What is Vellum Paper?

If you are an avid artist or someone who’s publishing their first book, you may have come across the term vellum paper. But you must be wondering what is vellum paper and how it’s different from other paper types? Vellum paper has a rich history and is popular for its durability, unique texture, and versatility.

Originating from ancient times, vellum was traditionally made from animal skin, typically calf, lamb, or goat. However, modern vellum paper is often crafted from cellulose fibers or synthetic materials. 

This article discusses what is vellum paper in detail and what’s the difference between vellum paper and regular paper. Let’s dig in!

What is Vellum Paper?

Vellum is a parchment or cardstock-like paper that’s popular for its applications in the printing world. The paper has a smooth texture and semi-translucent surface. This means when you use ink on one side of this paper, it slowly and slightly spreads to the other.

The applications of this paper are diverse, ranging from printing, watercolor painting, calligraphy, and other arts and crafts. 

History of Vellum Paper

Now that you know what is vellum paper, let’s look at its history. 

Vellum paper has a rich history, and it was first made in Egypt in 3000 BC. The term vellum from the French word veau refers to parchment made from calf skin. It’s because the first vellum paper was made from animal skin, like a calf, and was used for writing royal treaties and decrees. 

It wasn’t until the 15th century that vellum became popular in tanning, which resulted in faster production of various books. The Arabs, Romans, and Greeks also started using vellum paper for various purposes, like writing cultural, legal, and religious documents. 

Over time, Vellum paper underwent various innovations and advancements. In the 19th century, vellum was widely applicable for bookbinding and other arts and crafts. Now, many people use this paper type to print texts that last for years. 

Benefits of Vellum Paper

The benefits of vellum paper are plenty, such as:

1. Versatile and Durable

Vellum paper boasts a thin yet sturdy surface that makes it ideal for various artistic and professional applications. Its smooth texture allows for precise penmanship and intricate detailing in artwork, calligraphy, and drafting. In addition, vellum paper boosts excellent durability. They can withstand repeated handling, and the text lasts for years without any damage. 

2. Cost-Effective 

Despite its elegant appearance, vellum paper is quite cost-effective. If you buy these papers in bulk, you can secure a good discount or offers from the supplier. The best part about vellum is that they are available in a variety of types.

This means you can easily find the one that best suits your project needs and budget.

3. Waterproof

Many people ask, is vellum waterproof? Well, the answer depends upon the type of paper you are using. For instance, waterproof vellum paper easily withstands all watercolor techniques and remains intact.

This means you can use such vellum papers to create stunning watercolor drawings, sketches, and illustrations.

Applications of Vellum Paper

Let’s now look at the many applications of vellum paper:

• Bookbinding: Vellum paper is perfect for bookbinding as it stands for wear and tear without getting damaged. This gives your books a smooth and neat finish, making them visually appealing. 
• Printing: So, can you print on vellum? Yes, you can! Vellum paper has applications in printing, and you can use inkjet or laser printers to produce crisp, high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. 
• Stationery: Vellum paper is also helpful for creating invitation cards and business envelopes. It’s because it looks more formal and professional than other paper types. The semi-translucent appearance of vellum paper also makes your stationery stand out from others. 

Conclusion 

What is vellum paper? It’s a popular paper type with a thin, smooth, and semi-translucent surface. This paper is very durable and can easily bear daily wear and tear. Vellum paper is best used in creating arts and crafts, printing, and painting.

In case you are searching for the best vellum paper for your project, contact PaperPapers! We offer high-quality vellum paper in various shapes at affordable rates, ensuring your projects get the best finish.