Awagami HoSho Paper Pad – Off White – 50 Sheets – 280 × 395 mm

HoSho paper for relief printmaking

This off-white HoSho pad contains 50 sheets measuring 280 × 395 mm, ready for woodblock, lino and vinyl printing projects. The sheet size gives you space to arrange an image with a surrounding border or plan several smaller compositions. Its gentle paper colour becomes part of the finished print, so consider it alongside the colours in your design.

Choose the printing face

Use the smoother side of the sheet for printing. Before starting a run, compare the two faces and make a trial impression on the side you intend to use. Small speckles can occur naturally in this paper; look through your selected sheets before printing so you can consider their appearance when placing an image or choosing a border.

Make a useful reference proof

Begin with a test of the actual block and ink you plan to use. Check the fine lines, open areas and edges of the printed image, then adjust the inking or pressure as needed. When printing by hand, work methodically over the back of the sheet. Lift a corner carefully to inspect the transfer while keeping the remaining paper positioned against the block.

Plan a series of prints

Keep a successful proof beside your worktable as a reference for later impressions. Mark your paper guides before beginning and leave sufficient space for the prints to dry. The pad format is useful for keeping a supply of the same sheet size together, whether you are developing a new design, comparing colour choices or producing a small edition. Allow each impression to dry before stacking it with the others.

Keep the paper ready for the next session

Store unused sheets flat in a clean, dry place and protect them from splashes of ink. Keep your proof with notes about the block, ink and printing method, making a successful setup easier to revisit.