What are good applications of drafting paper?

Drafting paper is made specifically for making technical drawings. It has a number of unique features that make it useful for architects, engineers, or anyone else who needs to make technical drawings. You can find it in many art supply stores. They also come in a number of sizes and styles — each one being designed to meet a specific set of needs. Because of the invention of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems that allow people to make technical drawings on a computer, the use of graph paper and other tools used for drafting by hand has been in decline.

Regardless of what type of drafting paper you use, the image will need to be clear for many years. It must also contrast well with the colors of pen and pencil you’re using, because it will make it easier to copy the technical drawing. The paper needs to be firm, because the precise details of the drawing could become distorted. Erasability is also an important factor, because changes may need to be made. And the tell-tale signs of correction (such as streaks, lines, and smudges) aren’t desirable.

Types of Drafting Paper

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There are several types of drafting paper, which can include but may not be limited to:

Bond— This type of paper is similar to what you use for your printer. It’s the least expensive option, and it’s usually offered in roll form so it can be used in drafting plotters. Bond paper can vary in weight, but 18-24 pound bond is the most commonly used.
Sketch Pads— Despite the availability of 3D CAD systems, many designers like to sketch things out on paper. In fact, many of them swear by square-ruled bond paper pads to help them sketch out their design concepts. Sketch pads used to be only available in 8-12” x 11” format. And while the demand is still there, there are 11” x 17” versions that can be used for larger layouts.
Mylar— This type of drafting paper is made from a plastic material. It has the advantage of being erasable, which can be an advantage if you’re working with ink. It’s also semi-transparent, so it’s possible to place mylar drawings on a light table to make sure the linework matches up. The film is more resistant to tears, and it’s more durable than regular drafting paper.
Vellum— This type of paper is made out of linen, which has been commonly used in drafting offices. Not only is it durable, but it also allows pencil work to be erased and revised multiple times. It’s not as strong as mylar, but it’s not as expensive. It also has a smooth surface that doesn’t absorb ink as quickly as bond paper, so you might run into a problem if you plan to use it on a plotter.
Photo— Because of the advances in drafting printers and plotters, photo media started to become available in roll form so images can be printed. And because it’s typically reserved for the best kinds of presentation graphics, this type of drafting paper is costly. It does, however, allow engineering offices to take work that has been previously done to a print shop or graphic designer.

If you’re looking for a place where you can buy drafting supplies, paper, and even a drafting table, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is drafting paper?

There are several standard sizes for technical drawings, depending on the application. The standard sizes for architectural drawings include:

ARCH A - 9 x 12 inches (228.6 x 304.8 millimeters).
ARCH B - 12 x 18 inches (304.8 x 457.2 millimeters).
ARCH C - 18 x 24 inches (457.2 x 609.6 millimeters).
ARCH D - 24 x 36 inches (609.6 x 914.4 millimeters).
ARCH E - 36 x 48 inches (914.4 x 1219.2 millimeters).

For engineering documents, the standard sizes include:

ANSI A - 8.5 x 11 inches (215.9 x 279.4 millimeters).
ANSI B - 11 x 17 inches (304.8 x 457.2 millimeters).
ANSI C - 17 x 22 inches (431.8 x 558.8 millimeters).
ANSI D - 22 x 34 inches (558.8 x 863.6 millimeters).
ANSI E - 34 x 44 inches (863 x 1117.6 millimeters).

Be sure to look at the broad selection of drafting supplies and paper we have at Engineer Supply.

What is vellum drafting paper?

Vellum is a translucent type of drafting paper that’s made from a type of plastericized cotton that isn’t affected by changes in temperature or humidity. This replaced traditional vellum, which was made from animal skins. You can find vellum paper in pads, sheets, or rolls of up to 72” in width.

Can drafting paper be used by artists?

The type of paper you need to use for your artwork will depend on the medium in which you’ll be working. The type of paper you use for graphite won’t be the same you’ll use for colored pencil, and what you use for colored pencil won’t the same that you’ll use for pen and ink. That’s why you need to learn about what type of paper works best for different mediums.

Can drawing paper be used for drafting?

Many drafters use sketch pads to jot down their design concepts. While they were originally available in only 8-1/2” x 11” format, you can find 11” x 17” versions that you can use for larger drawings. Be sure to look at the broad selection we have at Engineer Supply.

Where can I buy quality drafting paper?

If you’re looking for graph paper or any other supplies you can use for drafting, you can find what you need at Engineer Supply. We have a broad selection from some of the best brands on the market, and we can offer them to you at a reasonable price. Feel free to look at what we have in our store, so you can find a product that will meet your specific needs.