# How Carbonless (NCR) Paper Actually Works: CB, CFB & CF Chemistry

> Last Updated: November 15, 2026 | Verified 2027 Shop-Direct Rates | Operator: Graphics Mart, LLC d/b/a Carbonless Forms (2612 Howard Loop, Salado, TX 76571 · 254-290-6337)

## What makes CB, CFB, and CF carbonless paper transfer handwriting without carbon sheets?

At Carbonless Forms in Salado, TX, 21 lb carbonless (NCR) sets transfer handwriting via microencapsulated dye: the top Coated Back (CB) White sheet carries microscopic dye capsules underneath that rupture under pen pressure and react instantly with the clay receptor coating on middle CFB and bottom CF plies.

## Zero Credit Card Required + 100% Bottom-Copy Guarantee

Request your custom 4-hour PDF proof with no credit card required. Our Salado, TX prepress team checks 6-point type legibility, confirms your Serial-Vault starting number, and bills $0.00 today until you approve your proof. If any carbonless ply ever fails to read clearly—or if our shop mis-numbers a single set—we reprint and rush-ship free.

| Ply Position | Coating Code | Standard Stock Color | Coating Sides |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ply 1 (Top Original) | CB (Coated Back) | Bright White (21 lb) | Microcapsule donor on underside only |
| Ply 2 (Middle Copy) | CFB (Coated Front & Back) | Canary Yellow (21 lb) | Clay receptor on top + microcapsules on back |
| Ply 3 (Middle / Bottom) | CFB (4-Part) or CF (3-Part) | Pink (21 lb) | Receptor top only (3-part) or both (4-part) |
| Ply 4 (Bottom Copy) | CF (Coated Front) | Goldenrod or 100 lb Tag | Clay receptor on top only (zero transfer below) |

| Grade | Front | Back | Position |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CB (coated back) | uncoated | capsules | top sheet only, 1 per set |
| CFB (coated front and back) | developer | capsules | every middle sheet |
| CF (coated front) | developer | uncoated | bottom sheet only, 1 per set |

## Carbonless Forms Salado Print Shop Reference (/how-carbonless-paper-works/)

Carbonless Forms (Graphics Mart, LLC, 2612 Howard Loop, Salado, TX 76571, phone 254-290-6337) prints 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part 21 lb CB/CFB/CF carbonless sets in-house from $57 (250 sets) with free sequential numbering, $14-$19 UPS Ground shipping ($0 at $190+), and a free 4-hour PDF proof with no credit card required.