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accordion fold The paper is folded two or more times in a parallel direction. Each fold reverses the direction, similar to the bellows of an accordion. Also called a “Z” fold. Often used for items printed on one side only. Harder to stuff in an envelope than a letter fold.
acid-free paper A paper having no acidity and no residual acid-producing chemicals. Acid-free papers may also be slightly on the alkaline side to provide greater longevity. Best for archival purposes.
adhesive-coated paper Paper coated on one side with an adhesive that can be activated by moistening (for gummed papers) by heat (for heat sealing) or that is permanently tacky (for pressure-sensitive permanent and removable applications).
against the grain Folding, scoring, binding, or printing paper at right angles to the fibers of the paper.
announcements Cards or sheets of fine text and cover paper with matching envelopes that are used for social stationery, wedding announcements, greeting cards, and the like.
antique finish Book or cover paper made with very little calendering to preserve its rough finish and bulk.
artificial parchment A paper that tries to resemble genuine vegetable parchment.
backing up Printing the opposite side of a sheet, after the first side has already been printed.
barrel fold The paper is folded two or more times in the same direction. Sometimes called a wrap-around fold. Also called a letter fold when the paper is folded only twice.
basic size The standard sheet size given to each type of paper that determines its basic weight; e.g., 500 sheets of cover stock has a basic size of 20 x 26”. When these sheets are weighed, the number of pounds, (e.g., 50, 65, 80, etc.) is the basis weight of the stock. Basic size is also called mill, folio, and parent size. The basic size for bond is 17 x 22”; for offset or text, 23 x 35”; and for index, 22 x 34 1/2.
basis weight The weight of a ream of paper in the basic size of the grade. The basis weight is determined by weighing a properly conditioned and exactly dimensioned ream of paper.
bible paper Uncoated, lightweight but opaque paper (the most common basis weight is between 14 and 30 lb) used primarily for Bibles, hymn books, dictionaries, etc.
binding The procedure for fastening paper signatures or pages into books, magazines, or booklets.
blanks Heavyweight boards ranging from 15 to 48 points in thickness, both coated and uncoated. Primarily used for package printing, point-of-purchase displays, poster cards, etc.
bleed When the printed image extends beyond the trim edge of a sheet of paper.
bond paper A strong and durable paper, made from either rag, bleached chemical wood pulp, or both. Most commonly used for writing, printing, and duplicating purposes.
book paper A broad variety of paper suitable for printing. Used for book and advertising purposes. Surface finishes vary but include dull, matte, glossy, super-calendered, antique, wove, vellum, eggshell, etc.
brightness The reflectance or brilliance of a paper, not necessarily related to its color or whiteness. An inexpensive offset might have a brightness of 84-88. A No. 1 offset or text might be 94-99.
bristol A durable stock used for mailers, business cards, announcements and other printing that must withstand heavy use. Thickness will be 0.006 or higher. Common weights of vellum bristol are 57, 67, and 80 lb.
bulk The thickness of a single sheet of paper, expressed in points. A point equals 1/1000 inch. “High-bulk” papers are more frequently u
