Papers and boards

There are two key ways to measure papers & boards:

Grams per square metre (GSM): measures the mass of the paper/board

Microns: measures the thickness of paper/board (1 micron = 0.001mm)

Bleed Proof Paper:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Prevents ink bleeding (ideal for markers/pens) High-quality finish for presentations Smooth surface enhances detail Durable and resistant to smudging Works well with mixed media	More expensive than standard paper Limited texture (not ideal for pencils/charcoal) Heavier weight may reduce transparency

Uses: Marker renderings, technical illustrations, final artwork presentations, architectural sketches

Cartridge Paper:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Medium weight (typically 120-150gsm) for durability Suitable for pencils, inks and light washes Good tooth/texture for pencil work Affordable and widely available Can withstand multiple erasures	Not ideal for heavy marker use (may bleed) Lacks precision guides for technical work Not transparent enough for tracing

Uses: Sketching, drawing, light painting, general artwork

Grid Paper:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Pre-printed grid enables precise measurements Excellent for technical drawings and scaling Available in different grid sizes (e.g., 5mm, 10mm) Helps maintain proportions in drawings Useful for mathematical diagrams	Grid lines may need to be hidden for final presentations Limited paper quality options (often thin) Can be distracting for freehand artwork

Uses: Technical drawings, architectural plans, mathematical diagrams, scale models

Layout paper (thin white semi-transparent paper, 50GSM):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lightweight Can be used with most pens/markers Low cost Takes colour well	Weak Will tear easily Hard to store

Uses: For inital ideas/designs of products/architectural drawings

Tracing paper (transparent paper, 60GSM):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy to use Allows copying of design onto another page Strong Hard (easy to remove mistakes) Thin	Flimsy More expensive than normal paper

Uses: Working drawings, copying, design

Corrugated Card:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio Good impact resistance and cushioning Lightweight yet durable Cost-effective packaging solution Recyclable and eco-friendly	Not suitable for high-quality printing Can warp when exposed to moisture Limited surface finish options

Uses: Packaging, protective wrapping, structural models, display boards

Duplex Board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
One smooth side for high-quality printing Rigid and durable structure Good folding properties Cost-effective for packaging Accepts various finishing techniques	Not waterproof Heavier than some alternatives Limited thickness options

Uses: Food packaging, cartons, folding boxes, product packaging

Foil Lined Board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Provides excellent barrier properties Heat reflective qualities Moisture resistant Premium appearance Extends product shelf life	More expensive than standard boards Not recyclable in standard waste streams Difficult to print on

Uses: Food packaging, luxury goods, thermal insulation, pharmaceutical packaging

Foam Core Board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lightweight yet rigid Easy to cut and shape Good insulation properties Accepts various adhesives Available in different thicknesses	Not very durable for heavy use Can dent or crush easily Limited load-bearing capacity

Uses: Mounting artwork, presentation boards, model making, exhibition displays

Ink Jet Card:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Specifically designed for inkjet printing Produces high-quality prints Quick drying surface Good color reproduction Available in various weights	More expensive than standard card May not work well with other printing methods Can be sensitive to moisture

Uses: Photo printing, high-quality presentations, invitations, professional prints

Solid White Board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Premium bright white surface Excellent for high-quality printing Strong and durable Good dimensional stability Accepts various finishing techniques	Higher cost than standard boards Heavier than some alternatives Can show marks and fingerprints

Uses: Luxury packaging, high-end displays, book covers, premium printed materials

1. Trees are cut down and debarked
2. The debarked trees are then cut and pulped
3. The pulp is then mixed with chemicals to extract cellulos fibres
4. The pulp is filtered, squeezed and pounded and other materials (chalk, chemicals) are added to change opacity and absorbency
5. The excess water and chemicals are drained through rollers called calenders
6. The process is repeated until the pulp is fully dried, after this it is pressed to get a smooth finish

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