Glossary - Paper Finishes (Texture) - Paper Weights

 FINISH

Paper surface characteristics, mainly imparted by mechanical means.

ANTIQUE FINISH

Rough or natural paper finish. Obtained by operating with reduced pressure during wet pressing and calendering.

CALENDERING

The process of pressing paper smooth by running it through a series of heated rollers called calenders.

EMBOSSED

Patterned texture imparted to paper through an embosser. Common embossed patterns simulate burlap, felt, linen and leather

LINEN

Finish resembling linen fabric. It is obtained by off-machine embossing a continuous web with an engraved steel roll.

MATTE

A coated finish with good smoothness but devoid of gloss.

PARCHMENT

A marble-like, undulating surface resembling true parchment; a writing surface made from animal skins. We introduced French Parchtone in 1949 as the first 100% animal-free printable parchment paper made entirely from wood pulp.

SMOOTH

A uniform, uncoated paper surface that feels smooth and holds ink evenly. A paper’s smoothness is measured by an air leak test called sheffield smoothness. The smoother the surface, the lower the Sheffield Smoothness value. 

VELLUM

Dull, toothy finish that is somewhat smoother than antique finish.

FELT SIDE & WIRE SIDE

The side of the paper that is in contact with the wire on the paper machine is called the wire side, as distinguished from the felt or top side. The two sides can have a slightly different finish.