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Paperbacking 101

CharlieCharlie
in Charlie's Amateur Linenbacking 101 - The Reboot

Figure it's time to talk more about paperbacking.  I am falling in love with paperbacking vs. linenbacking.   I have also found a new paper that is not masa, called mulberry paper.  Where as masa is 100% sulphite, mulberry is 30% Japanese kozo and 70% sulphite.  It is known to have long fibers that make it very durable.  I have used masa before to paperback but something just didn't feel right about it after I took it off the board. Everything was fine but the poster always felt very rigid... This mulberry feels right...

So, steps to paperbacking:

Step 1:  Do everything you normally do to prepare a poster to linenback...

Step 2:  Have a solid surface or board with a water-proof finish (there is more to this board's surface - but a little mystery is fun) 

Step 3:  Using a polyester blend called Holytex (densities differ - I'll let you experiment until you find the one you like) paste the Holytex to the surface.

Step 4:  Paste the paper to the Holytex.

Step 5:  Paste the poster to the paper.

Surprising simple?  It took me a long time to work out all the materials because nobody documents this type of backing.


Comments

  • EisenhowerEisenhower
    Good info, thanks . Interesting about the mulberry-what gsm's is the mulberry paper-my only comparison is masa at 70. 

    "mulberry feels right..." Is this kinda the difference between lower quality cotton duck that remains stiff after rolling/unrolling?

    My linenbacked poster from a co back east feels stiff/rigid   -the 12 ounce canvas I use feels soft-unrolls easily. 

  • DavidDavid
    I hope the other lot here were taking notes.
  • CharlieCharlie
    52 GSM...  But I think this and the longer fibers make it more flexible...
  • CharlieCharlie
    I thought I would update this thread in response to some talk over at MOPO and APF:

    "Rice paper" is a generic term also known as mulberry paper.  It can be made of other things but 99% of the time when someone says rice paper they are talking about mulberry.  You can find different kozo (mulberry) all over the world.  I posted about using mulberry before for paperbacking.  I've back 30+ posters on mulberry so far and it is out standing.  Museums use mulberry paper.  Chinese calligraphers and artist use mulberry to back paintings.  I buy my mulberry from a traditional Chinese art company.

    Here is a daybill on mulberry:



    You can also just throw it on any piece of holytex and back something quick:



    Video of removing: 

    https://youtu.be/hH7pTGhCo2U

    Video of removing the holytex: 

    https://youtu.be/c7kle8p3CkM

    War Wagon on Mulberry and trimmed to the edge: 










  • CharlieCharlie
    More posters on mulberry:






  • CharlieCharlie
    Two Roman Holiday Lobbies on Mulberry:


  • CQ_LinkCQ_Link
    Charlie said:

    Figure it's time to talk more about paperbacking.  I am falling in love with paperbacking vs. linenbacking.   I have also found a new paper that is not masa, called mulberry paper.  Where as masa is 100% sulphite, mulberry is 30% Japanese kozo and 70% sulphite.  It is known to have long fibers that make it very durable.  I have used masa before to paperback but something just didn't feel right about it after I took it off the board. Everything was fine but the poster always felt very rigid... This mulberry feels right...

    So, steps to paperbacking:

    Step 1:  Do everything you normally do to prepare a poster to linenback...

    Step 2:  Have a solid surface or board with a water-proof finish (there is more to this board's surface - but a little mystery is fun) 

    Step 3:  Using a polyester blend called Holytex (densities differ - I'll let you experiment until you find the one you like) paste the Holytex to the surface.

    Step 4:  Paste the paper to the Holytex.

    Step 5:  Paste the poster to the paper.

    Surprising simple?  It took me a long time to work out all the materials because nobody documents this type of backing.


    What "knife" are you using in the first video to remove the entire Holytex/ mulberry/ lobby card from the mounting board?
  • EisenhowerEisenhower
    Although I have a small pallet knife which I sometimes use for mixing of methyl cellulose or something else, the cake palette knife has rounded edges and it’s longer to get underneath the Holly text to remove it. 

  • CQ_LinkCQ_Link
    Eisenhower said:
    Although I have a small pallet knife which I sometimes use for mixing of methyl cellulose or something else, the cake palette knife has rounded edges and it’s longer to get underneath the Holly text to remove it. 

    Perfect!  Thanks!!
  • EisenhowerEisenhower
    I havent paperbacked anything in a while, but seeing your work Charlie makes me think i should try a few next time back something. Those Eastwood's are sweet. 
  • CharlieCharlie
    Eisenhower said:
    I havent paperbacked anything in a while, but seeing your work Charlie makes me think i should try a few next time back something. Those Eastwood's are sweet. 
    If I ever start up again. I am paperbacking everything.
  • DukeDuke
    Paper backing looks to be better and easier to have positive results. Conservators use paper backing instead of linen.
    Charlie can you define the process in more detail?
    suppler for holy text?
  • CharlieCharlie
    Talas
  • CharlieCharlie
    Bump.
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