What Is Bond Paper & Bleedproof Paper?

Different types of papers have different uses and functions.

Paper comes in many sizes, colors and compositions. Bond paper and bleedproof paper have different qualities, so knowing the difference between the two is important when choosing the correct paper for your next project.

Uses

Bond paper is ideal for electronic printing (both laser and inkjet) and photocopying, while bleedproof paper is perfect for drawing on with markers, inks and fountain pens.

Cost

Bond paper is inexpensive and often comes in reams of 500 sheets. Bleedproof paper, which comes in packages containing fewer sheets of paper, is comparatively expensive and should not be used for sketching or projects that are not intended to be presentable or permanent.

Characteristics

Bond paper is durable and strong, somewhat rigid and treated to reduce shedding or "fuzz" from fiber loss. Bleedproof paper has a hard, smooth surface, and when ink is applied (other than dark or heavy markers), it resists bleeding (or feathering) where the ink is present.

Size

Bond paper's most common size is called A4, which is 8.27 by 11.69 inches. Bleedproof paper is available in A4 as well, but additionally comes in 9 by 12 inches, 11 by 14 inches, and 14 by 17 inches.

Fun fact

Bleedproof paper, if you draw on the front, produces clean, crisp lines. However, if you flip the paper to the backside before drawing, your lines will have softer edges. According to Borden & Riley, a manufacturer of bleedproof paper, if you use pastels to draw on the backside of the bleedproof paper, spray a fixative or the pastels will smear.

References

• Bond Paper
• Borden & Riley Paris Bleedproof Paper For Pens
• Graytex Papers