Architects commonly use architectural draft paper rolls when creating their drawings, sketches, and house plans. This type of paper is prepared especially for technical or creative drawings with high levels of detail. Draft paper is also archival-quality, meaning the images drawn on it will last for years. It is smooth, easily erasable, can be drawn on with pencils or pens, and is sold not only in rolls, but in sheets as well.
There are several different types of draft paper, all described below.
Bond Paper
Bond paper is a high-quality, low-cost option available in various sizes and weights. It is an incredibly diverse paper and is often used for a variety of applications, including architectural drawings, engineering, and landscape design. Bond paper can be purchased with non-reproducible blue lines, which provide a scale of reference for drafting, but are not visible when the paper is scanned or copied.
Bond paper is typically available in 20lb, 24lb, 28lb, 36lb and 46lb weights. The higher the number, the thicker the paper will be. Heavier bond papers will also feel rougher or “grittier” to the touch. This texture is referred to as the “toothiness” of the paper. Papers that are toothier will hold graphite from drafting pencils better than a lighter, smoother paper does. The most commonly used weight among architects and architectural students is 20lb-24lb paper, as it provides good, medium texture.
Vellum “Paper”
Vellum paper is another widely used architect paper. It is more expensive than bond paper, and better withstands erasing and re-drawing of lines. Vellum paper is durable, with a parchment-like quality. It is lightweight and translucent, making it an excellent tracing paper alternative for architects. Vellum has a smoother, almost plastic-like surface. Vellum paper comes in sheets and rolls up to 42 inches in width.
Tracing Paper Rolls
Architect tracing paper rolls are commonly used not only by architects, but by other types of designers, engineers, and students in these fields. Tracing paper is great for sketching ideas, copying an element of another drawing that you want to use in your own drawing, and creating overlays. Tracing paper is also available in sheets, but many professionals find the rolls to be more economical. While Plotter Paper Guys does not sell a true tracing paper, we do offer translucent bond paper, as an option.
Mylar “Paper”
Mylar, or drafting film, is made of semi-transparent plastic material and is often used for architectural drawings, as well as artistic drawings. It is erasable and resistant to tears, making it more durable than traditional drafting paper. Mylar paper has two sides, a shiny side and a matte side, which is the side used for drawing. Mylar paper is suitable for both pencil and ink drawings, however, it does not absorb ink quickly and is more prone to smudging, just like vellum. Additionally, Mylar paper is typically much more expensive. For this reason, it is often recommended that students and those with less experience refrain from using it until they have better honed their skills.
Where Can I Purchase Architectural Draft Paper Rolls?
Plotter Paper Guys has an excellent selection of architectural draft paper rolls available on our website. If you’d like to learn more about this type of paper, or have questions about placing an order, please contact us!
