Paper

Shopping Tips

Acid-Free

Paper-processing techniques often leave paper slightly acidic, which impacts the longevity of the paper. For artistic or archival purposes--for works intended to last for decades--choose acid-free paper. Many acid-free papers are available (most copy papers are acid-free, for example).

Grades and Weight

Bond paper is heavier, higher-grade paper; it is generally considered too fine a paper for most copying and computer printing needs. In general, use the lightest weight paper (and therefore the fewest materials used to create it) possible for your printing or writing purposes. Most copy paper has a basis weight of 20 or 24 lbs., which will meet most office needs.