Kami Paper Thickness: The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to paper, thickness is a critical factor that impacts its durability, strength, and overall quality. One of the most common units used to measure paper thickness is the "kami" or "gami," a traditional Japanese unit of measurement. Understanding kami paper thickness can help you make informed decisions when choosing paper for various applications, from printing to crafting.

Kami Paper | Conservation Collection
Kami Paper | Conservation Collection

Kami paper thickness is often expressed in terms of "grain," which refers to the number of sheets of paper that can be cut from a ream (500 sheets) of a specific thickness. The lower the grain number, the thicker the paper. For instance, a 12-grain paper is thicker than a 24-grain paper.

paper & tokyo – kami no kousakujo
paper & tokyo – kami no kousakujo

Understanding Kami Paper Thickness

To grasp kami paper thickness, it's essential to understand the grain system. The grain number is inversely proportional to the paper's thickness. This means that a lower grain number indicates a thicker paper, while a higher grain number indicates a thinner paper.

four different colored papers are lined up on the wall
four different colored papers are lined up on the wall

For example, a 12-grain paper has a thickness of approximately 0.18 millimeters (mm), while a 24-grain paper has a thickness of around 0.09 mm. This difference in thickness can significantly impact the paper's suitability for different applications.

Thick Kami Paper (Low Grain)

a black and white photo of a restaurant with stairs leading up to the second floor
a black and white photo of a restaurant with stairs leading up to the second floor

Thick kami paper, with a low grain number, is ideal for applications that require durability and strength. These include:

  • Cardstock and poster board for printing and crafting projects
  • Invitations and greeting cards, where a sturdy feel is desired
  • Art paper for painting, drawing, or mixed media projects

Medium Kami Paper (Medium Grain)

four different types of mattresses stacked on top of each other in a room with carpeting
four different types of mattresses stacked on top of each other in a room with carpeting

Medium kami paper, with a medium grain number, offers a balance between thickness and flexibility. It's suitable for a wide range of applications, such as:

  • Printing on both sides without show-through
  • Writing and drawing paper for everyday use
  • Notebook and journal paper

Kami Paper Thickness in Different Industries

All About A4 Paper – Doxzoo - DoxZoo
All About A4 Paper – Doxzoo - DoxZoo

Kami paper thickness plays a crucial role in various industries, from printing to crafting and beyond.

In the printing industry, for instance, paper thickness directly impacts the quality and durability of the final product. Thicker paper can withstand heavier ink coverage without buckling or warping, resulting in high-quality prints.

Fashui Kaiju Paradise paper craft
Fashui Kaiju Paradise paper craft
Paper size
Paper size
a stack of papers sitting on top of each other
a stack of papers sitting on top of each other
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Japanese paper cutting | Beginners guide to kirie - Mandala Meadow
the paper doll is made to look like it has been cut out and put together
the paper doll is made to look like it has been cut out and put together
1.5K views · 45 reactions | The Japanese Paper Place sent me a konnyaku kit to turn any paper into a strong fabric-like material! This is a game changer for bookbinding. The papers don’t need to be crumpled but this is a common practice and it does help with kneading the starch into the paper fibres. I personally enjoy the texture too. Konnyaku kits will be available in my shop very soon! Join my newsletter to get notified. A full deep dive into washi (Japanese paper) for bookbinding is coming to YouTube this week. It hasn’t been easy learning how to use washi, especially the lighter weights, so it was really nice to get tips and recommendations from the JPP. The Japanese Paper Place is a wholesaler, so if you’re looking for a konnyaku powder source, reach out to them for a reseller in your area! | Bitter melon bindery | Facebook
1.5K views · 45 reactions | The Japanese Paper Place sent me a konnyaku kit to turn any paper into a strong fabric-like material! This is a game changer for bookbinding. The papers don’t need to be crumpled but this is a common practice and it does help with kneading the starch into the paper fibres. I personally enjoy the texture too. Konnyaku kits will be available in my shop very soon! Join my newsletter to get notified. A full deep dive into washi (Japanese paper) for bookbinding is coming to YouTube this week. It hasn’t been easy learning how to use washi, especially the lighter weights, so it was really nice to get tips and recommendations from the JPP. The Japanese Paper Place is a wholesaler, so if you’re looking for a konnyaku powder source, reach out to them for a reseller in your area! | Bitter melon bindery | Facebook
many different colored papers are stacked on top of each other
many different colored papers are stacked on top of each other
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A4 Kraft Japanese Paper: Double Sided Embossed Scrapbooking Paper (10 Sheets)
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Handmade paper for artists - Khadi Papers
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Credits: amberfluvsies
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CHR2137 Kinari Chiri MM - Beautiful Japanese Paper
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White Cardstock Paper, Thick Card Stock For Handicraft
a piece of paper that has been torn off with red ink on it and some other writing
a piece of paper that has been torn off with red ink on it and some other writing
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two people are rolling dough on top of ice in a pan with water and bubbles
multicolored strips of paper stacked on top of each other in different sizes and colors
multicolored strips of paper stacked on top of each other in different sizes and colors

Printing and Publishing

In the printing and publishing industry, kami paper thickness is a critical factor. Thicker paper is used for:

  • Books and magazines, where durability and longevity are essential
  • Posters and flyers, where a sturdy feel is desired
  • Business cards, where a high-quality, professional feel is important

Crafting and Art

In the crafting and art world, kami paper thickness also plays a significant role. Different types of paper are used for various projects, such as:

  • Watercolor paper, which is thick and textured for painting
  • Drawing paper, which is smooth and thin for detailed work
  • Cardstock, which is thick and sturdy for creating cards and other projects

Understanding kami paper thickness can help you make informed decisions when choosing paper for your projects. Whether you're a professional printer, a passionate crafter, or an artist looking for the perfect paper, knowing the grain system can help you find the ideal paper thickness for your needs.