You might have come across different types of tissue papers. Learn more about tissue papers and how they compare with other paper types.
You would be astonished by the varieties of paper we surround ourselves with on an everyday basis. Napkin, toilet paper, crepe paper, paper towel, gift wrapping paper, cardstock paper, cardboard paper, origami paper and the list goes on.
Despite the variety of papers present, we are much more prone to using tissue paper.
And why would we not? Tissue paper has only made it easier to clean, wipe, paint, draw, sketch and craft.
There are various different types of tissue paper, but for the sake of simplicity, we will be talking about the most common tissue paper with multifaceted purposes.
This is your everyday use tissue paper that is used in the kitchen, cars, while catering and at home to perform other casual routines.
Apart from this, there are several other types of tissue papers mentioned below:
- Hygienic Tissue Paper
- Facial Tissue Paper
- Paper Towels
- Wrapping Tissue Paper
- Toilet Paper, and
- Table Napkins
Through this wholesome guide, we have made a humble attempt to define and differentiate tissue paper versus other types of paper.
In fact, you will also learn how to use tissue paper to give effects such as stained glass effect through tissue paper flowers and even mixed media background texture using tissue paper!
This sounds exciting. Right! Then let’s continue on further.
Scratching the Surface With Tissue Paper
So, hey! All the paper geeks out there, have you ever heard of crepe paper? If not, then you are going to be flabbergasted.
Read on to find out how.
So let’s scratch the surface using a tissue paper and see what lies underneath the crispy damp layers.
You must remember the streamers and confetti used during your friend’s birthday party.
Here is a jaw-dropping fact about them.
Those streamers are in fact made out of something called crepe paper which in turn is made using tissue paper.
And tissue paper is made out of various other types of raw materials such as bamboo, paper pulp, cornstarch or virgin cellulose fiber.
The raw material that is used to make tissue paper is also a defining characteristic of the two properties related to it:
Transparency
Transparency of the paper being produced is basically checking if the paper is see through.
To simplify this for you, let us provide you with an example.
The transparency of a brochure is much less than that of, say a single ply tissue paper or a newspaper.
In fact, brochures are crafted out of premium quality paper to ensure least transparency.
Texture
Texture of tissue paper defines how rough or soft the surface of the tissue paper is.
A rough textured tissue paper is crinkly and mostly used for arts and craft purposes.
On the other hand, a soft and smooth surface of a tissue paper is best for drawing or sketching, even origami.
Apart from the transparency and texture of tissue paper, there are other qualities that you should preferably look at while buying, purchasing or using tissue paper.
They are six such qualities:
- Absorption capacity
- Caliper, or thickness
- Brightness
- Stretchability
- Appeal, and
- Comfort level
Another factor that helps with the ease of using tissue paper in our day-to-day lives is that it is 100 percent eco-friendly and biodegradable.
In fact, toilet paper can be easily flushed down the toilet as it would later decompose in the septic tank. And since there is no damage being done to the environment, you can be as liberal in the usage of tissue paper as you will be; guilt free.
Now, that you know all that you should know about tissue paper, it will be much easier to compare it with other types of paper. This will help you either way, be it completing an important project or making a pinata for your sibling’s birthday.
Tissue Paper versus Crepe Paper
Tissue paper is your everyday paper that can be used to wipe water and oil spills, either in the kitchen or on the dining table, during brunches and parties.
The multicolored papers found in gift bags are tissue papers.
On the other hand, crepe paper is thicker (or contains more layers) than tissue paper. It is also more rough in texture than tissue paper, and also more wrinkly.
Although crepe paper is easily available as sheets – just like tissue paper – you can also buy them in rolls as streamers.
So if you are looking for the type of paper that is compact and easy to carry, then tissue paper should be your go to mantra.
Alternatively, if you require something more elaborate, vibrant and something that screams ‘Let’s get this party started!’ then use crepe paper.
Crepe paper is used for making pinatas at birthday parties.
Tissue Paper versus Table Napkin
When it comes to fine dining, it is not just the dish being served that matters.
The way the plates have been kept, the synchronization of spoons with forks neatly flanking the table and the table napkin folded and kept on top of the plate are also equally pertinent.
The entire experience altogether sums up the exquisite haute couture of dining.
These table napkins are available in a range of single ply to four ply, an experience of eliteness with every extra layer.
On the other hand, tissue paper does not grace our dining experience the way table napkins do, but you will find it sitting as an essential at every table and every household you encounter.
In essence, paper napkins are more durable and superior in quality than tissue paper when it comes to fine dining.
Tissue Paper versus Handkerchief
Handkerchief is frankly quite similar to tissue paper, except for one minute fiber related difference.
While tissue paper is extracted out of wood pulp through various mechanical processes, handkerchiefs are available in very many fabrics including silk, cotton and chiffon.
On the one hand, tissue paper is manufactured based on a one-time use policy. You use it once and that is plenty to smudge it such that it shall not be used again.
While on the other hand, handkerchiefs are reusable and washable.
In fact, tissue paper is much less durable as compared to handkerchiefs.
Nowadays, people are moving away from the traditional use of handkerchiefs towards the easy to dispose tissue papers because they are more hassle-free.
They come in reels or sheets of paper, plenty at a time, which makes it easier to rely on them.
Moreover, their easily decomposable and biodegradable nature has made them nature’s caring companion.
Let’s get Virtual!
If you are into arts and craft, then you are probably and inexorably going to love the idea of making a textured mixed media background.
What’s more, it can be made using easily available materials at home.
Here is a YouTube tutorial, that will help your creative influx merge with your background to create something novel and artistic out of it.
Through this YouTube tutorial, learn how to create the most magnificent and aesthetic of mixed media backgrounds to reflect your inner self.
All you need is tissue paper, watercolor paper, raw sienna acrylic paper, oil pastels and burnt umber acrylic paint.
Of course, these colors are subject to the mixed media background that the YouTuber is making.
You can choose to experiment with colors to create a unique pattern of those splendid splashes.
Tissue Paper versus Toilet Paper
There are various types of tissue paper, as said above.
Each of these tissue papers have their own unique strengths and weaknesses of usage. Toilet paper is one such type of tissue paper.
But first things first, did you know that although paper has been under production since the 6th century, it was not until much later in the 14th century that it was used as toilet paper as well.
And in the current scenario, it is considered a tad bit unhygienic to not to have a toilet paper in the toilet.
Moreover, toilet paper is available in the range of single ply to six ply.
This sure gives us a LOT of options to pick from because these papers are also manufactured by different brands and companies.
However, one important thing to keep in mind is that there are other types of tissue paper more rugged and insensitive on the skin.
They are more rough in texture and primarily used in the kitchen or for other outdoorsy purposes.
Do ensure that you only use skin sensitive tissue paper or toilet paper for your skin. Otherwise, you might end up with itchiness, burns and rashes.
Tissue Paper versus Gift Wrapping Paper
Gift wrapping paper adds a tinch joie de vivre to whomever it goes to.
After all, if you do not like gifts wrapped in paper then you could be borderline psychopathic. Just kidding!
Gift wrapping paper, unlike tissue paper, comes with all the glamour and glitter with a hint of mystery to it.
They usually come in reels but are also available in sheets. They are much different than tissue paper in the sense that they are more resistant to tear and should definitely not be used in the kitchen, unless you are wrapping presents in the kitchen.
Gift wrapping paper is suitable for festive occasions, birthdays, anniversaries and other celebratory occasions.
The vibrant sparks of colors, tremendously creative patterns that they come in, combined with a pinch of laughter, make them perfect for giving away presents.
An interesting fact about comparing gift wrapping paper with tissue paper is that tissue paper can also serve as a gift decor item.
Wrapping tissue paper is produced to serve the exact same purpose. It is used to cushion fragile items such as watches, glass cases and other such gifts.
So, if you would like to completely wrap your gift before giving it away, then use gift wrapping paper.
However, if you are giving away, say a limited edition of a book, then go with the wrapping tissue paper.
Tissue Paper versus Watercolor Paper
Have you tried using watercolors on a tissue paper?
If not, then let us tell you that it is a futile attempt at using watercolors.
Tissue paper, especially tissue paper available under three ply will pretty much crumble into the tiniest ball of paper you will ever see once the water is applied to it.
For this reason, a tissue paper cannot be used as a surface to put watercolors on.
However, watercolor paper is solely manufactured to serve this purpose. There is a variety of watercolor papers available at online stores such as eBay, Amazon and Target.
The defining characteristic of watercolor paper is that it will not leave a transparent and thin outline of the drawing through the paper on the other side.
Tissue paper leans towards the thinner side of the GSM paper spectrum. It is not necessary nor common to see tissue paper with a paper weight of 300 GSM, or more.
Quite on the contrary, watercolor paper is commonly found in 300 GSM or above. This is because the use of water slightly dampens the paper.
In order for the paper to stay sturdy, it needs to have enough paper weight to support both the watercolor paper and the water pastels.
Let’s get Virtual!
Light streaming through the lightweight yet vibrantly colorful glass gives out a calmingly aesthetic energy.
In fact, it is a simple, easy and fun way to make your kindergarten classroom into a personalized den of colors.
And this is exactly what happens when you create stained glass flowers using tissue paper.
Here is a link to a YouTube tutorial that will help you explore the very many ways your glass doors can look artsy.
Through this YouTube tutorial, you get to learn the most charismatic way to decorate glass doors and windows with some easily available materials at home.
All you would require is clear contact paper, clear tape, tissue paper in a variety of colors, scissors, pencil and construction paper (one sheet of paper per flower).
Start by trimming the tissue paper into smaller pieces, create a flower out of cardstock paper and lay the contact paper on top of the flower.
Cut according to the dimensions, stick the colored tissue paper onto it and bravo!
You are done making the most innocent and childishly amusing tissue paper stained glass flowers ever known!
FAQs
What is tissue paper made of?
Tissue paper is made of various raw materials including bamboo, paper pulp, cornstarch or virgin cellulose fiber. Moreover, in order to make the tissue paper more fragrant or colorful, there are artificial scents and color dyes that are also used as additives.
Is tissue paper biodegradable or non-biodegradable?
Tissue paper is biodegradable in nature. It does not cause any harm to the environment and can be disposed of without much apprehension. In fact, toilet paper can easily disintegrate in septic tanks and can be disposed of in the toilet itself.
How can I shred tissue paper without using a shredder?
Shredders are not normally used for tissue paper but confidential documents or other types of paper. Although you can still shred a tissue paper using a shredder, there are various other ways through which you can shred it:
– By hand
– Using a pair of scissors
– By soaking tissue paper in water
– Burning the tissue paper, and
– Flushing the tissue paper down the toilet
Is tissue paper translucent?
Yes, tissue paper is more translucent than opaque. However, there are other types of paper such as crepe paper which is made out of sticking together several layers of tissue paper and is commonly found in streamers. This type of paper is more opaque due to its integral structure.
Where can I buy premium quality tissue paper?
Premium quality tissue paper is available both at online stores and at various stationery or office supply stores near you. You can easily browse through a window of options on sites such as Amazon and eBay. You would rather do a quick quality check by visiting a nearby store prior to buying them online.
Conclusion
With this, we have come to the end of our guide.
As much as tissue paper is an essential commodity in our everyday lives, it is best to know the pros and cons of the various other types of paper that come with it.
This will not only help you perform a given tissue paper related tasks better, but also give you the creative insight into what works as an aesthetic and what does not.
Now, that you know most of what differentiates a tissue paper from other paper, you are ready to give your curiosity a push!
What is your favorite tissue paper? We would love your comments. You can visit our contact us page to leave a comment or suggestion.
You can also visit facts.net to enjoy some interesting fun facts about tissues.
Leeisha
Creative Artist
Leeisha is a talented artist with a passion for drawing, coloring, painting, and making paper crafts. Known for her charming and talkative personality, She always finds new and exciting ways to bring her imagination to life. Whether through sketching, coloring, or paper crafting, Leeisha has a gift for turning her ideas into beautiful works of art.
End of — “Easy Guide About Tissue Paper versus Other Paper Types,”
