|
Most printmaking papers (which are short fibered) are definitely NOT suitable for printing Moku Hanga style, which requires long fibered paper that is strong enough to withstand the pressures of the baren.
The paper should also be as homogeneous as possible with no thickness variations or clumps.
To check paper variations, hold paper to the light and look for lights and shadows or evenness: Preferably use papers with no variations.
Papers should be sized on both sides so that not only the surface is stronfer but sizing reduces absorption and bleeding of pigment along paper fibers.
The best thing is to choose paper made especially for this technique: usually the fibers are from mulberry (kozo) or gampi.
Hosho is also a good selection since it is not too expensive.
A particularly strong and well suited paper is yamaguchi Hosho which takes pigment very well and will easily withstand many over printings without pilling.
A cheaper paper (mostly used in printmaking for chine collé) is Kitakata which, albeit, doesn't hold too much moisture and easily becomes over-saturated and soft. Cheaper than this paper, you will find Masa paper, really strong under your baren.
Interesting results can be obtained with lightweight watercolor papers. You can get these papers at Dick Blick Art Materials
Moku hanga: Inks
Although watercolor tubes are easier to use, they are quite expensive, since a lot of paste needs to be used in moku hanga. Therefore, it is advisable to mix pure pigment with alcohol until you obtain a paste, then add water to a workable consistency. However, pigments might be dangerous for your health and messy to work with. remember to keep your baren oiled with cameila oil
www.monoprints.com
|