Digital BW, The Print

This is probably more of a painter's question, but I am exploring the Arches watercolor paper that is sold in "blocks."  The 12 x 16 inch size is what I'm printing on now.  I hope it becomes a more convenient way to print on Arches that are less than full sheets (22x30").

The packaging is most interesting.  It has a black edge all around it that is glued tightly to the paper edges.  

Question: How do most users of this paper remove the paper, and how do they remove the black edge -- if at all?

I took  knife and cut the edge binder to remove a single sheet, and it is printing fine.  The edge will be hidden by the mat, so it won't show when matted.  But, still, it would be nice to totally remove the edge material without having to cut the paper.

Does anyone have any experience with these Arches paper blocks?

This one was purchased mail order from Blick.  I thought our local store had some block paper without the black around the edges.  

Are different versions of this sold through different retailers?  Is there a version without the black edge binder all the way around?

Thanks,

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

Paul
Watercolor paper is sold in blocks for the convenience of being able to paint on the surface without removing it to keep the paper flat. A dull butter knife is best for separating the sheets. The edges should be trimmed before printing, the rough edge can rub on the print heads as it exits the printer causing a a streak at the edge of the paper as it leaves the printer ( can't do the heads any good either), It does this on my 1400.  It should be noted that some manufacturers put right sides together. Arches doesn't. Also the glue used to bind the paper penetrates very slightly  into the edges and can effect borderless prints along with causing the paper to curl.
Nope this helps
Kelly

Hi Paul, 

I got the block Yesterday mine doesnt go all the way. the top part has a small section exposed (an inch I think) without binder and I slow pull from the side to free it. also 12 by 16


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul" <roark.paul@...> wrote:

>
> This is probably more of a painter's question, but I am exploring the Arches watercolor paper that is sold in "blocks."  The 12 x 16 inch size is what I'm printing on now.  I hope it becomes a more convenient way to print on Arches that are less than full sheets (22x30").
> 
> The packaging is most interesting.  It has a black edge all around it that is glued tightly to the paper edges.  
> 
> Question: How do most users of this paper remove the paper, and how do they remove the black edge -- if at all?
> 
> I took  knife and cut the edge binder to remove a single sheet, and it is printing fine.  The edge will be hidden by the mat, so it won't show when matted.  But, still, it would be nice to totally remove the edge material without having to cut the paper.
> 
> Does anyone have any experience with these Arches paper blocks?
> 
> This one was purchased mail order from Blick.  I thought our local store had some block paper without the black around the edges.  
> 
> Are different versions of this sold through different retailers?  Is there a version without the black edge binder all the way around?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>

Hi,
The paper is held down so it will warp less when painter on with watercolors. Standard for blocks of paper. You can cut the paper off with a dull blade, like a butter knife. Arches blocks tend to leave some of the black coating. Other than cutting it off, you can matt over it. All blocks from the same paper mill will be the same. There are pads of Arches, but I'm not sure about availability or sizes. 

Anne

Sent from my iPad

On May 10, 2012, at 5:54 AM, "chen.benedict" <benedictchen22@...> wrote:

> 
> Hi Paul, 
> 
> I got the block Yesterday mine doesnt go all the way. the top part has a small section exposed (an inch I think) without binder and I slow pull from the side to free it. also 12 by 16
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul" <roark.paul@...> wrote:
> >
> > This is probably more of a painter's question, but I am exploring the Arches watercolor paper that is sold in "blocks." The 12 x 16 inch size is what I'm printing on now. I hope it becomes a more convenient way to print on Arches that are less than full sheets (22x30").
> > 
> > The packaging is most interesting. It has a black edge all around it that is glued tightly to the paper edges. 
> > 
> > Question: How do most users of this paper remove the paper, and how do they remove the black edge -- if at all?
> > 
> > I took knife and cut the edge binder to remove a single sheet, and it is printing fine. The edge will be hidden by the mat, so it won't show when matted. But, still, it would be nice to totally remove the edge material without having to cut the paper.
> > 
> > Does anyone have any experience with these Arches paper blocks?
> > 
> > This one was purchased mail order from Blick. I thought our local store had some block paper without the black around the edges. 
> > 
> > Are different versions of this sold through different retailers? Is there a version without the black edge binder all the way around?
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > 
> > Paul
> > www.PaulRoark.com
> >
> 
> 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Watercolor blocks are made this way so you can paint on the top sheet and have it remain flat until it dries. Typically you use a knife (palette knife is good) to cut off the top sheet and work on the next one, sliding the knife into the "opening" at the top. It leaves that black edge. 

> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul" <roark.paul@> wrote:
> >
> > This is probably more of a painter's question, but I am exploring the Arches watercolor paper that is sold in "blocks."  The 12 x 16 inch size is what I'm printing on now.  I hope it becomes a more convenient way to print on Arches that are less than full sheets (22x30").
> > 
> > The packaging is most interesting.  It has a black edge all around it that is glued tightly to the paper edges.  
> > 
> > Question: How do most users of this paper remove the paper, and how do they remove the black edge -- if at all?
> > 
> > I took  knife and cut the edge binder to remove a single sheet, and it is printing fine.  The edge will be hidden by the mat, so it won't show when matted.  But, still, it would be nice to totally remove the edge material without having to cut the paper.
> > 
> > Does anyone have any experience with these Arches paper blocks?
> > 
> > This one was purchased mail order from Blick.  I thought our local store had some block paper without the black around the edges.  
> > 
> > Are different versions of this sold through different retailers?  Is there a version without the black edge binder all the way around?
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > 
> > Paul
> > www.PaulRoark.com
> >
>