What Is Cartridge Paper? Why Use It?

Cartridge paper, also known as drawing paper, is a type of heavy and textured paper used for drawing with any kind of medium. It weighs around 100 GSM and above and goes up to 300 GSM. Because of its thickness, texture, and high quality, it is best used by artists for drawing, though it also has other uses. Besides that, it can withstand any pressure and absorb the material, unlike other papers, which can easily get torn.

In this blog, we will delve into what is cartridge paper and its valuable uses to help you gain a deeper understanding of it.

Where Does Cartridge Paper Come From?

Wondering where this kind of paper comes from? This name dates back to the sixteenth century, as it was used to make paper cartridges. It would hold the ammunition of gunpowder and bullets together before loading it into the handheld firearms. Besides that, the material is made from wood-free cellulose with the sole purpose of dry drawing media like graphite and charcoal.

However, heavier drawing paper of 200 GSM and above can also withstand watercolor and ink. Additionally, cartridges come in different weights and shades of white. The high-quality ones have a slight texture known as grain or tooth, which allows them to withstand marks while drawing.

What GSM Is Cartridge Paper?

This paper is designed for heavy-duty work compared to the other normal papers. It, therefore, has a higher GSM (grams per square meter), allowing it to withstand any pressure. Most drawing papers range between 100 and 200 GSM. Choosing the right drawing paper should also depend on the type of project you wish to work on.

For example, promotional posters and signs have thicker weights to make them last a long time, as they are usually hung on walls that experience different weather conditions. One important thing to understand is that the average paper printer is around 70-80 GSM, which means that the minimum thickness for drawing paper is 25% thicker than that of traditional printer paper.

Can You Print On Cartridge Paper?

A lot of people usually ask whether it is possible to print on this type of paper. Well, it is very possible. Most printer models can print on cartridge paper with little to no hassle. The high-quality texture of the paper allows you to get the printing job done perfectly, with good results.

Besides that, most A3 printers and photo printers have been designed with special print configurations for this kind of drawing paper. However, you may also consider the weight of the paper, as anything above 150 GSM can be hard to fold.

What is Cartridge Paper Used For?

Although it is more commonly used by visual artists for drawing, cartridge paper has several other uses. Let’s look at some of them below:

• Stationery: It is used for different stationery work. Because of its texture and heaviness, it can be used to press logos, simple stamps, invitation cards, or seals.
• Books and Notebooks: Most notebooks have their first and last pages made of cartridges. For some, like sketchbooks, you can have some pages with these drawing papers acting as dividers between sections.
• Artwork: These drawing papers can also be used as artwork papers. They are most commonly used in making notebook covers because their thickness provides better protection to the book, making it last longer.

Advantages Of Cartridge Paper

This paper has a lot of advantages, as shared below:

• Heavy Weight: Its weight reduces the risk of your drawing getting ruined when it gets wrinkled or torn. Artists may erase or use a lot of pressure while drawing, requiring heavy-duty paper like the cartridge to withstand this force.
• Textured Feel: The drawing paper also has a textured feel, allowing you to show the unique features of your drawing easily. This makes it easy for the artist to draw on the paper more comfortably.
• Versatility: The paper is versatile, making it suitable for different mediums like ink, watercolors, charcoal, graphite, and more. This allows artists to utilize their talent fully with the different options available, hence keeping up with the changing demands in the market.
• Availability: Lastly, the paper is easily available in stationery stores, art stores, and online shops. Artists can also choose from different weights, formats, and sizes to use it in different projects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope this blog has helped you understand what is cartridge paper. Whether you are a visual artist, designer, or architect, printing pamphlets for your business using paper cartridges will be more satisfying. Because of its versatility, this drawing paper can be utilized for different projects, making your work easier.

As it comes in different thicknesses, you need to evaluate what you need it for to get the right paper for your project. We can not wait for you to try out this drawing paper and experience high-quality results in your project. When buying cartridge paper, look for reliable hardware suppliers like Inkjet Wholesale, which deals with high-quality printer parts.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

• Is Cartridge Paper The Same As Watercolour Paper?

No, this kind of paper is not the same as watercolor paper. Drawing paper is heavier than watercolor paper.

• Is It Possible To Print On Drawing Paper?

Of course, you can print on this kind of paper as long as you get a good printer that can handle thicker paper.

• Does cartridge paper have a smooth texture?

You can get both smooth and rough cartridges, depending on the kind you need for your project.