Paper
Ivory 32 lb Bond.
Bright White 20 lb copy.
Natural White 80 lb Vellum.
What does this all mean?
One of the reasons Evoke Journals was started is because the language of paper was difficult to navigate. Types, finishes, and weights all seemed difficult to interpret and when it was interpretted wrong, writing was a very unsatisfying experience.
When writing isn't a satisfying experience, you aren't as inclined to write, or at least not as excited about it.
Even with a good understanding of this language, different mills produce slightly different results. So even with a good grasp of what a paper should be, there can be slight difference in the product.
Hence the Evoke Journals process. Actually try the paper before you put it in your journal.
All that said, we feel it's still good to have an idea of what a paper is by the description and the terms that are used. Below is a quick crash course in paper.
First there's the type of paper.
* Cover Paper *
Cover paper, often referred to as cover stock, provides journals with a sense of durability and substance. This robust paper is ideal for journal covers, ensuring they withstand daily handling and provide a solid, lasting feel. Whether you're crafting a personal journal, sketchbook, or planner, cover paper adds that protective layer of sturdiness to your cherished writings.
* Text Paper *
Text paper, a versatile category encompassing varieties such as Book, Bond, Writing, Ledger, and Offset, serves as the perfect interior choice for journal pages. Its flexibility allows for easy turning and folding, making it a comfortable canvas for your thoughts, sketches, and notes. With an array of colors, textures, and finishes, text paper caters to the diverse creative expressions that fill your journal, ensuring it's a medium as dynamic as your ideas.
* Writing & Bond Paper *
Writing and Bond paper offer the ideal balance for journaling, combining a lightweight feel with a touch of professionalism. These pages, often watermarked, are perfect for journal entries, providing a comfortable canvas for your daily thoughts. The various weights and sizes available make them adaptable to different journal styles. Keep an eye out for these quality options when you want your journal to offer both a personal touch and a polished appearance.
* Coated Paper *
Coated paper, with its enhanced brightness and smoothness, brings a touch of elegance to your journal's pages. The coating provides a polished, flat surface that ensures your writing flows effortlessly. While it's often used for brochures and booklets, consider its application for special journal projects where you want your thoughts and ideas to shine with a glossy finish.
* Uncoated Paper *
Uncoated paper offers the ideal surface for your journaling adventures. With its absorbent, inviting texture, it readily accepts ink, making it the perfect canvas for your daily reflections. The warmth and approachability of uncoated paper create an inviting space for your thoughts and ideas to flourish. Your journal's pages become a welcoming companion, inviting you to express yourself freely.
Then there is the weight of paper.
Paper weight is often conveyed in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (GSM).
Besides a generic "Text" weight or "Cover" weight, descriptions often include these numbers (lb or GSM) to refer to the weight of the paper. The higher the number, the heavier the paper. Heavier paper is typically thicker as well.
There are two systems for indicating the weight of paper; an international metric system and a North American system. The North American system for paper weight uses pounds (expressed as either # or lb) while the metric system uses grams per square meter (gsm or g/m2 or g/m2), often called "grammage". The North American pound rating is based on the weight of 500 sheets (a.k.a. a ream), while the metric rating is based on the weight of a 1 meter by 1 meter sheet.
The U.S. system is a bit confusing because the same pound number can be used for both lighter (Text) paper and heavier (Cover) paper. For example, 80# Text paper and 80# Cover paper have the same pound number even though the Cover stock is almost twice as heavy! The metric system in comparison is more straight forward. For example, 80# Text Paper weighs 104 g/m2 while 80# Cover Stock weighs 218 g/m2. The Cover stock is clearly more than twice as heavy as the Text stock.
The reason actual weight of Text and Cover stock of the same pound rating will be different is due to the way the pound rating is determined. Both use the weight of 500 sheets for the pound rating, but they use a different size sheet. For Text stock, 500 sheets measuring 25" x 38" are used. While for Cover stock, 500 sheets measuring 20" x 26" sheets are used instead.
You may also see "10 pt" or "12 pt" paper stock listed. Sometimes the thickness of Cover/Card stock is used instead of its weight. In North America, paper thickness can be displayed in points (1/1000" or .001"). For example, a 10 pt. Card stock is 0.010" thick (about the weight of a 140lb Index stock) while 12 pt. Card stock is 0.012" thick (about the weight of a 100lb Cover stock).
Here is a table that provides comparisons between weights of Text, Writing, and GSM weights:
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And finally, there is the finish of the paper.
* Bond *
Bond paper, renowned for its reliability, ensures a smooth and durable surface for your journal entries. Its substantial weight prevents ink bleed, guaranteeing clean, legible writing. Whether you're jotting down daily musings or using your journal for more formal notations, bond paper provides a trustworthy foundation, making it an excellent choice for your journaling journey.
* Cockle *
Cockle paper's distinct, rough texture adds character and depth to your journal's pages. This tactile experience enhances your writing, infusing your journal with a unique artistic touch. Ideal for artistic and creative journaling, including sketches, doodles, and heartfelt notes, cockle paper transforms your journal into a canvas of expression, inviting you to explore your creativity.
* Felt *
Felt paper's vintage, slightly rough texture creates an authentic writing experience in your journal. Its unique aesthetic appeal combines with sturdy construction to withstand vigorous journaling. As you fill your journal with thoughts, ideas, and memories, felt paper adds both charm and durability to your personal chronicle.
* Laid *
Laid paper, with its ribbed texture, evokes tradition and elegance on the pages of your journal. These gentle ridges provide guidance for your handwriting, enhancing the overall journaling experience. Laid paper's durability ensures your journal remains a steadfast companion for recording life's moments, preserving them in a classic and timeless style.
* Linen *
Linen paper elevates your journaling to a professional level. With its subtle, embossed texture, it provides a luxurious surface under your pen, making each entry a delightful experience. Its durability ensures your journal withstands the test of time, gracefully preserving your thoughts, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate both style and substance.
* Parchment *
Parchment paper brings an antique charm to your journal, evoking a sense of history and sophistication. Crafted from wood pulp or cotton fibers, it offers a touch of elegance to your journal's pages. Acid-free and lignin-free versions ensure longevity, making it suitable for preserving your journal's contents for future generations. Parchment paper adds a touch of class to your journal, creating a sense of legacy in your written words.
* Smooth *
Smooth paper provides a sleek, untextured surface, perfect for showcasing the crispness of your journal entries. Its uniform texture allows your pen to glide seamlessly across the pages, creating a modern and polished medium for your thoughts, ideas, and reflections.
* Vellum Paper *
Vellum paper, known for its high quality and smooth surface, emulates traditional vellum, adding a touch of prestige to your journal. It offers an exceptional writing surface, making it ideal for documenting important moments, legal notes, or high-end journaling experiences. Your journal becomes a repository of refined thoughts and memories.
* Wove Paper *
Wove paper's smooth, unblemished surface ensures every stroke of your pen in your journal is precise and effortless. The balanced texture of wove paper creates a professional, clean finish to your journal entries, adding a touch of sophistication to your writing projects. Whether you're chronicling your daily life or capturing significant events, wove paper offers a backdrop of elegance for your journal.
Bright White 20 lb copy.
Natural White 80 lb Vellum.
What does this all mean?
One of the reasons Evoke Journals was started is because the language of paper was difficult to navigate. Types, finishes, and weights all seemed difficult to interpret and when it was interpretted wrong, writing was a very unsatisfying experience.
When writing isn't a satisfying experience, you aren't as inclined to write, or at least not as excited about it.
Even with a good understanding of this language, different mills produce slightly different results. So even with a good grasp of what a paper should be, there can be slight difference in the product.
Hence the Evoke Journals process. Actually try the paper before you put it in your journal.
All that said, we feel it's still good to have an idea of what a paper is by the description and the terms that are used. Below is a quick crash course in paper.
First there's the type of paper.
* Cover Paper *
Cover paper, often referred to as cover stock, provides journals with a sense of durability and substance. This robust paper is ideal for journal covers, ensuring they withstand daily handling and provide a solid, lasting feel. Whether you're crafting a personal journal, sketchbook, or planner, cover paper adds that protective layer of sturdiness to your cherished writings.
* Text Paper *
Text paper, a versatile category encompassing varieties such as Book, Bond, Writing, Ledger, and Offset, serves as the perfect interior choice for journal pages. Its flexibility allows for easy turning and folding, making it a comfortable canvas for your thoughts, sketches, and notes. With an array of colors, textures, and finishes, text paper caters to the diverse creative expressions that fill your journal, ensuring it's a medium as dynamic as your ideas.
* Writing & Bond Paper *
Writing and Bond paper offer the ideal balance for journaling, combining a lightweight feel with a touch of professionalism. These pages, often watermarked, are perfect for journal entries, providing a comfortable canvas for your daily thoughts. The various weights and sizes available make them adaptable to different journal styles. Keep an eye out for these quality options when you want your journal to offer both a personal touch and a polished appearance.
* Coated Paper *
Coated paper, with its enhanced brightness and smoothness, brings a touch of elegance to your journal's pages. The coating provides a polished, flat surface that ensures your writing flows effortlessly. While it's often used for brochures and booklets, consider its application for special journal projects where you want your thoughts and ideas to shine with a glossy finish.
* Uncoated Paper *
Uncoated paper offers the ideal surface for your journaling adventures. With its absorbent, inviting texture, it readily accepts ink, making it the perfect canvas for your daily reflections. The warmth and approachability of uncoated paper create an inviting space for your thoughts and ideas to flourish. Your journal's pages become a welcoming companion, inviting you to express yourself freely.
Then there is the weight of paper.
Paper weight is often conveyed in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (GSM).
Besides a generic "Text" weight or "Cover" weight, descriptions often include these numbers (lb or GSM) to refer to the weight of the paper. The higher the number, the heavier the paper. Heavier paper is typically thicker as well.
There are two systems for indicating the weight of paper; an international metric system and a North American system. The North American system for paper weight uses pounds (expressed as either # or lb) while the metric system uses grams per square meter (gsm or g/m2 or g/m2), often called "grammage". The North American pound rating is based on the weight of 500 sheets (a.k.a. a ream), while the metric rating is based on the weight of a 1 meter by 1 meter sheet.
The U.S. system is a bit confusing because the same pound number can be used for both lighter (Text) paper and heavier (Cover) paper. For example, 80# Text paper and 80# Cover paper have the same pound number even though the Cover stock is almost twice as heavy! The metric system in comparison is more straight forward. For example, 80# Text Paper weighs 104 g/m2 while 80# Cover Stock weighs 218 g/m2. The Cover stock is clearly more than twice as heavy as the Text stock.
The reason actual weight of Text and Cover stock of the same pound rating will be different is due to the way the pound rating is determined. Both use the weight of 500 sheets for the pound rating, but they use a different size sheet. For Text stock, 500 sheets measuring 25" x 38" are used. While for Cover stock, 500 sheets measuring 20" x 26" sheets are used instead.
You may also see "10 pt" or "12 pt" paper stock listed. Sometimes the thickness of Cover/Card stock is used instead of its weight. In North America, paper thickness can be displayed in points (1/1000" or .001"). For example, a 10 pt. Card stock is 0.010" thick (about the weight of a 140lb Index stock) while 12 pt. Card stock is 0.012" thick (about the weight of a 100lb Cover stock).
Here is a table that provides comparisons between weights of Text, Writing, and GSM weights:
| Â Text/Offset | Writing/Bond | GSM | ||
| 50 lb | = | 20 lb | = | 75 gsm |
| 60 lb | = | 24 lb | = | 90 gsm |
| 70 lb | = | 28 lb | = | 105 gsm |
| 80 lb | = | 32 lb | = | 120 gsm |
| 100 lb | = | 150 gsm |
And finally, there is the finish of the paper.
* Bond *
Bond paper, renowned for its reliability, ensures a smooth and durable surface for your journal entries. Its substantial weight prevents ink bleed, guaranteeing clean, legible writing. Whether you're jotting down daily musings or using your journal for more formal notations, bond paper provides a trustworthy foundation, making it an excellent choice for your journaling journey.
* Cockle *
Cockle paper's distinct, rough texture adds character and depth to your journal's pages. This tactile experience enhances your writing, infusing your journal with a unique artistic touch. Ideal for artistic and creative journaling, including sketches, doodles, and heartfelt notes, cockle paper transforms your journal into a canvas of expression, inviting you to explore your creativity.
* Felt *
Felt paper's vintage, slightly rough texture creates an authentic writing experience in your journal. Its unique aesthetic appeal combines with sturdy construction to withstand vigorous journaling. As you fill your journal with thoughts, ideas, and memories, felt paper adds both charm and durability to your personal chronicle.
* Laid *
Laid paper, with its ribbed texture, evokes tradition and elegance on the pages of your journal. These gentle ridges provide guidance for your handwriting, enhancing the overall journaling experience. Laid paper's durability ensures your journal remains a steadfast companion for recording life's moments, preserving them in a classic and timeless style.
* Linen *
Linen paper elevates your journaling to a professional level. With its subtle, embossed texture, it provides a luxurious surface under your pen, making each entry a delightful experience. Its durability ensures your journal withstands the test of time, gracefully preserving your thoughts, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate both style and substance.
* Parchment *
Parchment paper brings an antique charm to your journal, evoking a sense of history and sophistication. Crafted from wood pulp or cotton fibers, it offers a touch of elegance to your journal's pages. Acid-free and lignin-free versions ensure longevity, making it suitable for preserving your journal's contents for future generations. Parchment paper adds a touch of class to your journal, creating a sense of legacy in your written words.
* Smooth *
Smooth paper provides a sleek, untextured surface, perfect for showcasing the crispness of your journal entries. Its uniform texture allows your pen to glide seamlessly across the pages, creating a modern and polished medium for your thoughts, ideas, and reflections.
* Vellum Paper *
Vellum paper, known for its high quality and smooth surface, emulates traditional vellum, adding a touch of prestige to your journal. It offers an exceptional writing surface, making it ideal for documenting important moments, legal notes, or high-end journaling experiences. Your journal becomes a repository of refined thoughts and memories.
* Wove Paper *
Wove paper's smooth, unblemished surface ensures every stroke of your pen in your journal is precise and effortless. The balanced texture of wove paper creates a professional, clean finish to your journal entries, adding a touch of sophistication to your writing projects. Whether you're chronicling your daily life or capturing significant events, wove paper offers a backdrop of elegance for your journal.