Sizing

Definition

Sizing refers to the treatment of paper with a substance to reduce its absorbency and improve its surface properties. This process is crucial in printmaking as it affects how inks and other media interact with the paper, enhancing both durability and print quality. Proper sizing ensures that the paper holds ink better, prevents warping, and maintains integrity during the printing process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sizing can be made from various materials, including gelatin, starch, or synthetic resins, each affecting the paper's properties differently.
2. Different types of printmaking papers are available with specific sizing techniques, like cold press or hot press papers, which influence their texture and absorbency.
3. Improperly sized paper can lead to issues like ink bleeding or excessive absorption, resulting in unclear prints.
4. Sizing can be applied either during the paper manufacturing process or as a post-treatment to enhance existing sheets.
5. The choice of sizing is essential when considering the type of printing technique used, as it directly impacts how the paper will perform with different inks and printing methods.

Review Questions

• How does sizing influence the interaction between ink and paper in printmaking?
  • Sizing plays a significant role in how ink interacts with paper by controlling the absorbency of the sheet. When paper is well-sized, it can hold ink better and reduce bleeding, leading to clearer prints. This control over ink absorption helps achieve more vibrant colors and sharp details, which are essential in high-quality printmaking.
• Discuss the different materials used for sizing and their impact on paper performance in printmaking.
  • Various materials can be used for sizing, including gelatin, starch, and synthetic resins. Gelatin-based sizing tends to be popular due to its ability to enhance texture and absorbency without completely sealing the paper. Starch provides a more rigid surface, beneficial for certain types of prints. Each material affects how ink behaves on the surface, influencing factors such as drying time and color saturation.
• Evaluate the importance of selecting the appropriate type of sizing for specific printmaking techniques and how it impacts the final artwork.
  • Selecting the right sizing is crucial for achieving desired outcomes in printmaking techniques like lithography or etching. For example, lithographic prints benefit from less absorbent papers that allow for finer details without excess bleeding. Conversely, relief printing may require more absorbent papers that can soak up inks effectively. Understanding these nuances ensures that artists can produce work that aligns with their creative intentions while maintaining technical quality.

Related terms

Absorbency:

The ability of a paper to take in moisture or ink, which affects the final print quality and how colors appear on the surface.

Pulp: The raw material made from wood fibers that is processed to create paper; the type and quality of pulp can influence the need for sizing.

Coating:

A layer applied to paper surfaces that can enhance brightness, smoothness, and durability, similar in function to sizing but typically more comprehensive.