External Causes of Deterioration to Paper

 Pollution

Atmospheric pollution can be a cause of damage.

Calcium carbonate is added when making the paper. This is to give it a buffering to combat acids present in the air from pollution. Atmospheric pollutions are more commonly an issue in major cities.The paper would become acidic after it came into contact with atmospheric pollutants. So with the alkaline buffering it shouldn’t become acidic and degrade.

White spots showing through wash
 - Contamination from handling whilst wearing hand cream!

Environment

It is advisable to avoid storing paper where there is excessive or fluctuating heat and humidity. It is advisable to store papers covered and in an area away from direct light.

Light

Light fades and discolours most papers. Direct sunlight can damage everything from paper to carpets! We use pigments (not dyes) in our papermaking. These are lightfast up to Blue Wool scale 7, which help to protect each sheet from light/fade issues.

Handling

Contamination through handling is a common problem. When wet, a gelatine surface is especially fragile and at risk of ‘finger’ marks. Detergents (ie; soap, washing up liquid, shampoo, cleaning fluids) are another concern as the contamination from them will make the sheet very absorbent. This usually occurs if soaked and stretched in contaminated water or having contaminated brushes. The sheet will become unstable and soft sized.

Ice Bucket Challenge!

Neil Mays, our Engineering Manager doing the Ice Bucket Challenge at St Cuthberts Mill.

Surface Textures

Felts can be made of wool(worsted) or synthetics. They have two main purposes, to aid with water removal from the sheet and to add texture to the papers’ surface.

Different felts are used to give different textures. A more open weave gives deeper troughs and peaks that is a required of rough watercolour papers. A closer knit felt weave is used for the other textures, eg HP, Not, Velvet, Satin.

The point where the texture is imparted to the sheet is at the press section. The fibrous matrix is still very wet and malleable, allowing the surface of the sheet to be moulded to the contours of the felt.

Woollen felts are preferred to synthetics as the weave is less mechanical. Woollen felts are almost hand made; no two are exactly the same, thus giving  random textures.

Woollen felts wear over a relatively short time. Our skilled papermakers are adept at altering the paper machine to ensure the surface of the paper is a good match to paper surface standards throughout the felt’s life

Grading of the paper’s surface texture is done by eye using a grazing light.

Not that we want to boast, but here are just a few of our rave reviews!

A huge thank you to all our dedicated paper users out there!

Martin Williamson

Superb paper! It takes all the abuse I throw at it and still shines through - fantastic! Thank you :-)

Jean Haines

Absolutely fantastic range of paper. I would be lost without it! Saunders Waterford is stunning for my watercolours and Bockingford is great for demonstrations. I highly recommend the whole range!

Atanas Matsoureff

Highly recommend!

Top quality in each kind and weight. Love them!

David Parfitt

Millford paper - the new Whatman. Love it.

Daniel Marshall

Can't do without Saunders Waterford 140lb Rough!!! The best!!!

Jocelyn Roberts

I tell everyone about St Cuthberts Mill, I always use Saunders Waterford, it takes the paint beautifully without buckling. THE BEST WATERCOLOUR PAPER THERE IS :-)

Jill Griffin

The utmost care, quality and craftsmanship go into these papers and it shows. The consistency is so good you know you can trust every single sheet.

Diana Shliamina

St Cuthberts Mill produces the best watercolor paper! The costumer service is also excellent! Always nice and helpful. I would recommend products from St Cuthberts Mill to anyone.