Consider if your paper will need to be: printed, folded, mailed, hung, or cut. Will it function as packaging with wear and tear? Does it need to make a bold & memorable impression?
HOW TO CHOOSE
THE RIGHT PAPER
Things to Consider
Function
Sustainability
Do you love paper products because they are renewable & recyclable? Consider using recycled or hemp certified papers made with 100% emission-free hydropower for your project.
Print Type
Will you be having your paper professionally printed? Printed at home? Not all papers will work with all printers. If you are unsure, we recommend buying a sample pack to test print.
Color & Texture
Is the mood of your project neutral, dark and moody, or bursting with color? Do you love seeing the history of recycled paper in the flecks?
Let's Start With Function
How tough do you need it to be?
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Thin
-
Medium
-
Premium
-
Ultra
Thin Basis Weights
Includes | GSM |
50 lb. Text / 20 lb. Bond |
75 |
60 lb. Text / 24 lb. Bond |
90 |
70 lb. Text / 28 lb. Bond |
105 |
80 lb. Text / 32 lb. Bond |
118 |
100 lb. Text |
148 |
Common Uses
letterhead
resumes
insert sheets
decorative purposes
simple flyers
origami
paper quilling
newsletters
hand-printed linocut
woodblock printing
zines
risograph printing
Traits
easy to fold/roll without scoring
can use in most home printers
Medium Basis Weights
Includes | GSM |
65 lb. Cover |
176 |
80 lb. Cover |
216 |
Common Uses
invitations
posters
business cards
layered greeting cards
scrapbook pages
decorations
crafting
cutting designs
embossing
postcards
certificates
collagraph prints (80#)
monotype
screen printing
risograph printing
paper marbling
Traits
folds easily (scoring recommended for cleaner fold)
punches and cuts well
heavier feel
Premium Basis Weights
Includes | GSM |
100 lb. Cover |
270 |
110 lb. Cover |
298 |
Common Uses
signs
posters
frame matting
luxury greeting cards
mixed media projects
wedding invitations
postcards
diplomas
menus
index cards
manila folders
luxury business cards
letterpress
tags
collagraph prints (100#)
engraving
embossing
intaglio/etching
stencil
lithography
screen printing
typography
watercolor
monotype
Traits
must be scored before folding
not easily printed at home
sturdy
Ultra Basis Weights
Includes | GSM |
125 lb. Cover |
338 |
130 lb. Cover |
352 |
130 lb. Double Thick Cover |
352 |
Common Uses
luxury invitations
cards
letterpress
luxury business cards
luxury packaging (boxes, bags)
hang tags
menus
coasters
watercolor
Traits
must be scored before folding
not easily printed at home
very sturdy
Basis Weight 101
Weighing 500 sheets of any grade of paper in its proper basic size will determine its basis weight. In other words, 500 sheets of 25x38” 70 lb. text paper will weigh 70 pounds.
The standard basic size used to measure Bond, Text, and Cover papers are different. One way to compare weights across grades is to use Grams per Square Meter (GSM). This reduces the need to call out the grade when specifying basis weight.
Grade | Standard Basic Size |
Bond |
17"x22" |
Text |
25"x38" |
Cover |
20"x26" |
Bristol |
22.5"x28.5" |