Paper Sheet

Paper is often made from natural fibers such as cotton rag, mulberry, wood pulp or a mixture of fibers. Cotton paper costs more than wood pulp and is often a preferred material for printmaking and watercolour purposes.

Paper comes in different weights (thickness) and may or may not have external and/or internal sizing. Paper sizing becomes important when using watermedia or for printmaking. The sizing will allow the pigment/ink to remain vibrant by controlling absorbtion into the paper.

Pastel and Charcoal paper tends to be textured (tooth) or sanded in order to for the fine powders to grip to the surface.

Washi paper is a general term for handmade papers made in a tradtional way from mulberrry (kozo) fiber also commonly known as rice paper. As with paper made from wood pulp and cotton, washi papers can greatly vary in weight and sizing. Washi paper tends to look delicate, but in fact is a very durable paper often used in ink painting and block printing. We also sell a variety of patterned Washi paper for bookbinding, mixed media or decorative purposes.