Differences of Paper Weights: Bond, Text, and Cover Stock

As a paper artist, selecting the right paper weight is crucial for the success of your projects. Paper weight affects durability, texture, folding capabilities, and overall presentation. This comprehensive guide explains the differences between Bond, Text, and Cover weights to help you make informed decisions for your artistic creations.

The Basics of Paper Weight

Before diving into specific categories, it’s important to understand how paper weight is measured:

Basis Weight (lbs) refers to how much 500 sheets of paper weigh in their standard size sheet.

GSM (grams per square meter) is a universal measurement that applies to all paper types, making it a better comparison metric across different categories.

Each paper type has a different “standard sheet” size, which affects its weight calculation.

What is Bond Weighted Paper?

Bond paper is high-quality writing paper historically used for printing bonds and legal documents. It’s designed for strength and durability to withstand handling and filing, plus offers surprising versatility for various artistic applications due to its smooth surface and sturdy nature. 

Bond Paper Characteristics

• Standard sheet size: 17″ x 22″
• Generally ranges from 20 lb. to 32 lb.
• Can be made from cotton or wood pulp
• Excellent for writing and printing

Artistic Applications Using Bond Paper

Its ability to handle different mediums and maintain crisp lines makes it a valuable choice for artists exploring specific techniques.

• Letterhead and resumes
• Origami and paper quilling
• Simple flyers
• Newsletters
• Hand-printed linocut
• Woodblock printing
• Zines and booklets

What is Text Weighted Paper?

Text paper (sometimes called Book paper) is a generic name for lighter, thinner paper stocks that includes various types like writing and offset papers. Text weights are primarily used for the inside pages of books, brochures, and catalogs.

Text Paper Characteristics

• Standard sheet size: 25″ x 38″
• Typically ranges from 50 lb. to 100 lb.
• Flexible and easily folded without scoring
• Available in a wide variety of colors and textures
• Higher text weights (80-100 lb.) offer more durability while maintaining flexibility

Artistic Applications Using Text Paper

Its ability to fold easily without scoring, coupled with its capacity to hold various mediums, opens up a world of creative possibilities. From intricate mixed-media pieces to compelling printmaking, text paper offers a versatile foundation for artistic expression.

• Booklets and journals
• Risograph printing
• Decorative purposes
• Mixed media backgrounds
• Lightweight collage elements
• Printmaking (especially linocut and woodblock)
• Artist books and zines

What is Cover Weight Paper?

Cover weight refers to heavyweight, fine-quality papers made with good folding characteristics when properly scored. It’s more rigid and durable than Text paper. 

Based on weight categories, cover weight paper, also known as cardstock, is a robust and durable paper that stands apart from lighter bond and text weight papers.

Cover Weight Paper Characteristics

• Standard sheet size: 20″ x 26″
• Typically ranges from 65 lb. to 130+ lb.
• More rigid structure requiring scoring before folding
• Available in multiple finishes (matte, glossy, textured)
• Heavier weights (100 lb.+) are extremely sturdy and durable

Artistic Applications Using Cover Weight Paper

Its increased thickness and rigidity make it ideal for a multitude of artistic and practical applications where a substantial feel, durability, and excellent print quality are desired. 

Cardstock Weight Category	Artistic Applications
Medium (65-80 lb.)	InvitationsGreeting cardsPostersBusiness cardsScrapbook pagesPaper craftingCutting designs and embossingScreen printing and risograph printingPaper marbling
Premium (100-110 lb.)	Luxury greeting cardsMixed media projectsWedding invitationsLetterpressCollagraph printsIntaglio/etchingWatercolor (lighter applications)
Ultra (125-130+ lb.)	Luxury packaging (boxes, bags)Signs and display piecesCoastersHigh-end business cardsWatercolor paintingsHeavyweight printing techniques

Choosing the Right Paper Weight for Your Creative Project

Choosing the right paper weight is an essential decision for any paper artist, as it profoundly influences the outcome of creative projects. The weight of the paper affects not only the physical feel and presentation but also its performance with various artistic techniques. This section guides you through selecting the ideal paper weight—Bond, Text, or Cover—by outlining key considerations and practical applications to help you achieve your desired artistic effect and ensure the longevity and quality of your work.

When to Choose Bond Weight Paper…

• Needing paper that’s thin but strong
• Projects requiring many folds (origami)
• Using home printers
• Lightweight artistic backgrounds or base layers
• Bookmaking when a thinner page is desired

When to Choose Text Weight Paper…

• Projects requiring flexibility with moderate durability
• Creating multi-page publications
• Layered collage work
• Needing paper that will take ink well without bleeding
• Projects requiring translucency (50-70 lb. text)

When to Choose Cover Weight/Cardstock…

• Durability is paramount
• Standalone art pieces
• Creating structure (cards, boxes, etc.)
• Projects involving embossing or debossing
• Displaying or handling frequently

Tips for Paper Artists

Consider Paper Finish: Beyond weight, the finish (smooth, textured, antique, linen) significantly affects how media interacts with the paper.

Test Before Committing: Always test your techniques on sample pieces before using expensive papers for important projects.

Mind Your Tools: Heavier weights require sturdier cutting tools and may need special scoring tools for clean folds.

Layer Strategically: When combining different weights, consider the structural integrity—heavier papers can overwhelm or tear lighter ones.

Understand Caliper: Two papers of identical weight can have different thicknesses (caliper) depending on how compressed they are during manufacturing.

GSM for Comparison: When comparing papers across different types, use GSM rather than pound weight for accuracy.

Consider the Print Method: For letterpress, embossing, or other techniques that apply pressure, choose cover weights that can withstand the process without warping.

Elevating Your Art Through Informed Paper Choices

Paper weight selection is far more than a technical decision—it’s an integral part of the design process that directly impacts how creations are perceived, handled, and preserved over time. Understanding the fundamental differences between Bond, Text, and Cover weight papers is crucial for making informed choices that enhance your artistic vision. By carefully considering your project’s purpose, desired aesthetic, and functional requirements, then aligning these with the specific attributes of each paper type, you can unlock your project’s’ full creative potential, ensuring it possesses the perfect blend of structure, durability, and captivating aesthetic quality.