Goodness, I cannot express how happy I am finally putting this blog together. This is so overdue and a very frequently asked question on Instagram. I believe it is both frustrating and curious from fellow stationers and followers respectively.
First and foremost, ink smudges on handmade paper is normal. Many people think–when I print on handmade paper, it comes out perfect and pristine. I can say 80-90% of the time it is pristine where it never catches and ink smudges. So this blog will hopefully help you achieve that.
For those who are new here, handmade papers are beautiful and an eco-friendly alternative to mass produced papers and recycled papers. However, it can be challenging to work with especially if you are digitally printing on them for the first time. I digitally print all my stationery in-house on the handmade papers I supply and can attest that it will always be a labour of love.
Disclaimer: Like all my blog posts, it is only for guidance or reference. The tips shared are personal experiences which will of course differ from everyone else.
A few things to consider...
-
Type of Handmade Paper
It's important to note the texture of the paper, size, weight (gsm) and how it matches you, your brand and/or the project you are working on. There are many paper studios and handmade paper craftsman/craftswomen to support and choose from. This can be an overwhelming first step so I recommend purchasing samples to find the best fit for you.
-
Type of Printer
Printers are made for papers with smooth surfaces/textures and some can be sensitive when "feeding" papers through. Unfortunately, not all printers are compatible and will not specify if it works with handmade paper because it is not widely used. When you are looking for a printer, look for one that has the capability to handle 300gsm to 380gsm papers. The handmade papers I supply are 250gsm and is the best weight for me personally.
Pro Tip: Figuring out the printer settings for handmade paper is another tedious task. This is also another question I frequently get in my Instagram direct messages and email. To be brutally honest, I implore you to figure it out on your own and don't cut corners by asking before you have given a thought or try. Again, it's best you test with the paper you want to use and record down which settings work and does not work.
-
Compatibility of the handmade paper and printer you choose
You may love the handmade paper you plan to use, however, the printer you choose to print with might not. This is going to be the most time consuming and challenging stage since you will be testing and trialling different papers for your printer. For anyone interested in my handmade papers, I offer "seconds" handmade paper that are second grade and perfect for testing/practicing with.
Before you digitally print on handmade paper...
-
Read My Blog
I would recommend reading my blog on how to achieve flat handmade paper deckled edges. This is a great way to reduce the amount of ink smudges on the deckled edges since the papers are flatter.
-
Printer Maintenance
This is often overlooked and very crucial to your printer health. If you recently digitally printed a few client projects or a large number of handmade paper sheets, you should take a moment and maintain your printer. For Canon Pro users, you can refer to my Instagram reel or scroll to the bottom (don't worry a blog is coming soon). For any other printer brands, you can always refer to the printer user manual or Youtube videos on how to maintain and clean your printer.
Pro Tip: Focus on how to remove ink residues on the rollers and/or the part where it prints and feeds the papers through. This should help!
Let's remove those ink smudges!
Okay, now that you have digested all the information above, I think you are ready. Removing ink smudges on handmade paper deckled edges is extremely easy and all you (technically) need is one tool: a scalpel (honestly, my favourite tool).
What you need:
-
Scalpel (with a Lid)
Caution! When you are handling a scalpel, please do not leave it unattended without the lid on. Also, only purchase one that comes with a lid (this is very important).
-
Eraser (Rubber)
Erasers are perfect for any ink smudges that are not deep and sometimes for the ink smudges on the back side of the handmade paper. Just erase on the area you need and the ink will come off like butter.
-
Cutting Mat (Larger than the paper size you are using)
Since you will be scraping on handmade paper with a scalpel, a cutting mat will be the best surface to use.
-
Mask (Medical Grade) (Optional)
Depending on the amount of ink smudge removal you will be doing, putting a mask on will help prevent inhaling a large amount of paper particles.
Here are the first few easy steps:
-
Important! Before you remove ink smudges, only do it when the ink is completely dry. It will be easier to remove and won't cause the ink to spread.
-
Caution! When you are handling a scalpel, please do not leave it unattended without the lid on. Also, only purchase one that comes with a lid (this is very important).
Place the handmade paper on top of your cutting mat. Take the scalpel and gently scrape off the ink smudges off of the deckled edges. (Having a desk hoover (vacuum) or desk bin (trash can) will help wonders). Please avoid jabbing your fingers with the sharp tip and make sure the hand holding down the handmade paper is far away from where you are scraping.
- Don't worry about ruining the deckled edges, it's handmade paper and since it's a natural product, you are just creating a new set of fluffy edges (without the ink smudges). It is honestly that simple and hope you now give this a go!
Before & After
A little example of what it looks like before (left) and after (right)! The left shows handmade papers with ink smudges and the right is after the ink smudges has been removed.
Et voilà! (There you go!) Like anything handmade, this is a labour of love. Just remember to take your time and be careful when you're handling a scalpel.
Do you have a video I can refer to?
Usually a yes but a video will be coming soon! You can refer to how to maintain your Canon Pro printer (if you have the same) for now.
I hope this blog post was helpful. Bookmark this blog so you can always come back to it. If you are a stationer or just starting out, give this a try and hopefully you'll find this tip helpful. Please share it with a friend or tag me on Instagram.
Much love, Keth ♡
_________
If you follow me on Instagram or Tiktok, you would be familiar with videos I share. Below is the Instagram reel that feature a quick tip on what we covered today in this blog. Watch it a few times or get in touch if you have any questions!