Research Task: Paper and Bookbinding

Further inform your understanding of paper and bookbinding by reading pages 165–180 of Alan Pipes’ chapter ‘ On Press’ available as a downloadable resource at http://www.oca-student.com/

Collect lots of different paper samples, and assemble these into a standalone book, or integrate them into your sketchbook. See this as the start of an ongoing resource that you can add to, and refer back to.

Add notes to your paper sample book/sketchbook identifying the paper source, stock, and any reflection on the paper’s qualities. You may want to extend this investigation by exploring how your paper samples can be folded, combined, stitched, printed on, or bound together. Explore your samples’ physical properties by working with them, testing them out, and visually documenting the results of your research.

I requested paper samples from Solopress for this task.

130gsm gloss

This is a smooth paper that has a low opacity. It is light and thin and has a gleaming finish. It is easily foldable and could be used for folded leaflets, brochures and even posters. Gloss works well with photographs and images but not so well with handwriting.

350gsm gloss

 

This shares the qualities of the 130gsm gloss except that it is of course thicker, heavier and it also has a high opacity. It is not as easily foldable and it could be used for flyers and greeting cards.

130gsm silk

 

There are similarities between this and the 130gsm gloss as well as some notable differences. It is light and thin, foldable and has a low opacity. The differences are that it has a subtle matt sheen and a slightly rougher texture. It could be used for similar purposes as its gloss counterpart. Silk is an all rounder which can be used both for media and handwriting.

400gsm silk

Thicker and heavier than the 130gsm silk. It is definitely not suitable for folding. It could be used for postcards, greeting cards and business cards.

100gsm bond

This is a thin lightweight paper with low opacity. It is uncoated and rough with a rustic quality. It might be used for leaflets and brochures but you could also see this type of paper in notepads.

380mic pulp

Thick, heavy and sturdy. It is very rough with high opacity. Definitely suitable for postcards, greeting cards and business cards. Easy to write on.

457mic kraft paper

This paper is very rough and textured. It is brown in colour and not ideal for folding. It is thick and heavy and has high opacity. It could be used for postcards and business cards. The finish is not very vivid.

400gsm gold dust iridescent

This paper has a glittering, iridescent quality to its finish. It adds a sense of opulence.

This is just a small selection of paper samples and it already shows you how diverse the qualities can be. This task has made me more aware of the tactility of paper in particular and the differing textures. Paper is definitely not just a visual medium.