Tracing Paper

General discussion area for learning about paper, and the different types available.
papagimp
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Tracing Paper

Post by papagimp »

curious what more experienced origamists consider to be pro's and con's of using tracing paper. I've seen quite a bit of google images with final models folded in tracing paper and love the look it gives.
I been using predominately Strathmore tracing paper pads, but recently purchased a roll of tracing paper online. I did not realize their were different weights, and this new stuff is the 7 and 8lbs rolls, while Strathmore is the 25lbs stuff (41gm/2).

also, Any experience with specific models that look nice or good to fold using either of these types of tracing paper?
mummykicks
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by mummykicks »

I don't like it as much as DTMC, doesn't feel as crisp. I prefer to MC a sheet of tissue to it, adds color and folds better I think. I've only used the 7lb so maybe the heavier stuff is better.
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Razzmatazz
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Razzmatazz »

For the really thin tracing paper; it's really good for insects as it doesn't buff up the legs and makes them easily shaped and folded flat.

For the stiff tracing paper (yes I have seen some, it's like thin plastic practically) it's trash. Well I shouldn't say that, but if you crease it 2+ times on a single crease, it'll just split.

With thin tracing paper I like making Kawasaki roses. Sure, it's very frail-like and barely holds the rose together; but if you just dip your fingers in water and touch up the petals on the rose--you can get beautiful flow in your rose.

Issues with some tracing papers I have found include the fact it's not nearly as strong as other papers. It's also not fibrous if that's the look you are going for. For models without a lot of folds or models that need heavier paper to hold it together, tracing paper isn't so good.
Baltorigamist
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Baltorigamist »

The label on the Strathmore stuff isn't accurate, and I use it a lot. 41g is about 10lb--average copy paper is about 83g and 22lb. Strathmore is a lot thinner that 1/2 that of copy paper, probably about 25-28g.

Apart from that, I agree with Razmatazz in that it's good for insects and the like. I've also tried some box-pleated models with it (just a couple of experimental designs) and found that it only works well if the folding sequence is somewhat linear and never involves flaps with an insane amount of layers.
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cowburger13

Re: Tracing Paper

Post by cowburger13 »

Tracing paper is excellent to fold with, except it's not very strong, and loose, so you have to flatten it every few minutes. At the end, you can apply a wet fold finish to combine the layers (use a damp cloth to do so, then quickly put something heaving on it and flatten.) Hope this helped :)
Baltorigamist
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Baltorigamist »

I find it to be very strong as long as there aren't a lot of unsinks or anything.
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Trouble
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Trouble »

is their anyway to glue it together to make large sheets because when i glue the seams become very wrinkled and unfoldable
cowburger13

Re: Tracing Paper

Post by cowburger13 »

I just buy a huge roll of it. :)
Baltorigamist
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Baltorigamist »

I just use thin and clear tape, and it works pretty well as long as you fold carefully.
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Trouble
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Trouble »

kk o just bought the 19x24 inch pad of strathmore and i wantesto know before i started glueing
Baltorigamist
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Baltorigamist »

I've been using that for a while, and the tape should be fine. While I've never used taped paper outright (I've never needed to because it doesn't rip), there should be no problems.
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Tahaorigami
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Tahaorigami »

Can anyone tell me if an 8lb tracing paper would work for the Ryujin 2.1?
Raptorex55
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Raptorex55 »

Yup, it'll work great. I folded Ermakov's mantis Shrimp, arguably more complex, from 18" 8lb tracing paper. I've also folded ryujin 2.1 from 19" 21 lb tracing paper. It feels nearly the same as the 8 lb stuff but slightly stiffer.
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Tahaorigami
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by Tahaorigami »

Ok Thanks!
Did you actually fold the Mantis Shrimp from an 18"(about 46cm) square :shock: ! The grid must have become very small?
easysid
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Re: Tracing Paper

Post by easysid »

I use thin tracing paper, and I find it quite strong. The only issue is that reversing creases can sometimes be difficult, and it only comes in white. It works very well for test folds.
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