Papermaking
Terminology
A deckle edge
The ragged or feathered edge on papers is referred to as a deckle edge. Traditionally deckle edges were only found on mold-made papers which were made manually using pulp and a special frame. Nowadays with modern technology, an artificial deckle edge can be produced – as opposed to a straight-cut edge – as it gives paper a more old-world and romantic feel. Most often deckle edges are found on fine art papers such as watercolour papers.
Surface texture
Fine art papers, such as those used for watercolour painting and printmaking, are often available in a variety of textures ranging from very smooth to rough.
Cold-Press (also CP, NOT or Grain Fin) refers to paper with a tooth/texture.
Rough (also Torchon) refers to a much rougher texture (more textured than Cold-Press).
Hot-Press (also HP or Satine) refers to very smooth paper.
These papers all go through slightly different processes to end up with a different surface finish. HP papers are better for finer, more controlled work, while the more textured papers are great for spontaneous and expressive work.
A deckle edge
The ragged or feathered edge on papers is referred to as a deckle edge. Traditionally deckle edges were only found on mold-made papers which were made manually using pulp and a special frame. Nowadays with modern technology, an artificial deckle edge can be produced – as opposed to a straight-cut edge – as it gives paper a more old-world and romantic feel. Most often deckle edges are found on fine art papers such as watercolour papers.
Surface texture
Fine art papers, such as those used for watercolour painting and printmaking, are often available in a variety of textures ranging from very smooth to rough.
Cold-Press (also CP, NOT or Grain Fin) refers to paper with a tooth/texture.
Rough (also Torchon) refers to a much rougher texture (more textured than Cold-Press).
Hot-Press (also HP or Satine) refers to very smooth paper.
These papers all go through slightly different processes to end up with a different surface finish. HP papers are better for finer, more controlled work, while the more textured papers are great for spontaneous and expressive work.
Cotton content
Cotton is more often found in fine art papers than normal stationery paper. This is because adding cotton to paper increases the price, but at the same time it improves the quality and strength of the paper. The amount of cotton in a paper determines how well it will handle water, paint, scrubbing, rubbing, and masking fluid techniques. Colours also appear brighter and more rich on cotton-content paper. The amount of cotton varies from paper to paper – with some papers boasting 100% cotton content and others having a combination of cotton and wood pulp. Because cotton is such a durable material it will also help to ensure the longevity of paper over time and is less likely to discolour and yellow with age.
Thickness of paper
Paper thickness is measures in gsm which is short for grams per square meter. The higher the gsm, the thicker the paper. So for example, 300gsm is much thicker than 90gsm paper (standard printer paper)
Cotton is more often found in fine art papers than normal stationery paper. This is because adding cotton to paper increases the price, but at the same time it improves the quality and strength of the paper. The amount of cotton in a paper determines how well it will handle water, paint, scrubbing, rubbing, and masking fluid techniques. Colours also appear brighter and more rich on cotton-content paper. The amount of cotton varies from paper to paper – with some papers boasting 100% cotton content and others having a combination of cotton and wood pulp. Because cotton is such a durable material it will also help to ensure the longevity of paper over time and is less likely to discolour and yellow with age.
Thickness of paper
Paper thickness is measures in gsm which is short for grams per square meter. The higher the gsm, the thicker the paper. So for example, 300gsm is much thicker than 90gsm paper (standard printer paper)
Western Styled Papermaking
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In Fabriano, a town with a rich history dating back to 1264, the creation of paper has been a revered tradition.
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