Papercraft question

**TimberWolf5871** · #1 05-03-2016, 01:07 PM

So apparently I made this account a few years ago and completely forgot about it. Sorry mods, its been a hectic time for me. Pleas no banhammering.

I'm wondering what the best paper for papercraft is. I've been using normal office paper. Is there a better quality out there for models?

**rickstef** · #2 05-03-2016, 01:11 PM

No banhammer here

what types of models are you building?
cars, airplanes, mecha?

If you are in the States, look for cardstock, in weights from 65 to 110 lbs paper
if you are in the rest of the world, look for 140 to 220 gsm paper

Others will pipe in to offer suggestions

Rick

**Dabeer** · #3 05-03-2016, 01:12 PM

It seems to me that most people build using 160 gsm (90 lb index or 60 lb cover), and build larger models using 200gsm (110 lb index) card stock. But as Rick said, it depends heavily on what you're building.

My go-to reference for paper weight and thickness is: Paper weight comparison and more

**TimberWolf5871** · #4 05-03-2016, 01:14 PM

Spaceship.

Thanks for the info. I'll pick some cardstock from... What, Office Depot? Maybe Best Buy.

Building a spaceship.

Thanks guys. Office depot should have what I need then right?

**rickstef** · #5 05-03-2016, 01:21 PM

Yes it should

**JohnGay** · #6 05-03-2016, 01:39 PM

I buy mine at Walmart. About $5-6 for a pack of 150 sheets 110Lb Index/ 199 gsm.

**Miles Linnabery** · #7 05-03-2016, 01:54 PM

Dear Timberwolf:
I second Jon in that 110# Cardstock from Walmart is good and cheap. As you build more I like to also keep 60# cardstock on hand and then I go to an art supply house and get a artist Sketch pad in Medium Weight 94g/m2 Feels about like 40# paper in some models I will use all of the papers according on the size of the part.
The light weight stuff I mostly use on Zios Figures. Also try Alines Tacky Glue
Don't feel bad about asking Questions, Most of us have been there and done that and don't mind helping point people in a better direction.
Enjoy,
Miles

**Deriachai** · #8 05-03-2016, 04:50 PM

Let me recommend AGAINST the 65# from Staples.
I recently figured out why I have been having so many issues with curves lately. The Staples 65# is laminated thiner paper, and causes any bends to crease, and has split on me several times.

**SCEtoAUX** · #9 05-03-2016, 05:01 PM

Michaels has some good 65# card stock.

**Dabeer** · #10 05-03-2016, 10:05 PM

I'm a big fan of Hammermill Digital Color Copy. The 60 lb cover is 162 gsm, which is almost perfect. The 80 lb cover is 216 gsm, which is too heavy for most models, but they also have 28 lb and 32 lb text, which are great for smaller models, or if you need to mix and match within a single model, all weights have essentially the same brightness and smoothness. All are very smooth and hold an inkjet print very well, with lots of detail. Slightly more expensive, at just under $12 a pack of 250, but I find it to be worth it.

For a more "normal" 110 lb index card stock, Georgia Pacific Image Plus is very good, and is $10 per pack of 250 on Amazon.