- Japanese Hosho Paper
Japanese Hosho paper is an excellent choice for beginner linocut artists due to its lightweight yet durable quality. It is made from high-quality Kozo (mulberry tree) fibers and is traditionally used for woodblock printing, which makes it ideal for linocut work. Its slightly rough texture allows for a strong ink grip, ensuring sharp, well-defined prints.
One of the appeals of Japanese Hosho paper is its absorbency. It readily absorbs ink and water which results in rich hues and exceptional image clarity, a factor that contributes to its popularity among printmakers. Its durability also makes it possible to produce multiple prints consistently, underlining its significance in edition printing.
- Stonehenge Paper
Developed as a versatile paper for printmaking, Stonehenge is a high-density, 100% cotton paper that is very popular among linocut artists, including beginners. Stonehenge’s weight (250gsm), velvety surface and archival quality make it an excellent choice for detailed prints.
This kind of paper has a consistent and smooth surface that is ideal for capturing fine details in linocut prints. It is equally strong wet or dry, tear-resistant and can withstand multiple print layers, making it highly versatile.
- Zerkall Printmaking Paper
Zerkall Printmaking paper is another suitable option for beginner linocut artists. It’s a high-quality paper that is both affordable and durable. Made in Germany, its manufacturing process involves mould-made techniques, making each piece unique with its own character.
Zerkall paper has a weight of around 210gsm, providing a solid surface for the linocut process. Its lightly textured surface enhances ink adherence, resulting in a bright, distinct print. It is also acid-free which guarantees the preservation of the prints for a long period without yellowing or deteriorating.
- Fabriano Rosaspina
Fabriano Rosaspina can be a perfect pick for beginner linocut artists due to its lovely, comfortable texture and versatility. This Italian-made paper is a fine blend of high-grade cotton and quality sulphite pulp, ensuring its strong yet soft characteristic.
With a 220gsm weight, Fabriano Rosaspina offers a print-friendly surface that can handle oil-based inks well, producing prints with clear-cut images and vibrant hues. Being acid-free, it guarantees the longevity of artworks, making it excellent for creating collectable prints.
- Somerset Satin Paper
The British paper, Somerset Satin, is a favourite for many linocut artists. Beginners can also enjoy its soft, feels-like-fabric texture that complements the strong 250-300gsm paper. Made from 100% cotton, it has a tub size (surface coated with gelatine) which makes it resistant soak-through even when printed with heavy inks.
Somerset Satin paper is excellent for capturing intricate details because of its smooth surface. It dries out flat and retains its original shape even after dealing with lots of pressure. It offers a variety of colours to choose from, providing artists with more artistic freedom.
- BFK Rives Paper
For beginner linocut artists, the French-made BFK Rives paper provides a fantastic working surface. With characteristics like smoothness, heaviness (280gsm), and absorbency, it handles a considerable ink amount without smudging or bleeding, delivering neat and crisp linocut prints.
This mould-made, 100% cotton paper preserves its whiteness over time thanks to being acid-free. It provides the latitude needed for experimentation, which makes it a top consideration for beginners who want to explore different printmaking techniques on the same type of paper.
- Japanese Kitakata Paper
Another Japanese paper that is greatly suitable for beginner linocut artists is the Kitakata paper. This is a handmade, lightweight paper that has a characteristic warm-toned shade and a unique, slightly shiny finish.
It has an appealing gossamer quality which sets it apart from other heavier printmaking papers. It’s especially good for printing with water-based inks, delivering a delightful, detailed print successively. Just be aware that due to its thin nature, it requires careful handling.
All the mentioned papers are widely recognised for their quality, consistency, durability and affordability. As a beginner focusing on linocut art, experimenting with these different types of paper will help broaden your understanding, enhance your printmaking skills, and assist in developing your unique artistic identity.
