Art Savvy Questions & Answers

PAPERS and BOARDS

Q: What is the difference between rough, cold and hot press watercolor papers?

A: The texture of the paper determines, to a large extent, the look of the painting.

• Rough watercolor paper is the most textured. If can be difficult to work with but, used correctly, it can give the painting a lively, bright look.
• Cold press is somewhat toothy and textured. It is the most versatile of the three types, allowing textural effects as well as precise detailing.
• Hot press is the smoothest, having been pressed between two rollers to finish the surface. It is smooth (and often sized on the surface) causing paint to puddle and dry slowly. It is best suited for technical work in watercolor and inks or for drawing.

Q: What does weight (Lbs.) mean in reference to papers?

A: Paper weight is measured in two ways. The more traditional method in America is to determine by the weight of one ream (500 sheets) of that particular kind of paper. Making it a little more complicated is that each paper type has a standard size that is used for obtaining the weight. Simply put, the more a paper "weighs", the thicker it is in relation to other weights of the same paper. A 90-Lb. white sulphite drawing paper is thicker than a 60-Lb. sheet of the same paper. A sheet of 400-Lb. watercolor paper is considerably heavier than a sheet of 90-Lb. watercolor paper.

We are beginning to include the European standard for paper weights in our catalogs. Most European papers are weighed in "grams per square meter" meaning that a sheet of a particular paper that is cut to a square meter is weighed. Whatever that square-meter-piece weighs is the weight of that specific paper even when cut to other sizes. This is a simpler, more straightforward way of measuring paper weight. In our catalog, it is expressed like this: as 130 gsm or "130 grams per square meter".

Q: My budget is so limited, but I'd like to try some specialty papers? What can you suggest?

A: Specialty Papers are more affordable than one would assume. One assortment of 24" x 37" paper provides 36-72 square feet of paper excitement. Each assortment is chosen for its color compatibility and unique contribution to a variety of projects. Begin with a collage project. Start with paint and embellish with paper. With the larger scraps, create handmade journals. With the tiniest pieces, create paper jewelry, greeting cards, or explore the hot new trend of artist trading cards. For starters on bookmaking with special papers, see our Lesson Plan Idea on creating a "Wild Horse Flag Book", https://www.saxarts.com/resources/lessonPlans/wildHorsesFlagBook.jsp , featuring Nepalese Lokta Pinto Paper. See our Lesson Plan Idea on "Traveling Trading Cards" at https://www.saxarts.com/resources/lessonPlans/travelingTradingCard.jsp. Combine a few paper assortments for hundreds of special projects.

Q: Mat cutters are so expensive. Why should I consider buying one?

A: A mat cutter will pay for itself within the first year. In a secondary school setting, in particular, they are desirable, as matted work looks more professional when displayed. Let's say you need 5 mats. You want double mats on all pictures. A framer may charge $15.00 per mat. Your pictures are 16" x 20". That is a total of $150.00. The cost of 20" x 32" mat board is about $3.50. You will need 5. A good starter mat cutter costs about $100.00. Your total cost would be about $117.50. Every mat you cut from then on will cost only the price of mat board. We carry mat board in many colors. Many, many student works can be matted inexpensively using a mat cutter. The savings will add up year after year. It's relatively easy to cut mats. You can have them whenever you need them.