One look at Instagram and it’s easy to see this trend play out.

Within the sophisticated pastel palette, we saw a lighter shade of gray continue to be a top pick among designers for everything from business cards and letterhead to packaging. And given our current obsession with this color in all its hue, gray doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

The two color trends in paper for 2018 that totally surprised me in terms of their wide appeal and stark contrast are the popularity of blue and creamy white shades. And while they are distinctly different in almost every single way, they do share a similarity. Both are equally difficult to find in just the right color.

If you’re craving a subtle off-white shade of paper, Cougar Natural and Lynx Cream White are two great options—both brands include options for both digital and offset printing, as well as a variety of sizes in Cover and Text weights.

Top trend in paper finish

And just so we don’t make 2018 paper trends all about color, there were two dominant trends we saw emerge when it came to paper finish or texture. And again both are starkly contrasted – the rise of uv varnish and artcard matt lamination finishes.

If you’re new to printing on a uv varnish, give it a try.

A post shared by Printmystuffsg (@printmystuffsg) on Jan 17, 2017 at 8:50pm PST

And then there’s the minimal elegance of the foil finish paper, giving us the “sneak peek” moment we love by revealing whatever element lies beneath it.

It’s fair to say, when it comes to paper 2018 saw its fair share of color and texture trends. With a little over few months till the next January, I’m looking forward to seeing what new paper trends develop in 2019.

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