Papers

Papers Introduction The paper you select for your artwork is important. Give the process of selecting a paper as much thought as you do the subject matter, media selection, and reproduction process. There are too many types of paper available to discuss each in detail, but there are some common features and general truths. To develop comprehensive knowledge on paper make-up and surfaces, contact a manufacturer. Paper companies are generous with paper samples, and swatches upon request. Paper products In general, paper products are made from the pulp of trees. Fiber is ground into pulp and chemicals and synthetics are added that affect the strength and durability of the final sheet of paper. These acidic chemicals cause deterioration and discoloration, a process called foxing. A deteriorating paper accelerates the breakdown of other papers in contact with it. High quality papers contain rag or cotton fibers. The three categories of paper are rag paper, a combination of wood pulp and rag, and wood pulp papers. If you are looking for permanence in a mat board or illustration board, select a paper with a neutral-ph rate or archival quality high rag content. Archival quality papers cost more but the acidity of the chemicals is neutralized or removed. Paper quality Use quality paper for your artwork. Quality refers to the paper surface, rated durability, and the ability of the paper to perform or accept particular media. Quality papers are stamped or pressed with a watermark indicating rag content. A watermark is a mark made by manufacturers to identify a line of their product. A watermark is visible only when you hold the paper against light. Paper weight The weight of paper usually, but not always, refers to thickness. The thickness of paper is determined by how much a ream (500 sheets) of that size paper weighs. For example, 300-pound watercolor paper means that 500 sheets of that paper weighs 300 pounds total. A sheet of 200-pound watercolor paper of the same size (dimensions) would be a thinner sheet of paper, and therefore would weigh less. Continued on next page 1-4