In this digital age, sending a hand written note can feel like a special experience. Personalized stationery is a big part of this experience and choosing a paper type can personalize it even more.
What’s the difference in paper types? When you are shopping for stationery or wedding invitations and day-of items, you might run across a few terms referring to the type of paper. So, what’s the deal?
It’s how the paper is created or processed and the resulting finish. Let’s review a few paper types! Smooth, Linen, Eggshell, and Felt are options for various products. Cotton papers are offered on a select few stationery pieces including wedding invitations.
Smooth 110lb. Paper:
Smoothness is determined by how much the paper is pressed between rollers on the paper machine when it's made. Smooth paper has clean, crisp feel and has no texture. Graphics print well on smooth paper and lets the print be the star of the stationery. It's popular and used on bag tags as well as other gift tags and notecards.
Linen 110lb. Paper:
Linen paper is produced by embossing paper with a patterned roll, giving it that 'linen' texture. It has a raised cross hatch pattern and is frequently used for an elegant look.
Felt Paper:
Felt finishes are applied to paper by means of marking felt on the paper machine. It has a distinctive texture. It has a slightly bumpy texture similar to watercolor paper. I like felt paper for gift tags, but not so much for notecards. That could be personal preference though.
Eggshell 120lb. Paper:
Eggshell paper, while less expensive than cotton papers, offers a high quality look and feel. A 120lb. weight paper, it has a texture that is in between felt and smooth. I love it for notecards that you are giving as a gift and invitations. Eggshell paper is available in white and cream colors.
Cotton Paper:
Cotton paper is the most luxurious and high end for stationery and invitations. It is one of the most expensive options for stationery but it’s high quality makes it a worthwhile investment for special occasions.
Paper Weight:
When you see text weight paper noted on notepad descriptions, it is a lighter weight paper than the cover stock used elsewhere in designs at Paper & Gifts by Adele. For reference, copy paper is 20lb. paper. The notepad paper is either 70lb. or 80lb. text paper. The 80lb. text weight paper for notepads is thicker than the 70lb. and it’s slightly creamy in color. You could use it for stationery if the notepad is 5.5 x 8.5 inches. (Fold this size paper in half and it fits into an A2 envelope).
All notepads are printed on bright white 70lb. text weight paper unless otherwise noted. The weight of paper used in most flat card stationery I sell is 110lb. or 120lb. paper. Folded cards are printed on 100lb. Eggshell or 110lb. Smooth for easy folding. For wedding booklet programs, the outer folded card is typically 100lb. and the inner pages are 80lb. cover weight. Any inserts would be printed on 80lb. text weight paper.
whether you are sending a personal note or a formal invitation, your paper choice can elevate the experience and leave a lasting impression.
If you have any questions regarding paper types, please contact me at info@paperandgiftsbyadele.com or DM me on Instagram. I'm happy to help!