Large format paper types sizes: Our large format paper types sizes service delivers expert results.
Paper selection is one of the most important decisions in large-format printing. Different paper types optimize for different purposes: bond for economy and technical drawings, coated for color and presentation, specialty papers for unique applications. Understanding paper characteristics, sizes, and selection criteria ensures you choose optimal paper for each printing project.
Standard Paper Sizes
Construction and architectural documents typically use ANSI standard sizes:
ARCH Series (Architecture): – ARCH A: 9 x 12″ – ARCH B: 12 x 18″ – ARCH C: 18 x 24″ – ARCH D: 24 x 36″ (most common) – ARCH E: 36 x 48″ – ARCH E1: 30 x 42″ – ARCH F: 28 x 40″ (historical, rarely used now)
Engineering Series: – E0: 28 x 40″ – E1: 30 x 42″ – E2: 34 x 44″ – E3: 36 x 48″ – E4: 40 x 52″
ISO Series (International): – A0: 841 x 1189 mm (largest) – A1-A6: Sequential smaller sizes – B0-B6: Intermediate sizes between A series
Construction professionals in North America standardly use ARCH series sizes. Engineering and GIS professionals may use engineering series. International projects often use ISO series.
Paper Basis Weight
Paper weight in the US is measured by the weight of a ream (500 sheets) of paper at standard size (typically 17 x 22″ for text paper or 20 x 26″ for cover stock). Common bond weights:
16 lb: Very light, thin, not typically used for large-format
20 lb: Standard office paper weight
24 lb: Premium office and construction document paper
28 lb and higher: Premium weights for special applications
For large-format, 20-24 lb bond is standard. Heavier doesn’t necessarily mean better for large-format applications.
Paper Types
Bond Paper (Uncoated):
Characteristics: – Smooth, uniform surface – Absorbs ink evenly – Excellent for black-line (monochrome) output – Modest cost – Accept pen and pencil markup well – No glare (matte finish)
Best for: – Construction documents (technical drawings) – Field plans for markup and annotation – Working drawings for coordination – Monochrome output – Economy printing
Bond paper is the workhorse of construction document printing. It’s economical, universally acceptable, and performs excellently for technical drawings.
Coated Paper:
Characteristics: – Smooth coating (usually clay or polymer) – High gloss or matte finish – Superior color saturation and sharpness – Higher cost than bond – Resists ink absorption and bleeding – Professional appearance – Not ideal for extensive marking up
Available finishes: – Gloss: Shiny, rich colors, strong contrast. Good for renderings, less suitable for technical drawings. – Semi-Gloss (Luster): Balance between gloss and matte. Combines color richness with reduced glare. Increasingly popular for architectural presentations. – Matte: No shine, sophisticated appearance, minimal glare. Excellent for extended viewing and presentations.
Best for: – Color prints and renderings – Presentation-quality documents – Client deliverables – Material finishes where color accuracy matters – Documents intended for extended viewing
Premium coated papers (100 lb+) provide professional appearance and are worth the investment for presentation materials.
Semi-Coated Paper:
Characteristics: – Light coating providing some smoothness and color enhancement – Cost between bond and fully coated – Better color than bond, more economical than premium coated – Reasonable compromise for color technical drawings
Best for: – Color construction documents where presentation quality matters but cost is a concern – MEP coordination drawings printed in color – Site plans and architectural presentations where budget and quality must balance
Specialty Papers:
Vellum: Translucent paper, historically used for overlay drawings and tracing. Less common now but useful for specialty applications.
Watercolor Paper: Textured paper for artistic applications. Not typical for construction documents but occasionally used for renderings and artistic presentations.
Photograph Paper: For photographic quality output. Glossy or matte finish. Excellent for photograph-based documentation and renderings.
Vinyl: Synthetic, waterproof media for outdoor graphics and durable documents. Resistant to moisture, tearing, and UV fading. Cost is higher but durability is superior.
Canvas: Fabric substrate for fine art reproduction. Creates gallery-quality appearance. Specialty application, high cost.
Transparency: Clear or frosted plastic for overlays and back-lit applications. Specialty use.
Paper Weight Selection Guidelines
For Monochrome Technical Drawings: Standard 20 lb bond. Cost-effective and perfectly adequate for technical content.
For Color Technical Drawings: 24 lb semi-coated or standard 20 lb bond if budget allows. Color sits well on both. Semi-coated provides enhanced color at modest cost premium.
For Presentation Documents: 24 lb semi-coated minimum, 100 lb premium coated for highest quality. The cost premium is justified by professional appearance impact.
For Archived Documents: 24 lb or heavier on acid-free stock. Archival-quality paper ensures documents remain legible for decades.
For Field Documents: Standard 20 lb bond. Lighter weight is acceptable for field documents expected to be marked up and discarded after use.
Environmental Considerations
Recycled Content: Many papers are made with recycled fiber, reducing environmental impact. Recycled papers perform equally to virgin fiber papers. If environmental considerations matter to your project, specify recycled content.
Brightness and Whiteness: Brighter paper appears crisper and shows contrast better. However, excessive brightness can cause glare. Moderate brightness (around 92-94%) is a good balance.
Sustainability Certifications: Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certification indicating responsible forestry practices.
Cost Considerations
Paper represents a significant portion of large-format printing cost:
Bond: competitive rates foot
Semi-Coated: competitive rates foot
Premium Coated: competitive rates foot
For a 24 x 36″ ARCH D print: – Bond: competitive rates – Semi-Coated: competitive rates – Premium Coated: competitive rates
Choosing appropriate paper balances cost and quality. Using premium paper for all documents inflates cost unnecessarily. Using inadequate paper for important presentation documents compromises quality impact.
Specifying Paper When Ordering
When placing reprographic orders, specify:
Weight: “20 lb bond” or “24 lb bond”
Finish: “matte” or “semi-gloss” for coated stocks
Brightness: Usually specified as percentage (92% bright is standard)
Coating: “uncoated” (bond) or “coated” with finish type
Specialty: “photograph paper” or “vellum” if not standard
Your reprographic provider can recommend appropriate papers for your specific needs.
Paper Recycling and Sustainability
Large-format construction documents contain quality paper with residual value. Rather than discarding large-format prints, consider:
Office recycling: Most bond and coated papers are accepted in standard office recycling
Reprographic recycling: Some reprographic providers accept and recycle scrap prints
Archive retention: Important documents can be scanned and digitally preserved before recycling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is heavier paper always better?
No. Heavier paper is more durable but more expensive. Paper weight should match the document’s purpose. Working documents can use lighter paper; important documents warrant heavier stock.
Can large-format printers handle all paper types?
Most large-format printers handle standard bond and coated papers. Specialty papers (vinyl, canvas, vellum) may require specialized equipment. Consult your reprographic provider about specialty requirements.
What paper should I use for outdoor signage?
Vinyl or similar synthetic materials are required for outdoor durability. Standard paper deteriorates quickly outdoors.
How does paper choice affect color accuracy?
Coated papers enhance color saturation and sharpness. Bond paper is acceptable for color but doesn’t showcase colors as richly. For color-critical work, premium coated paper provides superior results.
Advanced Paper Selection Topics
Basis Weight vs. Caliper
While basis weight measures paper heaviness by ream weight at standard size, “caliper” measures actual paper thickness in mils (thousandths of an inch). Two papers with the same basis weight might have different thickness depending on whether they’re calendered (compressed) or bulky (fluffy).
For large-format printing, thickness matters for handling and durability. Thicker paper feels more substantial and durable, influencing stakeholder perception. Caliper specifications are typically 0.003″ to 0.008″ for construction documents.
Brightness and Color Reproduction
Paper brightness, measured on a scale of 0-100%, affects how white or yellowish paper appears:
90-92% brightness: Slightly warm white, good for technical documents, reduces glare
92-94% brightness: Neutral white, standard for most applications, good balance
94-97% brightness: Bright white, enhances contrast, good for graphics, may cause glare
Brighter papers enhance color reproduction and contrast but can cause eye strain with extended viewing. For extended reading or viewing (technical coordination, extended meetings), 92-94% brightness is ideal.
ISO Brightness vs. Other Standards
Different measuring methods exist for paper brightness. ISO brightness is the international standard. Some suppliers use other measures (TAPPI, GE brightness), which may show slightly different values.
When specifying brightness, reference “ISO brightness” to ensure consistent understanding.
Coating Weight
For coated papers, “coating weight” measures the amount of coating applied to the paper surface. Higher coating weight means thicker coating, which enhances color and provides smoother surface.
20-30 lbs per ream: Light coating, enhanced color over bond, moderate cost
30-50 lbs per ream: Moderate coating, good color reproduction, balanced cost
50+ lbs per ream: Heavy coating, excellent color, higher cost
Moderate coating weight (30-40 lbs per ream equivalent) provides excellent color at reasonable cost.
Texture and Surface Finish
Beyond gloss, semi-gloss, and matte, papers also vary in surface texture:
Smooth: Professional, refined appearance, excellent for technical documents
Linen: Subtle texture, sophisticated appearance, slightly increased cost
Canvas: Artistic texture, gallery-quality appearance, significant cost premium
Texture is primarily a matter of aesthetics and intended use. Technical construction documents typically use smooth surfaces. Presentation and rendering documents benefit from slight texture.
Waterproofing and Durability
For applications requiring water resistance:
Synthetic papers: Completely waterproof, suitable for outdoor applications
Coated papers with sealers: Added water resistance, balance between cost and durability
Standard bond: Not water-resistant, suitable for indoor use only
Field documents exposed to rain or moisture should be printed on synthetic or water-resistant papers.
Color Fidelity and Reproduction
Paper choice significantly affects color appearance:
White bond: True neutral white, baseline for color comparison
Cream bond: Slightly warm appearance, softer look, comfortable for extended viewing
Bright white coated: Clean, crisp appearance, strong contrast, can appear overly bright
Off-white coated: Sophisticated appearance, warm undertones, professional appearance
For marketing and presentation documents, paper color choice should align with overall design aesthetic. Neutral white is standard for technical and construction documents.
Sustainable Paper Certifications
Several certifications verify environmental responsibility:
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Ensures wood comes from responsibly managed forests. Widely recognized and respected. Look for FSC certification on product packaging.
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification): Similar to FSC, emphasizes sustainable forest management.
Processed Chlorine Free (PCF): Indicates paper made from recycled fiber without chlorine bleaching. Better environmental profile.
Totally Chlorine Free (TCF): Indicates virgin fiber processed without chlorine. Better environmental profile than standard processing.
Carbon Neutral: Indicates paper production is offset for carbon emissions. Growing availability.
If environmental considerations are important to your project, specify papers with appropriate certifications.
Long-Term Archival Considerations
For documents intended for long-term preservation:
Acid-free stock: Prevents yellowing and degradation over decades
Lignin-free: Ensures chemical stability, prevents brittle paper failure
Neutral pH: Prevents chemical degradation
Buffered: Contains alkaline buffer to maintain neutral pH even as acid-based paper ages
Archival-quality papers cost more but ensure documents remain legible and vibrant for 50+ years.
Working with Your Reprographic Provider
Discuss paper options with your reprographic provider:
What papers do you stock regularly? Using standard papers ensures consistent quality and pricing.
What papers do you recommend for my application? Experienced reprographic professionals can suggest optimal papers for your specific needs.
Can I see samples? Most providers can show sample prints on different papers, allowing informed selection.
What’s the cost difference? Understanding cost differences helps balance quality and budget.
What turnaround time for special papers? Non-standard papers may require longer lead times.
Frequently Asked Questions
More large format paper types sizes content.
Should I use the same paper for all documents in a project?
Standard practice is to use consistent paper for all documents in a drawing set, typically standard 20 lb bond. Presentation documents may use premium paper. This consistency ensures professional appearance and familiarity for all users.
Can I print color on standard bond paper?
Yes, though color appears less vibrant than on coated paper. For technical color drawings (MEP coordination) on budget, bond paper is acceptable. For presentation-quality color, coated paper is preferable.
How does paper choice affect printing speed?
Paper choice minimally affects printing speed. Speed varies more based on printer type and resolution. All papers print at similar speeds on modern equipment.
Is there a “best” paper for all applications?
No. Paper selection depends on application. Bond for technical drawings, semi-coated for color technical work, premium coated for presentations. Matching paper to application is key. See our large format printing or contact us. Resources at printing.org.
