GLOSSARY The following features are characteristic of quality papers, and will assist in paper
selection.
HOT PRESS
Used for portraits. Discreet and
reserved, it focuses attention on the subject of the work,
emphasizing the drawing. However with such a subtle
medium a certain degree of technical mastery is essential.
LAID PAPERS
Papers with a subtle line texture
created during the production process. Laid papers
provide a surface that is ideal for charcoal, pastels, and
drawing.
LIGNIN
Lignin is an organic substance that acts as
a binder for cellulose fibers in wood and certain plants,
adding strength and stiffness to the cell walls. Lignin is
undesirable in the production of fine, permanent papers
because it reacts with light, heat and humidity to produce
acids that cause deterioration of the paper. Quality
Canson papers are lignin free.
MICRO-PERFORATION
Canson wire bound pads
feature tiny perforations that provide a clean edge when
the sheets are torn from the pad.
pH
Paper acidity is measured in terms of pH. Any paper
with a pH level above 7 is considered alkaline, and below
7 is considered acidic. With time, acids will damage paper
through oxidation, causing brown stains and reduced
strength. Acid-free Canson papers contain pH levels
above 7, ensuring longevity.
PAPER PRODUCTION
There are three methods
of producing paper. Handmade paper is made by skilled
craftspeople, typically of 100% cotton. It features irregular
texture, and is usually more expensive than machine-
made papers. Mould-made papers are produced on
cylinder mould machines. Their random fiber distribution
makes them durable and resistant to distortion.
Fourdrinier machine-made papers are more economical
and consistent in formation, and typically are smoother
papers.
PRINTER COMPATIBILITY
With improved
technology, it is now possible to achieve great results on
a wider variety of papers with laser and ink-jet printers,
including textured and heavyweight papers. Paper
specifications can generally be found in the printer Users
manual.
PULP COLORING
Canson papers are colored in the
pulp to be bleed- and fade-resistant.
PULP COMPOSITION
Paper is made from cellulose
– the fibers that are the main constituent of all plant
life. Canson papers are made from high alpha cellulose
content virgin pulp – either purified wood or cotton. Alpha
cellulose fibers are the best choice for permanence
because their length and structure makes them the
strongest and most stable type of cellulose.
ROLLER-MARKED PAPER
The imprint left by a
roller run along the edge of a sheet manufactured on a
Fourdrinier paper machine.
ROUGH GRAIN
An effect close to that of handmade
paper. This rough grain paper helps to achieve valuable
effects of texture.
SIZING
Sizing is the substance added to paper that
allows the paper to accept ink, resist water, and have
greater tear strength. For longevity and durability, the
sizing must be neutral or alkaline. Canson uses only
neutral or alkaline sizing in the production of its papers.
SMOOTH PAPER
Paper with a smooth, satin-like
surface for work involving a great deal of details done in
pencil, with scope for adding color using marker pens.
This grain is ideal for graphic and technical creative work.
TRUE SIZE
Only Canson wire bound pads feature true
size sheets, enabling consumers to get full use of the
paper dimensions stated on the pad cover.
VELLUM
A paper without any ribbing, so smooth it
recalls the finest parchment, making an ideal medium for
drawing.
WATERMARKS
Watermarks are created during the
production process and leave a permanent impression
in the sheet, which is visible when the paper is held up
to light. Watermarks can be registered (appearing in the
same place on every sheet), or random (varying in their
location on the sheet).
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