If you've ever walked through a stationery store and stared at the shelves full of notebooks, loose-leaf paper, and pads, you've probably asked yourself, "What's the right paper for what I want to do?" Choosing the right paper can make the difference between a mediocre job and a spectacular one. So, in this article, I'm going to tell you which types of paper are the most recommended depending on the project you have in mind.
Bond paper: The everyday classic
Bond paper is the paper you probably use every day in your printer. It has a smooth texture and is great for writing on with a pen or pencil. It's a very versatile paper, but if you're thinking of doing an art project or something that involves more detail, it might not be the best fit. However, for quick notes, documents, or just practicing your doodles, bond paper works wonders.
Cardstock paper: Ideal for crafts
Cardstock is thicker and sturdier than bond paper, making it a great choice for creative projects like cards, posters, or even small crafts. It comes in a wide range of colors, and the best thing is that it can withstand glue, markers, and even a little paint without wrinkling too much. If you want to make a homemade birthday card or a collage with the kids, cardstock is your ally.
Kraft paper: The king of rustic style
This brown paper has a very natural and rustic feel that makes it perfect for wrapping, labels and decorations. It is often associated with eco-friendly and artisanal, so if you want to give a special touch to a gift or create a DIY (Do It Yourself) project with a more vintage look, kraft paper is an excellent choice. Plus, it's durable, so you can also use it to create personalized bags or envelopes.
Watercolor Paper: For the Aspiring Artist
If you enjoy painting, especially with watercolors, this paper is a must-have. It's thicker and has a rough texture that allows paint to not bleed through or run. There are different thicknesses and textures within this category, but in general, watercolor paper is designed to absorb large amounts of water without becoming damaged. While you can use it with other techniques like ink or colored pencils, it's especially effective for projects that involve a lot of moisture.
Onion skin: Delicacy and precision
Onion-colored paper is one of the thinnest and most transparent papers you'll find in any stationery store. It's ideal for tracing, thanks to its transparency, and is also widely used in architecture or technical drawing. Despite its thinness, it's quite durable. So, if you have a project that requires precision or you want to perform a technique such as engraving, onion-colored paper will be very useful.
Photo paper: The best friend of quality prints
If you have photos that you'd like to print and keep in good quality, photo paper is essential. It comes in matte or glossy finishes, and each has its advantages: matte gives a more elegant and professional look, while glossy brings out colors and details in an incredible way. It's quite thick and durable, so photo paper prints are perfect for albums, frames, or any project where you want to show off sharp and vibrant images.
Conclusion
As you can see, the choice of paper depends a lot on the project at hand. From classic bond to elegant photo paper, each type has its own characteristics that can make your work shine. Next time you're at your favorite stationery store (hopefully ours!), take the time to explore the options and try out different papers. You never know which one will be perfect for you until you use it!
