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Paper 101

Understanding paper...
 

  • Everyday copy machine paper described.

  • Types of paper

  • Paper Finishes

  • Coated Paper facts

  • Paper thickness chart

Knowing the basic characteristics of everyday bond will hopefully help you understand all other types of paper.

Patentability Search
Copy Machine

  The typical paper you use on a basic printer at home is 20lb bond and is .004 of an inch thick.
  The brightness is around 82, this is a measurement that goes up to around 96.
  The finish is considered smooth or sometimes wove, that is with a slight texture.
  The paper is uncoated, versus the clay coating found on gloss or matte stocks.
  The paper typically has a low opacity that refers to the amount of light that can pass through.
  This is important if you don’t like to see print from the other side of the sheet.

Man Using Computer Printer
Types of Paper
  • Bond, Writing, usually considered business papers 20lb, 24lb, 28lb & rarely 32lb

  • Book (uncoated) 50lb, 60lb, 70lb, and rarely 80lb. Mostly in whites

  • Book (coated gloss & matte or dull) 60lb, 70lb, 80lb, 100lb. Mostly white

  • Text, 70lb, 80lb. Similar to book, but in a wide variety of colors and finishes.

  • Cover (coated gloss & matte or dull) 80lb, 100lb. Mostly white

  • Cover (uncoated), Comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes.

Papers
Coated Facts
  • Smooth

  • Wove, slight texture

  • Vellum, heavy texture

  • Linen

  • Laid

  • Light cockle

  • Felt, like vellum

  • C1s, coated 1 side

  • C2s, coated 2 sides

  • Gloss, coated both sides

  • Matte & dull, coated both sides

Papers
Paper Chart
  • 99% of coated paper is made in white?

  • The coating is made of clay?

  • It is best used where graphic detail is important, like pictures?

  • Bond, text and writing papers are not normally coated?

  • 80lb book gloss is about the same thickness as standard copy paper?

Stacks of Paper
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