Papers & Boards

You need to know the performance characteristics of papers and boards, this includes:

the ability to be scored

cutting

folding

surface qualities for printing

impact resistance

recyclability and/or biodegradability

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)

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

Copier paper (multiuse, 80GSM):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Cheap Range of colours Opaque Good quality surface (many different drawing techniques can be used on this paper)	Prone to jamming printers Low quality paper

Uses: Watercolours, printing, paints, inks, photocopying

Bond paper (white paper, 75GSM):

Advantages	Disadvantages
High quality Durable Multiple uses	More expensive than regular paper

Uses: Letterheads, graphic work, electronic printers

Coated paper (paper coated in compound/polymer, 80GSM):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Properties can be altered through finish Scuff resistant Can be waterproof	Heavy Hard to store Discolours after time

Uses: Photographs, magazines

Mounting board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lightweight Strong Easy to cut	Difficult to bend

Uses: Stiffens/preserves artwork, prints, photographs, watercolour

Corrugated board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Impact resistant Strong Recyclable Rigid Inexpensive	Can be deformed Not waterproof

Uses: Packaging, box making, for fragile goods

Foam board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Impact resistant Strong Multiuse Easy to cut	Layers can split Can become deformed

Uses: Model making, mounting of prints, backing photo frames

Folding box board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Low density Good printing surface High stiffness Easy to work	Can't withstand medium to heavy loads Not aesthetically pleasing

Uses: Frozen/chilled foods, beauty products

Foil-lined board:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Keeps food flavour Keeps food warm Easy to work Good barrier against moisture	Weak Expensive

Uses: Food packaging, takeaway food, keeping food warm

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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