Tracing paper is meant for use in drafting and drawing, as well as in engineering and architectural projects. There are also uses for it in interior design and fashion design. Further, there are those who use it in photography processing and in calligraphy, as well as in traditional screen printing. It is a special form of paper, which allows some light to pass through. That sets it apart from ordinary paper, which is usually more or less opaque. Thus when you overlay it over an image, the image’s outline becomes visible through the tracing paper.
All you then need to do is make use of a graphite pencil or some other tool, to copy the image. If you are in a line of business where copying images is often necessary, tracing paper can help you. Similarly, if you dabble in a hobby where copying images is necessary, this type of paper can help you.
Also check the buyer’s guide for the best Baking papers, Butter papers, Aluminium Foils, Paper Bags Making Machines, Wrapping papers, Quality Paper Bags, Paper plates, Stapler Pins, staple guns, Atlas Books, Register Notebooks, Diary Notebooks, Study pads, Paper Shredders, Toilet Papers, and Paper Soaps, in India.
Top 10 Best Tracing Papers in India
Features of Tracing Paper
- The most important feature of tracing paper is translucency. This tells us how well we can see images through the paper when we overlay it over them.
- Another key feature in tracing papers is thickness. From this, you can tell which uses the paper is suitable for. For instance, in screen printing, you need a paper that is quite thick. The challenge is in having a paper that is reasonably thick, yet still translucent.
- Ink absorbency is yet another important feature. Ideally, the paper should be capable of absorbing just enough ink: not so much as to be messy.
- Sturdiness too may be an important feature. This is a paper that often has to endure rough handling and folding during tracing processes. Therefore it should be sturdy enough for this.
Types of Tracing Papers
- There are vellum tracing papers. Then there are bond tracing papers. We also have ordinary tracing papers.
- There are coated tracing papers. Then there are uncoated tracing papers.
- We have tracing paper that is mainly for printing applications. Then we have that which is mainly for sketching applications.
- There are A4 size tracing papers. Then we have tracing papers that come in sizes other than A4.
- We have solid color tracing papers. Then we have marble color tracing papers.
- There are tracing papers that come already cut, as individual sheets. Then there are tracing papers that come as long (several meters) uncut rolls.
Buying Guide for Tracing Paper
- The first question you need to ask yourself is what exactly you need the tracing paper for. This should tell you what the best type of paper for that application is.
- Further, the use for which you need the paper will determine the most ideal quantity for you. For instance, if it is for commercial screen printing, you may need a pack with hundreds of tracing paper sheets. But if it is just for hobby calligraphy, you may find a pack containing a dozen sheets or so adequate.
- Ultimately, ensure that the paper you buy is the most ideal for the application you have in mind.
- Also, consider the tracing paper price. Do some research first, to know what the typical tracing paper price is like. You can then start shopping from an informed position, and avoid paying unduly more.
How To Use Tracing Paper?
- Usually, you start by overlaying the tracing paper over the one bearing the image you wish to copy. To ensure that it doesn’t move about during the actual tracing work, hold it with tape.
- Next is to take note of the outlines of the image you wish to copy. If your paper has good translucency, these should be coming over quite clearly.
- Thereafter, using a tool like a graphite pencil, you can carefully copy the image.
- The next step is of removing the tape that was holding the paper in place.
- Take note that besides this approach to image tracing, the paper is also suitable for some printing applications. There is also the scenario where paper is used in making things like menus and brochures.
List of Top 10 Best Tracing Papers in India-Buyers Guide
1. Lakeer A4 Size Tracing Paper for Artists
Comes in a pack of 50 tracing paper sheets. Suitable for both hobby and commercial arts.
Pros
- The paper is remarkably smooth
- The level of translucency is high
- The 50-sheet package should be adequate for most people’s needs
Cons
- The paper is rather light in weight
- Some types of ink may spread too much on the paper if one uses them
2. IMPRINT A4 Tracing Papers (50 Sheets)
Works well with manual equipment such as pencils and pens, as well as with printing equipment. Ideal for technical and non-technical designs.
Pros
- This is versatile tracing paper (which one can use for many different applications)
- The packaging is quite good
- The balance between thickness and translucency is alright
Cons
- Sometimes the paper has a tendency to crumble on the blade’s cutting edge
- Some may find the 50 sheets too many for their needs
3. Mapel A4 Size Tracing Paper (50 Sheets)
Thickness is 90 GSM. One can also use these papers for laser printing.
Pros
- This is quite heavy yet still nicely translucent paper
- The surface is quite smooth for image copying or sketching
- The paper is quite sturdy, hence also ideal for laser printing
Cons
- Packaging could be better
- Some may find cutting accurately through this paper to be a bit tricky at first
4. Paras Papermart 50 Sheets Tracing Paper (A4 Size)
These are thick but smooth papers. Suitable for calligraphy, technical drawing, screen printing, and other applications.
Pros
- The paper is sturdy and doesn’t easily tear during sketching works
- The price is relatively low
- Packaging is decent
Cons
- Some may find the paper thickness too much
- The translucency level in this paper is somewhat modest
5. Pmw Oil Absorbing Glassine Tracing Papers
What you get here is a pack with some 24 sheets. Each sheet has a size of 50 by 70 centimeters.
Pros
- These are highly translucent papers
- The 50 by 70 centimeters dimension they come in is highly desirable in certain applications
- They have some level of oil absorbency, making them very ideal for certain uses
Cons
- The pack only has 24 sheets
- The price for these papers may seem a bit high to some
6. Oddy (100 Sheets Pack) Tracing Butter Papers
These are rather smooth tracing papers. Thickness is 95 GSM.
Pros
- Transparency is neither too much nor too low
- The price is quite good for 100 sheets
- Size is the standard A4
Cons
- Some may find 100 sheets too many for their needs
- The paper may tear easily if one handles them too roughly
7. HUNNY BUNCH Tracing Paper Roll
What you get here is a 7 meters uncut roll of paper, rather than already cut individual sheets. The thickness for it is 36 microns.
Pros
- Comes with a glossy and matte side
- Suitable for both hand and machine operations
- The level of translucency is quite good
Cons
- Some may struggle with the aspect of cutting the roll into sheets
- The price for this paper roll may be out of reach for some
8. DoodleDash A3 Tracing Papers
Comes in a pack of 30 sheets. The thickness is 90 GSM.
Pros
- The surface is quite smooth
- It is fully recyclable
- The sheets are of a unique (A3) size
Cons
- Some may find the price a bit high for 30 sheets
- The unique size (A3) may render the paper unsuitable for certain applications
9. MAPEL Tracing Paper 50 Sheets (A3 Size)
Ideal for both manual drawing and printing. For this paper, the thickness is 90 GSM.
Pros
- The paper has a good degree of transparency
- It is versatile paper (which one may use for a wide array of things)
- The packaging for these sheets is decent
Cons
- The price for these sheets package may be out of reach for some
- There are those who may find the 90 GSM thickness too modest
10. LRS ARTIST Grade Tracing Papers (A4 Size 100 Sheets)
Suitable for use with both pencils and pens, as well as in printing. Thickness is the standard 90 GSM.
Pros
- The sheets are quite sturdy
- A high level of smoothness allows for convenient working
- The standard A4 sizing makes the paper suitable for a wide range of applications
Cons
- Packaging for these sheets is quite basic
- Some may find 100 sheets of paper too many for certain needs
Conclusion
Good quality tracing paper can make your work easier, giving proper-looking technical drawing, image copying, calligraphy or printing results. While shopping for the best tracing papers in India, this guide will come in handy.
FAQs
What is the use of tracing paper?
It is ideal for tracing images, technical drawings, calligraphy, screen printing, and so on.
What kind of paper is good for tracing?
There is a highly translucent type of paper that is ideal for tracing.
Is tracing paper the same as butter paper?
There is some difference, in that butter paper is mainly suitable for use in the food industry and packaging.