirror coated paper and art paper. We propose the most suitable material based on the intended use of the stickers, so if you are considering sticker production, please feel free to contact us.

Cautions for Mirror Coated Paper

The cautions for mirror coated paper are as follows:

Caution 1: Not Suitable for Waterproof Stickers

Mirror coated paper is not recommended for use in wet environments. Although its smooth texture and glossy finish often lead to the misconception that it is water-resistant, it is, in fact, a paper material and is susceptible to water damage.

While its surface coating may repel a small amount of water, if moisture remains on the surface, it will soak in and cause deterioration. If you require a water-resistant material, please opt for a film material.

Caution 2: Lamination Processing May Cause Curling

When stickers made from mirror coated paper are laminated, the repulsion from the laminate can cause the stickers to curl. This is particularly an issue when applying them to curved surfaces such as bottles, where the film may cause the sticker to lift; therefore, caution is advised.

Although using a strong adhesive can help prevent peeling, it does not completely prevent curling. It is important to consider switching to a film material based on the intended use and make the optimal choice.

Types of Stickers That Can Best Utilize the Characteristics of Mirror Coated Paper

The types of stickers that particularly benefit from the characteristics of mirror coated paper are as follows:

Type 1: Product Packaging

Stickers made with mirror coated paper are ideal for decorating product packaging. Adding an impactful design or logo can further attract consumers’ attention.

Its strong gloss and vivid colors effectively contribute to product branding and appeal.

Type 2: Advertising and Promotion

Mirror coated paper excels in visual appeal, making it ideal for advertising and promotional purposes. Its light-reflecting quality and vivid color reproduction help printed materials stand out, attracting widespread attention.

Type 3: Novelty Stickers

When producing novelty stickers for events, mirror coated paper is highly recommended. The addition of vivid colors and gloss to an event’s logo, date, or theme can create a unique and special impression.

They can serve not only for application but also as keepsakes.

Production Examples of Stickers Made with Mirror Coated Paper

Below are some examples of stickers made with mirror coated paper produced by our company.

Example 1: Sticker

This is a sticker for an apparel brand made with mirror coated paper.

The ink used is a simple single black, but the gloss of the mirror coated paper ensures it does not appear dull. With half-cutting applied to match the character silhouette, each sticker can be applied individually wherever desired.

Example 2: Ribbon Sticker

Here, we present an example of a ribbon sticker produced by our company using mirror coated paper.

Although producing ribbon stickers with mirror coated paper is not very common, the gloss and excellent color reproduction of mirror coated paper are highly compatible with decorative ribbon stickers. Together, they enhance each other’s strengths to create stickers that maximally boost product appeal.

Mirror Coated Paper Offers Excellent Cost Performance and Versatility

Mirror coated paper is a paper material known for its glamorous gloss and vivid colors. Its ability to reflect light from afar makes it widely used in situations where visual appeal is important. Moreover, its excellent cost performance makes it a recommended material for mass production.

We produce stickers that fully leverage the unique characteristics of materials such as mirror coated paper. We propose the most suitable material based on the intended use of the stickers, so if you are considering sticker production, please feel free to contact us.