Architect Answers: Your Complete Guide to CAD Paper Rolls
When it comes to architectural design, the creative process isn’t quick. Great designs take time. The best designs take a lot of time.
We can’t all be like Frank Lloyd Wright. He sketched Fallingwater, one of the greatest architectural achievements of his time, in only two hours.
Most architects know that one thing you’ll use a great deal of while you embark upon your creative journey is CAD paper rolls. You’re not really an architect until you’ve had a trash bin full of crumpled-up paper sitting next to your drawing board.
But once you’re past the sketching stage, that’s when computer-aided design comes into play. And you’ll need a lot of plotter paper for that stage, too.
Whether you’re an architect or a construction company, you need to make sure that you’re using the right type of paper for your needs. If you’re looking for a complete guide to CAD paper rolls, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on to learn about each type of CAD bond paper and pick the right one for you!
What Kind of Printer Do You Have?
Before continuing, you need to establish what kind of printer you’re using. Do you have an Inkjet? An HP Canon?
Check the owner’s manual to see what kind of paper works best with your wide format printer. This will help you to narrow down what types of CAD paper you need.
The types of papers mentioned below are all compatible with Inkjet printers. If you do not have an Inkjet printer, refer to the owner’s manual of your printer and determine whether or not these types of paper will work for you.
Various Types of CAD Paper Rolls
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive description of each type of paper roll. Some of these types are set apart by their price. Others are different because of their function.
Uncoated Bond CAD Paper Rolls
Uncoated bond paper is different from coated paper because of the way it’s manufactured. Coated paper has a layer on it, making it sealed. Uncoated paper lacks this layer, meaning that ink can saturate further into the material.
This makes for a softer look on the paper. Uncoated bond paper is high quality but less expensive due to this lack of coating. It is an economical choice if you are in the market for large quantities of paper.
You can purchase this type of paper in 20 LB or 24 LB, depending on your needs.
Premium Coated CAD Paper Rolls
This type of paper is similar to uncoated bond paper, but it has a layer of coating on it that allows for the ink to remain more on the surface of the paper. It is more expensive than uncoated bond paper, but the extra coating adds sturdiness to the paper.
This option comes in 24 LB or 28 LB, depending on your needs.
Ultrabright Bond CAD Paper Rolls
This type of rolls CAD paper is bright white and used for everyday printing needs. It’s smooth, provides good adhesion, and because of its color, achieves bold presentation. It is a type of uncoated bond paper meant for more consistent use.
You can get this option in the 20 LB basis weight.
Vellum CAD Paper Rolls
Vellum paper is a type of translucent paper that is used for high-volume projects. Translucent paper is typically very delicate, but Vellum offers a more sturdy option.
This type of paper is used to show multiple overlaying steps in an architectural design.
You can get this option in the 20 LB weight.
Translucent Bond CAD Paper Rolls
Translucent bond paper is like Vellum paper, but it is the more economical option. It’s still used for high-volume projects to show multiple overlaying steps.
It is, indeed, cheaper than Vellum paper, but it’s also less sturdy. If you are using translucent bong paper consistently, choosing this option will save you money in the long run.
You can get this option in the 18 LB weight.
Mylar Film
Mylar paper is very durable. It is also transparent and reflective. It is made out of BoPET and can be stretched, unlike the other types of paper mentioned above.
A lot of people use this type of paper for decorative gift wrapping, but for your architectural needs, it can do much more. It is actually a very practical type of paper for other reasons. (This is a different product than we offer- not accurate for our purposes)
When you sketch or print out your precious designs, you can use Mylar film to archive your work. If you layer it in-between important documents, it will prevent them from getting ruined as you transfer them from place to place.
This option comes in 3 mil and 4 mil double matte for extra protection.
Review
Uncoated bond paper and premium coated bond paper are similar in use but different in price. Picking one depends on how much paper you use and how much you’re willing to invest for more durability.
Ultrabright bond paper is a type of uncoated bond paper for everyday, bold use.
Vellum paper and translucent bond paper are similar in use but different in price. Again, deciding which is right for you is based on your particular needs.
Mylar film stands alone comparatively. It is used for archiving and transferring your designs.
Prioritize Great Customer Service
Once you determine which CAD paper roll is right for you, the next step is picking a supplier. This part can be overwhelming; there are a lot of paper suppliers to choose from.
However, it doesn’t have to be. The best paper suppliers have an amplitude of choices when it comes to custom sizing. They also have great customer service. These are the two most important qualities that set Plotter Paper Guys apart from the rest.
Plotter Paper Guys has all of the types of CAD paper rolls discussed in this article, and our customer service is phenomenal.
If you’re an architect, work for a construction company, or anything in-between, you should turn to Plotter Paper Guys for all of your plotter paper needs. Contact us today to get started!
