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PRINTMAKING PAPERS

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TIP:
The Difference Between Printmaking and Watercolor Paper

We have often seen artists use printmaking paper to execute watercolors.
Some have actually been successful but the paper buckles and beads up. It all has to do with the sizing.
Sizing is added to paper fiber in manufacturing to make sure the fibers stick together and determine the absorption rate often actually reducing it. This enables the paint or ink to stick to the paper. Materials used in sizing can include starches or gelatine and a surface sizing agent such as AKD or acrylic co-polymers. In short printmaking paper has more water repelling sizing than watercolor papers. However Printmaking Paper can be good for dry media and ink painting, and mediums that don't require too much liquid. Of course, they're also wonderful for prints such as silk screen, lithographs, etching, linoleum and just about any other print process you can come up with.

Stonehenge Paper

Stonehenge is a traditional fine art paper with a smooth, flawless surface that is slightly mottled to resemble actual vellum. Use it for watercolor, printmaking, pen-and-ink, pencil, or pastel. Stonehenge is machine-made in the United States, from 100% cotton fibers. It's acid-free. Each sheet has two deckle edges. Sheets are available in either a 90 lb (250 gsm) or 120 lb (320 gsm) weight, and in a variety of colors and sheet sizes.

Coventry Rag Paper

Coventry is one of the most versatile papers and can be used for all fine art techniques. It's machine made in the USA of 100% cotton. The paper is pH neutral, and deckled on 2 sides. 290 gsm.

Somerset Velvet Printmaking Paper

St. Cuthbert's Mill of England produces Somerset, the standard of excellence for printmaking papers, and the choice of artisans and printmakers worldwide. Use it for any printmaking application. It is equally superior for drawing, charcoal or pastel works. Mouldmade of 100% cotton, it has a neutral pH, is chlorine free, internal and surface sized, and has 2 natural deckles, and 2 tear deckles. 250 gsm.

Arches 88 Silk Screen Paper

Mouldmade in France, this clear, white paper is recommended for screenprinting and, if slightly moistened, for intaglio. Arches 88 is a heavyweight (140 lb) 100% cotton fiber paper. It's acid-free, neutral pH, and buffered, and is unsized for high absorption. Each sheet is watermarked and has two natural deckle edges.

Arches Cover Papers

Mouldmade in France specifically for printmaking and publishing, Arches Cover has a pronounced grain, two watermarks, and two natural deckle edges. It works beautifully for any printmaking process, or as a drawing surface. Arches Cover is 100% cotton fiber, acid-free, pH neutral, internally sized and buffered.

JAPANESE PRINTMAKING PAPERS

Hosho Paper

Hosho is a traditional, high-quality kozo paper, strong and absorbent. It does not shrink or tear easily, making it a good paper for woodblock or lino printing. Sheets measure 19" × 24" (approximately 48 cm × 61 cm), and are sized and acid-free, with deckle edges. Weight is 85 gsm.

Mulberry Paper

Mulberry Paper is handmade from the inner fiber of the mulberry to produce an exceptionally pure, translucent paper, used by paper and painting conservators in repair and lamination. It is very strong, despite its light weight. Sheets are 24" × 33½" (approximately 61 cm × 85 cm), not sized, and acid-free, with four deckle edges. Weight is 45 gsm.

Unryu Paper

Unryu, which literally means "Cloud Dragon Paper," is made by adding long swirling fibers to a basic kozo pulp. Unryu paper is white and translucent. Sheets are 24" × 39" (approximately 61 cm × 99 cm), not sized, and acid-free, with deckle edges.

Sekishu Paper

Sekishu is one of the oldest papers in the world, and is still made today by hand. It is a strong, crisp, deep cream colored paper made from kozo fibers. Sheets measure 24" × 39" (approximately 61 cm × 99 cm). Sheets are not sized, and are naturally acid-free, with deckle edges. Weight is 30 gsm.