Paper has been one of the world’s most important commodities for thousands of years that has shaped history all the way to the humble shopping list.
Its many uses make it a versatile material, including currency, packaging, the creation of various crafts, printing, and filtering. Below are 90 different types of paper and how they’re used.
1. Tracing Paper
Architects, engineers, and people in similar professions are usually familiar with tracing paper.
Tracing paper is placed atop another page, often featuring a diagram, after which one can carefully trace edges, points, and other areas.
Certain tracing paper variations are made of cellulose and cotton fiber and contain lower opacity fillers, resulting in a dense final product that retains significant moisture.
2. Bond Paper
As its name implies, bond paper comes from the kind of paper often used by banks and various governments to print bonds.
Many bond paper varieties contain cotton, but all types are generally durable and of excellent quality.
Bond paper’s weight of greater than 50GSM is the main characteristic separating it from ordinary writing paper, but it shares many of the same uses with the latter.
3. Print Paper
Print paper is a sort of catch-all term that usually refers to any type of paper used for printing. This may include paper used for books, flyers, or manuals.
Typically a bit costlier than copy paper, print paper is a good choice for documents that require higher quality and better resolution than traditional copy paper.
It is also the best choice for documents featuring images or fancy text.
4. Coated & Uncoated Paper
Coated and uncoated paper are appropriate for different uses. Additionally, coated paper features a material coating designed to emphasize the paper’s quality, such as gloss or weight. The coatings decrease ink absorbency and result in a smooth finish.
Uncoated paper does not have these features; therefore, it absorbs more ink and is a bit rougher to the touch. Uncoated paper has more uses than coated paper overall.
5. Text Paper
You may have heard the term text paper, but are unsure of exactly what it means.
Text paper is a common, daily-use paper. Versatile and lightweight, it’s often used for the interior pages of certain types of books.
This relatively thin paper has many variations and can be used for virtually anything, such as posters, flyers, catalogs, or notebooks. Coated and uncoated versions are available.
6. Cardstock Paper
If you’ve ever sent out a greeting card, you already know what cardstock paper is.
Greeting cards and packaging are two of the primary uses for cardstock paper. It’s also used in notebooks to divide different sections and for some types of crafts.
It comes in a broad range of weights, most of which are over 170GSM. The letters refer to “grams per square meter,” which is how paper is measured.
Cardstock paper can be found in virtually all colors and various finishes.
7. Newsprint Paper
You have probably handled newsprint paper thousands of times in your life.
Virtually all newspapers around the world are constructed from this type of paper. This is likely because it’s the cheapest paper available that can withstand ink printing.
It’s not high-quality paper and is made from ground wood pulp. Although very appropriate for daily newspapers, its short lifespan makes it useless for anything else.
8. Recycled Paper
Although recycled paper is not a definitive term, organizations such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency state that a paper is considered “recycled” if it is manufactured from 100% post-consumer, recovered fiber.
An incredibly long list of fibers can be used to make recycled paper, but it’s usually made from other printed materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
9. Thermal Paper
Thermal paper is a heat-activated specialty paper. When heat is applied, its color changes.
It’s manufactured by using heat-sensitive developers and dyes. It is often used in credit card terminals, cash registers, and adding machines.
It produces fast, high-definition images and is frequently seen in retail outlets such as shopping malls or gas stations.
10. Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is made from wood chips and typically features a brown hue.
Its uses include everything from printing to packaging, and it usually comes in large rolls that can be cut down to the desired size.
It can be coated with oil or wax to make it moisture-proof, which is sometimes done by those who wish to use it for food packaging. Not surprisingly, it’s also commonly used for arts and crafts.
11. Carbonless Paper
Carbonless paper is a type of paper that allows a document to be copied multiple times.
It’s commonly used for color-coded invoice pads or receipts to differentiate customer copies from business copies.
The customer copy is typically yellow or pink, and the top copy–usually white–stays with the business. It essentially creates a “carbon copy” without the need for carbon paper.
12. Bristol Paper
Bristol paper’s most common use is for arts and crafts. This kind of paper is manufactured by gluing a variable number of sheets together with two felt layers in between.
The result is a multi-ply sheet that’s sturdier than other craft paper. It gets its name from the papermaking mills in Bristol, England, where it was originally manufactured. Also called Bristol board, it is now used around the world.
13. Vellum Paper
Vellum is a type of translucent paper used by certain card makers and scrapbook artists.
It’s loved for its elegant texture and was originally a type of fine parchment made from lambskin or calfskin.
Eventually, the latter were imitated with the heavy, off-white vellum we see today.
However, it should be handled as little as possible when working with it for crafts since it smudges easily, and all creases immediately become permanent.
14. Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is an extremely lightweight type of paper and is usually manufactured from recycled pulp.
The term covers many products, including wrapping tissue, facial tissues, paper towels, and bathroom tissue.
It’s used for everything from dusting to wrapping presents or completing crafts. One of the most versatile types of paper in existence, it can be found in virtually any color.
15. Rice Paper
When researching the phrase “rice paper,” you may be confused.
This is because multiple types of paper use this name, all of which have different applications.
One type comes from Asia and is used for painting or making shoe soles. Another is a kind of paper that is literally edible.
This kind is used in certain types of Vietnamese fare. Then, there is the rice paper that’s used in architecture or craft making.
They all feel a bit similar and are all made from wood pulp, but thickness varieties cover an extremely broad spectrum.
16. Corrugated Paper
You’ve probably seen corrugated paper hundreds of times and in various situations, such as wrapped around your morning coffee from your favorite cafe.
Corrugated paper is simply paper that’s “fluted” during manufacturing to give it a specific texture.
Often seen in cardboard varieties, it’s one of the world’s most commonly used paper types. It is extremely useful in crafts and can be acquired in various colors and weights.
17. Art Paper
There is a virtually limitless number of paper varieties that could be referred to as “art paper,” but in the simplest definition, this type of paper is a heavyweight, textured paper designed to allow artists to achieve depth in their creations.
Certain varieties are made to allow for repeated erasing without the paper becoming damaged.
Watercolor paper is one example, typically heavyweight, while drawing or sketch paper is similar but lighter.
18. Parchment Paper
If you’ve ever received a certificate or been given a business card, you probably handled parchment paper.
It’s a thick, quality paper with sheer properties that make it professionally useful for many office needs.
However, there is also a type of parchment paper that’s used in baking because of its ability to withstand high temperatures when covered with food matter.
Its ability to go from the office to the oven, depending on its form, probably makes it one of the most versatile papers in existence.
19. Handmade Paper
As its name implies, handmade paper is made by human hands rather than machines.
It’s a single layer of fibers that have been entwined and naturally connected by cellulose. This is done using a deckle, also called a flat frame.
Handmade paper can be used in essentially any way mass-produced paper can, but people who use it generally do so because it’s far better for the environment.
20. Wove Paper
Wove paper is typically handmade. This is accomplished by casting the pulp onto a wire mesh or fabric woven screen.
This paper is unique because it shows a characteristic impression from the screen pattern when it’s held up to the light.
This is referred to as the “weave.” This paper has been around for a long time, and its most popular uses are for currency, books, and ledgers.
21. Laid Paper
Laid paper is similar to wove paper but is made by drying it on a more complicated patterned screen. This is typically one that has horizontal and vertical “chains.”
When the light is shown through this paper, specific lines are present in a very distinct pattern, resulting from the paper pulp not being fully absorbed during the creation process.
This type of paper is also used in ledgers, currency, and certain types of books.
22. Cotton Paper
Also frequently referred to as “rag paper,” cotton paper is highly durable and can last for hundreds of years.
United States dollars have been printed on cotton paper due to its ability to stay intact rather than disintegrate if it becomes wet.
There is a broad range of grades of cotton paper, typically beginning at 25% and going all the way up to 100 percent.
23. Linen Paper
Linen paper is a sort of “fine stationery” paper with a similar feel to that used for certificates or fancy wedding invitations.
It’s characterized by a raised, crosshatch pattern, which, from a distance, looks just like linen fabric.
It’s popular for use in fine dining restaurant menus, business letterheads, resumes, or anything a person wants to appear upscale.
24. Ledger Paper
Appropriately named, ledger paper is used for logbooks, ledgers, and record books.
It is a high-quality paper that’s made to last and has good erasing capabilities. It is also sometimes used for documents containing tall tables, diagrams, or spreadsheets with complicated dimensions.
25. Tag Paper
Tag paper is a type of heavy utility paper with a high-performance grade on press.
This is what makes it best for printing tags for consumer goods, particularly accessories, and clothing.
It can be printed on easily and remains strong and durable when handled multiple times.
Just think how often a consumer touches a price tag on something, but the ink never runs.
26. Onion Skin Paper
Onion skin paper was once popular with typists but is now typically used for wrapping gifts or packing items in boxes when an attractive presentation is desired.
This paper is almost translucent and is still sometimes used to write handwritten letters or personal invitations.
One highly popular use for this paper that has never changed is for airmail letters for consumers who want to save on postage.
27. Glassine Paper
A staple in the craft world, glassine is generally used for laminating artwork that might otherwise “run” or become compromised.
Some examples would be pictures drawn with colored pencils or markers or artwork embellished with craft items such as glitter or gems.
It also protects documents, photos, and books from damage.
28. Sulphite Paper
Sulphite paper is a super high-quality form of ordinary construction paper found in craft stores.
Many crafters use sulphite paper for all their art projects, particularly those that call for the use of markers, tempera paint, oil pastels, or collage paint.
In fact, it is only acrylic paint and watercolors that should not be used with sulphite paper.
29. Cover Stock Paper
Similar to card stock paper, this kind of paper is generally smooth, although it is possible to get textured cover stock paper.
It can have a glossy or matte appearance and is most often used for things such as catalog covers, greeting cards, business cards, invitations, postcards, and even playing cards.
It’s also popular among scrapbooking fans, as it makes an ideal cover for such books.
30. Security Paper
Security paper is a broad term that refers to paper that is difficult or impossible to counterfeit.
It may feature artificial watermarks, high-resolution, latent images, thermochromic ink, or enhanced laid lines.
This paper is often used to manufacture paper currency, court records, medical records, or sensitive government files.
31. Chalk Paper
Chalk paper is a specific type of paper that’s used primarily for postage stamps.
It has a very sensitive surface that is designed to be “canceled” with a stamp or through a similar method so that it cannot be used a second time.
This is because it is almost impossible to remove the ink or other substance with which it was marred without destroying the original design.
32. Manifold Paper
Manifold paper is a lightweight paper designed to work with carbon paper when multiple copies of something must be made.
When carbon paper is placed in between multiple pieces of manifold paper, a person can type one document but make several copies simultaneously.
Its lightweight texture is what makes it perfect for this use.
33. Wax Paper
Almost everyone has heard of wax paper, and there are many uses for this unique type of paper.
It’s a form of tissue paper that’s triple-waxed using food-grade paraffin wax.
This wax is pushed into the paper’s pores during manufacturing, eventually creating an outside coating.
Invented by Thomas Edison, it can even be used in a microwave or conventional oven for cakes and cupcakes, provided the batter completely covers the paper.
34. Blotting Paper
Blotting paper contains highly absorbent cotton, which is not surprising since that is exactly what it is designed to do.
It was initially invented to absorb excess ink in the days of fountain pens but is now more often used in that capacity with regard to crafts. It is a high-absorbency, sturdy type of paper.
35. Construction Paper
It’s almost certain that you have used construction paper at least a few times as a child, if not on many occasions since.
Acid-free, versatile, and easy to cut and fold, it is no surprise that it is one of the most popular and commonly used papers for crafts.
It can be used in virtually any capacity for such activity and comes in any color desired.
36. Graph Paper
Graph paper is nothing more than ordinary paper that comes with a preprinted pattern.
This is often a grid of small squares for drawing curves, graphs, or specific patterns.
It’s ideal for use in solving math problems or creating charts or tables in science laboratories. Its mathematical and scientific uses know no bounds.
37. Origami Paper
Origami, speaking of the word itself, is technically the word for a kind of craft rather than a type of paper.
Origami is a folding art, and Washi is the paper most commonly used for this craft.
Any type of paper made from long, interwoven fibers that is both light and flexible can be used for origami.
However, ideally, a weight of 60GSM offers the perfect sturdiness and flexibility for Origami art.
38. Wallpaper
Naturally, you know what wallpaper is, but do you know what it’s made from?
Wallpaper technically has four parts: paste, ink, backing, and a ground coat.
Like most paper, it’s made from wood pulp, but the wolven backing is coated and printed.
Modern wallpapers have vinyl or latex coatings, making them “washable.”
39. Photographic Paper
Photographic paper is coated or infused with light-sensitive chemicals.
These enable it to transform an image from a negative into a color or black-and-white paper image.
It’s ideal for those who want to create photos that can be displayed in ways other than merely on digital devices.
40. Embossed Paper
If you know anyone who reads Braille, that person is essentially reading embossed paper.
It is a special type of paper in which certain designs are raised while the rest of the paper remains flat.
It’s used in all types of creative projects, invitations, and scrapbooking.
Because an embossed area does not fade the way ink might, this type of paper is often used for certificates or diplomas.
41. Perforated Paper
It would be almost impossible to go through your life without using perforated paper at least a handful of times.
Perforated paper simply refers to the kind of paper that can be torn without leaving a ragged edge.
From simple wire notebooks that you’ve likely used countless times to a book of rent receipts or raffle tickets, perforated paper is literally everywhere.
42. Filter Paper
Filter paper is that paper you probably used to make a cup of coffee or tea this morning.
It is a type of paper that allows air, water, moisture, or other substances to travel through its pores while holding back substances that have bulk, hence, the tea and coffee examples.
Non-beverage-related uses for such paper include oil filters, fuel filters, and home or office air filters.
43. Carbon Paper
You may have heard the phrase “carbon copy” used in various ways that don’t involve paper, but it’s the paper from which the phrase originated.
Carbon paper is designed to be placed between two ordinary sheets of paper so that something can be written and duplicated at the same time.
Now, it is more often used in the arts and crafts category to transfer designs, images, and patterns to metal, glass, wood, canvas, and, of course, paper.
44. Synthetic Paper
Synthetic paper has many uses, and is made from countless materials, most of which are petroleum-based resins.
This type of paper is often called “tree-free” paper because it is not made from wood pulp, hence its name.
For almost every type of traditional paper, there is a polymer-based synthetic version, and the latter can generally be used in the exact same way as its tree-based counterpart.
45. Bible Paper
Bible paper, also commonly referred to as “scritta paper,” is a very thin paper that’s most often used for printing, specifically for very long books, such as dictionaries or, as its name implies, Bibles.
This paper is a woodfree, uncoated paper that is enhanced with linen or cotton fibers to boost its strength despite its thin texture.
46. Butcher Paper
The most common form of butcher paper is the classic white paper that is used to wrap lunch meat, poultry, fish, or beef from a grocer.
However, this paper has different types, such as pink butcher paper, which is used for barbecuing.
Butcher paper is very similar to craft paper but is typically bleached to make it white.
47. Papyrus
Papyrus was some of the first paper that existed and was used in ancient times, long before modern paper was invented.
Papyrus was the primary writing material in ancient Egypt and was used as far back as 3,000 BC.
It was made from the plant for which it is named and had made its way from Egypt to Greece and Rome by 2000 BC.
48. Stone Paper
True to its name, stone paper is made primarily from calcium carbonate rather than tree fiber.
It boasts several properties that make it an impressive alternative to conventional paper.
For instance, it is waterproof, tear-resistant, oil resistant, and highly durable. It is also significantly heavier than traditional paper.
This paper is unique because it is recyclable but does not break down on its own, and therefore is not harmful to the environment.
49. Litmus Paper
You might remember using litmus paper in high school or college chemistry class.
This type of paper is infused with a series of color dyes, all of which produce specific hues depending on what kind of solution the paper is dipped in and its pH.
It absorbs the liquid quickly and is most often used in scientific applications.
50. Quilling Paper
Quilling refers to a type of art completed with paper during which the paper is cut into long, thin strips and is then pinched and rolled into various shapes.
The most important thing about choosing the appropriate paper for quilling is its GSM.
For paper quilling, it’s best to choose paper featuring 80GSM because it is not too thick or thin.
51. Crêpe Paper
If you’ve ever hung a party streamer, you’ve touched crêpe paper.
This kind of paper is produced from wood cellulose and is more flexible and durable than most types of standard paper.
Crêpe paper can be found in unique textures and colors, making it perfect for making ornamental crafts, wrapping gifts, or decorating for a party.
52. Flocked Paper
Flocked paper is created by depositing tiny fiber particles onto a surface.
It’s sometimes referred to as “velvet paper,” and you have probably felt it at least once or twice on someone’s wall.
Certain types of wallpaper featuring raised designs that are soft to the touch are perfect examples of flocked paper.
Not surprisingly, such paper is perfect for lining craft boxes, making textured cards, or completing many other crafts where something fancier than ordinary paper is desired.
53. Gummed Paper
You’ve probably handled gummed paper hundreds of times without realizing what it’s called.
It is a type of stock paper, and on one side, an adhesive coating is added, which is protected with a removable liner.
Stickers, self-sticking labels, and bumper stickers are all examples of gummed paper.
54. Banknote Paper
Banknote paper is the type of paper on which currency is typically printed.
It generally has a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm, but this can vary from country to country.
It lends itself well to watermarks and fiber distribution, which is often used to make it counterfeit-proof.
Most banknote paper comprises 75% cotton and 25% linen, but this can vary from one area of the world to the next.
55. Laser Paper
Laser printers typically work by melting toner, which is a solid powder, onto a sheet of paper.
This is done through a high heat level, which is why laser paper was designed.
Such paper is highly heat resistant and is not coated like some papers, as any type of coating could theoretically melt and ruin both the printer and the paper.
Laser paper cannot be substituted with any other type of paper without risking disaster.
56. Inkjet Paper
Paper and moisture often don’t mix, which is where inkjet paper comes in. Inkjets work by spraying paper with liquid, a specific type of paper is needed.
Otherwise, after the liquid sinks in and spreads, the result would be a blurry-edged image that would be of little or no good.
Inkjet paper is specially formulated to encourage rapid drying, preventing ink from blurring and causing fuzzy images.
57. Magnetic Paper
Magnet paper is manufactured by blending paper and magnetized rubber.
It is typically available for most types of printing in standard, letter-sized sheets.
It’s quite popular for marketing and advertising uses, particularly for things such as business cards, educational tools, magnet photos, and similar marketing products.
58. Oatmeal Paper
Oatmeal paper is a decorative paper that features shives and flecks.
It’s made by adding a thin layer of chaff or sawdust, often contrasting colors, to ordinary wallpaper.
It’s an inexpensive type of wallpaper but it can also be used in other ways.
Artists enjoy using this paper for sketches or work done with charcoal or pastels. It is typically very affordable.
59. Pearlescent Paper
Pearlescent paper is a fancy, elegant type of paper with a smooth texture and a lustrous finish.
It usually features 12.2 point thickness and is often used for invitations, printed advertisements, brochures, and various craft activities.
It is laser printer compatible but should not be used with an inkjet printer.
60. Tea Paper
Tea paper is a type of recycled paper made from tea wastes acquired from incorrectly harvested black tea.
This kind of paper is not made 100% from tea but rather a combination of flax and cotton pulp added to the tea waste.
However, it’s not a sturdy paper, so its uses are limited. Because it looks somewhat like ancient parchment, it can be fun to write letters on or use to make homemade certificates that a frame can protect.
61. Velvet Paper
Velvet paper is a specific type of flock paper that is widely used in artwork because of its beautiful and versatile texture.
It is also commonly used for fine art reproduction due to its bright, white surface that lends itself well to the exact colors required when reproducing art.
It’s a cotton rag paper that’s virtually acid-free, and it dries almost instantly.
62. Washi Paper
Washi paper is a very thin but sturdy type of paper that takes creases well.
For this reason, its most common use is for Origami art. The latter involves creating objects from paper using tiny, strategic folds.
Also called traditional Japanese paper, Washi paper is made with ordinary substances, but extra plant-based materials and textiles are added to give it its thinness without causing it to lose its strength.
63. Watermarked Paper
The first thing that may come to mind when you think of watermarked paper is currency.
This is essentially true since watermarks are placed in most forms of paper money to make counterfeiting difficult.
However, there are various other uses for watermarked paper, such as professional and formal applications like personal correspondence, resumes, and business letters.
64. Heat Transfer Paper
Heat transfer paper is a type of specialty paper designed for printing, but it allows the image to be transferred to a hard surface or a fabric via the use of the press.
Heat transfer paper can be obtained in two varieties: laser printers and inkjet printers. Just don’t mix them up.
65. Decal Paper
Decal paper, also referred to as sticker paper or waterslide decal paper, is a type of ultra-thin paper that features water-activated adhesive on its back surface.
Even a simple home printer can be used to print any image onto this type of paper, which transforms it into a sticker or decal.
66. Dissolvable Paper
Dissolvable paper is made from natural cellulose and wood pulp fibers.
The cellulose ingredient dissolves when it comes to water, and the wood pulp fibers separate.
It has many uses, the most popular of which are various types of arts and crafts.
Designs can be drawn, embroidered, or painted, and water then easily dissolves the template without ruining the artwork.
67. Silicone Release Paper
Silicone release paper is something you’ve probably handled many times without knowing exactly what it was.
This is the paper used to hold the backing in place on stickers, postage stamps, labels, band-aids, or anything that has an adhesive that needs to be protected until you are ready to stick the item on the surface.
It’s a shiny sort of paper that typically curls up when it’s peeled away.
68. Absorbent Paper
Absorbent paper is generally used for silkscreening, hot stamping, digital printing, and making items like air fresheners designed to absorb odors.
It can even be used to make coasters. There are two types of this paper: pure wood pulp absorbent paper and high-grade pure cotton absorbent paper. The former is usually more expensive.
69. Mounting Paper
Mounting paper is a broad term that typically refers to any kind of paper used on which to mount artwork.
Durable, thick, and stiff, this paper is in the card stock category, but there are numerous variations from which to choose.
The appropriate one depends on the type of art for which it will be used.
Delicate artwork completed on rice paper differs greatly from a charcoal sketch completed on fine tooth paper. Therefore, it’s important to choose carefully.
70. Manila Paper
Manila is a variety of paper manufactured from semi-bleached wood fibers.
As its name implies, it’s used to make the manilla board from which folders, envelopes, and similar items are made.
There is also a type of specialized manila paper that is used as filter paper for teabags, but this is the less common use for this kind of paper.
71. Abaca Paper
Abaca paper is a thin, porous paper that demonstrates outstanding strength when wet and does not disintegrate or turn to mush like many paper varieties.
It’s commonly used for teabags and certain coffee filters. It is centuries old, but its demand has not decreased over the years.
Other uses include vacuum cleaner bags, wrapping for certain types of meat, and currency.
72. Dó Paper
Dó Paper is a handmade paper that first appeared in Vietnam centuries ago and has an 800-year lifespan.
It is primarily used for Vietnamese folk art. The paper is handmade, and the steps are complicated and must be completed in a meticulous fashion.
There are over 50 steps to the process–sometimes up to 100–and it takes approximately one month before the handmade papers are ready for use.
73. India Paper
India paper was designed for taking engravings or impressions.
It’s a delicate paper created from vegetable fiber and is opaque and very thin, similar to Bible paper.
It is used for certain books, such as the aforementioned Bibles, but has few other uses due to its delicate nature.
74. Seeded Paper
Seeded paper, as its name indicates, is a type of paper that contains seeds and can be planted in moistened soil.
It is a recycled paper and therefore is highly popular with environmentalists.
The seeds start germinating as soon as the paper is “planted,” making planting and sowing much easier for some gardeners.
75. Mulberry Paper
Mulberry paper is handmade paper crafted from the tree, after which it takes its name.
It has a distinctive finish due to its long fibers and also features an attractive, fine, wispy edge.
This kind of paper is usually textured and can be found in numerous weights.
Because it’s handmade, no two pieces are identical. It’s ideal for handmade cards, scrapbooks, and rubber stamping projects.
76. Hemp Paper
Hemp paper is made from industrial hemp fibers acquired from the inner core of the plant’s stalks.
One of the biggest advantages of hemp paper is its sustainability.
Hemp paper has a higher yield than traditional paper, fewer chemicals are needed to process it, and it offers greater longevity than conventional wood pulp paper.
It can be used the same way standard paper is used, the only downside is that it’s a bit more expensive.
77. Silk Paper
This paper is made by binding silk fibers together to create a softer, more luxurious surface.
It’s often used to print logos or text on advertising materials, sort of like an elegant form of highlighting.
Silk-coated paper has a sumptuous feel and a low surface sheen, and the colors on this paper have a tendency to be much brighter when compared with other stock paper.
It’s an excellent choice if readability is a priority.
78. Archival Paper
Archival paper was designed to ensure the quality of paper documents will be maintained over time.
It’s acid-free, and rather than being made from wood pulp, it is made 100% from cotton.
Its primary purpose is to prevent deterioration, yellowing, and aging.
79. Bamboo Paper
No, it’s not that App that turns your device into a traditional notebook.
Bamboo paper is a recyclable form of paper designed to lessen society’s carbon footprint.
It‘s the single, fastest-growing plant species on earth and even thrives in depleted soil.
It’s strong, versatile, sustainable and an excellent alternative to traditional paper.
80. Elephant Hide Paper
Elephant hide paper is a rough bookbinding paper with a parchment-like grain.
It’s often used for book covers, Origami art, or tessellation crafts. Since 2021, most elephant hide paper is available in 110GSM, but there is not a huge variety of colors.
It’s mostly available in earth tones, such as shades of gray or tan.
81. Tobacco Paper
Also called rolling paper, tobacco paper is a specialized paper used to roll up tobacco or other plants or herbs to be smoked.
It is made from wood pulp, just like traditional paper, but is much thinner.
Recently, other variations of tobacco paper have become available, such as those made from transparent cellulose, hemp, or rice.
82. Shoe Paper
Not surprisingly, shoe paper is that thin, brown paper that’s typically stuffed into shoeboxes.
It’s used both inside the shoes to help them keep their shape and wrapped around the shoes.
Its primary purpose is to prevent damage, such as scuffing, prior to the shoes being purchased.
However, it is widely used for crafts, wrapping household items for a move, packing breakable items in boxes to be mailed, and many other practical applications.
83. Book Paper
As you might suspect, book paper is used for producing all types of books, including paperbacks, hardcover books, children’s books, and manuals or diaries.
The number of varieties of book paper is virtually limitless, including thin, light paper, such as Bible paper, to the thicker paper seen in manuals or certain hardcover books, and everything in between.
84. Banana Paper
Banana paper is an environmentally-friendly paper made from recycled materials sourced from banana harvests.
During manufacturing, fibers from banana harvest byproducts are bound together at a microscopic level.
The paper is biodegradable, tear resistant, and lightweight, but don’t expect it to resemble ordinary paper.
It has a leather-like texture and is even used to make shoes and handbags.
85. Sandpaper
Sandpaper is an abrasive paper used for smoothing or polishing surfaces such as drywall, metal, or wood.
Despite its name, however, sand particles are not used in its construction.
Rather, it’s made from grit materials like silicon carbide and aluminum oxide.
86. Xuan Paper
Xuan paper is a traditional, oriental paper that is manufactured by hand.
It is used for painting, primarily with watercolors, and Chinese calligraphy.
It is made from the rough bark of Blue Sandalwood and Tara Wing-Celtis trees and sometimes contains rice straw.
It’s known for its smooth, strong surface, and absorbs ink and paint very quickly.
87. Flax Paper
Flax paper, not surprisingly, is manufactured from flax fiber. The latter is a strong, resilient fiber containing high cellulose levels.
Flax paper is very sturdy, and byproducts from its manufacturing have been used to make yarn.
The natural color of flax paper is brown, and is frequently used as packing paper in factories and distribution centers.
88. Beeswax Paper
Beeswax paper, sometimes called beeswax wrap, is an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional wax paper, saran wrap, and freezer bag products.
Although this type of paper is not limited to the use of food preservation, that is its main use.
Beeswax paper is made by infusing pure organic jojoba oil, pine tree rosin, and Canadian beeswax into 100% cotton.
The nice thing about this type of “paper” is that it is not a single-use item but can be used multiple times.
89. Chart Paper
Chart paper, also called recording chart paper, is used in devices such as EKG or brain scan equipment, seismometers, and power meters.
It is a lightweight, slightly shiny paper, resembling old-fashioned fax paper, and is very heat sensitive. It may or may not have a printed pattern on its surface.
90. Blueprint Paper
Blueprint paper is a type of heat and light-sensitive paper that features a special coating.
The coating is designed to turn blue when it’s exposed to light, while other areas remain white.
Blueprint manufacturing processes have changed significantly over the years, but architects still use it widely to make copies of drawings or plans for homes, offices, and other structures.
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