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.
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