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PAPERS FOR ALTERNATIVE
(aka Historic) PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES
by Stephanie B. Watkins
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Dear Austin Alternative Photograhic Process Group (AAPG) Members,
This list is intended to be a working, developing reference. Please contact
me if you know of other papers or sources, or you have used papers on this list and have observations on results with certain processes. Popular request has generated a new listing
of papers available in Austin, followed by process and an annotated alphoabetical
listing.
Stephanie
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SOME PAPERS AVAILABLE IN THE AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA AREA:
[AA] ASEL ART: 218 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., (at Whitis Ave and Guadalupe), Austin, TX.,
512-477-1762, M-F 8:30-6:00, Sat. 9-5. 20% discount for teachers, students, and UT staff
Arches including various watercolor (aka Aquarelle)
Canson Montval papers
Fabriano Artistico and Uno
[Rising] Stonehenge
[HL] HOBBY LOBBY: (9-8 M-F; closed on Sundays in the Austin area)
7950 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758, 512-454-8701;
13729 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750, 512-335-2283;
6920 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78745; 512-440-0096;
1112 N IH35, Round Rock, TX 78681 512-244-3653
Aquarelle Arches, pads/blocks
Canson /Montval, pads
Strathmore (300, 400 ) pads
[MA] MICHAEL’S ARTS AND CRAFTS:
13945 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78717, 512-331-5656;
3201 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78746, 512-328-6142;
5501 Brodie Lane, Austin, TX 78745, 512-899-2800;
10225 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759; 512-795-8573
Arches including various watercolor (aka Aquarelle), sheets and pads
Canson Montval including watercolor, sheets and pads
Lana papers including watercolor (Lanaquarelle), sheets
Strathmore (300, 400), pads
[MB] MILLER BLUEPRINT COMPANY: 501 W. 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701, 512-478-8793
Strathmore 500
[PP] PAPER PLACE: 4001 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756, 512-451-6531
Crane’s papers including Crest Parchment, Cover White, Cover Natural
Lana papers including watercolor [Lanaquarelle]
[Rising] Stonehenge white and warm white
[COOP] UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN CO-OP:
2244 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705, 512-476-7211
CO-OP EAST 2902 Medical Arts Street, Austin, TX 78705, 512-472-6156
UT staff, faculty and students get a rebate at the end of the year on purchases here.
Arches including 88 (order), watercolor (aquarelle), Platine (order)
Lenox 100
Lanaquarelle
Rives BFK (Velin BFK, Rives)
[Rising] Stonehenge white and warm white.
SPECIFIC PAPER RECOMMENDATIONS BY PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESS
AGYROTYPE
As Dr. Mike Ware, says, “Only the best cotton fibre, internally sized with Aquapel and free of other additives, will do.” This process is very sensitive.
Arches Platine (MW says will not work but others have used)
Atlantis Silversafe Photostore (MW, GN)
Buxton-Ruscombe Mill (MW)
Whatman Watercolour (MW, GN)
Whatman’s Printmaking papers (MW)
CYANOTYPE
Canson Montval Watercolor Paper (TH)
Strathmore 400 (TH)
GUM DICHROMATE (all will need appropriate coating or sizing prior to use)
Arches (Jean Perrigot) (LN)
Fabriano Perusia (LN)
Rives BFK (Also known as Velin BFK Rives) (MW, ST, GN, LN)
OIL AND BROMOIL
Arches (LN, specific papers not given)
Rives BFK (LN)
PLATINUM/PALLADIUM
“Papers that are too porous may be made suitable for use in platinum/palladium process by sizing. Gelatin will give cold-black images with both platinum and palladium. Arrowroot and starch sizing
give warm images with palladium and mercury toned platinum”. (LN, p, 38)
Arches Platine (MW, GN)
Atlantis Silversafe Photostore (MW, GN)
Arches (LN, specific papers not given)
Rives BFK (Also known as Velin BFK Rives) (MW, ST, GN, LN)
Crane’s Kid Finish (PS 8111 Pearl White; PS 8116 Ecru-White, specifically rec’d (LN)
Strathmore Artists papers (LN)
SALTED PAPER AND PAPER NEGATIVES
James Reilly recommends 100% cotton fibers. Coarse, textured, or porous papers will result in soft,
fuzzy, flat, or dull images. Smooth-surfaced papers (with heavy sizing and calendered) will result in sharper images and sometimes glossier finish.
Borden & Riley 100R (AG)
Bienfang 360 (AG)
Crane’s Business and Legal papers, including Kid Finish or Premium Presentation papers (AG)
Southworth Resume (AG)
VAN DYKE BROWN (see also Agyrotype)
Bienfang 360 (GN)
Buxton-Ruscombe Mill (MW)
Canson Lavis Technique (WW)
Cotman Take Bristol (Take is Japanese for “bamboo”) (WW)
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor
Holbein albireo (WW)
Lana Royal White (WW)
[Rising] Gallery 100 (WW)
[Rising] Mirage, renamed to [Rising] Bristol … maybe. Lacking confirmation.
[Rising] Stonehenge White and Warm White (WW, GN)
PAPERS RECOMMENDED
(alphabetical listing with annotation)
ANW (Andrews Nelson Whitehead) Opaline, Mouldmade (ST)
General recommendation
[I could only find….] ANW Opaline Parchment: Machine made in Switzerland of sulphite pulp
(wood). Very transculent but made so by beating, not with the addition of chemicals, rigid, bright white.
Arches 88
General recommendation
Made by Arjomari-Prioux Mill* (see notes for * explanation), France. Mouldmade, 100% cotton, acid-free buffered. Watermark and deckled edge. High ink absorption, highly porous surface. UT
COOP can order in large quantities, like 100 sheets. $4.25 to $5.00 a sheet depending on quantity.
Arches Aquarelle [also Arches [Jean] Perrigot, Arches Watercolor] (ST, GN, LN)
General recommendation, gum dichromate
Made by Arjomari-Prioux Mill*, France. Mouldmade, 100% cotton, wove watercolor paper with
watermark, (organic) gelatin tub sized, neutral pH, air dried, 4 deckled edges. Comes in NOT (grain fin), hot pressed (hp, grain satiné), and rough (grain torchon). Hot press recommended by ST.
Available in 5 weights from 185-850 gsm, bright white (without brighteners) and white. “Warm white
, well calendered, with a very smooth texture.” Bright white in sheets only. White in sheet, rolls, and blocks (A block is stacked sheets on a rigid card with adhesive around all sides. Blocks are
designed for plein air painting and more expensive than bound pads and single sheets.). Sizes 560 x 760 mm to 1016 x 1524 mm.; Available from AA, DS, HL (blocks only), JPP, UT COOP at $3.55,
Hot Press 90 lbs. $4.69 at MA #708-73, 22 x 30 inches.
Arches (RKB) (MW, GN)
General recommendation
Made by Arjomari-Prioux Mill*, France for R.K. Burt & Company, Ltd., in London. Made to
accommodate large lithographic press sizes (to be torn down to smaller sizes after printing). Mouldmade, 100% cotton, internal sizing (not specified, but acid-free), one size smooth, the other
textured, 58 x 78.5 cm, white. Possibly this is easiest to find in UK or in a UK trading place.
Arches Platine (MW, GN)
Recommended for Platinum/Palladium
Made by Arjomari-Prioux Mill*, France. Mouldmade, neutral pH, 100% cotton, no buffers (alkaline reserve) nor whiteners (optical brightening agents), smooth surface. Developed specifically
for Platinum printing, but not suitable for Argyrotype process according to Ware. 310 gsm 112 x 76 cm. Available from BS, DS, 22 x 30 inches, $4.97/5.12 (summer 2002); JPP. COOP can order in
large quantities, like 100 sheets. $4.25 to $5.00 a sheet depending on quantity w/minimum of a week’s notice.
Atlantis Silversafe Photostore (MW, GN)
Recommended for Platinum/Palladium
100% cotton, free of calcium carbonate, 200 gsm. Has passed the Photographic Activity Test (safe for use with photographic materials). Available from JPP (maybe)
Bienfang 360 (GN)
Recommended for van dyke brown processes
13.5 lb "Marker" papers, very thin and very fragile.
Borden & Riley 100R, (AG)
Recommended for salted paper process
13.5 lb "Marker" papers, very thin and very fragile
Buxton-Ruscombe Mill (MW)
Recommended for van dyke brown processes and agyrotype.
Made by the Ruscombe Paper Mill, France. Handmade, 100% long cotton fiber, wove without watermark, internally sized with Aquapel (alkyl ketone dimer), natural white without additional
pigments or other additives including alkaline reserve, pH 7.5, cold press with slight tooth, 4 deckled edges, 160 gsm, thin, but has good wet strength without grain direction so it dries without cockling
nor curling. 0.5% dimensional stability, so shouldn’t stretch during multiple registrations. Developed
specifically for iron-based photographic processes. 22 x30 inches (British Imperial size). Available in the USA through New York Central Supply, $10@(!)
Canson Lavis Technique (WW)
Recommended for van dyke brown process
Made in France, probably.
Canson Montval Watercolor Paper (Terry H.)
Recommended for cyanotypes (blueprints)
Available from MA, HL at $7.49 for a pad of 12 sheets 9 x 12 inches, 140 lb.
Canson Opalux (ST)
General recommendation
Made in France. Machine made, transparentized paper. Available at COOP-East.
Cotman Take Bristol (Take is Japanese for “bamboo”) (WW)
Recommended for van dyke brown process
Coventry Rag Paper
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
100% cotton, uncoated vellum surface (ie slight tooth), internally sized to prevent inks from absorbing
(bleeding). Neutral pH (7.5) with alkaline (calcium carbonate) reserve.
Crane’s Business and Legal papers (see specifics next four listings) (AG)
Recommended for salted paper process
24 lb papers include "a significant amount of sizing" could curl less but other wise nice.
Crane’s AS 8111 (MW, GN)
General recommendation
Made by Crane and Co., MA. Alum-rosin sized.
Crane’s Crest Parchment (MW, GN)
General recommendation
Made by Crane and Co., MA. 100% cotton, white and off-white wove stationary paper. Available in text and cover weight, PP $8.75 @pound, bulk paper area. Take from the middle of the stack to
reduce finger-print potential.
Crane’s Kid Finish (white) or Premium Presentation papers (AG, GN)
General recommendation, salted paper process
Made by Crane and Co., MA. 32 lb, include "a significant amount of sizing", just stronger than Crane Business and Legal papers, and curl less, but absorb more silver solution. Has watermark..
Available from Bostick and Sullivan.
Crane’s Cover White and Natural (also known in the alternative photographer’s world as
“Crane’s Platinotype”, but Crane & Co. doesn’t call it that) (MW)
General recommendation
Made by Crane and Co., MA. 90 lb., Bulk paper, “Bright white” doesn’t work with many alternative processes. Lighter weight 32 lb. Ecru paper also available in a 50 sheet box set ($12.50,
size _______?); $6.85 per pound. PP
Fabriano 5 (ST, GN)
General recommendation
Made by Fabriano Mill, Italy (1268). Mouldmade, 300 gm/m2, 50% cotton-50% woodpulp, acid
-free, cool white, gelatin hard sized, 2 deckled; 2 cut edges. HP (Satinato), Not (Fina), and Rough (Grossa), weights 130, 160, 210, 300, 350 gsm., several sizes. Available from DS: 19 x 27 inches, $2.02
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor
Recommended for van dyke brown and salt paper processes by some AAPG folks.
Made by Fabriano Mill, Italy (1268). Mouldmade, 100% cotton, 4 deckled edges, acid free,. Off
white, cold press surface. Available from AA ($3.65 for 90 lb. 22 x 30), DS.
Fabriano Perusia (LN)
Recommended for gum dichromate
Made by Fabriano Mill, Italy (1268). A smooth, warm yellow paper.
Fabriano Uno
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable. Used with van dyke brown.
Made by Fabriano Mill, Italy (1268). Mouldmade, 100% cotton, 4 deckled edges, acid free, externally and internally surface sized “with gelatin free” sizing, cold press and rough. Screen pattern
discernable. Available from AA ($5.95 for 140 lb 22 x 30 inches), DS.
Hanemühle’s Echt-Bütten AquarellKarton (watercolor board) (GN)
General recommendation
Holbein albireo (WW)
Recommended for van dyke brown process
Holingsworth Kent (MW, GN)
General recommendation
Lana Royal White (WW)
Recommended for van dyke brown process
Made by Lana Mill, Vosges region, France. Lanaroyal also called Lana Royal Crown, Mouldmade, 100% cotton, acid-free, calcium carbonate buffered, watermarked with a crown, 2 deckled edges, 2
cut, NOT (satinée) surface, natural white and cream, 51 x 66, 56 x 76 cm.
[Lana makes many other papers: Lanaquarelle, Lanagravure, Lana Vergé Antique, Velin de Lana. Some of these may be suitable.]
Lanaquarelle Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
100% cotton, acid-free, internally and externally gelatin sized, watermarked, embossing one corner,
2 deckle edges, NOT (fin), HP (satinée), Rough (torchon), 185, 300, 640 gsm. Bright white, and natural in pads, blocks, sheets, and rools. Available from DS; UT COOP (Medical Arts) large
sheets $3.99; Lanaquarelle, 22 x 30 inches, hot press, $6.00 at PP (Their #49); Lanaquerelle, 22 x 30 inches, cold press, $6.25 at PP (Their #48), MA has cold prss, 140 lbs. Sheets at $6.29..
Lenox 100
Recommended for van dyke brown (WW) and salted paper print (TH)
Made in the USA, 100% rag paper, Available at COOP/medical arts $1.25 #203583.
Mouldau Handmade Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Velké Losiny, Czech Republic. Handmade, 60% long cotton fiber and 40% linen, “felted” velvety soft texture. Available from DS.
Rives de Lin (Also called “Rives Moulin de Gue”)(ST)
General recommendation
Made by Arjomari-Prioux Mill*, France. Mouldmade, 85% cotton, 15% linen, wove, internally soft
sized, acid-free and bufferred, NOT surface, white only, but some call it a warm color, without optical dyes (aka optical brightening agents), 2 deckled edges, 2 cut/torn edges, watermarked,
270gm/m2, 22 x 30 inches. Made for intaglio and copperplate. Available from DS.
Rives BFK (Also known as Velin BFK Rives) (MW, ST, GN, LN)
General recommendation, specific recommendation for Oil-Bromoil,
Made by Arjomari-Prioux Mill*, France. Mouldmade, 280 gm/m2 or 132 g, 22 x 30 inches.
Available from UT COOP $/Medical Arts $3.40, DS $3.15.
Rives Heavyweight, (18 x 24 inches) $1.99 at COOP
[Rising] Gallery 100 (WW)
Recommended for van dyke brown process
Made by Rising Paper Company, USA. 100% cotton, acid-free with calcium carbonate buffer, vellum (slight tooth) and plate (very smooth), heavy sizing. Available from DS.
[Rising] Mirage, renamed to [Rising] Bristol
Made by Rising Paper Company, USA. 100% cotton, vellum and smooth surface card in white only.
[Rising] Stonehenge White and Warm White (WW, GN)
Recommended for van dyke brown process, but some people have noticed spotting.
Made by Rising Paper Company, USA. Machine made, 100% cotton, neutral pH with alkaline
reserve (calcium carbonate), NOT surface, 2 deckled edges. Available from DS, 20 x 26 inches, $1.29; AA $2.95 for 22 x 30 inches; COOP Pad at 9x 12 inches for $7.95 and sheets of 22 x 30
inches for $1.35; PP $2.75 for 22 x 30 inches – called ANW Stonehenge (their #203).
Saunder’s Waterford (ST, GN)
General recommendation
Made by St. Cuthberts Paper Mill, UK. Mouldmade, 100% cotton rag, internal and external (surface) gelatin sized, acid-free with a buffer, 4 deckled edges and watermark, white, four different
weights of papers from 190-638 gsm, hot press, NOT, and rough surfaces in sheets and rolls. Available from DS (300 and 640 gm/m2), JPP.
Saint Armand Handmade Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Papeterie St. Armand Mill, Montreal, Canada. 100% cotton rag, neutral pH, acid-free, 4 deckled edges. Available from DS.
Simili Japon Nacre (MW)
General recommendation
Simili Japon is 100% high grade woodpulp paper (possibly alpha cellulose), unbuffered, acid free.
Internally sized with aquapel, surface sized with starch. Made to look like a Japanese paper, originally manufactured around 1900. Available from JPP.
Somerset
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
English paper (can be produced by different mills), 100% cotton, satin finish smoothest (vs. textured
and velvet), acid-free with a calcium carbonate alkaline reserve, 8.5 pH, no optical brightening agents, lightfast, 4 deckled edges, watermarked. Available from DS.
Somerset Photo Enhanced Paper
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made in England. 100% cotton, acid-free, neutral pH, professional quality coated Digital Art paper
for “digital darkroom” work. Available from DS.
Southworth Resume (AG)
Recommended for salted paper process
24 lb works well but keep your fingers off the image area.
Strathmore 300
Not necessarily recommended.
Made in the USA. Bristol pads sampler, 9 x 12 inches. Available at MA $6.79.
Sketch pads, watercolor cold press 9 x 12, $7.50 at HL
Strathmore 400 (TH)
Recommended for cyanotypes (blueprints)
Made in the USA, Strathmore 400 series is made of 100% high alpha cellulose. Usually slightly off
-white in color. Cyanotype solution must be applied more then once as it does not absorb water well, but the surface stays smooth through the washing. Available from MA,473-1, WC cold press with
embossing on one corner, 22 x 30 inches, 140 lbs. $??, Sketch pads, watercolor cold press 9 x 12, $7.50 at HL
Strathmore 500 (MW)
General recommendation
[Aquarius II] 500 Watercolor paper, synthetic and cotton blend, cold press, formulated to lie flat when wet, Available from MB, DS, bound only, $8.99 for 12 sheets; MA,132-202, WC cold press
with embossing on one corner, 22 x 30 inches, $4.59 a sheet.
500-Charcoal Paper: laid paper, 100% cotton, acid-free, surface tooth, 4 cut edges.
Strathmore Bristol (ST), Machine made. (See Strathmore 400 under cyanotypes)
Twinrocker Handmade Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Twinrocker Mill (Kathryn and Howard Clark), Indiana. 100% cotton, acid-free, animal gelatin tub sized. Cold and hot press, 6 x 8 inches up to 34 x 48 inches. Available from Twinrocker, DS.
Twinrocker Handmade All-Purpose
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Twinrocker Mill (Kathryn and Howard Clark), Indiana. One side is cold press, the other
hot press. 6 x 8 inches up to 14 x 17 inches. Available from Twinrocker, DS
Twinrocker Handmade Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Twinrocker Mill (Kathryn and Howard Clark), Indiana. 100% cotton, acid-free, bufferred, deckled edges. Comes in cold and hot press, 6 x 8 inches up to 34 x 48 inches. Available from Twinrocker, DS.
Van Gelder (MW)
General recommendation
Whatman Watercolour (MW, GN)
General recommendation, recommended for agyrotype
Made by Whatman Mill, UK [Mouldmade ceased in 1963, papers still made by machine.] Mouldmade sheets are 100% cotton, neutral pH, hard-sized, “engine” sized (non-gelatin sized), 2
deckles, 2 cuts, 90 lb, 140 lb, 200 lb, HP, Not, and Rough, natural white only, 56 x 76. [I found this paper to be very porous. It may absorb more sensitizing solution than other papers listed.]
Whatman’s Printmaking papers (need to get more specifics) (MW)
Recommended for agyrotype.
preferably in the 200 gsm weight
FEEL LIKE EXPERIMENTING?
Papers that MIGHT be suitable, untested as of May 2002 (from Stephanie’s research):
Coventry Rag Paper
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
100% cotton, uncoated vellum surface (ie slight tooth), internally sized to prevent inks from absorbing
(bleeding). Neutral pH (7.5) with alkaline (calcium carbonate) reserve.
Lanaquarelle Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
100% cotton, acid-free, internally and externally gelatin sized, watermarked, 2 deckle edges, NOT (fin), HP (satinée), Rough (torchon), 185, 300, 640 gsm. Bright white, and natural in pads, blocks,
sheets, and rools. Available from DS; UT COOP (Medical Arts) large sheets $3.99; Lanaquallere, 22 x 30 inches, hot press, $6.00 at PP (Their #49); Lanaquellere, 22 x 30 inches, cold press, $6.25 at PP (Their #48).
Mouldau Handmade Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Velké Losiny, Czech Republic. Handmade, 60% long cotton fiber and 40% linen, “felted”
velvety soft texture. Available from DS.
Saint Armand Handmade Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Papeterie St. Armand Mill, Montreal, Canada. 100% cotton rag, neutral pH, acid-free, 4 deckled edges. Available from DS.
Somerset
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
English paper (can be produced by different mills), 100% cotton, satin finish smoothest (vs. textured and velvet), acid-free with a calcium carbonate alkaline reserve, 8.5 pH, no optical brightening agents
, lightfast, 4 deckled edges, watermarked. Available from DS.
Somerset Photo Enhanced Paper
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made in England. 100% cotton, acid-free, neutral pH, professional quality coated Digital Art paper for “digital darkroom” work. Available from DS.
Twinrocker Handmade Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Twinrocker Mill (Kathryn and Howard Clark), Indiana. 100% cotton, acid-free, animal
gelatin tub sized. Cold and hot press, 6 x 8 inches up to 34 x 48 inches. Available from Twinrocker, DS.
Twinrocker Handmade All-Purpose
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Twinrocker Mill (Kathryn and Howard Clark), Indiana. One side is cold press, the other hot press. 6 x 8 inches up to 14 x 17 inches. Available from Twinrocker, DS
Twinrocker Handmade Watercolor
Not necessarily recommended. MIGHT be suitable.
Made by Twinrocker Mill (Kathryn and Howard Clark), Indiana. 100% cotton, acid-free, bufferred
, deckled edges. Comes in cold and hot press, 6 x 8 inches up to 34 x 48 inches. Available from Twinrocker, DS.
NOTES:
*Arjomari-Prioux Mill in France is a conglomerate that joins several manufactures such as Arches (Ar) and Rives (Ri), etc.
Hot press surface may loose it’s smoothness or lustre after the extensive washing required by these photographic processes. Therefore, a cold press paper may be just as desirable and has the
advantage of being easier to find for local purchase. The surface will vary by manufacturer, though, so ask for a small 2 inch sample before purchase. Sometimes they charge you for this, sometimes they do not.
Many watercolor papers may be suitable for alternative photographic processes because they are designed not to interfere with some watercolor pigments that are pH sensitive. Some watercolor
papers will not be suitable when the sizing material will interfere with the chemistry of the photographic process. Watercolor papers by design are meant to withstand water, manipulation and
handling. They are usually thicker wove papers, therefore longer washing and drying times will be necessary. Many watercolor papers are slightly off-white (or without optical brighteners) to reduce
“white blindness” while painting outdoors (plein air).
TERMS:
“CP” is cold press
“NOT” is “not hot pressed” and is matte, not particularly rough nor smooth surface.
“HP” is hot press, passed between two hot metal plates to give a smooth surface.
“ROUGH” is very bumpy, usually not pressed nor smoothed, but may have been flattened. Rough
surfaces can be obtained through the manner of formation as well.
“BRISTOL” in a name implies a heavily sized and compressed (very smooth surface) card from
quality fibers. Usually 1-ply, but the term can be used on multi-ply boards.
“HANDMADE PAPER” sheets poured or dipped from a pulp vat onto a screen. Fiber orientation
can be random. Variation between sheets possible.
“MOULDMADE” is also called “CYLINDER” paper. It is a machine made process for making fine
papers. The pulp is processed in the same manner as a handmade paper, therefore, mouldmade paper can be sold as “handmade” paper. More standardized sheet production than true handmade sheets.
“MACHINE MADE” Mechanized Fordrinier machine. Very regular sheet production, often producing a distinct fiber orientation, referred to as a “grain” direction.
SCREEN/WIRE SIDE: Often a smoother side. The screen pattern can sometimes be seen using an extreme raking light (low angled light from the left or top sides).
AIR/FELT SIDE: Often a more rough, uneven side unless the paper has been hot pressed or calendared against or between two hot metal plates making it smooth. Look at the paper under an
extreme raking light (low angled light from the left or top sides).
SIZING: Papers can have combinations of internal sizing (mixed in with the pulp, tub sizing
(immersed in a tray/tub); or surface sizing (externally sprayed on). Sizing keeps the fibers together and helps protect (somewhat) the paper from environmental. Paper without sizing is called “water
-leaf” and not recommended for use with photographic processes as it will likely not withstand the extensive water washing. Examples of paper sizes are gelatin, gelatin-alum, rosin, Aquapel™ (alkyl
ketone dimer, “the modern neutral sizing agent,” according to Ware), and Meyproid ™.
DIMENSIONS: In the UK , there is the“IMPERIAL” system of weights and sizes. In the USA,
there is the “STANDARD”. Many handmade sheets are going to have slightly variable sizes.
POLYMER-CELLULOSE also known as SYNTHETIC-PAPER pulp mixes or “waterproofed”.
Examples of brand names are “DURARite, RITE IN THE RAIN, KIMDURA, SYNTEAPE, PHASE 3, POLYPRIM. PRIPLAK” (these last are poly(propylene) sheets. [I haven’t a clue as to
how these might or might not work with alternative processes to print on or if the solutions will even take to the sheets.]
WATERMARK/COUNTERMARKS: A design that is woven onto the screen, that leaves a thinner
area of paper in the area when the sheet is made. It can be easily seen in transmitted light. Technically, a watermark is a design and the countermark is letters, words, or date, but “watermark”
is the common, generic term used these days. Nice to have to know you have the paper you wanted to buy, but doesn’t print well in these photographic processes. Watermarks can be centrally located,
or along the edge. Blind (not-inked) embossing of a design or logo is also possible.
DECKLED EDGE: A soft, thinner, irregular edge to a sheet of paper. During manufacture of a
handmade sheet with a mould and frame, pulp oozing under the frame is the cause of the deckle.
TORN or CUT EDGE: A sharper edge, indicating the paper has been trimmed.
ACID-FREE/NEUTRAL pH/ARCHIVAL: Used today as marketing ploys, these terms have little relevance to reality once you actually get around to using the paper. “Acid-free” means literally
without acid. Papers that are “acid-free” upon manufacturing and sale, may not stay that way. It
implies good quality, but look for the source of the pulp (cotton, linen, ”rag,” etc.) and get quality
pulp if you want long lasting papers. “Neutral pH” as a term is more precise, implying around pH 7 –
neither too acid nor too alkaline, but may not have the longevity or working qualities you want. Sometimes it’s better to have a slightly alkaline or slightly acidic paper for the process at hand.
“Archival” implies some long term standard (usually implies around 100 years), but this is, at present, a non-defined term for purposes of business. And one last note…. As these terms are marketing
terms, be prepared to see them on things for which there is not any need. Think of a“cholesteral free” sign on a package of rice cakes.
ALKALINE RESERVE/BUFFER: An alkaline material, such as calcium or magnesium carbonate, added to paper pulp to help with the longevity of the sheet. Often erroneously referred to as a
“buffer” when in the 8.5 pH range. (FYI: charcoal is a true buffer.) According to Mike Ware, alkaline reserves play havoc with the iron-based chemistry and advises to avoid it.
OPTICAL BRIGHTENING AGENTS: Brighteners will make a paper appear very bright and “white” while they are new, but will create a dull, dark appearance to the paper after they are
exhausted. To discover if a paper has a brightener in it, pass a (usually long wave) ultraviolet light source (also known as a black light) near it. UV banks should work! The paper will glow a blueish
-white cast with a brightener.
INFORMATION SOURCES USED FOR THIS LISTING:
AGAlan Greene. Primitive Photography: A Guide to Making Cameras, Lenses, and Calotypes (from Terry Holsinger)
ANWAndrew/Nelson/Whitehead paper descriptions
BSBostick and Sullivan website.
GKGuy Kuhn paper descriptions
GNGary Nored’s web and listserve searches/VBD specific recommendations
DSDaniel Smith paper descriptions
JPPJohn Purcell Paper paper descriptions
JRJames Reilly, The Albumen and Salted Paper Book
LNLuis Nadeau, Gum Dichromate; History and Practice of Platinum Printing; History and Practice of
Carbon Processes; Modern Carbon Printing; History and Practice of Oil and Bromoil Printing
STSylvie Turner. Which Paper?: A Guide to Choosing and Using Fine Papers
THTerry Holsinger’s research
MWMike Ware’s website.
WWWynn White’s article, at Ed Buffaloe’s website.
PURCHASE SOURCE CONTACT INFORMATION
(alphabetical):
ANDREWS/NELSON/WHITEHEAD-Crestwood Paper Co.: 315 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10013,
[AA] ASEL ART: 218 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., (at Whitis Ave and Guadalupe), Austin, TX.,
512-477-1762, M-F 8:30-6:00, Sat. 9-5. 20% discount for teachers, students, and UT staff
[BS] BOSTICK AND SULLIVAN: http://www.bostick-sullivan.com. Alternative photography
distributors. 505-474-0890; fax 505-474-2857, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
CANSON: http://www.canson-us.com. Originally a French mill, now a huge international company. Canson and Arches have merged.
CRANE & CO: 30 South Street, Dalton, MA 01226, 413-784-2600. http://www.crane.com
Nearby stores:
401 North Park Center, Dallas, TX 75225, phone: 214-696-1291, fax 214-696-2163
The Shops at Willow Bend, C214, 6121 West Park Boulevard, Plano, TX 75093, phone 972-202-8380, fax 972-202-8381
Local Distributors:
Paper Place, 4001 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78756, 512-451-6531
[DS] DANIEL SMITH: 4150 First Avenue South, P. O. Box 84268, Seattle, WA 98124-5568,
800-426-6740 http://www.danielsmith.com/ (WW)
DENVER ART SUPPLY: 1437 California, Denver, CO 80202, 800-448-0727 phone, 303-534
-1610 fax, http://www.denverartsupply.com, 30% off going out of business sale (May 2002)
FALKNIER FINE PAPERS LTD: 76 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR, UK, telephone: 071-831-1151
GUY KUHN FINE ART PAPERS: 31 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740, 301-791-5768
[HL] HOBBY LOBBY: (closed on Sundays in the Austin area)
7950 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758, 512-454-8701;
13729 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750, 512-335-2283;
6920 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78745; 512-440-0096;
1112 N IH35, Round Rock, TX 78681 512-244-3653;
[JPP] JOHN PURCELL PAPER: 15 Rumsey Road, London SW9 OTR UK, phone 020-7737-5199; fax 020-7737-6765, email jpp@johnpurcell.net; http://www.johnpurcell.net
KATE’S PAPERIE: 8 W 13th Street, NY, NY 10011, phone 212-941-9816, also at 1282 Third Avenue, NY, NY 10021. http://www.katespaperie.com
[MA] MICHAEL’S ARTS AND CRAFTS:
13945 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78717, 512-331-5656;
3201 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78746, 512-328-6142;
5501 Brodie Lane, Austin, TX 78745, 512-899-2800;
10225 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759; 512-795-8573
NEW YORK CENTRAL: 62 Third Avenue, NY, NY 10003, USA, phone 800-950-6111 http://www.nycentralart.com
PAPER’S ETC., 510 Broome Street, NY, NY 10013, USA
[PP] PAPER PLACE, 4001 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756, 512-451-6531
PAPER SOURCE, 232 W. Chicago, Chicago, IL 60610, USA, 312-337-0798
Also at 1109 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301, phone 708-445-7700
Also at 2100 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201, phone 847-733-8830
PAPER SOURCE: 1810 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, tel. 617-497-1077
RISING PAPER COMPANY (Division of Fox River Paper Company): 295 Park Street, P. O. Box 21, Housatonic, MA 01236, Stephen Graham, Resident Manager, 413-274-3345 telephone, 412-274-6684 fax.
Sekaido (Japan) (WW) A search on Google produced several websites in Japanese.
ST. CUTHBERT’S MILL, Inveresk Ltd., Wells, Somerset BA5 1AG, UK.
PLC Headquarters, Kibagie Mills, Aloa, Clackmannanshire FK1O 4AF, UK, phone 44 (0) 1259-455000, fax 44 (0) 1259-455050
STRATHMORE PAPER COMPANY: Westfield, MA 01085, USA, http://www.strathmoreartist.com
[TAS] TEXAS ART SUPPLY, 200 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006, phone 800-888-9278, http://www.texasart.com
TWINROCKER HANDMADE PAPER: P. O. Box 413, 100E Third Street, Brookston, IN
47923, http://dcwi.com/~twinrock/welcome.html, twinrocker@twinrocker.com
[COOP] UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN CO-OP:
2244 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705, 512-476-7211
CO-OP EAST 2902 Medical Arts Street, Austin, TX 78705, 512-472-6156
UTRECHT, 1618 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006, phone 713-522-0525
Also 33 35th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA, phone 800-223-9132, http://www.utrechtart.com
VAN GELDER FIJN PAPIER: Eendrachtstraat 18, Postbus 210, N-7300 AE Apeldoorn,
Netherlands, http://www.wfm.nl/tvnh_NoordZeekanaal7.html (website is in Dutch)
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