The Complete Guide To Discover Different Types of Paper And Their Benefits

Have you ever thought about what a paper is? How paper is essential in our lives to serve our needs? Want to know and learn? Stay here.

The paper is manufactured from natural wood pulp. The global pulp and paper market value reported in 2021 is US $351.53 billion. Unstoppable. It is expected to touch US $373 billion from 2022 to 2029. (Source: Statistica.com).

The above-mentioned stats indicate how rapidly the paper market is growing. Various paper types are found and aim to serve many purposes, from packaging and printing to arts and crafts. Each paper type has its unique properties, uses, and perks.

You are invited to learn and explore the different types of paper, their uses, and functions from this guide. You will learn which paper type suits your business needs. Here you are!

1. Copy Paper

Copy paper is a plain white and standard paper type. This paper is used in offices and schools for photocopying. Usually, copy paper is available in three different and popular sizes:

• Letter size: 8.5" x 11" (216 x 279 mm)
• Legal size: 8.5" x 14" (216 x 356 mm)
• Tabloid (Ledger) size: 11" × 17" (279 x 432 mm)

The copy paper weight is 20 lb (pound). The ream of an A4 copy paper (consists 500 sheets) weighs 5 pounds.

Want to know the brightness? Hold on. The brightness level for its whiteness is between 90 to 100. It has a smooth surface for various finishes like matte, glossy, and satin.

Copy Paper Vs Printer Paper

Both copy paper and printer paper are part of printing. There are key differences between them.

A copy paper is inexpensive, slighter, thinner, and weighs around 20 pounds. It has a little low-quality brightness level, and finish. However, it is suitable for printing text without images.

On the other hand, printer paper is thicker, more expensive, and heavier It weighs 24 pounds with a smooth finish and higher brightness level. Furthermore, it works best when you are ready to print text with images, documents, presentations, and reports.

2. Bond Paper

Bond paper is a durable and higher-quality writing paper used for printing. The standard bond paper weight ranges from 16 pounds to 36 pounds. A ream of bond paper sized 17” x 22” consists of 500 sheets and weighs 20 pounds. This ink-resistant white bond paper has a smoother finish and a clean surface for writing and printing.

Add  A Touch Of  Elegance Through Pastel Shades

It is found in different shades of colors. To give a touch of elegance, pastel shades of bond paper including pink, blue, green, yellow, and peach colors are good. Bright-colored bond paper is found in red, orange, and purple. This bond paper is also available in ivory and cream.

What You Can Print Using Bond Paper

This paper prints letterheads, envelopes, business cards, stationery, legal documents, certificates, and notes. They are suitable for printing out emails and storing emails as a record. 

Additionally, it can be printed with a watermark and textured design. Among other types of papers to write and print, an ideal option is bond paper.

3. Glossy Paper

Glossy paper coated with a glossy finish has a smooth, shiny, and even surface. It offers a vibrant and reflective appearance especially when you print high-quality images or photographs.

Weight

The glossy paper weight ranges are different. It ranges from 70 GSM and can be above 300 GSM (grams per square meter). This makes glossy paper sturdier than printer paper and prevents it from curling or bending.

Waterproof and Fading-Resistant

The durability with water and fading-resistant properties of glossy paper have made it a popular choice for personal and professional usage. Therefore it is suitable for printing magazines, brochures, and advertisement materials.

4. Matte Paper

Matte paper known as non-glossy paper does not possess a shiny and reflective surface but offers a smooth finish that gives it a more natural appearance.

Ink Absorber

This durable matte paper is designed to absorb ink well to produce higher-quality prints with rich colors and its durability withstands smudging, fading, water, and footprints.

Weight

The weight of matte paper depends upon its requirements. For a text document, you need lightweight matte paper. However, for printing photographs, you need heavier matte paper.

Printing Options

Most commonly it is used for printing business documents, photographic prints, notebooks, journals, invitations, and greeting cards.

5. Cardstock

You can find sustainable cardstock paper made from natural resources in various colors, sizes, and weights. Its flexibility allows you to fold it without hassle. Usually, it is discovered in white, black, pastels, and bright colors.

More Durable Yet Rigid and Thicker Than Standard Paper

Cardstock provides rigidity. It is more durable, heavier, and thicker than normal paper. Moreover, it is more flexible than cardboard. You can encounter its thicknesses ranging from 147 GSM to 640 GSM and is resistant to tearing and bending. The thicker the cardstock, the stronger it is.

Inkjet and Laser Printers Compatible

Cardstock is compatible with both types of printers (inkjet or laser printer). No matter if you print textures, colors, and finishes such as gloss and matte on this paper. Not to worry, it works best.

Exclusive Option For Printing Your Creative and Customized Projects

The cardstock thickness, wide color range, and shapes allow it to be used in creative and customized projects. If you need a more professional and premium look for your project, say yes to cardstock paper.

You can use it to print greeting cards, business cards, postcards, scrapbooking, paper crafts, book covers, packaging, and for DIY projects.

6. Construction Paper

Construction paper is a thick and colored paper that has a slightly rough surface. It is designed for children and adults to accomplish their arts and crafts projects.

Durable and Sturdier Paper For Your DIY Projects

The durability and sturdiness of this inexpensive paper differentiate it from regular paper. Its sturdier structure allows you to cut and fold in any shape, which makes it a superb choice for creative DIY projects. You can use this paper for posters, book covers, and birthday or holiday greeting cards.

7. Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper is specifically designed for watercolor painting. This paper is made from a blend of cotton that makes it durable to handle watercolor properties.

Water and Color Absorber

In contrast to standard paper; watercolor paper is different as it can absorb water and color without tearing.

Smooth Surface

Hot-pressed watercolor paper is one of its type that offers a smooth surface. For a moderate surface, you can opt for cold-pressed watercolor paper. Lastly, rough textured watercolor paper is available for creating dramatic effects.

8. Newsprint

Newsprint is a cost-efficient and thin type of paper, considered the backbone of print media as it is used in newspapers and magazines. This paper is unbleached and produced in low quality which is why it becomes greyish or yellowish over time as it is non-archival-quality.

Uses Of Newsprint

The print media industry uses this lighter paper in the offset printing press to print large quantities of newspapers and magazines. People can also use this paper as wrapping paper when they are done reading.

Printing Options

Using this low-quality paper combined with the printing process media houses print photographs and pictures in newspapers, magazines, and other publications.

9. Parchment Paper

Parchment paper also known as baking paper is used in the kitchen. It is made from wood pulp coated with silicon to make it grease-proof, moisture and heat-resistant.

Purposes and Applications

Its non-stick surface is good for rolling out dough and prevents food from sticking to the countertop. You can use it for many purposes and applications such as lining baking sheets, wrapping meat or fish for streaming, and food preparation.

10. Vellum

Vellum is similar to tracing paper and has a smooth texture and translucent surface. Looking back into its history unlocks this secret when it was first made from calfskin in Egypt in 3000 BC and used in writing and printing in the past.

Durable and Versatile

Today, this durable and versatile vellum paper is made with a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers. Being thicker than standard paper, this paper comes in various colors, weights, and textures.

Excellence Choice For Art and Craft

If you want to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your product packaging, this modern vellum paper is an excellent choice. The reason why? It is ideal for drawing, sketching, calligraphy, gift tags, creative DIY projects, and stationery.

11. Tracing Paper

Tracing paper is super thin, translucent, and low-capacity paper was first produced in the 19th century.

Trace Drawings

This versatile and highly transparent paper has a smooth surface and comes in different weights (from lightweight to heavyweight). It is designed to accept and trace drawings, designs, engineering plans, and overlays.

The velvety surface of this paper allows trace and transfer designs that can help children in school to trace images, sketches, shapes, and practice letters.

12. Tissue Paper

Tissue paper is a lightweight and smooth paper known for its soft textured and absorbent properties. Its absorbency allows you to clean spills or wipe tears.

Leaves Less Environmental Impact

Some types of tissue paper are facial tissue paper, toilet tissue paper, tissue paper rolls, and decorative tissue paper. Further, they reduce environmental impact as they are made from recyclable materials.

Uses Of Colored Tissue Paper

You can discover them in various colors including white, green, pink, and many other colors. They can be used for gift wrapping, cleaning, personal care, crafting, decorating, and packaging fragile items.

Final Words!

Hopefully, you will have a deep understanding of paper and its types from this guide. Given paper size, thickness, colors, printing, and the right choice of paper type can make a big difference.

If you need to meet your packaging demands, head to Custom Product Packaging, where experienced packaging specialists await to share their expertise to help you choose a paper that perfectly matches your needs.

Get in touch with us by emailing at order@customproductpackaging.com. We will be obliged to serve our clients by offering them customized packaging at economical rates without charging anything for shipping.

FAQs

Q1. Is copy paper the same as printer paper?

 Ans. Copy paper is slighter and less expensive to print text. Printer paper is thicker, more expensive, and can print text with images.

Q2. Can you put construction paper in a printer?

Ans.Yes, an inkjet printer works well for thicker construction paper to handle its thickness and provide better quality results.

Q3. What are the construction paper dimensions?

Ans. They range from 9 x 12 inches to 18 x 14 inches.

Q4. What is cardstock paper used for?

Ans. It is used in manufacturing book covers, playing cards, business cards, envelopes, postcards, and many other packaging materials.

Q5. What is vellum paper used for?

Ans. This translucent paper allows you to see through and is used in stationery, paper craft, packaging, and design.

Q6. What does the weight of paper mean?

Ans. The weight of paper means its thickness and density. Usually, the weight is measured in GSM or pounds.