{"id":353719,"date":"2024-04-26T07:42:36","date_gmt":"2024-04-26T05:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/blog\/which-paper-to-choose-for-papercraft\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T21:42:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T19:42:19","slug":"which-paper-to-choose-for-papercraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/blog\/which-paper-to-choose-for-papercraft\/","title":{"rendered":"Which paper should you choose for papercraft? Complete guide to the best paper types"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\n
Key points<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Choosing the printer<\/td>\nGo for an inkjet or a laser printer, depending on the project<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Type of paper<\/td>\nUse paper from 120gsm to 160gsm to start out<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Specialist paper<\/td>\nDiscover washi or kraft paper for more complex builds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Origami vs papercraft<\/td>\nUse different paper weights depending on the technique<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Papercraft, an art form that stands out for the precision and the ingenuity of its creations, depends heavily on the right choice of paper<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Printing the template<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Printer type<\/th>\nAdvantages<\/th>\nDrawbacks<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Inkjet<\/td>\nAffordable, good quality on standard paper<\/td>\nVariable quality with special papers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Laser<\/td>\nCrisp and precise result, ideal for fine details<\/td>\nHigher initial cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

When printing, the choice of paper depends heavily on the model you are building. For beginners<\/strong> or simple projects<\/a>, a standard white paper of 120gsm to 160gsm is perfect. For more complex projects that need extra rigidity, you can consider a heavier weight.<\/p>\n

Questions about origami<\/h2>\n

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<\/strong> ranges from 60gsm for simple folds up to 120gsm for structures that need to hold their shape.<\/p>\n