Page 191 - Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals

Graphic Design 179
measurement is used; however, in North America, most papers use brightness measurement instead.
Some papers have brightness values that exceed 100. This is due to the addition of fluorescent whitening
agents (FWAs), which return additional blue light when exposed to UV light. The same is true for
whiteness, as papers with higher blue reflectance levels tend to have higher whiteness levels.

Finish

Finish defines the look and feel of the paper’s surface and can be achieved during the paper-making
process (on-machine) or after (off-machine). On-machine finishes are achieved by the application of a
pattern onto the paper by a marking roller while it is still wet. Examples of on-machine finishes are
smooth, vellum, laid and felt (see Table 6.2). Off-machine finishes are accomplished with rollers that
press the pattern into the paper after it has been made. Off-machine finishes are also known as embossed
finishes. Linen, stipple, and canvas are examples of these; Table 6.3 gives a description of each.

Table 6.2 On-machine finishes

On-machine Description Typical Uses
Finishes

Ideal for general digital printing and
Paper is passed through various calendaring rollers,
Smooth producing a finish that is uniform, flat, and smooth to the copying as toner is applied to the
surface and does not penetrate the
touch.
fibres.
A consistent eggshell appearance that is not quite as
smooth as smooth finish but has a velvety feel. Not to be Used most commonly for book
Vellum
confused with the substrate called vellum, which is paper.
translucent.

Consists of a series of wide-spaced lines (chain lines) and
Laid more narrowly spaced lines (laid lines), which are at 90 Used for letterhead, reports,
presentations.
degrees to the chain lines.
A felt-covered roller is used to produce this finish. The Used for letterhead, reports,
Felt
appearance resembles that of felt. presentations.

Table 6.3 Off-machine finishes
Off-machine Description Typical Uses
Finishes

A cross-hatch pattern resembling linen Used for personal stationery, letterhead,
Linen
fabric. fine-dining menus, business cards.
A fine bump texture that resembles the
Stipple Used where a subtle uneven texture is desired.
painted surface of a wall.
Used for art prints or where a ‘painted’
Canvas Simulates the surface of canvas.
appearance is desired.