Understanding Paper Ream Labels - Pitney Bowes DocuMatch Integrated Mail System Reference Manual

A • Introduction to Paper

Understanding Paper Ream Labels

In a ream (500 sheets) of paper, an arrow on the label usually
indicates the felt side, while the bottom side is the wire side
(paper reams are normally shipped felt side up). Information
generally marked on the outside wrapper of a ream includes:
• type (bond, offset, bristol, ledger, tissue, etc.);
• size (dimensions);
• weight;
• color and finish;
• long grain (aligned along the longest dimension) or short
grain (aligned along the shortest dimension). The dimen-
sion (length or width) which is underlined on the ream
label indicates the direction of the grain. In Figure A-3
below, note the length (11 in.) is underlined, thereby
indicating the paper is grain long.
Figure A-3
Understanding paper ream labels
A-6
Felt Side
Wire Side
DocuMatch ™
Underlined Length
Indicates Grain Long
GRAIN LONG
Mail Materials Reference Guide
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