The type of stationery you use for any kind of communication is a direct reflection on yourself, your business and the message you are sending out to customers and potential clients. While it is always important to send out personalized notes and letters to clients, it is equally important to use a good quality paper for business communication or correspondence of any kind. This is because the kind of paper you use indicates how you conduct your business and how important your customers are to you.
The quality of paper is determined by it thickness, weight, finish, texture, and color. The envelope that is used also plays a big part in creating an impression, as it is like a jacket to a letter. Though the inside contents are more important, the outside envelope also helps to build an impression of your business.
There are various types of stationery paper available in the market today for letterheads, envelopes, and business cards. From all purpose paper to inkjet paper, there are many varieties of paper on hand to use for both business and personal use. The types of stationery paper include; 100% cotton paper, premium wood pulp paper and handmade paper. Choosing a fine quality paper ensures that your stationery will not only leave a good impression, but will stand the test of time.
The most common types of stationery paper include:
Standard Paper
Standard paper is the most common type of paper in the market today. It is a good quality paper that is made form wood pulp. However it is not ideal for business use as it tends to be too thin and not good for printouts. It is however good for social stationery, or handwritten notes.
Economy Paper
Economy paper is another commonly used stationery paper. It provides reasonably good quality printing and can be used for all types of printers and copiers. Ideal for inter-office correspondence and memos, this paper is however not ideal for important documents and printing images.
Copy Paper
Copy paper is ideal for photocopying, and provides slightly better results than economy paper. It is fine for general printing and copying, but is not suitable for printing images with inkjet or laser printers.
Inkjet Paper
Inkjet paper is used for inkjet printers and provides excellent printing results for both letters and images. This paper is slightly more expensive than standard, economy or copy paper, but is ideal for general office printing especially if you are using an inkjet color printer.
Laser Paper
Laser paper is ideal for laser printouts and provides first-rate printing results. However this paper is more expensive than the above mentioned papers, but is a great choice for formal letter printing, especially if you are using a colored laser printer.
All-Purpose Paper
All-purpose paper is among the more expensive papers used for office stationery. It is designed to provide excellent printing results for all types of printers. Plus it also helps to give documents and images a more professional look. Suitable for office needs, this paper is perfect for the workplace.
Bristol Paper
Bristol paper is a heavy kind of paper that is made by layering papers together to produce the desired thickness. It is not ideal for business use, but is perfect of stock announcements, envelopes and invitations.
Bond Paper
Bond paper is sometime referred to as laid or woven paper, as it has a slight pattern on it. This kind of paper is best used for important business correspondence as it has a highly professional look and feel. It is an expensive quality paper made from cotton, chemical wood pulp or a combination of both. Also used for printing business forms and other important documents, this paper is both strong and durable.
100% Cotton Paper
This kind of paper stationery is made from old cotton rags and is sometimes referred to as rag paper. Made from 100% cotton, the quality of this paper is strong and can last for years. Mostly used for wedding invitations, Bar Mitzvahs and birth announcements, this paper is not very ideal for office use as it is quite expensive and not very practical.
