It is certainly possible to make paper without adding anything to the pulp, but when using pigments and coagulant or making paper for a specific purpose, additives are essential. All of our additives now come in plastic jars so it is easier store and use them.

Acid Protector (Calcium Carbonate)      Add to Cart

This is a buffer which is added to the pulp at the end of the mixing process to ensure that the paper never becomes acidic. Soak paper pulp that you have mixed in 2 tablespoons CaCO3 per quart of water overnight.. 2 oz -#700 $2.95

Acid Free Glue (Methyl Cellulose) - Add to Cart

This comes in powder form. It is water-soluble archival mild glue for use either wet or dry. Great for gluing paper to paper or for sizing. 2 oz -#701 $4.95

Kaolin – will give moldability and weight to your paper. It is a filler and may cause paper mixture to be not quite as strong. Mix a tablespoon to 1 cup of lukewarm water, allow it to sit undisturbed for 2 minutes and then beat pulp as usual. 2 oz -#702 $2.95         Add to Cart 

 

Pigments

Venetian Red 1 oz #707R $4.50     Add to Cart

Mars Yellow 1 oz#707Y $4.50     Add to Cart

Earth Maroon 1 oz#707E $4.50     Add to Cart

Mars Black 1 oz#707M $4.50   Add to Cart

Luster Pigments

Pearlescent White 1 oz #LPW $5.95       Add to Cart

Hi Lite Orange 1 oz #LPO $6.95 Add to Cart

Hi Lite Green 1 oz #LPGR $6.95 Add to Cart

Hi Lite Blue 1 oz #LPB $6.95 Add to Cart

These luster pigments work great with our batiking wax as well as in sheets of paper. The hi lite pigments have a sort of two tone effect that is really pretty but pale alone or wonderful luminescence mixed with other colors. You can also create a paint by mixing any of your pigments with our Golden matte medium.

Directions for using Dry Pigments –

Mix pigment with water (about 10 times the amount of water to pigment) and blend well in blender. The water-pigment should be used within 2-3 days for best results. Start with a very small amount, it really does go a long way. Stir or shake before each use. You can continue to add color until you get it the way you like up until you add the retention aid.

 

Retention Aid - 2 oz. #706 $3.95 Add to Cart

Retention Aid enables papermaking fibers to retain pigments, dyes, acid protector, kaolin, and other additives. Mix 1/4 t per pint of water. Mix the powder with water in a blender and then dilute the mixture with one gallon of water. If you have used too much retention aid, the pulp and pigment will separate. So be sure to add it slowly, a tiny bit at a time, while stirring the pulp with the pigment in it, just until pigment and pulp are "married" and the water is clear.

 

Directions for using Retention Aid –

Mix powder with cold water, 1/16 t retention aid to 3/4 cups of water.  

Mix this in your blender.

Dilute the mixture with one quart of water. Then let it sit for a few hours before use. Retention Aid should be used within 2 to 3 days for best results so mix up as small amount as possible. Refrigerate and it will last a few days longer;.

Add pigment or other additives to the pulp, pigment first and then additives.

Lastly, add the retention aid while stirring the pulp until the pigment is retained in the fibers. Add it very slowly, if you use too little or too much it will cause the pigment to remain separate from the pulp. Retention Aid "marries" the pulp and additive to the pigment. At this point your water should be fairly clear if not completely clear.

Be careful to wear gloves, and to protect your clothes and counters.

Red and black are the hardest to work with. We suggest that you try one of the other colors for the first piece of paper you make with pigments.

Once you get the hang of it try some marbling techniques. All you need to do is mix two different cups of pulp with different pulp shades all the way through with the retention aid and then when you pour into your hand mold slightly swirl them together.

The pearlescent and metallic pigments can also be used like an inclusion and just added to either your pulp that you have just poured into the floating mold, or on a freshly pulled sheet before you start to sponge your water out. Pearlescent pulps work best if you use them after you have already added the retention aid to your pulp mixture.

Directions for using Pigment Powders –

Mix pigment with a little water (about 10 times the amount of water to pigment) and blend well in blender. After you mix with water pigment should be used within 2-3 days for best results. Start with a very small amount, it really does go a long way. Stir or shake before each use. You can continue to add color until you get it the way you like up until you add the retention aid.