Bond paper is a high-quality, durable writing paper, similar to bank paper, but weighing more than 50 g/m2. The most common weights are 60 g/m2 , 75 g/m2 and 90 g/m2 . Its name derives from the fact that it was originally made for documents such as government bonds.
Sometimes confused with basic photocopier paper, bond paper is heavier in weight and made with cotton fibre for strength.
There is a wide variety of bond papers to suit different purposes. For example, you can find bond for copying on the printer and translucent bond paper for architectural drawings. As well as coming in white and a variety of colours, this paper can have decorations such as borders or backgrounds for when you need something more special. You can even find perforated bond paper for when you need to divide a sheet of paper into smaller documents.
What makes bond paper different from normal copy paper?
In many cases, nothing. Bond is not always a different kind of paper. The word is often used for marketing purposes and it is difficult to clarify an exact definition. Many of the papers sold as bond are simply basic copy papers.
However, some bond sheets are sold as “writing grade” and these are a little different. They are a higher class of paper that includes rag fibre, such as cotton, in its content. The fibres used in this paper are usually shorter, which gives it a softer feel and helps it to accept ink more easily. Bond writing paper is often used for business stationery.
Characteristics of bond paper
The following are the main characteristics of bond sheets.
- The most common weights are 60 g/m2 , 75 g/m2 and 90 g/m2.
- It is made of cotton fibre
- 2 main types of bond paper: One is made from cotton fibre and the other from wood pulp.
Bond paper types
Cotton-containing paper pulp
While most paper is made from wood, cotton pulp is made from cotton fibres. These fibres are the result of offcuts and scraps of raw cotton and are sourced from textile mills and cotton linters. The cotton content can range from 25% to 100%. If the rag content is less than 100%, wood fibres are used as filler.
Chemical woodpaste
Most paper is made from chemical wood pulp. Made from conifers and deciduous trees, wood pulp goes through a chemical process to remove unwanted materials. The process takes place when the wood is cooked in a solution composed of alkaline sodium sulphide.
A sodium sulphite solution can also be used to cook the wood. Undesirable materials, such as lignin, are dissolved while the cellulose fibres are suspended in the solution. The cellulose is then washed and bleached or unbleached for use in paper.
How do you spell it correctly: bond paper, bon paper or bom paper?
Bond is correct. Bon and bom is incorrect. It is spelled bond paper and no other way as it comes from the original English name. It is a calque of the English bond paper, an expression documented in that language since the middle of the 19th century. It owes its name to the fact that this type of paper was originally used to produce government bonds.
What is bond paper used for?
Bond paper is used every day in many offices and businesses, here are some of its most common uses:
- Contracts: This paper works well for lease agreements, employment contracts, purchase orders, confidentiality agreements and other contracts.
- Brochures: When you need to make some quick brochures that showcase your company or a specific product or service, bond paper can be an alternative to card stock. It takes colour well and you can laminate the paper for more intensive use.
- Resumes and cover letters: While plain copy paper may work, using high-quality bond for work-related documents may make a better impression.
- Reports and proposals: Whether it’s a sales report, inventory report, marketing report or anything else, bond is tough enough to do the job. It can also work well as a report cover.
- Invoices: The use of perforated bond paper can be very useful for making receipts and invoices.
- Event invitations: Bond paper is sufficient for making basic event invitations that are folded in half and designed with a word processing application.
- Business Letters: This paper with decorations that resemble professional stationery is a good choice for handwritten or printed letters.
- Drawings: The translucent bond paper that comes in a roll is good for sketching, blueprints and other drawings with pencils, markers and other tools.
- Forms: Job applications, tax forms, financial documents, and customer feedback surveys are all forms where bond paper works well.
When should I use bond paper?
Bond paper is a durable paper that is suitable for electronic printing and use in office machines, including copiers and desktop printers. It is commonly used for letterhead, stationery, business forms and a wide variety of documents produced by inkjet and laser printing.
Advantages of bond paper
The main advantages of this type of paper are its versatility, strength and affordability. You can use this paper for most everyday printing and writing needs in an office, as well as saving money by not using more expensive paper such as cardboard.
The paper can withstand regular daily use and usually has a good aesthetic that makes the ink easily readable while providing good contrast.
The use of bond paper may be limited if a company needs to print more durable or sophisticated items. For example, bond paper can be used for business cards and employee greeting cards, but these items may not last as long. Alternatively, you can consider using more expensive letterhead for things like menus, cards and labels that will be handled a lot.