If you want to make your next craft, but you still don’t know which paper to choose, keep reading and learn to differentiate the types that exist.
There are many types of paper that can be used to get the most out of all your crafts. In this article you will learn to differentiate the main classes and how you can use them in your next project.
Paper is an ideal means of expression through which we can let our imagination fly, release daily stress and finish with a unique and unrepeatable piece. And fortunately, there are now everything from thin, smooth sheets to thick, textured card stock.
What types of paper are best according to their use?
Depending on the activity or craft that you are going to do, they are recommended certain types of paper. For example, the same class is not used for painting with watercolors as for painting with colors. It is the craft that we are going to make that will guide us.
1. Types of drawing paper
If you love to draw and want to learn what paper to use, the first thing you should be clear about is the drawing technique you will use. The most common drawing paper is bond, which is the typical thin white sheet. However, there are others:
- For watercolor: This drawing technique generates a lot of moisture and it is necessary to opt for paper with a higher grammage (between 200 and 300 grams).
- Vegetable: also know as butter paper or pastryit is a very thin and translucent sheet of paper, perfect for tracing and making sketches.
- income: It is a high-quality laid paper, white in color, characterized by the appearance of slight transverse marks or beards on both sides of the sheet. Ideal for dry techniques, such as charcoal and pastel.
- Cardboard Bristol board: It is the most common and used cardboard for drawing, since it supports almost any technique. They are available in various textures.
- Cardboard durex: It is the thickest and strongest cardstock. It is a very hard paper compared to the previous ones and can withstand a lot of humidity.
2. Types of paper for crafts
There are some papers that are perfect for children to be encouraged to make crafts and explore their creativity. These are some used in schools and tend to be inexpensive:
- Crepe: also called crepe paper or pinocchio, it is a light and textured one that allows you to create crafts that simulate movement. It is soft in texture and is one of the children’s favorites.
- Cellophane: the particularity of this paper is the iridescent shine. It is ideal for making crafts that require transparent parts. It has a fine and flexible texture and is very easy to manipulate by any adult or child.
- Of silk: also known as Chinese paper, it is cheap, thin and fragile. It comes in a different range of colors. You must be very careful when using it, since a sudden movement could easily break the blade.
3. Types of paper for origami
This thousand-year-old form of oriental art requires a special paper that is thin enough to be folded countless times, but also strong enough to withstand folds. If you want to make an origami figure, these are the papers you should use to get the most out of it:
- kraft: It is a kind of thick paper and very resistant to traction and tears.
- Sandwich: This paper is one of the most quality and versatile ones that contribute to origami, thanks to the infinity of designs available. It is two sheets of silk with aluminum foil in between.
- Patent leather: It is one of the most popular types of paper for the Chinese art of origami, since its sheets have a satin finish that reflects light very well.
4. Types of paper for invitations
When looking for the ideal paper to print your event invitations, it is important to take into account several key points to choose the best alternative. In these cases, the thicker types are recommended, since they provide stability to the menu:
- Photographic: Among the various types of paper, it is one of the most suitable for printing invitations. It preserves the details of the image and gives a natural brightness of high definition.
- Recycling: This is a good idea that contributes to the environment. There are several types of recycled paper that are perfect for printing, as they are usually thicker than first press.
- Opaline: It is a kind of extra white cardboard with a high rigidity. It comes in various presentations and finishes, among which satin, pearlescent, leather and textured finishes stand out.
- Cardboard: It is an economical option that provides great resistance. Prints are in good quality.
5. Types of papers to transfer
If what you want is to take an illustration and transfer it to a t-shirt or t-shirt, you can use the technique of transfer. However, you should keep in mind that it can only be achieved with certain types of paper:
- Transfer for inkjet printers: also know as inkjet transfer paperis the one to be used if the printer uses an ink cartridge.
- Transfer for laser printers: As its name indicates, it is ideal for laser printing. These types of printers use toner and work like a photocopier.
Choose your favorite paper and get to work
Now that you know some of the most popular types of paper on the market and their main applications, it’s time for you to start with your next artistic project. Remember that each role has its particularities, so first keep in mind the technique you are going to use.
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