If you have any needs pls contact me-
Whatsapp number of Ivy: +852 57463641 (My Wechat +86 18933510459)
Email me: 01@songhongpaper.com
Paper Selection Guide for Diverse Industries
In various professional fields-ranging from office operations and artistic creation to handicrafts and commercial printing-the appropriate selection of paper plays a critical role in ensuring quality and efficiency. With a wide variety of paper types available, each possessing distinct physical characteristics and functional applications, it is essential to understand the properties and suitable contexts of different papers. This guide aims to provide a systematic classification based on material functionality, offering practical insights into optimal paper selection across industries. It should be noted that, due to the multifunctional nature of certain paper types, this classification serves as a general framework rather than an exhaustive categorization.
Four Key Selection Criteria
When selecting paper, four primary dimensions should be carefully considered: material composition, format (specification), grammage (weight), and color. A thorough understanding of these parameters not only facilitates effective communication with suppliers and industry professionals but also enables more precise identification of paper suited to specific requirements.
Based on functional application, the following classification outlines commonly used paper types by material:
1. Papers for Artistic Applications
Watercolor Paper: Specifically engineered for watercolor painting, this paper exhibits high water absorption capacity, allowing for optimal pigment diffusion and layering effects characteristic of water-based media.
Sketch Paper: Designed for drawing and sketching, its slightly textured surface enhances adhesion for dry media such as pencils, charcoal, and pastels, enabling varied tonal expression and depth.
2. Papers for Craft and Creative Projects
Red Envelope Paper: Widely used in traditional crafts such as calligraphy couplets and paper-cutting, its vibrant red hue contributes to cultural and festive significance.
Handmade Paper: Typically square in shape and available in a range of colors, this paper is particularly popular in educational and recreational origami activities, especially among children.
3. Papers for Writing and Calligraphy
Writing Paper: Commonly used for stationery and notebook inserts, this paper features moderate thinness and opacity, making it ideal for everyday writing tasks, including note-taking and journaling.
Letter Paper: Characterized by its lightweight and fine texture, it is specifically designed for formal correspondence, meeting aesthetic and functional standards for personal or business letters.
Hard Pen Calligraphy Paper: Available in grid, squared, and ruled formats, this paper supports precision in handwriting practice and is widely used by enthusiasts of modern calligraphy. Its smooth yet responsive surface enhances control and consistency.
Xuan Paper (Rice Paper): Traditionally used in Chinese brush calligraphy and ink painting, it possesses exceptional ink absorbency and fiber strength, allowing for expressive brushwork and tonal variation.
Tracing Paper (Sulfate Paper): Known for its high transparency and durability, it is extensively used in technical drawing, architectural drafting, and intricate craft applications requiring overlay precision.
4. Papers for Printing and Copying
Copy Paper: As a staple in office environments, copy paper meets the demands of laser and inkjet printing, photocopying, and general documentation. Its versatility and compatibility with modern office equipment have made it indispensable.
Impact Printing Paper (Continuous Form Paper): Historically used for receipt and invoice printing, this paper features perforated edges and sprocket holes, limiting its current applicability. With the advancement of digital printing technologies, its usage has significantly declined.
Thermal Paper: Commonly found in point-of-sale receipts and label printing, this paper reacts to heat to produce images without the need for ink. While convenient, it is susceptible to fading under heat or light exposure.
Note: In contemporary office settings, copy paper has largely superseded impact printing paper in function and terminology. The term "printing paper" now generally refers to copy paper, while continuous form paper has become increasingly obsolete.
5. Papers for Commercial and Specialty Printing
Commercial printing papers are broadly categorized into two groups: standard text papers and specialty papers.
(1) Text Papers:
(1.1) Offset Paper (Commonly known as "Daolin Paper"): This uncoated paper undergoes calendering to achieve a smooth, bright surface with good printability and water resistance. While less glossy than coated alternatives, its cost-effectiveness makes it suitable for non-illustrative printing needs such as manuals, internal documents, and sticky notes.
(1.2) Coated Paper: Produced by applying a mineral coating (typically clay) onto the base sheet followed by supercalendering, coated paper offers superior surface smoothness, brightness, and ink holdout. Depending on finish, it is available as glossy (high sheen), matte (non-reflective), or lightweight coated (LWC) variants. These properties make it ideal for high-quality printing of book covers, magazines, advertisements, packaging, and promotional materials.
(1.3) Newsprint: Primarily used for newspaper production, newsprint is low-cost and highly absorbent, facilitating fast printing over large volumes. However, its low durability and poor aging resistance limit its use in archival or office applications.
(2) Specialty Papers:
(2.1) Premium Papers for Business Cards and Invitations:
- White Cardstock: Renowned for its rigidity and thickness, it is a preferred choice for business cards, invitations, and greeting cards.
- Pearlized Paper: Features a shimmering, iridescent surface that enhances visual appeal, making it suitable for luxury stationery and event invitations.
- Ganggu Paper (Ivory Board): Characterized by its stiffness and resilience, it is commonly used for document covers, folders, and rigid packaging.
(2.2) Cover and Packaging Applications:
- Kraft Paper: Valued for its strength and eco-friendly attributes, it is widely used in envelopes, file folders, and protective packaging.
- Leather-Grain Paper: Emulates the texture of genuine leather and is frequently employed in premium bookbinding and high-end packaging design.
- Tracing Paper (Sulfate Paper): Due to its transparency, it is utilized in layered packaging designs, windowed envelopes, and decorative overlays.
