Re: papers for gum

[Judy Seigel <jseigel@panix.com>]

Laura it's hard to say if one hasn't used the paper recently because they 
keep changing -- also it's my experience that which side of the paper you 
use is an enormous variable (I forget what they call the side that comes 
off the blotter, but it can be very different from the side that gets 
rolled).

Also, just to complicate things, *your* method of sizing can affect the 
papers differently from my method of sizing -- or not sizing.

That said, my own favorites have included Saunders Waterford,  and 
Hahnemuhl's Merten Spiese. But for large prints only -- it has too much 
texture for small prints. (Hahnemuhl is a company which makes excellent 
papers, probably a dozen quite different ones).  If you're not printing 
very large, try Somerset Velvet... (large prints seem to ask for more 
weight). Fabriano Uno used to be my favorite but I don't know what it's 
like now, as I still have a supply. Rives BFK is a great workhorse paper, 
but has no no snob value.

Actually any watercolor paper is worth a try... As for how the paper 
dries, that's not necessarily definitive... you can flatten it out in a 
book press.... And did I say try the other side if you don't like the 
texture?

meanwhile,  enjoy...

Judy




On Fri, 28 Sep 2007, 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