Types of Vellum
- Parchment has been used throughout history as paper to write on.parchment graffiti image by michele goglio from Fotolia.com
Vellum is the general name used to describe translucent paper also known as parchment paper. Even though vellum has changed drastically from its original composition of parchment paper used by wealthy historian aristocrats, it has become an essential constituent in our world today and continues to increase its viability as a business staple. - Vellum paper is a translucent or see-through paper made from cellulose fibers of fir trees or other plants such as flax. Its fibrous texture makes it stronger and more durable than most other printing paper. The term “vellum surface” is often used to describe the rough or fibrous surface of any paper. Vellum comes in various qualities from a prestigious bright white high quality finish to rough construction paper and also comes in a selection of color choices.
- The original word “vellum” originates from the French word "veau," meaning "parchment made from calf’s skin." It was a creamy or yellowish material made from the skin of newly born calves, goats or lambs. The skin was dried and stretched until it became thin enough to use as a textured writing tablet or an acceptable thickness of canvas for painting portraits. Although the vellum produced today is no longer made from animal skins, it bears a textured resemblance to the original parchment.
- Uses of standard quality vellum paper include all-purpose printing paper and copy paper, as well as business cards, invitations, report covers, inserts, brochures, flyer inserts, announcements, wrapping paper, greeting cards, books and name tags. High quality vellumis used for some books and Bibles, as well as professional resumes and business presentations. Low quality vellum, often referred to as “construction paper,” is used most often in scrapbooking and in paper crafts.
- With new technology, vellum paper products are made strong and durable and yet present as one of the highest qualities of printing paper because the ink stays on the page and does not absorb into it. It can be cut, folded and positioned easily because of its fibrous composition, and it comes in weights ranging from 17 pounds to 100 pounds. It’s ideal for both laser and ink jet printing and for photocopying.
- Bibles have been written on parchment throughout history.bible book image by Dubravko Grakalic from Fotolia.com
High quality vellum or parchment paper is used for the pages in Bibles, public laws and land records because of its strength and durability. As well, important historic documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Articles of Confederation are all written on parchment paper known as vellum.
