In the right light, you can actually see your reflection in the coated surface. The process of cast coating is as the name implies, the casting of coating onto an uncoated paper surface. Simply put, uncoated paper has a heavy layer of wet clay coating applied to its surface, almost like frosting a cake. Then, the newly coated paper is pressed against a super-heated, highly polished chromium drum, where the drum's mirror-like image is "cast" onto the newly coated paper. Hence, the term "cast coated."

Cast coated papers provide the highest gloss paper manufactured. In addition, the surface of cast coated papers are very soft and absorbent when compared to other typical types of coated papers. The soft and absorbent surface provides for an extremely flexible paper, offering opportunities to fold and score with a minimum of cracking. The coated surface also allows for maximum ink hold out while allowing inks to dry (and bond) both on top of and within the surface coating. The end result is a superior printing paper that creates an image unlike other lesser grades of paper.