The perfect bookbinding photo album paper needs to be versatile enough to support pictures of various shapes and sizes, while creating a fun sensory experience for the viewer. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most important paper qualities for photo albums – and why – so you can make the right choice for your next album.
Paper Weight
When it comes to photo albums, paper weight is the most important property. If the paper is too light, it will bend and curve as the pages are turned. This may cause photos to lift and separate or create creases that weaken paper over time. If the paper is too heavy, pages won’t turn or lay open correctly.
So, what is the best paper weight for photo albums? Through my own research and open discussion with fellow bookbinders, I can confidently recommend 250-300 gs/m (around 160 lbs text weight or 90 lbs cover weight).
Paper of this weight may be referred to cover (cover stock) or card (card stock). A few other names you might recognize:
- laid (laid cover)
- wove (wove cover)
- cambric
The names vary based on pulp fiber and finish. This brings me to my second important bookbinding photo album paper quality: finish.
Paper Finish
Some papers are textured on the surface while others are smooth. This is referred to as a paper’s “finish.” It’s an important quality for book makers to consider because it sets the mood and experience for whoever touches it.
I’ll give you an example. Laid cover paper has a slightly textured surface with visible grid lines that run both horizontally and vertically, copying the look of fine handcrafted paper. Wove paper, on the other hand, is considered untextured. It doesn’t have a grid pattern, but heavier versions feel lush to the touch.
These finishes are great for photo albums:
- wove
- smooth
- laid
- linen
- felt
Each of these has a different look and feel, so be sure to grab a sample book before buying. I personally recommend wove or laid paper if you’re just getting started.
Paper Color
Color is such an important quality is almost everything we do. The paint on our walls can excite (red) or calm us (grays and taupes). Color can also influence our decision making, like blue for trust or yellow to invoke creativity. Selecting color for a book is no different, especially when it comes to photo albums.
Wedding albums are usually white for purity and beginnings. Graduation albums are black for power, mystery and wealth and set the stage for a graduate’s positive future. Children’s albums are usually made of one or more pastel colors to open the door for creativity and imagination. When you’re picking a color for your album pages, keep color meaning in mind.
Here are a few of my personal recommendations:
- variations of white are great for any album (off-white, natural or creams)
- black for elegance, tradition, luxury or memorials
- pastels for babies and children
- shades of browns, oranges and blues for pets, travel, historical albums and other adventures
Paper Size
When it comes to photo album bookbinding paper, size matters. The paper needs to be large enough to fold in half for each signature or fold at one end to create a tab. This is easier said than done once grain direction comes into play.
Here are a few popular photo album sizes and the minimum sheet size required to make them. These are the minimum sizes required, not necessarily the sizes offered. Premium paper brands like Mohawk and Stonehenge have very different sheet sizes. The goal is to get a sheet large enough (with the right grain direction) to fold in half with some added room for error.
| Album Size (in inches) | Minimum Popular Sheet Size |
| 6×6 | 12×12 |
| 7×5 | 17×11 or 18×12 |
| 8×8 | 17×11 or 18×12 |
| 10×10 | 20-1/2 x 14-1/3 or 20×26 |
| 12×9 | 19×25 |
| 12×12 | 19×25 |
My Favorite Papers
I’ve tested a lot of papers, so I feel pretty confident in sharing these recommendations with you. Before compiling the list, I asked a few of my book maker friends to share their favorites as well. Here they are:
- Stonehenge paper, 250gsm (I buy mine from Talas Online because the sheet sizes are perfect)
- Rives BFK printmaking paper, 250 and 270 gsm (I also buy these from Talas Online)
- Hamilco 80lb cover stock in cream (book maker friend recommended)
- Neenah Classic Laid in Natural White (80lb cover, book maker friend recommended)
Resources
Learn more about paper
- Where to buy swatchbooks – I ordered mine from The Paper Mill Store because I like the variety.
- Spotlight: My Favorite Bookbinding Paper
- Know the Difference | Text and Writing Weight Papers
- How to Make a Lined Paper Template for Bookbinding
- How to Find Lined Paper for Bookbinding
- Lined Paper Templates Pack for Bookbinding
Are you new to bookbinding? Check out my New Bookbinder Guide for helpful information.
I hope this information was helpful – please come find me on Instagram and let me know!
ALL my best,
Misty
