The Role of Paper Color in Weight

How the Color of Paper Affects its Weight (GSM)

When it comes to choosing the right paper for quilling, most of us focus on aspects like texture, finish, and weight. But what if we told you that the color of the paper can play a role in determining its weight (measured in GSM—grams per square meter)? It might sound surprising, but the color of paper can indeed influence its overall weight, even if the thickness and texture seem identical at first glance.

In this post, we’ll dive into how and why the color of paper can affect its GSM and explore the science behind this interesting phenomenon.

What is GSM?

Before we get into the relationship between color and weight, let’s clarify what GSM means. GSM stands for "grams per square meter" and is a unit of measurement used to describe the weight of paper. Essentially, the higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the paper feels. For example, a standard piece of office paper is usually around 80 GSM, while card stock used for invitations or business cards can range from 200 to 350 GSM.

The Role of Paper Color in Weight

Now, let’s break down how color can influence the GSM of paper.

1. The Paper-Making Process: The process of creating colored paper is a bit more complex than simply adding dye to a white sheet. During the manufacturing process, various pigments or dyes are added to the paper pulp to achieve the desired color. Depending on the type and quantity of these additives, they can subtly change the paper's density and weight. For example:

   • Light-colored papers (like pastels) often require less pigment, meaning they might maintain a similar weight to their white counterparts.
   • Darker-colored papers (such as deep blues or blacks) need more pigment to achieve that rich hue. This extra pigment can increase the density of the paper, resulting in a slightly heavier sheet even if the thickness remains the same.

2. Pigment Density: The pigments or dyes used in colored paper can alter the composition of the fibers, adding mass to the sheet. Paper manufacturers often use different types of coloring agents, some of which are denser than others. These denser agents contribute to the overall mass of the paper. Therefore, a darker shade can lead to a higher GSM due to the additional weight of the pigment.

3. Filler Content: Paper that’s colored may also contain additional fillers (like calcium carbonate or clay) to help improve opacity and texture. These fillers are sometimes necessary to maintain the paper’s quality, especially in colored papers that need to prevent light from passing through. The added fillers increase the weight of the paper. So, a colored sheet with more fillers could have a higher GSM than a similarly textured white sheet.

4. Coated vs. Uncoated Papers: Coating is another factor that can affect both the color and weight of paper. Many colored papers are coated with a layer of gloss or matte finish to enhance the vibrancy of the color. Coated papers tend to feel heavier and more substantial compared to uncoated ones. The coating itself adds to the overall weight, and colored papers are more likely to be coated to ensure the color is vivid and consistent across the sheet.

GSM vs. Thickness vs. Color

It's important to note that GSM is a measurement of weight, not thickness. That means you could have two sheets of paper with identical thickness but different weights, depending on the color and composition of the paper.

• For instance, a bright white sheet of 80 GSM paper may feel relatively light and thin, while a similarly thick sheet of dark navy blue or charcoal-colored paper at 80 GSM might feel a bit denser due to the extra pigments and fillers used in the coloring process.
• Similarly, a sheet of white paper with a weight of 100 GSM might appear thicker than a 100 GSM dark-colored sheet, even though both weigh the same. The dark paper’s pigments increase its weight without making it noticeably thicker.

Practical Considerations When Choosing Quilling Paper

When selecting quilling paper for a project, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

1. Project Type: Different types of quilling projects lend themselves to different weights of paper. For regular quilling the paper should be between 90 GSM and 135 GSM. On-Edge or Monogram Outline projects work best with a heavier weight paper, 160+ GSM, because it stands on edge better. The higher the GSM, the less curl you will be able to put in the paper strip.

2. Project Size: Think about the visual and tactile qualities you're aiming for. For example, if your project is a large wall piece, using a higher GSM paper will provide more impact when viewers are further away from the piece. Smaller projects like cards look best with lower GSM papers because it is more delicate.

Conclusion

While the color of paper doesn't directly affect its thickness, it can influence the weight (GSM) due to the added pigments, fillers, and coatings. Darker-colored papers tend to be slightly heavier than lighter ones because they need more pigment to achieve their rich hue. Whether you're quilling, printing, crafting, or just selecting paper for a special project, understanding the relationship between color and weight can help you make more informed choices.

Ultimately, the next time you're selecting quilling paper, don’t just focus on texture or finish—consider the color’s impact on weight and how that might affect the overall feel of your project.

Happy Quilling!

Curtis