About Papers

Beginning of Paper Making

Starting with the "ancient egyptians" who invented the first substance like the paper called "papyrus." today "papyrus" is also known as "handmade paper" papyrus scrolls were made by taking slices of the inner part of the papyrus stem, flattening then pounded into a hard, thin sheet. The word "paper" comes from the word "papyrus." the "paper" that we know today was invented by Ts'ai lun in a.D. 105, it's believed that he mixed hemp, mulberry bark, and rags with water, mashed it into a pulp, pressed out the liquid and hung it to dry in the sun. Paper was born and this humble mixture would set off one of humans greatest communication revolutions. Today there is a revival in handmade paper making crafts. Not only it is a great experience, but it's a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities.

Paper & Art

Drawing papers are made from "wood cellulose" or "cotton cellulose".

Wood Cellulose :

Comes from tree fibers and contain polymer called "lignin"

"Lignin"is photoreactive, which means it reacts to light and become acidic and discolours. Newspaper is a perfect example made of wood celulose containing lignin thus yellows quickly. When lignin is removed we get durable papers.Use aid free drawing paper or high alpha cellulose content. NOTE: PH neutral does not mean acid free.

Ph neutral means that paper had PH(7) at neutral when made but may contain ingrediant that can turn acidic.

Brands like Stradmore takes further precausions and makes paper at slightly basic PH of 7.2 to 7.5. This provides alkaline buffer to help counter anything acidic that it may come in contact with.

Cotton Cellulose:

Naturaly lignin free and PH neutral. Strong almost 10times than wood cellulose thus results in softer and durable paper (100% cottonrag mentioned papers)

Surface quality of paper

There are 2 main category

1.Hot pressed 2. cold pressed

Hot pressed - pressed under heat, smoother, less texture

Cold Pressed- pressed under low pressure, more tooth

Sides of paper

Top and bottom part of drawing paper differes. The top top side is called felt side. Side facing up the conveyor belt get more attention and has less grains. the bottom side is called wise side. the one that faces the wire mess screen. One can use any side depending on what they use it for.

Paper Weight

Paper is made in 2 differant ways, in pounds in the USA and in grams per square meter(g/m2) GSM

To determine weight in pounds the manufacturer weighs 500 sheets of the same size paper, the resulting total is the weight. To determine weight in GSM the manufacturer weighs one sheet of paper that measure 1mx1m

Formula

1lb. of text paper = 1.48gsm ( multiply each pound by 1.48 gsm)

1lb. of cover paper = 2.708gsm

Example

80lbs. text = 80x 1.48 = 118.4 gsm

80lbs. cover = 80x2.708 = 216.6 gsm

Differance between cover and text paper. Cover is cardstock or construction paper text is high quality printer paper.

Misconception about paper- heavier the paper better that quality WRONG Heaviness does not indicate quality, instead paper weight determines weather or not the paper and medium you intent to use are good match.

Types of Paper & Uses

Sketch Paper

Thinnest, lightest 30 -60 lbs.

Not used for finished drawings. Economical and used for study

Water colour Paper/Printmaking paper

Thickest and heaviest. It must withstand water and moisture. 90-140lbs

Smoother, not pressed can be great for drawing also.

Graphite or charcoal

Heavier than sketch paper, 70-100 lbs

Depending upon how you layer medium and erase you may use paper accordingly.

I did try making papers and it did come out quiet well. Recycled paper made at home.

The usual technique of pulping then using a mold and deckle. Will soon write on that.