What type of paper do I use for my catalog?

While the cost and appearance of the paper are important elements that must be considered, paper strength is also an important factor.

When creating a printed catalog consider the performance characteristics of the paper you select. While the cost and appearance of the paper are important elements that must be considered, paper strength is also an important factor. Why, you may ask? Longevity. Granted, no one expects their catalogs to survive hundreds of years, but have you ever received a catalog through the mail which was so tattered and torn you couldn't read it, thus you tossed it away.

Listed below are a few characteristics of paper strength:

Surface strength is the ability of the paper to resist picking and tearing when ink is applied to the paper. Paper fibers can flake while ink is being applied forming coating blister that can cause holes in the ink coverage. The test used for surface strength does not apply to loosely felted paper such as that used for blotters and roofing felt.

Tear strength This is simply the paper's ability to resist tearing while it is being processed, or handled.

Bursting The amount of pressure it takes to literally pull the paper apart. This does not mean tearing the paper, but actually pulling it apart. Knowing the bursting strength is important for paper that is used in packaging, manufacturing of bags and envelopes. This does not apply to writing or printing papers.

Tensile strength Measures the paper's ability to withstand the stress that is applied to it before it is pulled apart.

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