Understanding Photo Paper: 115gsm vs 120gsm Double-Sided vs 260gsm Satin — Which Should You Choose?

A guide to glossy and satin photo paper for printing, fridge magnets, and flexible magnets

Selecting the right photo paper can have a big impact on the quality of your finished prints — whether you’re printing personal photos, working on craft projects, producing business materials, or creating photo magnets.

Not all photo papers perform the same way. Differences in weight, surface coating, and finish can affect colour vibrancy, durability, and even how easy the paper is to handle during cutting or assembly.

Most photo papers are designed specifically for inkjet printers, using specialised coatings that help the ink absorb properly while maintaining sharp detail, strong colour, and quick drying times.

In this article, we’ll compare three commonly used photo paper types:

• 115gsm Glossy Photo Paper
• 120gsm Double-Sided Glossy Photo Paper
• 260gsm Satin (Semi-Gloss / Resin Coated) Photo Paper

We’ll also explore how each type performs when used for fridge magnets and flexible magnets, so you can decide which option best suits your project.

What Does GSM Mean in Photo Paper?

GSM stands for grams per square metre and refers to the weight of the paper.

Generally speaking:

• Lower GSM (100–130gsm) papers are thinner, more flexible, and easier to layer with other materials
• Higher GSM (200–300gsm) papers are thicker, sturdier, and more durable

The best choice depends on how the print will be used.

115gsm Glossy Photo Paper

Key Characteristics:

• Lightweight glossy surface
• Smooth coated finish
• Vibrant colour output
• Flexible and easy to trim
• Cost-effective for larger print runs

115gsm glossy paper is a popular option when you need a thin print that still delivers good image quality.

Best Uses:

• Home photo printing
• Fridge magnet inserts (with protective layer)
• Scrapbooking and crafts
• Educational materials
• High-volume printing projects

Magnet Making Application:

For metal shell photo magnets, 115gsm performs particularly well.

In shell magnet construction, the printed image becomes one layer within a multi-component structure — typically combined with metal shells, cardboard or acrylic inserts, and a protective mylar film. Because of this layered design, thinner paper works better than heavier stock.

Its flexibility allows it to sit neatly inside the magnet components while still producing strong colour beneath the protective cover. Since the top layer provides the durability, the paper itself does not need to be heavy — making lighter GSM a practical choice.

120gsm Double-Sided Glossy Photo Paper

Key Characteristics:

• Gloss coating on both sides
• No need to determine which side to print on
• Slightly heavier than 115gsm
• Consistent image quality regardless of orientation
• Easy to handle during cutting

One of the biggest advantages of double-sided paper is convenience. You can load it without worrying about the printable side, which reduces errors and wasted sheets.

Best Uses:

• Photo printing
• Double-sided projects
• Flyers or inserts
• Magnet making

Magnet Making Application:

120gsm double-sided paper is also very suitable for shell-style magnets.

Because both sides are printable, the risk of loading errors is removed, which can help minimise waste during production. The slightly increased weight compared to 115gsm also makes the paper easier to handle when trimming or assembling, while remaining thin enough to fit comfortably within layered magnet components.

For makers producing magnets regularly, this combination of ease-of-use and reliability can make the workflow more efficient and consistent.

260gsm Satin (Semi-Gloss / Resin Coated) Photo Paper

Key Characteristics:

• Thick, premium-feeling paper
• Satin / semi-gloss finish with reduced glare
• Water-resistant and scratch-resistant surface
• Durable without additional protection

260gsm satin paper is typically resin-coated (RC). This means the surface includes protective layers that improve moisture resistance, durability, and colour stability, giving it a finish closer to professional photo lab prints compared with standard inkjet paper.

The satin surface also reduces reflections while still maintaining excellent colour depth.

Best Uses:

• Professional photo prints
• Artwork and photography
• Small business products
• Premium craft projects
• Prints that need durability without lamination
• Flexible magnets

Flexible Magnet Application:

260gsm satin paper works particularly well for flexible magnet projects because it provides both structure and surface protection on its own.

Unlike thinner papers used in shell magnets, the resin-coated surface allows the print to be applied directly onto flexible magnet sheets without needing a separate protective layer. The heavier weight also helps reduce curling and gives the finished magnet a more substantial feel.

This makes it a great choice for magnets that will be handled frequently or used in everyday environments such as kitchens, offices, or promotional settings.

Common uses include:

• Photo magnets
• Save-the-date and announcement magnets
• Business or promotional magnets
• Invitations, etc

Glossy vs Satin: What’s the Difference?

Glossy Paper:

• High shine finish
• Strong colour contrast
• Reflective surface
• Often preferred for vibrant images and photo magnets

Satin / Semi-Gloss Paper:

• Soft sheen with less reflection
• More professional appearance
• Resistant to fingerprints
• Generally more durable
• Popular for flexible magnets and printed keepsakes

Neither finish is inherently better — the right choice depends on your intended use..

Durability Comparison

Which Photo Paper Should You Choose?

Choose 115gsm glossy if you:

• Need lightweight paper
  
• Create layered shell magnets with protective covers
  
• Print in larger quantities
  
• Want a cost-effective option

Choose 120gsm double-sided glossy if you:

• Want convenience without worrying about which side to print on
• Make magnets regularly
• Prefer slightly easier handling during cutting
• Value workflow efficiency

Choose 260gsm satin if you:

• Want a thicker, more premium finish
• Create flexible magnets
• Need water or scratch resistance
• Prefer a less reflective surface

Final Thoughts

The most suitable photo paper always depends on how you plan to use it.

For magnet makers in particular:

• 115gsm and 120gsm are ideal for layered shell magnet designs with protective covers
• 260gsm satin works best for flexible magnets where durability and structure are important

Understanding these differences can help reduce trial and error, minimise wasted materials, and improve overall results.

When the paper matches the application, the entire process — from printing through to assembly — becomes much smoother.

If you’re creating photo magnets or craft products, choosing the right paper can make a noticeable difference to both your workflow and the final finish.

I personally test and use different paper types to ensure they perform well in real-world applications, especially for magnet-making processes where consistency, durability, and reliability are important.

View the full range of photo papers here.