How to choose paper for wood block printing
Wood block printing works very well on paper and card as well as fabric. You must always have a sponge mat underneath the paper or card because this provides a little 'give' when you press down with the block. This means the paint is transferred to the paper.
We have tested several types of paper for printing and have found a preference for cotton rag paper. In some cases, this paper is made from offcuts from the textile industry which would otherwise end up in landfill. Our favourite cotton papers are Somerset, BFK Rives and Indian Cotton.
As well as the materials, you need to consider the weight (thickness) of the paper, which is expressed is gsm (grams per square meter). We find that around 200gsm is a good weight because it will not rip when printed and it is not too stiff either.
When you start using different papers, you will see that some are more absorbent than others. This will affect how crisp your print will come out and how long it takes to dry.
Traditionally paper was handmade on trays called deckles and this gave the paper a rough edge. Most modern paper is made mechanically and the edges are cut straight. It is really up to you what look you prefer.
When you are buying specialist paper, it will come in large sheets which is more economical than buying it in smaller sizes like A4. It will really help if you have a small guillotine to cut it down to what you want.
To look at papers before you buy, try a specialist shop like Shepherds Bookbinders in London. There are lots of sample books to look through and you can just buy 1 sheet at a time. It may be that your local area has a good stationery shop or local art shop that can help.
