Best Papers for Letterpress February 4, 2008
Lettra – American – It is 100% cotton, soft and luxurious to the touch, yet strong and stable on press. Lettra’s distinct “letterpress finish” is rare and engaging in a machine-made, commercial paper. Lettra is uncalendered, meaning that it is not smoothed in the calender stacks on the papermaking machine. The cotton fibers are relatively uncompacted, so the sheet feels extra-bulky, even fluffy. Cotton fibers are naturally long and strong, but also non-rigid. Lettra is made without surface sizing to maximize its suppleness and its receptiveness to a deep impression.
Arturo - Italian – a mouldmade paper of 100% high alpha cellulose made by the historic Cartiera Magnani Mill – available in a range of sizes, including square sheets, all with deckled edges and matching envelopes.
Somerset- British – a mouldmade paper of 100% cotton produced in Wells, England- available in a range of sizes.
Arches – French- Mouldmade in France specifically for printmaking and publishing, Arches Cover has a pronounced grain, two watermarks, and two natural deckle edges. It works beautifully for any printmaking process, or as a drawing surface. Arches Cover is 100% cotton fiber, acid-free, pH neutral, internally sized and buffered.
ColorPlan- British – a machine made paper of 100% Virgin ECF Fibre produced by GFSmith, available in a range of weights and sizes, including square sheets. The great part about this paper is that it comes in 20 different colors.
Crane Palette – American – The 100 percent cotton Palette collection provides an unrivaled selection of colors, weights and finishes, never before found in a text and cover line. The three whites coordinate with Crane’s Crest and Crane’s Choice and the distinctive colors range from soft pastels to intense, saturated darks. Comes in 18 different colors.
Fabriano Medioevalis – Italian – Crafted in Italy by the Fabriano mill, this soft white deckle-edged stationery adds a distinctive flair to letters, invitations, and announcements.
Magnani Pescia – Italian - Paper is mouldmade in Italy from 100% cotton. It is chlorine-free, with neutral pH. Each sheet has two natural deckles and two tear deckles. 300 gsm.
Rives – French - This very popular, fine printmaking paper is mouldmade in France and has a smooth, absorbent surface. Rives Papers, made of 100% cotton, are acid free, soft-sized, and buffered. Each sheet is watermarked and has two natural deckles and two tear deckled edges. Three weights available.
Oyster Card - Dutch -a machine made paper of 100% paste board in a range of weights and sizes, including 450 gsm, 600 gsm and the super thick 750 gsm. Perfect for hand gilded beveled edges.
Canson Edition – American – These are luxurious 100% cotton,
If anyone uses other papers for letterpress, please share. I would love to see what other printers and hobbyists are using.
This information is very helpful, Iam just starting my business and I would like to give letterpressing a try.
Comment by sharon — February 7, 2008 at 12:56 pm
How interesting!!! Great blog.
JJ
Comment by JJ Loch — February 7, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Awesome resource! Saw you on blogcatalog today…That rocks…what a score.
Comment by Erin in Syracuse — February 12, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I love the list you have compiled! But how do you get this paper?! I letterpress on the side and have only used the lettra paper since I’m having a really hard time finding anything else that woks well with letterpress. When i got the Crane’s Palette I was so excited to try printing on the colored stock. But when I tried to order it, the paper comes only in 24.6″ x 35.6″ and 100 page cartons! For a small side business, this is such a huge quantity! The crane’s palette is such a tease!
Comment by IV — February 12, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Hi IV,
Since you are buying in small quantities, try http://www.dickblick.com/categories/printmakingpapers/
If the price is less than $6.99/sheet then their minimum order is 10 sheets. You may also want to try a local letterpress printer and buy some paper from them. They will probably have some stock left over from previous jobs. They can cut it down for you as well if you need it.
Comment by Alexandra — February 12, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I’m happy to know people are enjoying my blog and finding it helpful. Thanks for all the nice comments.
Comment by Alexandra — February 12, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Thanks a lot! I’ll try your suggestions!
Comment by IV — February 12, 2008 at 2:10 pm
An amazing handmade paper for letterpress is Langdell. langdellpaper.com. Alexandra – Do you know where you can buy Colorplan wholesale in the US?
Comment by Robin — February 14, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Hi Robin,
Thanks for the suggestion. I will have to try that. I was not able to find a colorplan distributor in the US. This store is in London, if you want to try them http://store.falkiners.com/store/
Comment by admin — February 15, 2008 at 11:06 am
This is a terrific list; thanks so much for sharing. Have you ever tried Jean Rouget? (I haven’t; just curious if anyone had!)
Thanks – I’m looking forward to staying tuned in to your blog!
Comment by meg — February 20, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Hi Meg,
No I have never used Jean Rouget. I am def. going to buy some and try it! Do you know where I can get it?
Comment by Alexandra — February 20, 2008 at 5:20 pm
This is indeed a great list.
I’ve been searching to find these papers over here in Belgium. So far I did not find any of them at the paperwholesalers.
We are a designstudio starting with letterpress now.
Anybody has an idea on how where to get the Crane Lettra in Europe ( preferably Belgium or the Netherlands ).
Comment by Guido — February 25, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Hi Guido,
We’re glad you found the information useful. You might get a good response if you post your request on Letpress, there are several printers from Europe who maybe more helpful. Good luck on getting setup and let us know what you find out about paper suppliers.
- Evan
Dolce Press Staff
Comment by Alexandra — March 12, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I always end up here and have found your blog extremely informative…and with lots of eye candy to boot, so thank you!
As an addition to your (already comprehensive) list, Amalfi is a personal favorite. It’s handmade, 100% cotton rag paper with the deepest, most exquisite deckled edges on all four sides. Very elegant!
Comment by Baccara — April 4, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Are there any similar stocks to Colorplan here in the US?
I need to find something similar to GF Smith’s Citrine and Bright Red which I’ve used in the past.
Comment by Mark — October 13, 2009 at 7:46 pm
is it me or is it really really difficult to find crane lettra paper sources?? they have some paper on their website but like no envelopes…are there other places to find it (and the others) with a more comprehensive selection?
Comment by abbey — December 9, 2009 at 1:18 pm