Let's Talk About 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 July 2 2020)
Favorites:
Fabulous Fancy Pants
Great texture, great impression, but no color options
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
Happy to Use Again:
Paper Recyclery
A little stiff but great impression, and yay recycling
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.
With Complications:
Kelsey Pike Paper Craft
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
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
Idyll Paper
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.
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.
Silk & Willow
Paper has curled edges, paper isn't flat, and does not take the impression well.
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.
Please let me know if you have any questions or upcoming projects to discuss. I hope to print for you very, very soon!