How does the glossy finish get put on magazines?

Question

What is it made of? How is it applied to the paper? Are there different types of glossy finishes for different purposes?

Answer 1

Hey Hayden,

This was a question that should have come easy. Searching for this proved quite difficult. Here is the best that can be found on the topic, and it is how to make paper.

"As a warning, glossy magazine paper contains a lot of clay (the gloss) which will reduce the strength of your paper."

then,

"Worried about how many trees died to make this magazine? So are we. Which is why we sent a reporter to investigate how Audubon’s own paper is made."

And finish with paper making by Wikipedia. Apparently the finishes are for asthetics, and durability.