From cotton rags to canvas
Know why Maesstría’s art papers are a joy to paint on.
“I could use a paper without feeling bad about cutting a tree.
”
“For the last two years I have been using Maesstria's art papers and I would come back for the basic reason of finding comfort in painting on them.
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MADE OF 100% COTTON RAGS
TRADITIONALLY HANDMADE
ARCHIVAL QUALITY
SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED
TREE-FREE
MADE IN INDIA
STEP 1
Sorting and cutting.
We first sort through cotton rag cuttings from hosiery mills to find usable material.
Our crafty artisans skilfully chop and standardise these rags into neat half-inch sizes using a rag chopper.
We now have a collection of upcycled cotton rags, all prepped for the transformation.
STEP 2
Pulping and beating.
The sorted and cut-up rag pieces are then mechanically pulped and beaten for five hours.
A Hollander beater is used to separate, refine, and break down individual fibres within the cotton rag material. In turn, the machine strengthens the bond between the fibres - without using any chemicals or bleaching agents.
The pulped material with separated and refined fibres is ready for the next step.
STEP 3
Mixing and sizing.
In the mixing stage, the pulp is directed to an agitator so it mixes uniformly with water.
In the sizing stage, we then use a special acid-free additive to adjust the size of the pulp to meet the paper’s specifications.
By carefully controlling the pulp’s size and composition, we can tailor the paper’s properties to different applications and preferences.
STEP 4
Papermaking
In the papermaking process, skilled artisans measure and pour a water-and-pulp mix into a mould. The mixture is then sloshed around the mould's corners for uniform thickness. Once the slurry is evenly distributed, it is carefully drained from the mould to form an interwoven fibrous sheet.
We then transfer these sheets to wooden platforms, where they get their unique ruggedness and uneven edges - also called deckle edges.
STEP 5
Layering and pressing.
Next, we layer these freshly formed sheets with appropriate types of felts for the required paper texture. Felt is a material that separates the sheets and helps them dry while imparting the desired texture.
After layering the sheets, a hydraulic press compresses them to remove excess water and strengthen the paper.
Each sheet of paper is unique, showcasing the individual craftsmanship and artistry involved in the handmade papermaking process.
STEP 6
Drying
After the pressing stage, we get hands-on and meticulous with our drying process.
Our artisans carefully separate each handmade sheet from the felts and hang them on a cloth line for indoor loft drying - to allow the long fibres in each sheet to dry slowly and uniformly.
This slow, controlled drying process lets the fibres contract, interlock, and create high-quality, durable, and strong paper.
STEP 7
Calendering
In the calendering process, the papers are put through steel rolls to tame down the natural texture imparted by the felt to suit unique applications, requirements, and preferences of artists.
For watercolour application, some prefer a naturally rough texture and others perhaps prefer cold pressed. For mix media applications, artists need a smoother surface, so the paper is calendered even more.
Why? Because different artists prefer different surfaces. And we hope to give you exactly what you are looking for.
STEP 8
Quality check
As the final step in the manufacturing process, every sheet of paper undergoes a thorough quality check.
Each sheet is scrutinised under bright lights to detect any defects or imperfections. The inspection adheres to rigorous quality standards to ensure only flawless papers proceed.
Once a sheet successfully passes inspection, it is packaged and sent for fabrication or commercial packaging.
STEP 9
Fabrication
The new handmade sheets then enter the fabrication stage. Think of fabrication as a creative metamorphosis - where we shape the sheets into a range of unique, beautifully crafted practical products.
Like our range of journals, sheets, and wiropads that are utility-based, aesthetically appealing, easier to use, and handy to carry around.
This transformation not only enhances aesthetics but also boosts functionality. Take, for instance, our wiro pads, which eliminate the inconvenience of bulky packs of loose sheets and instead allow artists to paint on the go with a sturdy surface.
STEP 10
Book binding
In the book binding process, we assemble and secure the pages of a book into a cohesive structure. This is an added step especially for our journals.
The papers are hand-sewn and hand-bound to add an artisanal flair, warmth, and uniqueness to every final product.
Through a traditional binding process, these sheets are transformed into appealing, functional, and exclusive journals.
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