- Cartridge Paper
Considered a staple in the realm of printmaking, cartridge paper is renowned for its versatility and affordability, making it an excellent starting point for beginner linocut artists. Its high-quality finish holds ink exceptionally well, ensuring detailed and vibrant impressions every time.
Cartridge papers are made from high-quality cellulose fibers with various weights, typically ranging from 120gsm (grams per square meter) to 220gsm. They serve as an excellent foundation for the inks used in linocut printing. Their structure allows the ink to spread evenly across the surface while preventing the ink from bleeding through the other side.
One of the most important features of cartridge paper is its smooth, uncoated surface. This aids in creating flawless transfer from the linocut block to the paper surface. Despite its smoothness, cartridge paper has a certain level of absorbency, allowing the inks to dry faster. Moreover, with its cost-effectiveness, beginners can practice more without fear of excessive costs.
- Japanese Washi Paper
Crafted from long vegetable fibers, Japanese washi paper is revered for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and lightweight characteristics. Its fine texture and softness make intricate designs and delicate lines achievable, resulting in impressive linocut prints.
While washi paper may be more fragile compared to other types, its flexible fibers can handle wet ink without tearing. Despite its delicate nature, it can carry a heavy layer of ink, enabling deep color saturation and detailed linocut designs.
Unlike the thicker Western paper varieties, washi paper allows the linocut artist to exert more hand pressure to ensure the ink is well-transferred from the block to the paper, providing a stronger connection between the artist, the block, and the paper.
- Somerset Velvet Paper
Somerset Velvet paper, favored in intaglio printing, has found its place in linocut printmaking. It is renowned for its soft, velvety texture and pure, radiant white color. 100% cotton, its fibers lay close together, providing a high level of detail in each print.
The significant weight of Somerset Velvet paper, commonly around 250-300gsm, supports ample ink application without any ink bleeds or warping. Despite its thickness, the paper displays great flexibility, meaning it will not easily crack or tear during the printing process.
Its ability to create rich impressions, along with the professional and luxurious look it provides, makes Somerset Velvet an excellent choice for beginner printers looking to take their linocut endeavors to a higher level.
- Newsprint Paper
The thin, lightweight, and low-cost newsprint paper is highly recommended for beginners experimenting with linocut techniques. Despite not being a high-quality paper option, it is perfect for producing test prints and honing the carving and inking techniques.
Newsprint typically has a rough texture, an aspect that can intentionally add a vintage or worn-out effect to prints. However, it must be noted that its lesser quality makes it prone to tears and ink bleed-throughs, rendering it less suitable for final, display-worthy artworks.
- Bamboo Paper
Increasingly popular amongst artists of different mediums, bamboo paper is a sustainable alternative to wood-based papers. With its unique texture, durable nature, and environmentally friendly characteristics, it has been widely adopted into the world of linocut printing.
The heavier bamboo paper versions, typically in the range of 265gsm, are best suited for linocut printing. The paper’s smooth surface allows for even and detailed impressions, while its superior absorption capacity promises excellent color reproduction.
Choosing the right type of paper is a critical aspect of linocut printmaking. While all the above-mentioned papers have proven quality in the linocut printing process, their impact on the final print varies. As a beginner linocut artist, it is beneficial to experiment with different paper types to understand the performance of each type better and identify which one best aligns with your artistic style. Remember, the paper is more than a medium; it can significantly influence the final impression, bringing a unique dimension of texture and aesthetic to your artwork.
