Printmaking is an artistic process in which words or designs are created on a nontraditional canvas, such as wood or linoleum, and then pressed onto a piece of paper. Using recycled materials when printmaking, such as old paper, is a great way to reduce waste when creating art.
You don’t need a special type of paper for printmaking. You can use any kind of paper that ink sticks to for printmaking. That said, certain types of paper may be more effective than others, depending on what look the artist hopes to achieve.
In this article, I will discuss different kinds of paper that are optimal for printmaking
and ways to be more sustainable when making art. For more ideas on more eco-friendly materials, you might be interested in reading The 13 Best Sustainable Art Supplies: The Buyer’s Guide. So, let’s get into it, to find out Do You Need a Special Type of Paper for Printmaking?
Table of Contents
What To Look For In A Printmaking Paper
Papers used for printmaking should be durable and an appropriate size for the image to fit.
Paper Weight (GSM)
The GSM of a piece of paper is how thick it is. Thicker paper is usually better for printmaking since it is more durable.
In addition, if the paper is too thin, the ink may bleed through it when you press your print. In some cases, you might want that effect, but most of the time, bleeding ink is unwelcome in printmaking. So, if you want clean lines that absorb into only the surface of your paper, go with a heavier GSM.
The Paper’s Composition
Since the paper will likely be handled somewhat vigorously during printmaking, paper made with high-quality cotton or plant fibers is ideal.
Avoid using paper with plastic-y coatings since the ink will not be able to seep into the material and just sit on the surface.
Absorbency
The process of printmaking also involves soaking the paper to soften the fibers, making it easier to pick up the ink when pressed. Therefore, it is essential to consider how well the paper can absorb ink and how long you can soak it in water without causing damage.
In the case of absorbency, using thicker paper is ideal.
Sizing
There are other factors to consider than the materials used to make the paper. Paper undergoes sizing, where manufacturers can add gelatin to change the absorbency. The goal of sizing is to allow ink to remain on the paper’s surface when it dries rather than soaking into it.
Gelatin-sized paper is ideal for printmaking as it produces cleaner lines and less bleeding. However, if there’s too much gelatin in your paper, your ink may not stick very well.
So, avoid sized paper that looks very shiny – a clue that there might be too much gelatin for your ink to stick well.
Your Printing Matrix
It is worth noting that specific printmaking methods require a particular surface type, especially if you strictly follow a specific technique.
If you use woodcuts, paper with a rougher surface is best, and smooth paper would be better for engraving.
Using collagraphy, which utilizes textured plates put through a press, you can easily use recycled cardboard with objects glued onto it. Just paint over the design (you can also use ink if available) and press it onto the paper of your choice.
For example, linocuts, designs carved in linoleum, require paper that has very little texture. If your paper has bumps or crease marks, you’ll likely have bleeding edges or white spots on your print. Make sure to research the type of surface best suited for your matrix.
However, keep in mind while searching for a smooth-surfaced paper that it should still be sturdy and able to withstand the pressure it will undergo during the pressing process.
Reusing Materials for Printmaking
Ultimately, several types of papers created by companies are made especially for printmaking. These are beneficial for certain forms of printmaking that rely heavily on the texture and consistency of the surface you are pressing it on.
However, in many cases, reused material can also get the job done. You may just have to get creative when looking for the best items to use.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use brown paper bags for printmaking. One of my favorite types of paper for printmaking is brown paper bags, which I get from the grocery store. Brown paper bags are free kraft paper and hold prints very well – that’s how your local grocery store puts its logo on the outside. To use them, just cut them open and print on the inside of the bag.
- Use thin cardboard boxes. Thin cardboard boxes, like cereal boxes and cracker boxes, have a fantastic neutral surface for printmaking if you cut them open and use the interior.
- Use the backs of failed prints. If you’re like me, you have some old failed prints lying around taking up space. However, even if there’s a failed transfer on the front of the paper, you can always use the backside for a new image!
- Print over book and journal pages. If you have a book or journal you don’t really want or use anymore, you can take a page out and print over the text or images to make something truly unique!
- Make your own paper from recycled scraps. Do you have some junk mail and old newspapers lying around? You can remake those into new sheets of paper! If you want to get fancy, add colorants, reliefs, or flowers strategically to frame your print with the paper itself. Here’s an example of how to do it:
If you want more ideas, here is an excellent sustainable printmaking idea for collagraphs and stamps using only recycled materials.
Final Words
Printmaking is a versatile art form, as many different materials, including everyday household objects, can be used. Its flexibility makes it the perfect type of art for reusable materials, contributing to more sustainability within the art world.
Since you can technically use any paper when making prints, the main thing artists should consider when choosing is how the consistency will affect the final image. Research surfaces for your chosen matrix, and then look for the perfect paper to suit your needs. Chances are, some paper with an ideal texture is lying around your home!