Construction paper

Construction paper or sugar paper, is a type of coarse colored paper typically available in large sheets. The texture is slightly rough, and the surface is unfinished. Due to the nature of the source material from which the paper is manufactured, small particles are visible on the paper’s surface.

Picture of different colors of construction paper.

The origin of the term sugar paper lies in its use for making bags to contain sugar. It is also related to the 'blue paper' used by confectionary bakers from the 17th century England onwards, for example in the baking of Regency ratafia cakes (or macaroons).

How construction paper is made

Wood chunks and hot water are mixed to form a mushy mixture called pulp. Recycled paper is also added to make the pulp thicker and dye is then added to give it color. Then the pulp mixture is moved over a wire conveyor belt to remove the water and as a result, the pulp becomes less shiny, less mushy and more like paper. The pulp is then moved over big heated barrels where the heat dries up remaining water and the pulp then becomes construction paper. The paper is put into big rolls, where it is sent to a machine called a feeder and is cut into large sheets. The sheets are then cut into smaller pieces and wrapped in plastic to be sold in stores. [1]

Use

Construction paper is commonly used by Cedarville University students who are learning about curriculum mapping.

The paper is also used by artists and animators. The animated cartoons Blue's Clues and South Park were originally made using construction paper and stop motion. [2]

References

• Information for the Construction Paper Uses & Origination of Term
• What is Construction Paper?

External Sites

• Construction Paper: A Brief History of Impermanence - A detailed review on the history of construction paper and its manufacturing.