Guide to Mimeograph Paper

Mimeograph paper creates a distinctive look for your business letters and fliers
By Mike Tracy

Ever since Thomas Edison invented the first mimeograph machine in 1876, people have been fascinated by the process and the product it makes. The machine uses mimeograph paper, a specialty paper. Your business should consider mimeograph paper in producing custom stationary and fliers on mimeograph paper to stand out in the crowd. And, your use of mimeograph paper would help the green revolution, because the mimeograph requires no electricity and mimeograph paper is made from recycled materials.

Mimeograph paper is great when your office wants to do two-sided printing. It is classified as a specialty paper product, so it is usually only carried by companies that make or distribute paper products. When looking for mimeograph paper information, consider the following:

1. The mimeograph machine and mimeograph paper used for copies is an old-fashioned technology.

2. Mimeograph paper is a specialty paper that might cost more than regular copy paper.

3. You can find a limited number of new versions of mimeograph paper and machines.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create a mimeograph paper list of suppliers for company orders Because it is a specialty paper and the technology is dated, a mimeograph paper provider can be hard to find. Many paper suppliers don't list it among their products. To find mimeograph paper, your company might have to scour online sources and specialty paper companies or speak with a representative.

I recommend: The Louisiana Association for the Blind carries boxes of mimeograph paper made from recycled materials. Gladfelter is a leading specialty paper supplier. It has varieties of carbonless copy paper for mimeograph machines and similar devices.

Consider using multipurpose paper as a substitute for mimeograph paper Mimeograph paper is not a 'refined' paper product, so it wasn't deemed useful in copiers and printers with sensitive machinery. For that reason, many paper companies stopped making it. However, some paper makers have developed multipurpose paper for use with both mimeograph and copy machines.

I recommend: Multipurpose paper for copy machines and mimeograph machines is available from Quill. Toys "R" Us also offers white multipurpose paper for mimeograph machines and copiers.

Purchase a mimeograph machine and supplies along with mimeograph paper If you like the 'look and feel' of a mimeographed piece, your company might invest in a mimeograph machine and supplies. Some office machine makers and office supply houses still offer mimeographs and supplies.

I recommend: At Alibaba.com, you can find two new versions of the mimeograph machine from Jinan Artsign Science and Technology. Although it uses digital technology, the printer available from Office Zone guarantees "mimeograph-style" results.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Although mimeograph machines are not complex, your company might want to make service arrangements with a technician familiar with copy machines.
If you plan to use multipurpose paper with your mimeograph machine, run a few samples before making a large print run. If you aren't satisfied with the results, see if you can make adjustments to the machine. If not, ask your paper supplier if you can have samples of other multipurpose papers for similar trials.