Paper weights

**Mark_1984** · 01-31-2007, 08:05 AM

OK folks, I guess this has been asked before, but I couldn't find it.

What weight paper should I buy for printing off models downloaded from the web ? I guess it will depend on the model, and whether its for skins, or structural parts, but some guidance would be appreciated. (Anything has got to be better than photo paper !!)

Sorry for asking what's probably a very obvious answer, but I have no idea... and I'll be buying mail order so I can't just have a look in the shop

Many thanks for help in advance

Cheers
Mark

Kaz · 01-31-2007, 08:18 AM

Much will depend on your own preferences, I tried with photopaper, and as you found out, its not too good, I then used 210 gsm, this made lovely curves etc. but was way to heavy fot the more intricate fiddly bits, I now stay with 160 gsm.

Any structual parts will usually have a 'glue this to 1mm thick card...' or something along those lines

Welcome to the most hospitable forum I have ever known.

hpept · 01-31-2007, 09:07 AM

I usually stick with 180gsm paper for almost all my builds. For very small models( and i mean very small) I use normal copy paper 75 gsm.

mbauer · 01-31-2007, 09:23 AM

Mark 1984,

It isn't just a weight issue. Different brands (International, Wasau, etc.) are not the same.

Designing for flight requires strong, yet light weight. Wasau Index 110# (198.9g/m) weighs the exact same as Springhill Index 110. The Springhill is stiffer and is harder to work with, but it will carry 3-times the load.

Simple things that the Wasau can handle can mean 2-3 tries with Springhill sometimes!

http://www.unisourcelink.com/index.asp used to be my supplier until they stopped carrying my brand of choice. Lots of free swatch books!

http://www.ipaper.com/ many, many different brands, browse to find all kinds of useful paper information. Glossary, conversion/equivalent weight charts, etc..

http://www.wausaupapers.com/

Hopefully this helps!

nx13688 · 01-31-2007, 10:46 AM

http://www.cardmodels.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6206

**Mark_1984** · 02-02-2007, 02:06 AM

Thanks guys - lots of good info there.

Cheers
Mark

TexasTubaMan · 02-02-2007, 11:24 AM

Carefull with that avatar of yours, might get you arrested in Boston.

01-31-2007, 08:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mark_1984 Moderators are people too Card Models Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brit living in South Korea Posts: 913	Paper weights OK folks, I guess this has been asked before, but I couldn't find it. What weight paper should I buy for printing off models downloaded from the web ? I guess it will depend on the model, and whether its for skins, or structural parts, but some guidance would be appreciated. (Anything has got to be better than photo paper !!) Sorry for asking what's probably a very obvious answer, but I have no idea... and I'll be buying mail order so I can't just have a look in the shop Many thanks for help in advance Cheers Mark

01-31-2007, 08:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
Kaz Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cambridge Posts: 523	Much will depend on your own preferences, I tried with photopaper, and as you found out, its not too good, I then used 210 gsm, this made lovely curves etc. but was way to heavy fot the more intricate fiddly bits, I now stay with 160 gsm. Any structual parts will usually have a 'glue this to 1mm thick card...' or something along those lines Welcome to the most hospitable forum I have ever known. __________________ Warning, this product may contain nuts

01-31-2007, 09:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
hpept Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: São José dos Campos - Brasil Posts: 460	I usually stick with 180gsm paper for almost all my builds. For very small models( and i mean very small) I use normal copy paper 75 gsm. __________________ Specialist: someone who never does little mistakes while heading to the big failure

01-31-2007, 10:46 AM	#5 (permalink)
nx13688 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Marshall, WI Posts: 147	http://www.cardmodels.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6206 __________________ Ryan Owner/Head Designer/Chief Paper Slasher Daisey Designs High-Performance Card Models http://www.daisey-designs.com

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01-31-2007, 09:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
mbauer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 121	Mark 1984, It isn't just a weight issue. Different brands (International, Wasau, etc.) are not the same. Designing for flight requires strong, yet light weight. Wasau Index 110# (198.9g/m) weighs the exact same as Springhill Index 110. The Springhill is stiffer and is harder to work with, but it will carry 3-times the load. Simple things that the Wasau can handle can mean 2-3 tries with Springhill sometimes! http://www.unisourcelink.com/index.asp used to be my supplier until they stopped carrying my brand of choice. Lots of free swatch books! http://www.ipaper.com/ many, many different brands, browse to find all kinds of useful paper information. Glossary, conversion/equivalent weight charts, etc.. http://www.wausaupapers.com/ Hopefully this helps!

02-02-2007, 02:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mark_1984 Moderators are people too Card Models Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brit living in South Korea Posts: 913	Thanks guys - lots of good info there. Cheers Mark

02-02-2007, 11:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
TexasTubaMan Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Deer Park, TX Posts: 71	Carefull with that avatar of yours, might get you arrested in Boston.

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