Linen VS Parchment Paper – What’s The Difference?

Not all paper is created equally. Depending on your task and your audience, different paper types can mean the difference between a successful project and an unsuccessful one.

In the paper world, linen paper and parchment paper for writing are both excellent, top of the line quality papers to use for more high-end projects, but it begs the question: which is better? In the debate of linen vs parchment paper, which is the superior product?

Well, like in most things in life, there isn’t a definitive answer of which is better, but rather it comes down to what your project requires.

Parchment Paper for Writing

The first thing we need to clarify is what we mean by parchment paper because a cursory Google search does not always help. First off, there is a difference between parchment paper and parchment paper for writing, as parchment paper is also a term for baking paper.

Second, ancient parchment paper for writing is not the same as modern parchment paper for writing. Ancient parchment paper was made from animal skins, generally the skin of a calf or a goat. Now, this hasn’t entirely changed, as even in the modern-day, real parchment paper is made of animal skins, though it does not have to be.

Some parchment paper for writing is not made from animals but rather is made by running the plant pulp through a bath of sulfuric acid or zinc oxide. What is the point of this? The paper becomes almost gelatin-like, and after it dries, it hardens, creating a paper product that is highly dense, more heat resistant, very stable, and has low surface energy.

The paper also takes on a unique, vintage look that is ideal for all kinds of artistic projects, and it is a favorite amongst calligraphers.

Linen Paper for Writing

Linen paper is paper with a subtle, raised crosshatch pattern that is given an embossed finish so that it resembles the texture of fabric.

Linen paper is a great paper when you need to appear professional, as it is commonly used for resumes or business letterheads, but it is also great for creating an upscale, high-quality look, as it is also regularly used for menus and for fine stationery in upscale establishments. Linen paper is made from flax, which makes it both stronger and gives it a crisper texture.

Linen Paper vs Parchment Paper

So, which product should you use? It depends heavily on what you are trying to accomplish. Both papers are high-end products and are great for certain authentic, high-class looks.

Because a roll of parchment paper for writing is, essentially, a scroll, it is great for establishing that ancient look which can be great for themed parties, entertainment businesses trying to establish an ancient or medieval look, or even props for movies and plays.

Because of the strength and surface energy of the product, it is an amazing paper for handwriting and drawing applications. Linen paper will not be able to achieve that ancient look, though parchment paper is not very useful if modernism is your goal.

There are downsides besides a general look to parchment paper for writing. For example, large parchment paper for writing can get very expensive. A poster-size piece of parchment paper can run you up to $22 per sheet, and a pack of standard-size will still run you about $.50 per sheet.

Furthermore, parchment paper for writing does not do well in a printer, unlike linen paper. While there are ways to work around this and print on parchment paper, if you don’t need that rustic, vintage look, linen paper is the far more effective paper to go with.

Both papers can be great for high-end projects, but they provide different looks, feels, and have different advantages and disadvantages, so always decide what your project absolutely needs before you start buying the paper.