Re: papers for gum

[Katharine Thayer <kthayer@pacifier.com>]

Laura, since no one else seems to be jumping in here, I'll jump in  
while I'm still at the computer.

If you don't like a very smooth, flat paper, you wouldn't like my  
favorite paper (Arches Bright White hot press); it has a very smooth  
crisp surface, and unlike other hot-press watercolor papers I've  
used, keeps its smooth surface through repeated soakings.

I'm not sure which Fabriano Artistico you've used.  I tried Artistico  
years ago (the old Artistico) and didn't like its texture.  A lot of  
people seem to like Artistico Extra-White, but I don't find its  
surface texture to my liking at all (as you said, each to his own),  
although I do think it's  a good paper for beginners because it's  
easy to coat (my paper is a real bear to coat smoothly).

Of the ones you listed, the only one I have experience with is  
Waterford, and I didn't care for it (not because of printing  
characteristics but because of surface texture) but that's very  
subjective.    As you've gathered,  paper choice is a very subjective  
thing, and may require some trial and error.

Katharine


On Sep 28, 2007, at 8:09 AM, Laura Valentino wrote:

> Hi All,
> Since the list seems to be in gum-mode, I thought I'd ask what  
> papers you are using. I started with Lanaquarelle, both hot and  
> cold pressed, because it came with my "gum print kit". I think it  
> is a rather nice paper, but then I decided to try Fabriano  
> Artistico 600 gsm (at the suggestion of Hamish Stewart) as the idea  
> of a heavy paper that dries flat appealed to me. It's wonderful for  
> that...but I've come to the conclusion that it's not really a very  
> beautiful paper (to each his own). The hot pressed is just sooo  
> smooth and flat and the cold pressed has an very regular lumpy  
> texture that I don't like.
>
> I see that Loris (and maybe others) have tried Masa paper...I went  
> online and see that it is very lightweight. It doesn't buckle?
>
> There isn't a huge selection of papers here locally, some brands  
> that are available are Waterford, Dahler Rowney, Schut (I think is  
> how the woman on the phone spelled it) and Hannemuhle. Has anyone  
> used those? Other than that, I'll have to special order, but I'm  
> used to that.
>
> Thanks!
> Laura