How to... match the right paper to the Calligraphy job?

Renowned calligraphy artist and author of Calligraphy (Easel Does It), Nancy Ouchida-Howells discusses how to match the requirements for the piece of work you plan to do to the right paper. If you get it wrong and use unsuitable paper it is possible that over time the work may deteriorate to become brown, brittle or split.

Paper weight explained

When a number and ‘gsm’ is quoted such as 185gsm, this means that One Square Metre equals 185 grams - a relatively lightweight paper. Other common weights 300gsm, 425gsm, 525gsm, 640gsm have more grams per square metre and are heavier. You must therefore choose the paper weight to fit the project you have in mind. 

Nancy had a number of different products she recommends:- 

• Arches (paper sheets): strong 100% Cotton, recommended for gold, decoration, watercolours, resist, haiku. These papers are available in Arches HP (hot pressed) and Arches NOT.
• Fabriano Artistico: another paper that can take gold, available in both Traditional White and Extra White. 
• Canson Mi Tientes: coloured papers with one textured side and one smooth, both can be written on.

The importance of paper texture

On discussing the texture of papers: Not, Rough and Hot Pressed (HP), Nancy specified how rough paper successfully picks up the granular surface when working with an automatic pen but is not good for fine writing. She recommends:

• Fabriano 5 (smooth or not), BFK Rives
• Long length papers: these are difficult to find but worth the extra effort. A few examples of these Japanese papers can be found at Pegasus Art, Mura Udaban B Smooth 64 grams and Uwa Senka Long 55 grams.

Khadi paper review

Started in the 1980s, Khadi papers have a number of different products. KHADI rag papers are made from 100% cotton rag. These have longer fibres than linters which are the shorter fluffy fibres of the cotton seed generally used in paper making. KHADI’s Himalayan papers are made from the bark fibre of lokta (daphne bholua) or mitsumata (edgewothia papyrefera).

These papers are wonderful but due to their handmade nature can vary from batch to batch, The Khadi papers which includes flowers such as Cornflowers are useful for a variety of projects, an example of Khadi handmade flower paper. The rougher textured surface of Khadi accepts dry paint with great effect. Nancy highlighted the use of acrylic inks on Khadi papers for achieving glorious results from the extensive colours.

Nancy Ouchida-Howells must-have Calligraphy tool…

·       The Schmincke Tro-Col gold powder which when mixed with water to make a paint can be added on top of calligraphy to achieve a stunning gilded effect.

Nancy’s Calligraphy (Easel Does It) book can be bought on Amazon. The text covers all materials, equipment and techniques needed, a includes a gallery by professional artists. It contains ten creative step-by-step projects, including a menu greeting card, wrapping paper, gift tag and family tree!

If you have any further questions on Calligraphy or what paper to choose for what purpose please add them to the comments below and one of our experienced artist’s will answer your query as soon as possible.