How to Tell the Quality of Kraft Paper?

Author: William Cruz

Introduction

Kraft paper is a type of paper that is made from wood pulp. It is usually brown but can also be found in other colors, such as white and recycled. Kraft paper is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for packaging and wrapping. But how do you know if you are getting good quality kraft paper? Here are some things to look for:

  1. Strength and Durability. Kraft paper should be strong enough to hold up under heavy use. It should also be durable and won't tear or crumble easily.
  2. Printing Quality. If you plan to print on your kraft paper, check the printing quality before buying. Some kraft papers are better suited for printing than others.
  3. Smoothness. Kraft paper should be smooth to the touch, with no rough edges or bumps.
  4. You Should Always Use Low GSM, Kraft Paper. GSM stands for "grams per square meter." The lower the GSM, the thinner the paper will be. Thin kraft paper is easier to work with and less likely to tear or crumple during use.

The Different Types of Kraft Paper.

Natural Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is a type of paper that is made from wood pulp. It is a robust and durable paper and is often used for packaging purposes. There are three main types of kraft paper: natural kraft paper, recycled kraft paper, and white kraft paper.

Natural kraft paper is made from 100% virgin wood pulp and is usually brown. This type of kraft paper is the most robust and most durable option, making it ideal for packaging heavy items or products that will be shipped long distances.

Recycled Kraft Paper

Recycled kraft paper is made from recycled wood pulp and can be either brown or white. This kraft paper type is not as strong as natural but is still quite durable. It is a good choice for packaging lighter items or products that will be shipped shorter distances.

White Kraft Paper

White kraft paper is also made from recycled wood pulp but has been bleached to give it a bright white color. This type of kraft paper is not as strong or durable as the other two types of kraft paper, but it offers a clean and professional look for packaging products that need a high-quality appearance.

How to Determine the Quality of Kraft Paper?

Strength and Durability

Kraft paper is made from wood pulp, which gives it strength and durability. To test the strength of kraft paper, you can do a simple tearing test. Tear a sheet of kraft paper in half with your hands. If the paper tears easily, then it is not very strong. If the paper is difficult to tear, then it is more robust.

To test the durability of kraft paper, you can do a water resistance test. Take a sheet of kraft paper and place it in a water bowl. Please leave it in the water for an hour or more. Then take it out and see if the paper has changed shape or color. If the paper has not changed, then it is durable.

Printing Quality

The printing quality of kraft paper depends on its smoothness. To test the smoothness of kraft paper, you can do a simple touch test. Take a sheet of kraft paper and rub your hand over it. If the paper feels rough, then it is not very smooth. If the paper feels smooth, then it has good printing quality.

Smoothness

The smoothness of kraft paper also depends on its thickness. To test the thickness of kraft paper, you can do a simple crumpling test. Take a sheet of kraft paper and try to crumple it in your hand. If the paper crumples easily, then it is thin. If the paper is challenging to crumple, then it is thicker.

You should always use low gsm kraft paper.

You should always use low gsm kraft paper.

Subsection 3.1 What is GSM?

GSM stands for "grams per square meter." It's a measure of the density of paper and other materials. The higher the number, the denser the material. For example, standard copy paper has a GSM of 80, while cardstock has a GSM of 120.

Kraft paper can range from 35 GSM to over 200 GSM. The lower end of that range is typically used for packaging and wrapping applications. The higher end is often used for industrial purposes, like construction or insulation.

Why does GSM matter? Because it affects the strength and durability of the paper. Low-GSM kraft paper is less likely to tear or puncture than high-GSM paper. It's also more flexible, which makes it easier to work with.

Subsection 3.2 When to Use High-GSM Kraft Paper

There are situations when you'll require Kraft paper with a high GSM. If you're looking for tougher, stronger paper, high-GSM kraft might be the best option. It's also suitable for those who require more protection from cutting or tearing.

For example, if you're packaging heavy items or items with sharp edges, you might want to use high-GSM kraft paper. The same goes for shipping items that could be damaged in transit (like glassware or electronics).

In general, low-GSM kraft paper will be the better option for most packaging and wrapping applications. It's more versatile and easier to work with and provides enough protection for most items.

Subsection 3..3 Conclusion

In conclusion, always use low gsm kraft paper because it is stronger and more durable than high gsm kraft paper. It is also more flexible and easier to work with.

Now, what is GSM in kraft paper?

the word "GSM" is a reference to "grams per square meter."This is the measure of how much paper weighs in a given area. The higher the GSM number, the heavier the paper.

There are a few things to remember regarding GSM and kraft paper. First, lower GSM kraft paper is usually thinner and more delicate. It's best suited for light packaging or wrapping applications.

On the other hand, high GSM kraft paper is thicker and more durable. It's often used for heavy-duty packaging, such as shipping boxes or construction materials.

When choosing a kraft paper, it's essential to consider what you'll be using it for. If you need strong and sturdy paper, go for a high GSM option. If you need something lighter and more delicate, go for a low GSM kraft paper.

Conclusion

Kraft paper is a versatile and affordable material used for various applications. When choosing kraft paper, it is essential to consider the different types of paper and how they will impact the quality of your finished product. Natural kraft paper, recycled kraft paper, and white kraft paper have different properties that can affect your project's strength, durability, and printing quality. Ultimately, you should always use low gsm kraft paper to ensure the best results.