Paper for Block Printing
Block printing can be done on any paper that is strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of going through a press or being rubbed with baren or wooden spoon. Some paper takes the ink better than others.
You can buy paper labelled as specifically for block printing, but you do not have to. Many papers work just fine that are not labelled as specifically for printmaking. Best results are often obtained with smooth paper as a rough texture may make it difficult for the ink to penetrate. Better results are often obtained from lighter weight paper because you can put pressure on it more easily. Mulberry paper is sometimes used as it is thin but strong and has an artistic feel to it.
I generally do test prints on plain “typing” or “printer” paper. When using water-based inks you may mist the paper with a fine spray of water for better results.
For final printing, I use a variety of other papers. Here are some links to some possible papers. Note that you can buy many of these at stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby or art supply stores. It is just easy for me to put Amazon links so you know what I am talking about.
Fine Printmaking Paper by Speedball. Unbleached printmaking paper made from a mix of kozo (mulberry) and bamboo fiber
Mulberrry Block Printing Paper by Black Ink. This paper comes in bleached and unbleached. They also have a variety pack of colored paper. It can also be ordered online at Staples and perhaps at art stores.
Strathmore has both heavy weight and light weight printmaking paper in a variety of sizes. These are available at Hobby Lobby and Michaels as well as online and at the art supply stores. I find that they are OK but not that much better then other papers.
I like Canson papers because they are the economy version of Strathmore, and often I cannot tell the difference! Michaels and Hobby Lobby both carry this brand and often have it on sale, or if not on sale, you can use a coupon.
Recently I tried out another less expensive brand, Master’s Touch because it was on sale at Hobby Lobby. I liked the Sketch pad paper that says it is for pen, ink and pencil and says “heavyweight paper.” Only the 8.5 x 11 said it was for ink and pen and was heavyweight. You have to read the cover of the pad because most other sizes say only for dry media. You want the one that says for pen and ink also. If you feel the paper, it is very smooth.
Index card paper works well, although you have to press hard on it.
It is a matter of trying out the paper with your inks and your method of transfer and seeing which works best. Do not forget that you can print white or light colors on dark paper. Once you get better at printing, you may want to invest in artist quality paper.
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