Paper Information
This page explains the variety of paper options we offer at World Digital Imaging. Hopefully it will help you to make a decision on what type of paper will look best for your print job! If you have a question about paper that is not answered here, you can contact us by email.
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Paper History
Today we take paper for granted. Although computers have gone a long way toward decreasing the amount of paper we use, it still plays a major role in almost every aspect of our modern-day lives. Just imagine what it would be like today without such everyday conveniences as books, magazines, newspapers, receipts, envelopes or even toilet paper!
To trace the origins of modern-day paper, we need to examine why we needed paper in the first place: for writing. Cavemen were the first peoples to make records on cave walls, by simple drawings. Of course, this was by no means portable, nor was it truly "writing".
The first major step towards written communication took place in ancient Sumeria. Around 4000 B.C., they incised messages onto clay tablets with a stick. This was better than a cave wall, but the resulting tablets were very heavy and prone to being broken.
The ancient Egyptians improved upon clay tablets with the invention of papyrus, around 3700 B.C. This quasi-paper was made from the papyrus plant, mashed and beaten into flat strips that were then laid out in a grid and allowed to dry. The resulting paper-like material was quite sturdy, but not very smooth. In fact, it was so sturdy that papyrus was used not just for writing on, but also for making goods such as mats, sandals, and even boats!
As papyrus began to spread into Greece and Rome, the demand for it soared. Since the papyrus plant could not be grown in Greece or Rome, shortages ensued and a better option was sought. These countries discovered that a very smooth writing surface could be made from animal skins (usually sheepskin or calfskin). This led to the invention of vellum. It was used to produce many ancient books, and especially bibles. But because it involved a lengthy process to make vellum, it was very expensive.
Meanwhile, in China, people were using bone, bamboo and silk to write and drawn on. According to legend, court official Cai Lun was inspired to invent paper in 105 C.E. by observing the paper nests of wasps and bees. However, paper samples have been discovered dating to around 200 B.C. So paper had been in use in China for over 300 years before Cai Lun.
In the years following Cai Lun, paper was used by the Chinese for preserving tea leaves, wrapping delicate items for protection (such as bronze mirrors), and for sanitation. The Chinese were the inventors of toilet paper, even tinting and perfuming it! They were also the first to create printed paper money.
The Chinese closely guarded the secrets of the paper-making process. Therefore, from China, paper and the process of producing it spread very slowly. In 751 C.E., the Chinese were defeated by the Arabs at the Battle of Talas. Thus, paper and papermaking spread to the Middle East, and eventually to Europe and the Americas.
With the invention of Gutenberg's printing press in the mid-1400's, the demand for paper increased substantially. But it remained an expensive commodity until a steam-driven paper making machine was invented in the mid-1800's. Paper had also previously been made of cotton rags, but it was then discovered how to produce paper from wood.
So with the coming of the Industrial Revolution and the conversion of paper-making from rags to wood pulp, paper became affordable. Today paper is one of the cheapest and most accessible commodities available. But now that you know the long history of paper-making, perhaps you can appreciate its true value!
Below, we explain the various paper options available to you at World Digital Imaging, as well as defining common paper terms - Grade, Weight, and Finish.
Paper Grade
The paper grade refers to the end use of the printed piece. There are many different types available, but here at World Digital Imaging we keep things simple by referring to just 2 basic paper grades: Text or Cover.
The 2 basic paper grades available at World Digital Imaging, and the corresponding range of weights are:
Text - This refers to any thin paper, which is commonly used for the inside pages of a book or booklet, hence the name "text". Our text papers are available in these weights: 20#/50#, 24#/60#, 28#/70# and 32#/80#. (See Paper Weight below for further explanation of weight.)
Cover - These are heavier weight, thicker papers, commonly used for the covers of a book or booklet, hence the name "cover". We use Bristol and Index grade papers interchangeably with "cover" grade. Our cover papers are available in these weights: 65#/67#, 80#, 100#. (See Paper Weight below for further explanation of weight.)
Paper grade is usually paired with the paper weight, to fully describe the paper. This is because various paper weights are available only in certain paper grades, so a weight or grade alone is not specific enough to define the paper type.
Paper Weight
Put simply, paper weight refers to the thickness of the paper. It is measured in pounds, and expressed with the '#' symbol after the number. A smaller number refers to a lighter weight/thinner paper, and a larger number refers to a heavier weight/thicker paper.
Paper weight is determined by manufacturers by weighing a ream of 500 sheets of paper, before the paper is cut into the finished size. The basis size of the ream differs according to the ultimate use for the paper: writing paper, newsprint, cover paper, etc. (See Paper Grade above for more on different uses.) These differing measurements of the paper reams are why paper weights can be so difficult to understand!
We'll try to make it simple, by explaining only the paper weights we stock at World Digital Imaging. We carry the following paper weights:
20#/50# Text - Our thinnest paper. This is common, “plain” copy paper and it is the most economical option for everyday print jobs.
Because of its thinness, 20#/50# paper is somewhat translucent, so it is sometimes not the best choice for double-sided printing.
24#/60# Text - This paper is also a common “plain” copy paper, but is a step up from 20#/50#. It is slightly heavier and more opaque.
Because 24#/60# paper is more opaque, it is a good choice for double-sided copies.
28#/70# Text - Perhaps the most confusing paper weight, because it is in-between 24#/60# and 65#!
Not to worry...our only standard 28#/70# paper is Hammermill Bright White! It is slightly heavier than 24#/60# paper, and almost completely opaque. This paper will give printed pieces a more upscale look and feel - great for flyers, booklets, brochures and more!
32#/80# Gloss Text - 32#/80# Gloss Text is a thin, lightweight paper with a glossy finish. It is nice for flyers, small posters, CD inserts or other printed projects where a glossy finish is desired along with a lightweight paper.
65#/67# Cover/Cardstock - A thick, heavyweight opaque paper, commonly called "cardstock". This paper is sturdy, so 65# and thicker papers are recommended for postcards or other items that need to stand up to handling. This weight also gives printed pieces a more luxurious feel.
This weight combines the thickness of cardstock with the ability to be folded without cracking, so it is better than a heavier cardstock for items that need to be folded, such as greeting cards or booklet covers.
80# Cover/Cardstock - 80# Cover/Cardstock is simply heavier and thicker than 65# paper, with even more opacity. Best option for large postcards and business cards.
It can be used for folded pieces, but may crack along the fold unless it is scored first.100# Cover/Cardstock- Our heaviest paper is 100# Gloss Cardstock. We only offer this paper in a gloss finish, because the matte 100# paper almost always jams in our digital copiers. This heavyweight paper with a glossy finish is the ultimate in luxury, great for business cards, book covers, postcards and invitations.
100# Gloss Cardstock can certainly be used for folded pieces, but expect it to crack along the fold unless it is scored.
This table summarizes the paper weights:
Weight |
Qualities |
Recommended Uses |
| 20#/50# Text | Standard, "plain" copy paper, most economical | Standard everyday copies/prints |
| 24#/60# Text | More opaque, "plain" copy paper | Double-sided everyday copies/prints |
| 28#/70# Text | Hammermill only - mediumweight, very opaque, nice luxurious look and feel | Flyers, brochures, booklets |
| 32#/80# Gloss Text | Thin/lightweight, glossy finish | Flyers, small posters, CD inserts, booklets |
| 65# Cover/Cardstock | Thinner cardstock, heavyweight, opaque, does not crack when folded | Postcards, greeting cards, booklet covers |
| 80# Cover/Cardstock | Thicker cardstock, heavyweight, very opaque, may crack when folded if not scored | Large postcards, business cards, booklet covers |
| 100# Gloss Cardstock/Cover | Thickest cardstock, completely opaque, gloss finish, will crack when folded if not scored | Business cards, booklet covers, postcards, invitations |
Paper Finish
There are several types of paper finishes. But again, to keep things simple, at World Digital Imaging we only distinguish between 2 paper finishes: Matte or Glossy.
Matte - A smooth, dull surface.
Glossy - A smooth, shiny surface. (Note that glossy paper can be difficult to write on.)
Only 2 of our papers are offered with a glossy finish, and these are both white papers. They are 32#/80# Gloss Text and 100# Gloss Cover. All other paper options are matte finish.
We also have an ULTRASMOOTH paper option - our 28#/70# Hammermill Text, in Bright White. This luxurious feeling paper is very smooth, with a satin look.
For projects such as resumés or invitations, other paper finishes can be special ordered, such as linen, Royal Fiber (speckled texture), parchment, or laid. Please allow 24-48 hours additional turn-around time for special order papers. Most special order paper finishes are specialty paper types, and will incur an additional charge.
Paper Sizes
We carry four basic sizes of paper:
- 8.5" x 11" (Letter)
- 8.5" x 14" (Legal)
- 11" x 17" (Tabloid/Ledger)
- 12" x 18" (Arch B)
Paper Color Choices
We offer the following choices of paper colors. Please note that these color choices are available ONLY in these paper weights: 24#/60# (thin text paper), and 65#/67# (cardstock papers). (Also available in 20#/50# [thinnest text paper] for pastel colors). All colored paper is matte finish with a smooth texture.
Additional paper colors can be special ordered. Please allow 24-48 hours additional turn-around time for special order colors. Certain paper colors may incur an additional charge.
For additional information about our papers, see our Paper FAQ.