| Key points | Details |
|---|---|
| Choosing the printer | Go for an inkjet or a laser printer, depending on the project |
| Type of paper | Use paper from 120gsm to 160gsm to start out |
| Specialist paper | Discover washi or kraft paper for more complex builds |
| Origami vs papercraft | Use different paper weights depending on the technique |
Papercraft, an art form that stands out for the precision and the ingenuity of its creations, depends heavily on the right choice of paper. That choice may seem trivial at first, yet it is essential to the success of your papercraft projects. In this article we explore the different types of paper and give you advice on picking the one best suited to your creations, from simple models to more complex and detailed ones.
Printing the template
First things first: printing the template is the crucial opening step of any papercraft project. The type of printer, inkjet or laser, influences the choice of paper. Inkjet printers, affordable and common, suit most papercraft projects, especially those using a standard weight paper (between 120gsm and 160gsm). For projects that call for a refined finish, laser printers are preferable, since they deliver a crisper and more precise result.
| Printer type | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Inkjet | Affordable, good quality on standard paper | Variable quality with special papers |
| Laser | Crisp and precise result, ideal for fine details | Higher initial cost |
When printing, the choice of paper depends heavily on the model you are building. For beginners or simple projects, a standard white paper of 120gsm to 160gsm is perfect. For more complex projects that need extra rigidity, you can consider a heavier weight.
Questions about origami
Origami, the cousin of papercraft, shares with it the need for a sensible choice of paper. As with papercraft, the size and the weight of the sheet are key factors in the success of your projects. Origami traditionally uses square sheets, generally between 15 x 15 cm and 20 x 20 cm. Those dimensions are also a good starting point for papercraft. The recommended weight ranges from 60gsm for simple folds up to 120gsm for structures that need to hold their shape.
- Paper size to start with: 15 x 15 cm / 20 x 20 cm
- Weight for simple folds: 60gsm.
- Weight for complex structures: up to 120gsm.
When it comes to origami and, by extension, papercraft, one question keeps coming back: which paper should you choose? The answer depends on the object you want to build. For a beginner, standard origami paper is enough to discover the pleasure of folding. For paper art enthusiasts who want to create more elaborate models, a specialist paper is recommended.
Paper made for folding
When it comes to choosing a paper made specifically for papercraft, several options exist. Washi paper, renowned for its strength and its suppleness thanks to its long fibres, is an excellent choice for elaborate projects. Other papers, such as kraft paper, offer good resistance at a lower price, ideal for large models or ones that need a certain sturdiness.
Beyond washi and kraft, other papers such as gift wrap and metallic paper offer a variety of textures and looks, perfect for adding an original touch to your creations. Do not overlook how much the look and the texture of the paper matter in your choice of materials, since they can radically transform the final appearance of your project.
In short, choosing the paper for your papercraft or origami project rests on a mix of practical factors such as weight and size, and aesthetic factors such as colour and texture. Whether your project is modest or ambitious, experimenting with different types of paper will enrich your experience and widen the horizons of your creativity. Set off on this exciting adventure with the right materials and give your imagination free rein.
Want to build something today? Have a look at our free papercraft to print, or start with our downloadable PDF papercraft kit.
