6 Types Of Paper For Your Need In 2021

One of the most versatile materials, paper is mostly made from wood. From where the Chinese started and the point when it was discovered that paper could be made by separating cellulose fibers from wood, we have come a long way in reducing paper from wood and other plant based materials. Here is a list of papers, not exhaustive, to help you familiarize yourself with many types of paper. 

1. Printing paper

• To put it simply, any paper that can be used for printing is a printing paper.

• They can be of varying degrees of sizes, most common being A4, and many thicknesses to suit your need.

• Even though you can print on any kind of thickness of paper  the opacity of the paper increases with the thickness of the printing paper. 

• Most of the papers that are suitable for printing have a smooth finish that allows clean dispersal of ink over the paper.

2. Copy paper

• This is the most common form of paper that is noticed in offices or homes for printing for all-purpose use.

• Usually available in white color or pastels, copy paper is suitable for use in all kinds of craft as well as printing.

• A major difference between a copy paper and printing paper would be the thickness of copy paper is lesser than printing paper. This means copy paper is also a more affordable version suitable for common use. 

• Copy paper may also not have any shine or gloss which is used to make a paper or a print look better, that is why it is preferred for everyday printing use or crafts. 

3. Linen paper

• Made from mixing cotton fibers with plant based pulp, textured papers, as the name suggests, have a raised surface that is usually their USP.  

• A commonly available textured paper is linen paper that has an appearance very similar to the linen fabric.

• Because of using cotton fibers blended with wood pulp, linen paper or textured papers are usually very strong, suitable for all kinds of decorative printing. 

• Available in a variety of colors, linen paper can be used for making menus to have an appearance of luxury, unique elegant invitations, or customized stationery such as letterheads. 

4. Card stock paper

• A kind of paper that is thicker than copy paper for printing paper but thinner than cardboard would be classified as card stock.

•  Commonly used in all purposes where a thicker paper is required such as making greeting cards, postcards, visiting cards and handmade boxes. 

• Many kinds of textured and colored paper have a cardstock variety meant specifically for thicker stationery or craft. 

• Because of the higher thickness or weight, this paper can withstand glue and unlike copy paper, does not fold under its own weight, making it a popular choice for scrapbooking and paper crafts.

5. Kraft paper

• Traditionally paper making processes use only wood pulp to make paper but when you mix even resinous wood and other parts of the plant ingredients to make an environmentally sustainable paper you get Kraft paper. 

• During the manufacturing of this paper lignin is separated from cellulose and sulfur is added which results in an extremely durable acid-freezer.  

• The packaging industry of all kinds uses craft paper extensively because of the exceptional strength this paper has.

• It is an affordable paper that can be used for packaging food, making scrapbooks, as well as printing customized branding for your product. 

6. Vellum paper

• With a one of a kind transparent and translucent appearance, Vellum paper is a cellulose based paper, that is suitable for a variety of crafts as well as printing.

•  Although parchment paper and vellum paper are similar looking papers, parchment paper has a soft cloudy appearance due to trapped air between cellulose fibers.

• Because of its translucent nature vellum paper is used many times as a layer to make fancy wedding invitations or multilayered greeting cards. 

• Available  in many weights, vellum paper can require you to follow a set of specific instructions to print on it. You can even use stencils and embossing techniques with vellum paper for craft projects. 

At ThunderBolt papers we are happy to provide you with all kinds of paper in the size and thickness you need. After you have familiarized yourself with different sizes and weights so that a paper can be available in, your choices for printing and crafts increase exponentially. If you own a printing business then having a knowledge of different textures and surfaces of paper is a priceless skill. Tell us which paper you tried recently??