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Understanding Paper Weights and Their Significance in Printmaking
The Basics of Paper Weights: A Closer Look at the Intricacies
Paper weight matters when choosing a surface for printmaking. The weight of a sheet of paper can be expressed in grams per square metre (gsm) or pounds (lbs). GSM measures mass per square metre; papers with the same GSM can still differ in thickness, texture and strength. This guide uses GSM to compare the papers in our range. Lightweight sheets can make hand printing easier, while heavier papers offer more body for suitable press and editioning work.
Unraveling the Importance of Paper Weights in Printmaking
The role of paper weight in printmaking extends far beyond mere aesthetics. It holds the key to a successful print, as it directly impacts ink absorption, texture, and the overall appearance of the artwork. A carefully chosen paper weight can bring out the intricate details of an artist’s design, create rich, vibrant colors, and ensure the print’s longevity.
When selecting the ideal paper weight for a printmaking project, it is crucial to strike a delicate balance between the paper’s sturdiness and its ability to absorb ink and retain fine details. A deeper understanding of paper weights and their implications in printmaking enables artists to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to exquisite and enduring prints.
Hand Printmaking with a Baren: Suitable Paper Weights
Hand Printmaking and the Baren: A Time-Honored Tradition
The art of hand printmaking with a baren is a time-honored tradition that requires a gentle touch and an astute understanding of the paper’s characteristics. A baren is a handheld tool used to apply pressure evenly across the paper, transferring ink from a relief wood block, lino sheet or plate. This delicate process demands a keen awareness of the paper’s weight, as it directly influences the ink transfer and the preservation of intricate details.
You can compare printmaking barens in our shop when choosing a hand-printing tool.
Optimal Paper Weights for Baren Hand Printmaking: Striking the Perfect Balance
When printing by hand with a baren or spoon, a thin, strong paper can help you transfer ink with manageable pressure. Weight is one part of the choice: the paper’s fibres, surface and compatibility with your ink also affect the impression. Start with a proof and check fine lines, solid areas and the strength of the sheet before printing an edition.
Lightweight Japanese washi papers around 30–70gsm are popular for hand printing with a baren. Examples from our range include Awagami Kitakata Cream 36gsm, Kozo Natural Select 46gsm and Bunkoshi Select 70gsm, each supplied as a 43 × 52cm single sheet. For Western relief-printing papers, Strathmore 300 Series 120gsm and Jackson’s Hereford 145gsm offer options with more body. Compare the linked products and formats in the table below, then test your chosen paper with your ink and printing method. Follow the paper maker’s preparation advice when deciding whether to print dry or dampened.
Browse our lightweight printmaking paper range for Japanese washi and Western paper options.
Printing Presses: The Ideal Paper Weights
Printing Presses: A World of Precision and Efficiency
Printing presses, both manual and mechanical, have revolutionized the world of printmaking by offering a precise and efficient means to create multiple copies of a print. However, the choice of paper weight is of utmost importance when using printing presses, as it directly impacts the ink transfer, detail, and overall appearance of the finished piece. The right paper weight ensures that the paper can withstand the pressure exerted by the press while maintaining the integrity and quality of the print.
Finding the Perfect Paper Weight for Various Printing Press Techniques
Different types of printing press and printmaking techniques place different demands on the paper. Select the surface and weight for your plate, ink and press, and follow the paper maker’s preparation guidance. Make a trial impression before committing to a full edition.
For intaglio printmaking, our range includes Somerset Soft White Velvet 300gsm pads and Magnani 1404 Pescia 300gsm paper, both suitable for techniques such as etching. The Somerset example below is a 28 × 38cm pad containing 10 sheets; Magnani Pescia is available through its product options.
For relief printmaking such as linocuts and woodcuts, the choice can span lightweight washi, 120–145gsm Western papers and more substantial sheets such as Awagami Bamboo Select 170gsm. Match the paper to the pressure you can apply and the result you want, rather than choosing by weight alone.
Additional Factors to Consider in Choosing Paper Weights for Printmaking
Paper Type: Exploring Texture and Absorbency
While paper weight plays a significant role in printmaking, it is important to remember that other factors can also impact the quality of your prints. The type of paper, such as handmade, machine-made, or mould-made, can affect the texture and absorbency of the paper, which in turn influences the ink transfer and overall print quality. Each paper type offers unique characteristics that can enhance or detract from the finished artwork, making it essential to consider the specific requirements of your printmaking project.
Sizing: A Crucial Element for Crisp and Clear Prints
Sizing, the treatment of paper with a substance that makes it more resistant to water and ink, is another critical factor in selecting the perfect paper for printmaking. Papers that are adequately sized will prevent ink from bleeding or spreading, ensuring crisp, clear prints. The degree of sizing may vary depending on the type of ink being used, making it important to choose a paper that is compatible with your chosen ink.
Ink Compatibility: Matching Paper and Ink for Optimal Results
The compatibility between the paper and the type of ink being used is vital in achieving exceptional prints. Some papers work better with oil-based inks, while others are more suited to water-based inks. Understanding the nuances of ink compatibility and how it interacts with different paper weights and types can help you avoid potential issues and ensure the best possible outcome for your printmaking endeavors.
Paper Examples from the Hickman Design Range
Compare the following papers from our printmaking paper range. The table uses GSM consistently and gives the actual product formats so you can choose for your image size and printing method.
| Paper weight | Printmaking use | Paper and format |
|---|---|---|
| 36gsm | Hand-printed lino and woodblock impressions | Awagami Kitakata Cream — 43 × 52cm single sheet. |
| 46gsm | Hand printing with a baren; relief prints and layering | Awagami Kozo Natural Select — 43 × 52cm single sheet. |
| 70gsm | Hand-printed relief work with a little more paper body | Awagami Bunkoshi Select — 43 × 52cm single sheet. |
| 120gsm | Relief printing, proofing and practice prints | Strathmore 300 Series Lightweight Printmaking Paper — 40-sheet pad, 8 × 10in (approximately 20.3 × 25.4cm). |
| 145gsm | Printmaking proofs and projects; test your hand-printing pressure | Jackson’s Hereford Lightweight Printmaking Paper — A4, 210 × 297mm. |
| 170gsm | Lino, woodblock and intaglio work where a more substantial sheet suits the process | Awagami Bamboo Select — 43 × 52cm single sheet. |
| 300gsm | Press printmaking, including etching and drypoint | Jackson’s Somerset Soft White Velvet Printmaking Pad — 10 sheets, 28 × 38cm. |
| 300gsm | Intaglio techniques such as etching, aquatint and mezzotint | Magnani 1404 Pescia Printmaking Paper — choose the available product options. |
These are starting points for choosing paper. Surface, fibres, sizing, ink and applied pressure all affect the final impression. Proof the paper with your own block or plate before an edition, and follow the maker’s guidance on preparation.
Final Thoughts
The world of printmaking is a complex and rewarding one, and understanding the nuances of paper weights is a critical step in achieving stunning prints. By considering the information presented in this article, you will be well-equipped to make informed decisions about paper weight, hand printmaking techniques, and printing presses. Armed with this knowledge, you are ready to embark on your artistic journey, exploring the limitless possibilities of printmaking.
