Printmaking Papers

Printmaking paper selection impacts the final piece significantly. Ideal papers are strong and stable, enduring intensive handling, and processes like soaking, pressing, and inking. Western cotton papers and Eastern papers with long fibers are perfect for these demands. Alpha cellulose papers, trusted globally, and affordable options like cartridge paper are excellent, especially for proofing. Ink absorption is vital; printmaking papers have less sizing than watercolor papers, making them more absorbent. Certain papers, termed ‘waterleaf’, lack size entirely, increasing absorbency.

Different papers enhance artistic expression—textured papers add dimension to relief prints, while smooth ones enrich screenprint colors. Archival quality is crucial; acid-free, pH-neutral papers preserve prints, desirable for collectors concerned with longevity. Additionally, unconventional materials can be explored, stepping beyond traditional papers to innovate within printmaking. Each choice in paper can transform a print’s look and feel, marking the separation between hand-printed art and reproductions. Understanding these elements ensures the creation of lasting, distinctive prints.

The brands we stock include: Arches, BFK, Hahnemuhle, Stonehenge, Saunders, and St Armand.