Paper Grades
Paper may be defined in terms of its use. each grade serves a purpose, usually suggested by its grade name.
Bond (17 x 22)
Bond papers are commonly used for letters and business forms. They have surfaces which accept ink readily, and are easily erased. Most letterhead and business forms use this paper at a standard 8 ½" x 11" size.
Coated (25 x 38)
Coated papers are used when high printing quality is desired because of its greater surface smoothness and uniform ink receptivity. Coated papers can be gloss or matte.
Text (25 x 38)
Text papers are noted for their interesting textures and attractive colors. They enjoy frequent use for announcements, booklets and brochures. Most text papers are treated with a sizing to make them more water resistant and easier to print with water lithography.
Book (25 x 38)
Book papers are used for trade and text books as well as general printing. They are less expensive than text papers, and are made with antique or smooth finishes. Book papers have a wider range of weights and bulk than text papers so it is possible to secure almost any desired bulking.
Offset (25 x 38)
Offset papers are similar to coated and uncoated book papers except that sizing is added and the surface is treated to make it easier to offset print.
Cover (20 x 26)
Cover papers complement coated and text papers in heavier weights and matching colors for use on covers for booklets, etc. Many special surface textures are available, with finishes ranging from antique to smooth. It is a useful rule of thumb that cover stock of the same basis weight as text paper has about twice the thickness.
Index (22 ½ x 35 and 25 ½ x 30 ½)
Index papers have two outstanding characteristics: stiffness and receptivity to writing ink. Commonly used whenever an inexpensive stiff paper is needed.
Tag (24 x 36)
Tag is a utility sheet ranging in weight from 100 to 250 pounds for manufacturing tags. It may be made from sulfite, sulfate or mechanical pulp, and various types of waste papers. Tag stock has good bending and folding qualities, good tearing and water resistance. Its surface is adaptable to printing stamping or writing.
Bristol (22 ½ x 28 ½)
Bristol is one of the board grades, with a softer surface than index or tag making it ideal for high-speed folding, embossing, or stamping.
Newsprint (24 x 36)
Newsprint is used in printing newspapers. Furnish is chiefly groundwood pulp, with some chemical pulp. Its made from basis weights of 28 to 35 pounds, with 30 being most common.
Specialty Paper
Lightweight papers, such as manifold, onion skin, and Bible paper are specialty grades that have been produced for years. Recently, increasing mailing costs have fostered the use of lightweight newspaper and magazine stocks. Newsprint as light as 22 pounds and 32 pound coated magazine paper are now used regularly.