Vellum paper is rolling off the presses. From April 2020 to April 2021, paper shipments increased by four percent. Most people assume paper usage is going down because everything is going digital. But the versatility of paper keeps usage rates up. Vellum paper
is a very versatile product that you should be aware of. What is it? How does it compare to tracing or parchment paper? How can you make use of it, including in the printer?
Answer these questions and you can have the best documents in no time. Here is your quick guide.
What Is Vellum Paper?
Vellum paper is paper made out of cellulose fibers. Cellulose comes from plants like cotton fiber, and it is an incredibly tough substance. It resists wear and tear, but you can color or draw on it as you like. It is sometimes called “tracing paper,” “transparent paper,” or “see-through paper.” As the names suggest, vellum is a transparent
substance. Sheets are thin and light. They have a texture akin to plastic or frosted glass. Though they are durable, you can cut and score through your sheets.
What Is Vellum Finish Paper?
As the name suggests, vellum finish paper has a finish to it. Most forms of vellum paper are smooth, but the finish paper has a rough texture. This allows the surface of the sheets to grip the ink better. The paper itself may be made from another substance. It is opaque instead of transparent. It is used less often than vellum paper, though you can
use it as a cover for a book.
Is Vellum Paper the Same As Parchment Paper?
Before the invention of modern machines, vellum paper was made of calfskin. Parchment is another paper made of animal skin, which leads people to believe they are the same. Both papers are now made of cellulose. Some people do use the terms interchangeably. Parchment may refer to a rougher or translucent variant of vellum. Vellum can come in several different weights and colors. Most people who sell parchment sell only one weight of it in white or ivory. The appearance of parchment is cloudy, which makes it difficult to see individual details in a drawing. You may find someone who sells parchment made from animal skin. The process of making parchment is a long one, so the paper may be expensive. Read the descriptions of the products carefully before making your
purchase.
How Is Vellum Paper Made?
Manufacturers create vellum paper by extracting cellulose fibers from plants. They take those fibers and beat them together in a machine. Once they have made a pulp, they process it into thin sheets. As they process it, they remove the air amongst the fibers. This creates translucent or transparent paper. The processing of animal skin into vellum is a far more involved process. Someone must wash the skin with water and then soak it in lime for several days. Air follicles must be removed, then the entire skin must be dried.
What Is Vellum Paper Used For?
Vellum has been used for centuries in a number of ways. Medieval scribes used vellum to write their texts, and their books have lasted until today. But no major publisher uses vellum for their works. Vellum is most commonly used for archiving legal and artistic documents. Lawyers may write or print on vellum in order to preserve information for
several years. Architects use it for their blueprints and layouts. Because it is transparent, you can lie several sheets of it on top of each other to make a multi-level floor plan.
Vellum is incorporated into art in several ways. Many schools use it to teach sketching and tracing techniques. Professional artists have drawn and painted on it. Some artists have used it for scrapbooking and papercrafts. You can use it as a packaging
material, especially to contain pieces of paper and small objects. You can find some other uses. Vellum makes an effective material for invitations, especially for weddings. You can also use vellum to print your wedding programs. If you are throwing a formal party, you can make place cards out of vellum. You can make favor tags that you can hang on your party favors and presents. You can use vellum for marketing purposes. It can make a good poster board, especially when used indoors.
Can You Print on Vellum Paper With a Regular Printer?
Vellum is a great office supply. You can print sheets on printers, but you must be careful.
You should not print drafting paper as that tends to be thin. You should also print clear sheets that do not have grids or thick paints. Buy a 20 lb paper roll that you can fit inside your printer. Try to find a product that is specific to your type of printer. Inkjet
vellum is particularly popular. You can also find vellum for laser printers.
It is possible to print a few sheets on your regular printer. But you should test it out in advance. Make sure the paper does not jam or let the ink run.
Buy Vellum Paper From the Best
Vellum paper has lasted for centuries because it is durable and versatile.
It is made from cellulose fibers that withstand stress. You can also purchase paper with a vellum finish. Vellum is not parchment. It is made through the processing of cellulose. You can use it for blueprints, artworks, and invitations. You can use it with a standard printer. But you should use printing paper instead of drafting sheets. Turn to someone who knows paper. Plotter Paper Guys is one of the Internet’s leading suppliers of paper products. Browse our selection of vellum paper.
