JAM'S Must Know Paper Terms Manual

JAM'S Must Know Paper Terms Manual

We love to start the new year on the right foot by enforcing new year resolutions. Like vowing to run before work every morning, swearing to use a planner, studying with flash cards, etc., etc. You've probably already broken some already, but hey tomorrow’s a new day! If you’re the committed type then reading a book every other week, only eating animals you killed, or learning a new language is at the top of your list, or you're just Mark Zuckerberg! This year make it your priority to learn paper terms. You've used paper for 3/4 of your life and haven't a clue of how many different types of paper and uses it truly has. Some may sound familiar while others may feel like intruders to your native tongue. It’s true, paper (without the writing) has its very own language! It may take some time until you can speak paper fluently but you've got to start somewhere! Paper can be used for manufacturing, cultural, or food purposes. It  may also be categorized by color which may consist of bleached (white), unbleached (brown), or colored (bleached & stained). Paper can be made from wood, recycled paper, or even plants.  

 PAPER GRADES

  • Bristol- paper made by pasting two laminating two text weights together for a stiff sheet.
  • Coated-  paper coated by compounds for a smooth finish.
  • Digital- convenient in coated or coated, mostly used in digital presses and printers.
  • Opaque- uncoated paper sold in large quantities for long runs.
  • Writing- referred to as bond paper, this paper is commonly used for writing, engraving, thermography, laser, & inkjet printing.
  • Uncoated- paper lacking a surface coating.
 

PAPER TERMS

  • Absorbent Paper- unsized paper able to absorb water and ink similar to blotting paper.
  • Abrasive Paper- covered on one side with abrasive powder
  • Acid Free Paper-  free of acidic chemicals and anti-rusting. Generally used for metal wrapping, photos, and paper memorabilia.
  • Account Book Paper- water resistant and erasable, this paper is made from bleached chemical pulp, cotton fibers, or a mixture of both. Commonly used for pen and ink writing.
  • Air Mail Paper- light used for letters and flyers.
  • Bacon Paper- made from glassine paper used to wrap bacon and other meats.
  • Butcher Paper- solely used to wrap fresh meat with a high resistance to animal blood.
  • Blotting Paper- used to soak excess ink when writing.
  • Blueprint Paper- paper used for sketching blueprints.
  • Board Paper- strong and stiff, mostly used to create boxes for packaging purposes.
  • Basis Weight- the American standard weight determined by weighing 50 sheets of paper in its basic size
  • Brightness- the percentage of light based on the paper's surface.
  • Calliper- measured in thousands of inches, a paper's thickness.
  • Chemical Ghosting- also known as gas ghosting, a duplication of a printed image on the opposite side of a single sheet. Formulated by chemical reaction by ink while drying.
  • Choke- the act of decreasing thickness of a printed image while prepping film negatives.
  • Debossing- a procedure whereas the image is adjourned into the paper
  • De-Inking- the practice of making paper totally chlorine free (TCF).  The removal of ink, fillers, coatings, and toner from redeemed paper.
  • Digester- a compression whereas wood chips are cooked to disunite fibers from each other and removal of harmful specks.
  • Dummy-  a page or group of pages arrange in an identical position, generally used for as a printer sample or model.
  • EPA- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, prints regulations for "minimum recycled product content for use by federal agencies for purchasing standards".
  • Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF)- pulp beached free of elemental chlorine, usually a virgin fiber bleached with chlorine dioxide.
  • End-Leaf Paper- high quality paper, coated or uncoated that is colored at both ends of a book.
  • Four- Color Process- The four main colors of ink: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black utilized to accurately print photographs and art.
  • Fuzz- loose fibers coming from a paper's surface.
  • Guillotine- machine used to cut stacks of paper specific size.
  • Hit-  the result of stamping die.
  • Hydrophobic- water resistant paper.
  • Laid- linear pattern applied to paper while wet to reflect handmade paper designs.
  • Monotone- paper printed in one color.
  • Mullen Tester- measures paper's durability, often called a pop test or pop tester.
  • Onionskin- light weight paper utilized to make copies.  
  • Opacity- lacking transparency or the amount of light that passes through a sheet of paper.
  • Oxidation- "a chemical reaction whereas ink hardens the ink vehicle and makes it rub-proof".
  • Panchromatic- film especially sensitive to light in all colors.
  • Paperterie- paper mostly used to make greeting cards and stationery. Great for watermarks and embossing.
  • Quarter Tone- a printing dot that has a percentage close to a 25% printing dot size.
  • Retarders- chemicals that slows down the process of printing inks.
  • Rosin Size- size added to paper making it resistant to paper.
  • Schopper's Tester- a device that tests paper's folding endurance.
  • Seasoning- the procedure of letting paper adjust to different atmospheric surroundings of the plant it will be used in.
  • Slurry- watery suspension of colors used for coating and paper-making.
  • Soda Pulp- a chemical pulp made from wood chips dissolved in a mixture of abrasive soda.
  • T4S: short for Trimmed Four Sides, defined as guillotined paper trimmed on all four sides.
  • Tolerance- allowable amount of variation from an adjusted standard.
  • UV Curling- UV inks being dried by light instead of heat or oxidation.
  • Varnish- thin coating put onto printed paper for preservation and enhanced appearance.
  • Virgin- paper created from fiber in its first time being used.
  • Web Tension- amount of pull applied in direction of the travel of a web of paper by the action of a web-fed press.
  • Xerography- copying procedure that utilizes selenium surface and electrostatic forces to formulate an image.
  • Yankee Dryer- a machine that dries paper while it comes off the wet end. Presses a side against a cylinder that heats it and gives a lustrous finish simultaneously.
  • Zig-Zag Folding- mechanism of folding continuous forms with alternating position.

For en extensive list of paper terms, check out Neenah Paper's Glossary.

Understanding JAM'S Must Know Paper Terms


When it comes to paper products, understanding the terminology is crucial for making informed decisions. JAM'S Must Know Paper Terms manual provides a comprehensive guide to the ABCs of paper, covering everything from paper weight and texture to different printing techniques. This resource is essential for anyone in the printing or design industry, as well as for individuals looking to purchase high-quality paper products for personal or professional use. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can ensure that you are selecting the right paper for your specific needs, whether it's for invitations, business cards, or marketing materials.


The Benefits of Knowing Paper Terms


Having a solid understanding of paper terms can offer numerous benefits. It allows you to communicate effectively with printers and designers, ensuring that your vision is accurately translated onto paper. Additionally, knowing the terminology can help you make cost-effective decisions by choosing the right paper for the job, avoiding unnecessary expenses. Furthermore, it empowers you to make informed choices about paper quality, texture, and finish, resulting in a more professional and polished final product.


Practical Use Cases for Paper Terminology


Whether you are a graphic designer, a small business owner, or an individual planning a special event, knowing paper terms can greatly enhance your projects. For designers, it allows for more creative freedom and precision in their work. Small business owners can make informed decisions about their marketing materials, ensuring that they convey the right message to their target audience. Individuals planning events can select the perfect paper for their invitations, programs, and other printed materials, adding a personal touch to their special occasions.


Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Paper


While traditional paper remains a popular choice for many projects, there are also alternative options to consider. From eco-friendly recycled paper to specialty textured paper, exploring alternatives can add a unique and sustainable element to your designs. Understanding the terminology for these alternative options can open up new creative possibilities and help you make environmentally conscious choices for your projects.


Tips for Using JAM'S Must Know Paper Terms Manual


When using JAM'S Must Know Paper Terms manual, it's helpful to keep a reference guide handy for quick access to the terminology. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the definitions and examples provided, and consider how they apply to your specific projects. Don't be afraid to experiment with different paper options and techniques, and use the manual as a tool for expanding your knowledge and creativity in the world of paper products.


Additional Resources for Paper Enthusiasts


In addition to JAM'S Must Know Paper Terms manual, there are plenty of other resources available for paper enthusiasts. From online forums and communities to workshops and tutorials, there are endless opportunities to further your knowledge and skills in the world of paper and printing. Consider exploring these resources to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and innovations in the industry.


Share:

Copyrights © 2024, Jam Paper & Envelope. All rights reserved.