Learn what to consider when choosing a paper to print your woodblock.
Video
Title: Printing Paper Overview
Time: 02:03
Summary: Learn what to consider when choosing a paper to print your woodblock.
[INTRO: MUSIC PLAYING]
Most printmaking papers come from Asia and Europe.
The paper’s composition tells you its likely origin.
Cotton or wood pulp varieties generally are European,
Mulberry, Gampi, and Kozo fiber papers originate in the east.
When someone asks what is my ideal paper,
I don’t have a clear-cut favorite. There is such a range.
Some are translucent, and others have a lovely shine to the surface.
Still, more are heavyweight and feel like velvet.
If you ask me what paper is best for woodblock printmaking,
my answer is all of them under certain conditions.
You can print on any type using a press,
and most thin Asian papers work well if you are printing with a spoon.
Select paper with a smooth surface,
especially when new to printmaking. It will best receive the ink.
These are just a few things to keep in mind.
There are many paper options, and I recommend experimenting to discover your favorites.
Thanks for watching, and happy printing.
[OUTRO: MUSIC PLAYING]
Note: 70 gsm and under is best for hand printing.
Renaissance Graphic Arts (Pennsylvania):
Paper Sample Book – renaissancegraphics.com
Your instructor recommends this book if you’re looking for various printmaking papers that come in sheets.
Masa, 70 gsm – renaissancegraphics.com
Arches Text, 120 gsm – renaissancegraphics.com
Arnhem 1618, 320 gsm – renaissancegraphics.com
Mulberry, 45 gsm – renaissancegraphics.com
Rives Lightweight, 115 gsm – renaissancegraphics.com
Somerset Book, 115 or 175 gsm – renaissancegraphics.com
Stonehenge, 250 gsm – renaissancegraphics.com
Unryu, 37 gsm – renaissancegraphics.com
Paper Connection (Rhode Island):
Moon Peach – paperconnection.com
Lauren, the owner of Paper Connection, travels to Japan regularly to source beautiful Asian papers. She has too many options to list here!
Hiromi Paper Inc. (California):
Roll Sample Book – hiromipaper.com
Your instructor recommends this book if you’re looking for Asian papers that can be ordered oversized.
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