Handmade Papers for Letterpress Printing
Posted by ashley mcneill on
A lot of clients are asking about handmade papers and, while I can definitely print on them, some do print better than others. Below are my thoughts, having now tried so many, so we can select the best one for your project.
(Updated May 2025)
Favorites:
Great texture, great impression, but no color options
Fringe & Rose
Have tried the delicate, thinner weight (150gsm - shown) and the thicker (300gsm) and both print beautifully. They also foil stamp and digitally print well.
Happy to Use Again:
A little stiff but great impression, and yay recycling
Crude Paper
Limited selection currently, but prints great and is similar to Paper Recyclery.
Sizes are 3x4, 4x4, 4x6, 5x7, 8x8, and 8x10; 4 colors.
Update 2021-12: Doesn't look like they're current.
With Complications:
Super soft (almost too soft, reminds me of grade school
construction paper), nice impression,
but not readily available in standard sizes (yet)
so tearing is needed on smaller sizes
Update 2021-12: Still doesn't offer sizes smaller than 5x7.
Smooth texture, impression varies due to inconsistent thickness,
always seems to be a few sheets with bent corners.
But nice colors and sizes, so I understand why it's popular.
Indian Cotton Paper Co.
Colors are inconsistent with the Light Grey paper samples,
they're rather stiff, and not very romantic.
Would Rather Not Use Again
Silk & Willow
Paper has curled edges, paper isn't flat, and does not take the impression well.
Paper is rigid and does not take the impression well.
(Floral border on A7; text was foiled.)
Haven't Yet Tried:
Pressed Paper
Farmette
Feather & Stone
Is there a brand you love that I should try?
Are there any I've tried that you'd like to see a sample of? Just reply to this email and let me know which one, and where to send it.
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