Papers and similis
Papers
Il n’existe pas un seul papier idéal, mais plusieurs options selon le rendu recherché :
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élégant et raffiné
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traditionnel
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coloré
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moderne
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résistant
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facile à travailler
Le bon choix dépend aussi de votre niveau et du type d’objet réalisé.
Les papiers artisanaux
Japanese paper
Washi is the Japanese word for paper made from mulberry fibres. It has been produced in Japan using traditional methods since the 7th century and has been listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014. This paper is both flexible and strong and is very easy to use in cartonnage. There are several types, including Yuzen, Chiyogami and Katazomeshi papers, whose names depend on the printing techniques used, the patterns (often inspired by those found on kimonos) and the colours.
Nepalese paper
Nepalese paper is called Lokta. It is handmade from the bark of a shrub of the same name found in the Himalayas, using a manual technique that has remained unchanged for thousands of years.
Its fibres are visible and it has irregular edges. It is very strong and does not tear or crease.
It comes in a wide range of colours and patterns. It can contain plant inclusions and be printed using a stamp or the batik wax technique.
Perfect for cardboard crafts, its transparency and light resistance also make it suitable for use in lampshades and candle holders.
Indian paper
Maybe you like to cover your cartonnages with paper or simulated leather without knowing the differences between each of them. Do not hesitate to consult the "Tools and Supplies" page to find some online stores, but in the meantime, here are some clarifications:
The papers
Nepalese paper
Nepalese Paper is called Lokta. It is handcrafted from the bark of a shrub of the same name found in the Himalayas, using a manual technique unchanged for millennia.
Its fibers are visible and it has irregular contours. Very strong, it does not tear or crease.
It is found in a large number of colors and patterns. It can have inclusions of plants, be printed with a pad or with the batik technique, with wax.
Perfect for cartonnage, its transparency and its resistance to light allow it to be used also to make lampshades or candle holders.
Japanese paper
Washi is the Japanese word for paper made from
the fibers of the mulberry tree.
It has been handcrafted in Japan since the 7th
century and has been listed since 2014 in the intangible
heritage of humanity. This paper is both flexible and resistant
and is very easy to use on cardboard boxes.
There are several types including Yuzen,
Chiyogami or Katazomeshi paper whose names depend on
the printing techniques used, patterns (often inspired by those
of kimono) and colors.
Indian paper
Indian papers are handcrafted in different regions of the country from recycled cotton fibers. For a more refined paper, it can be sprinkled with herbs, flower petals or silk threads before being pressed.
The prints are made from inked stamps, sometimes in several passes and some papers are even re-embroidered.
The Papertree brand includes more than 600 references!
Italian papers
Les papiers industriels
Italian papers
Italian papers are good quality papers made mechanically. There is a very wide variety of themes and patterns sometimes even enhanced with gold powder.
Among the most famous brands, we will note Tassoti or Kartos.
Be careful, you will have to look for the direction of their fibers before sticking them on your cardboard boxes if you do not want bubbles!
Papier marbré
Nepal, with Lokta, and India produce it using traditional methods, but although it was invented in Asia in the 8th century, the technique was imported to Europe at the end of the 16th century. Florence quickly became the international benchmark, and its marbled papers are now mainly produced industrially. However, it should be noted that there is still a very strong artisanal tradition in the bookbinding workshops of Florence and Venice.
Papier fantaisie
Il existent bien d'autres papiers à texture, impressions modernes, motifs géométriques ou floraux : idéal pour personnaliser vos créations et souvent à moindre coût.
Faux leather
Marbled paper
Nepal with Lokta, and India produce it in an artisanal way, but if it was invented in Asia in the 8th century and its technique was imported to Europe at the end of the 16th. Florence quickly became the international reference and its marbled papers are now mainly produced there industrially.
It should be noted, however, that there is still a very strong artisanal tradition in the bookbinding workshops of Florence and Venice.
The Similis
There are a large number of simulated leather , the best known of which is undoubtedly Skivertex®. But beware Skivertex® is a registered trademark (manufactured and distributed by the firm FiberMark) and not a material. Unfortunately there are many imitations of much lower quality which will not be detected most of the time until gluing.
Similicuirs
Who says simili immediately thinks of leather. And indeed, we can find simulated with the appearance of ostrich skin, crocodile, lizard, python and other shagreen (which by the way is a fish). But you can also use imitations of canvas, linen, jeans, silk, or oilcloth. Some even have the appearance of more or less hammered metal, wood, velvet or fur.
Combine several textures, even with fabric, and your cardboard boxes will be even more refined.
Autres similis
N'hésitez pas à explorer les similis imitant la toile, le lin, la soie ou le métal et le bois. L'astuce pour un cartonnage sophistiqué réside dans le mélange des matières : associez ces textures entre elles ou avec du tissu pour donner du relief et du caractère à vos ouvrages.
Quelle que soit la texture choisie, le similicuir reste le matériau idéal pour sublimer vos créations tels que :
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agendas
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albums
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coffrets
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classeurs
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boîtes solides
Conseils pour bien choisir son revêtement
Pour débuter
Choisissez :
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papier italien
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papier fantaisie assez épais
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simili support papier
Ils sont généralement plus simples à manipuler.
Pour un rendu haut de gamme
Préférez :
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papier japonais
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papier Lokta
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simili-cuir
Pour une boîte souvent manipulée
Utilisez un matériau résistant :
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simili cuir
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papier renforcé
FAQ Cartonnage
Peut-on utiliser du papier cadeau ?
Oui, mais il est souvent trop fragile sans renforcement.
Qu’est-ce que le Skivertex ?
Skivertex® est une marque déposée de la firme FiberMark.
C’est la marque d'un revêtement imitation cuir très utilisé en cartonnage et reliure pour ses qualités et sa solidité.
Quel matériau choisir pour une boîte solide ?
Un simili support papier est idéal.
🪄Aller plus loin en cartonnage
Vous souhaitez apprendre à utiliser ces matières dans vos créations ?
Le choix du papier ou du simili est essentiel en cartonnage. Il influence l’esthétique, la solidité, la facilité de collage et la durabilité de vos créations.
Boîtes, albums, carnets, coffrets ou objets décoratifs : chaque projet mérite un revêtement adapté.
Sur cette page, découvrez les principaux papiers pour cartonnage, les similis, leurs caractéristiques et mes conseils pour bien les utiliser.