Vellum drafting paper and translucent bond paper are the results of thousands of years of paper innovation.
Experts believe that humans began making and using paper around 2200 years ago. The modern-day version of the material was created by the Chinese inventor Cai Lun around the 2nd century.
Since then, human innovation has led to many paper applications and varieties. We use wallpaper to decorate our walls. We also use paper to mop up spills, transport fluids, print movie posters, and so much more.
With so many paper products available today, knowing which to use as architectural drafting paper can be challenging.
For example, you technically could use newspaper or tissue to draw your designs. However, neither of these materials was made for architectural drawing. They will not hold ink well, and they tear easily.
In response, paper innovators created vellum drafting paper specifically for architectural drafting and similar applications. Read on to learn about vellum paper and its many advantages.
Is Vellum the Same as Drafting Paper?
The term “drafting paper” refers to a category of different paper types rather than one specific kind of paper. Vellum drafting paper is one of the members of this group. You can also get bond, mylar, photo, and a few other kinds of drafting paper.
There are also many other subcategories beneath the material classifications. Manufacturers apply different processes to paper materials to give them different properties. They can also cut and shape the paper into different weights and lengths.
As you will notice on our product page, we have xerographic bond paper and xerographic translucent bond paper. This paper also comes in different weights. These differences also apply to vellum paper, as you’ll learn later in this article.
Why would architects, engineers, and other professionals need so many different kinds of drafting paper? It is because professionals need drafting paper that can cater to different situations.
What Is Vellum Drafting Paper?
Vellum paper has been a part of human society for a long time.
Experts have found mentions of this type of paper dating back to the 6th century BC. They have also learned that various ancient civilizations, including the Assyrians and Babylonians, used this type of paper.
However, the modern-day versions of this paper are a lot different than their ancient counterparts. Historically, people created traditional vellum paper from the skins of various animals, such as goats and calves. While some artisans will still produce this type of vellum paper today, they do so only for special situations.
Modern vellum drafting paper never has animal products in it. Instead, manufacturers make it from plant products such as wood pulp and cotton or synthetic materials.
Depending on the materials used, it can be thin, heavy, translucent, or opaque. For example, manufacturers remove the air from cellulose fibers to make translucent vellum paper. If they do not remove the air, the paper remains opaque.
Is Vellum Drafting Paper Good for Drawing?
Several qualities of vellum paper make it an excellent drawing paper choice.
To start with, it’s durable. One can easily assume this from the plastic-like finish the paper has. It can withstand a lot of drawing and erasing without quickly wearing down or tearing.
Granted, it’s not the most robust drafting paper available. That distinction goes to mylar. However, vellum can be a worthy alternative to mylar when you need something less expensive.
The translucent quality of vellum also makes it an excellent tracing paper. Unfortunately, many types of tracing paper are of terrible quality and tear easily. This is fine if you are brainstorming or practicing, but it will not work when creating a professional presentation.
There are a few downsides to vellum. It is more expensive than the commonly used bond paper and does not absorb ink easily. Though, when contrasted with all its better features, these issues do not matter much to professionals.
Are There Different Types of Vellum Drafting Paper?
Vellum paper comes in many sizes, thicknesses, and appearances. You can also order it as individual sheets or drafting paper rolls.
Drafting paper usually comes in several standard sizes. These are typically based on the standard sizes for technical drawings required by different professions. For example, architect technical drawing sizes are classified with an ARCH followed by a letter.
Vellum paper follows a similar standard. For example, an ARCH C would refer to vellum drafting paper 18×24 inches in length. ARCH D refers to vellum drafting paper 24×36 inches in length.
We offer several standard sizes in our store in roll and sheet form. However, do not worry if you cannot find the size you are looking for. We can customize the size of your paper if you wish.
The thickness and transparency of vellum drafting paper can also vary. For example, vellum tracing paper has its place in drafting. You can also get thick vellum paper that is translucent if you need something more durable.
However, opaque vellum drafting paper is also suitable for a wide range of applications. For example, it can be an excellent tool for emphasizing the details of a design.
Order High-Quality Vellum Drafting Paper Today
Vellum drafting paper is an excellent drawing material. It has attributes that make it highly durable despite its translucent nature. It also comes in several varieties, styles, and sizes, so you can be sure to find a type that suits your needs.
Are you ready to place your order? Then, read our order instructions or contact our team with your questions.
After 40 years in the business, we have the industry knowledge to provide you with not only high-quality vellum drafting paper but also helpful advice.
