PAPERMAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Paper can be the most expensive component in a publication—often 30-50%of the total cost.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT COST

What size paper does the publication require?

Which paper stock is appropriate and meets the budget?

How will the paper be folded, bound, delivered?

STANDARD U.S. PAPER SIZESBusiness card—2x3.5

Index card—3x5, 4x6, 5x8

Letter—8.5x11

Legal—8.5x14

Tabloid—11x17

U.S. sizes are measured in inches; European paper is measured in metrics.

PAPER STOCK

Bond

Cover stock

Newsprint

Book

Coated

Glazed (glossy)

Matte

Deckle edge

Acid-free

Vellum

Safety

Linen

Bible

Parchment

Granite

The publication itself and the method of printing will typically determine the paper stock needed.

PAPER STOCK Another factor in selecting the correct paper

stock is the paper weight

Definition: The actual weight in pounds of 500 full sheets of paper regardless of the basic size or grade of paper; also known as ream weight (500 sheets = ream)

Basic Size Example: bond paper 17x22, cover stock 20x26

If 500 sheets of bond paper at 17x22 weighs 20 pounds, the paper is described as 20# paper

PAPER FOLDSPaper folds can add interest to a

publication and catch the reader’s attention.

It can also add to the cost of the publication.

Publications can be folded by hand or by using an automatic paper folder

PAPER FOLDSAccordion—a zig-zag fold

with parallel folds that go in opposite directions; alsoknown as zig-zag OR z-fold

Gate fold—folds the sidesin toward the middle of a page

PAPER FOLDSTri-fold—two parallel folds resulting in

three panels on each side of the paper; also known as brochure fold or spiral fold

Half fold—divides the page in half; often called a booklet fold

PAPER BINDINGDefinition: the joining of pages with

either wire, glue or other means

If a multiple-page document requires binding, there are a number of choices. The most frequent choices are: saddle stitch, punand perfect binding.

Any binding choice will increase the cost of the publication

SADDLE STITCHSaddle stitch—a type of binding that

staples down the middle of folded pages; frequently used to assemble booklets

PUNCH AND BINDPunch & bind---type of

binding that secures pages by using metal combs/wires or plastic combs that fit into holes punched along the edge of the pages; allows the publication to lay flat when opened

PERFECT BINDINGPerfect binding—to

bind pages together with glue to create a book; technique used on paperback books.