The Potential of Paper

Paper choice is an important consideration when creating an original print as it is integral to the final piece. The hard work has been done to carefully craft the blocks or plates that hold the inked image, but it is the interaction between the ink and the paper under pressure that ultimately finishes the work.

Paper holds enormous potential to enhance the work, or, in some cases, inform and contribute to the meaning of the work. For example, I recently took part in an arts science and humanities project – On the Seashore – where we printed an image in response to the theme on a piece of handmade seaweed paper.

In much of my work, I leave large areas of the paper exposed as part of the image, including sections of blind embossing – a technique whereby dampened paper is pressed into the recesses of a carved block, creating raised forms that cast subtle, shifting shadows depending on the angle of the light. A great choice of paper for embossing is Fabriano Rosapina which is available in white or ivory.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right paper for your print, the three most obvious factors being the weight, texture and colour.

The weight of paper is measured in grams per square meter and varies from beautiful lightweight tissues (around 10-14gsm) which lend themselves to hand burnishing techniques such as Mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock printing) to very thick heavy papers such as Fabriano Artistico which is available in a very heavy 640gsm and more suited for printmaking methods that require a press. In general, the weight of a printmaking paper is usually around 200 to 300gsm.

The surface texture of a paper can enhance your image or be troublesome depending on the printmaking technique used. For instance, if, like me, you use dry paper for relief printmaking, a heavily textured paper can stop the ink transferring properly, giving a grainy looking print. For a perfectly saturated print, a smooth surfaced paper, such as Somerset Satin, is as excellent choice. 

The third factor to consider is the colour of your paper – and by colour, I mean the vast array of options that range from bright whites and ivories to natural tones and deeper sandy shades. Even a subtle shift in paper tone can have a surprising impact on your print. I find it interesting how an ink with a high amount of opaque white pigment will appear lighter on an ivory paper and darker on a bright white paper but add some transparent extender to the ink and the opposite is true. This is why experimenting with different papers is such an important part of the proofing process.

In summary, choosing a paper is not just a functional part of the process but a chance to inform and enhance the work, opening opportunities for further creative decisions. The weight, texture and colour of the paper influence how the ink is received contributing to the success of the final print, and, through thoughtful paper choice and experimentation, both the technical quality and the expressive potential of the work can be enhanced.