Started off using brown, because that was what I was used to. Brown, in my experience, tends to get brittle fairly quickly, usually after a few years or so. Switched to black paper for a time. Have seen black paper change color to a sickly purple over time, it also gets brittle after a while, and can also stain the wall. We switched over to the Lineco blue paper a few years ago, and use that exclusively for backing framed pieces. Have not noticed the same tendency to become brittle (though still watching for that), haven't noticed a considerable color shift or staining as it ages, and the blue color serves to set us apart from the shops still using brown or black backing papers in our area. It's a bit more expensive, but that can be worked into your costs to cover the difference easily enough. We do still keep some brown kraft on hand, but only for wrapping of glass and some framed pieces.
Another thing that popped into my head just now is that with brown and black papers, I found no consistency in the quality and weight of the paper. Sometimes I'd get a really nice heavy, thick paper, and the next roll I would get would be very thin and lightweight, and would practically tear if you looked at it funny. The blue paper has been fairly consistent in thickness and quality. I think the only difference from roll to roll I have experienced is a slight color difference, either lighter or darker in color. Not a big concern.
Rick
