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.