{"id":111477,"date":"2025-07-25T07:42:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T05:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/papercraft-3d.com\/which-paper-to-choose-for-papercraft-complete-guide-to-the-best-types\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T21:41:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T19:41:40","slug":"which-paper-to-choose-for-papercraft-complete-guide-to-the-best-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/blog\/which-paper-to-choose-for-papercraft-complete-guide-to-the-best-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Which paper to choose for papercraft? Complete guide to the best types"},"content":{"rendered":"<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Key points<\/th>\n<th>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\ud83d\udda8\ufe0f Choice of printer<\/td>\n<td>Opt for inkjet or laser, depending on the project<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\ud83d\udcc4 Paper type<\/td>\n<td>Use 120g\/m\u00b2 to 160g\/m\u00b2 paper for beginners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u2728 Specialty paper<\/td>\n<td>Explore Washi or kraft paper for more complexity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u2702\ufe0f Origami vs Papercraft<\/td>\n<td>Use different paper weights for different techniques<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>Papercraft, an art form distinguished by the precision and ingenuity of its creations, relies heavily on the <strong>right<\/strong> choice of <strong>paper<\/strong>. This choice may seem trivial at first, but it&#8217;s essential to the success of your papercraft projects. In this publication, we&#8217;ll explore the different types of paper and provide you with tips on choosing the most appropriate paper for your creations, from simple models to more complex and detailed ones. If you do not have a template yet, start with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/download-free-papercraft-to-print\/\">free papercraft to print<\/a> or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/downloadable-pdf-papercraft-kit\/\">downloadable PDF papercraft kit<\/a>, then come back here to pick the weight.<\/p>\n<p><!-- cw-20260425-papel --><\/p>\n<h2>Quick answer: which paper to use for papercraft<\/h2>\n<p>For most <strong>papercraft<\/strong> models, choose matte cardstock between <strong>160 and 220 gsm<\/strong>. It is rigid enough to hold a 3D shape, but still easy to print, score, cut and fold.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Small models:<\/strong> 160 gsm, easier to fold.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Decorative 3D figures:<\/strong> 180-200 gsm, the safest balance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Large pieces or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/paper-mask\/\">paper masks<\/a>:<\/strong> 220 gsm, stronger and more stable.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid:<\/strong> very thin paper, slippery glossy paper or cardboard that is too thick.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>For pattern printing<\/h2>\n<p>First and foremost, printing the pattern is the crucial first step in the realization of a papercraft project. The type of printer, whether inkjet or laser, influences the choice of paper. Inkjet printers, which are affordable and common, are suitable for the majority of papercraft projects, especially those involving standard paper weights (between 120g\/m\u00b2 and 160g\/m\u00b2). For projects requiring careful finishing, laser printers may be preferred, offering sharper, more precise rendering.   <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Printer type<\/th>\n<th>Advantages<\/th>\n<th>Disadvantages<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Inkjet<\/td>\n<td>Affordable, good quality for standard paper<\/td>\n<td>Variable quality for special papers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Laser<\/td>\n<td>Sharp, precise rendering, ideal for fine details<\/td>\n<td>Higher initial cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>When it comes to printing, the choice of paper depends very much on the model to be produced. <strong>For beginners<\/strong> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/blog\/diy-for-beginners-4-simple-projects-in-a-day\/\">simple projects<\/a>, standard white paper from 120g\/m\u00b2 to 160g\/m\u00b2 is perfect. However, for more complex projects requiring greater rigidity, consider higher-weight papers. <\/p>\n<h2>Questions you may have about origami<\/h2>\n<p>Origami, papercraft&#8217;s cousin, shares with papercraft the need for a judicious choice of paper. As with papercraft, the size and grammage of the paper are decisive factors in the success of your projects. Origami traditionally uses square sheets generally ranging in size from 15 x 15 cm to 20 x 20 cm. These dimensions are a good starting point for papercraft too. <strong>Recommended grammage<\/strong> is between 60g\/m\u00b2 for simple folds, up to 120g\/m\u00b2 for structures requiring greater strength.   <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Paper size for beginners:<\/em> 15 x 15 cm \/ 20 x 20 cm<\/li>\n<li><em>Weight for single folds:<\/em> 60g\/m\u00b2<em>.<\/em> <\/li>\n<li><em>Grammage for complex structures:<\/em> up to 120g\/m\u00b2.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When it comes to origami and, by extension, papercraft, one question often comes up: which paper to choose? The answer depends on the object to be made. For a novice, standard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/origami-paper\/\">origami paper<\/a> may suffice to introduce you to the pleasures of folding. For papercraft enthusiasts looking to create more elaborate models, the exploration of special papers is recommended.   <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20240424_66295bfe67216.jpg\" alt=\"Which paper to choose for papercraft? Complete guide to the best types\"><\/p>\n<h2>Paper for folding&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p>When it comes to choosing a paper specifically designed for papercraft, several options present themselves. <strong>Washi<\/strong> paper, renowned for its strength and flexibility due to its long fibers, is an excellent choice for elaborate projects. Other types of paper, such as <strong>kraft<\/strong> paper, offer good resistance at a lower cost, ideal for large models or those requiring a certain robustness.  <\/p>\n<p>Alongside Washi and Kraft, other papers such as <strong>gift wrap<\/strong> and <strong>metallic paper<\/strong> offer a variety of textures and aesthetics, perfect for adding a touch of originality to your creations. Don&#8217;t overlook the importance of paper aesthetics and texture in your choice of material, as they can radically transform the final appearance of your project. <\/p>\n<p>In short, the choice of paper for your papercraft or origami project is based on a combination of practical factors such as grammage and format, and aesthetic factors such as color and texture. Whether your project is modest or ambitious, experimenting with different types of paper will enrich your experience and broaden your creative horizons. Embark on this exciting adventure with the right materials and let your imagination run wild.  <\/p>\n<p>Once the paper is sorted, put it to work: our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/origami-animals-3d\/\">3D origami animals<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/origami-3d-wall-decoration-made-of-paper\/wall-animal-head\/\">wall animal heads<\/a> are the models that make the most of a matte 180 to 200 gsm card.<\/p>\n<p><!-- pc3d-blog-cta:en --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pc3d-blog-cta\" style=\"margin:2em 0;padding:1.2em 1.4em;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:8px;background:#fafafa\">\n<p><strong>Ready to get started?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Want to try without spending a cent? Download our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/download-free-papercraft-to-print\/\">free printable papercraft models<\/a>. For a flawless result, grab our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/produit\/printed-color-paper-kit-with-pattern-glossy-paper\/\">printed color paper kit (glossy paper)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/pc3d-blog-cta:en --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key points Details \ud83d\udda8\ufe0f Choice of printer Opt for inkjet or laser, depending on the project \ud83d\udcc4 Paper type Use 120g\/m\u00b2 to 160g\/m\u00b2 paper for beginners \u2728 Specialty paper Explore Washi or kraft paper for more complexity \u2702\ufe0f Origami vs Papercraft Use different paper weights for different techniques Papercraft, an art form distinguished by the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":233325,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"Papercraft paper guide + free 3D models to print","_seopress_titles_desc":"Which paper to choose for papercraft 3D: 160 to 220 gsm weights, paper types compared, printing tips, plus free templates to print and assemble.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[580],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-111477","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111477","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=111477"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111477\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":373401,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111477\/revisions\/373401"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/233325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=111477"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=111477"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=111477"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}