Complete Guide to Understanding Different Paper Types

If you look around, you will realize that we are surrounded by paper products – brochures, books, reports, assignments, business cards – the list is unending. And if you’ve ever paid attention to these things, you must have realized how different they are – different qualities, sizes, types and thicknesses. And you might be aware of the most common types and sizes such as A4 or A5 papers but did you know different types of A4 papers can be procured such as the a4 folio paper or the a4 prime paper. Mind-boggling, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Keep reading to demystify the world of papers and understand all about different types.

Bond Paper

When you require a paper with a lot of tensile strength, Bond Paper is a good choice. This paper is more durable and of higher quality than other papers. It got its name because it was originally used to create government bonds.

Coated Paper

Coated papers are divided into three categories. Gloss, matte, and silk are some of the options, each with their own set of characteristics. Gloss coated paper gives the finished piece a reflective sheen. When you want your image to stand out and have more contrast, this is the paper to choose. Silk coated paper is a good compromise between glossy and matte papers. It has a slight sheen to it, but it isn’t particularly reflective. Even the quality of this paper is smoother and softer giving it a silk-like feeling. Matte Paper also has a coating applied to it during manufacturing, but it has a more diffused shine. This type of paper is often used for art books, graphic novels and comic books that require a good finish but also need to be readable.

Uncoated Paper

As the name suggests, uncoated paper has no coating and thus, it is devoid of any shine. This makes it ideal for projects that require intense reading and writing. Because of its non-porous nature, it is also the best for writing with a variety of pens.

Recycled Paper

Recycled Paper is essentially paper that is made from used paper rather than wood pulp. This paper is the greenest option and is beneficial for the environment. People who’d like to reduce their carbon footprints can opt for this paper. 100% recycled paper is made from paper that is collected from homes, industries and offices and can essentially not be used any further. Choosing this option would be the most sustainable choice one can make.

Watermarked Paper

A watermark is essentially a subtle image that is lightly pressed into the paper during the manufacturing process itself. This is a high-quality paper usually used for official documents.

Conclusion

Now that you have an understanding of the different sizes and types of paper, you can easily choose which paper to use for your next project. Whether you are deciding to get posters printed or need new business cards, simply call up one of the copy paper suppliers in your vicinity and place an order with confidence.