Most of us disregard it, but paper is a very powerful communication tool. Choose the right type, and it can get your project from boring to extraordinary. That’s because paper can convey not only ideas but also emotions.
And because it is not only a means of communication but also a means by which you can create beliefs and feelings, the price of paper is the last thing you should think about when buying it.
Paper is three-dimensional, tactile and activates the senses. Whether you use it for the print materials for your business or to feed your hobbies, you need to know a few essential things. For instance, you need to understand the papermaking process and why the texture, shadows, colors, and size play a crucial game. You may also ask, “why is sustainability important” and how does that relate to paper?
With that in mind, here are all the things you should consider when buying paper.
The Papermaking Process Counts a Lot
The two most important ingredients in papermaking are natural fibers and water.
Whether it’s produced in a modern factory or hand-made in a studio, the whole process depends on how the fibers connect with each other. More often than not, fiber is sourced from wood, but it can also come from linen, cotton or bamboo.
Finish and Texture Add to the Quality
Paper finish and texture can enhance your brand or add a tactile dimension to your design. Keep in mind that the first thing a customer encounters when touching paper is the texture. That’s why a printed message has a bigger impact than a digital one. So, are you still thinking about the price of paper?
Paper Color and Shades Can Give Your Material Personality
There are three main characteristics of paper: brightness, shade, and color, all of which are equally important.
Brightness determines the intensity of the color you perceive that is reflected from the surface of the paper.
Shade is also perceived as whiteness and many times we translate this into cool or warm. Cream white, blue-white, true white paper – which one is best for you? Analyze shades of paper under different light sources so you can tell if it feels the same in any possible condition.
Related: Home Office: Tips for Going Green without Breaking the Bank!
Color adds dimension and interest, and often it can be a decisive factor when buying paper.
The Weight, Thickness, and Size of the Paper
These features can define your project from start to finish. Also, before buying paper for a new project, you need to consider the thickness, the weight, and the size you want. Inform yourself about the standards for each of these attributes and put the price of paper and quality in balance.
Consider Sustainability
You may think that paper and sustainability don’t go very well in the same sentence. But, if you want to convey a message of professionalism and honesty, then you should think about the impact your decisions have on the environment. Sustainability is an important factor in the paper industry.
Paper consumes numerous resources during the making process, so you must identify the best choice for both your business and Mother Nature. It may not sound like much, but you can make a big difference simply by picking the right type of paper.
At Double A Paper, for example, you can find responsibly-sourced paper processed from the highest quality pulp available. The company uses their specially cultivated trees, and is committed to keeping the carbon footprint as low as possible.
Whether you use it for your home office or your company, you have to consider the above factors before looking at the price of paper. Your project is more important than the price on the shelf, especially if you put a lot of importance on the quality of your work.