properties of paper & board

performance characteristics

• Ability to Be Scored – Scoring creates a crease, making folding easier without cracking. Used in packaging and card-making.

• Cutting – Papers and boards can be cut with scissors, craft knives, or laser cutters. Thickness and density affect ease of cutting.

• Folding – Some papers and boards fold cleanly, while others may crack if too rigid. Often used in origami, packaging, and bookbinding.

• Surface Qualities for Printing – The texture and coating of paper affect how ink is absorbed. Glossy papers enhance colour vibrancy, while matte papers reduce glare.

• Impact Resistance – Some boards, like corrugated card, absorb shocks and protect contents, making them ideal for packaging.

• Recyclability and Biodegradability – Most papers and boards are recyclable and biodegradable, reducing environmental impact. Laminated and foil-backed papers are harder to recycle.

Layout paper

thin translucent paper w smooth surface used for sketching and technical drawings

Advantages

• Lightweight and semi-transparent

• Good for initial sketches and tracing

• Can be used with pencils and markers

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for final presentations

• Can smudge with some inks

Cartridge paper

off-white paper which a textured surface, used for sketching and rendering, can also be used for printing

Advantages

• Thicker and more durable than standard paper

• Good for ink and pencil work

• Available in different weights

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive

• Not suitable for water-based paints

Tracing paper

strong transparent paper, thicker than layout, used for making drawings, designs, and tracing

Advantages

• Highly transparent

• Good for copying and overlaying designs

• Strong and durable

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive

• Not suitable for printing

Bleed-proof paper

ink doesn't bleed on the paper, colour doesn’t run, used by designers when drawing with felt tip / spirit based pens

Advantages

• Prevents ink bleeding

• Ideal for marker and pen work

• Smooth surface for precise lines

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for watercolours

• Limited use beyond marker rendering

Treated paper

a paper which has a dye layer on top, making it easier to hold an image, used for photographic printing

Advantages

• smth

Disadvantages

• smth

Watercolour paper

absorbent, smooth or heavily textured, used in watercolour painting

Advantages

• smth

Disadvantages

• smth

Corrugated card

strong and lightweight, provides protection against impact, used for food packaging, model making and prototyping

Advantages

• Strong and impact-resistant

• Lightweight

• Good for protective packaging

Disadvantages

• Absorbs moisture easily

• Not aesthetically pleasing

Bleached card

a card which has been chemically treated to give it a lighter colour, , mostly used in greeting cards and high quality packaging

Advantages

• High-quality, bright white finish

• Good for printing

• Durable and stiff

Disadvantages

• Expensive

• Not always recyclable

Mount board

board made from compressed fine cotton fibres to made a rigid board, used for presenting artwork and picture mounting

Advantages

• smth

Disadvantages

• smth

Duplex card

a card made up from two layers one paper, one side being glossy & waxy, usually used for food packaging, milk cartons and disposable cups

Advantages

• Cheaper than bleached card

• Suitable for food packaging

• Often has a moisture-resistant coating

Disadvantages

• Less rigid than other boards

• Not as high-quality for printing

Foil backed and laminated card

card with polymer film or foil on it, often used for milk and juice cartons

Advantages

• Water-resistant

• Good insulation properties

• Suitable for food and drink packaging

Disadvantages

• Hard to recycle

• More expensive than standard card

Metal effect card

high quality card that has a thin metal-effect layer applied to the outer surface for enhanced aesthetics, used for packaging and high quality business cards

Advantages

• Attractive metallic finish

• Good for luxury packaging

• Can be embossed

Disadvantages

• More expensive

• May not be recyclable

Moulded paper pulp

moulded packaging products made from recycled paper pulp, smooth inside and rough outside, used for egg boxes, fruit packaging

Advantages

• Eco-friendly and biodegradable

• Lightweight yet strong

• Often made from recycled paper

Disadvantages

• Not water-resistant

• Limited aesthetic appeal