Hello, I have recently purchased some arches 88 unsized printmaking paper, I want to know if the paper is face up if I can read the water mark or if it’s face up when the water mark is backwards.
The paper is face up when you can read the watermark left to right. That goes for Arches 88 or any other paper that offers a watermark.
During the paper making process the pulp is spit into a mould that often has an embossing on the bottom. This embossing creates the watermark that we see after a sheet is made. Sometimes you will not be able to read a watermark, especially if it is an older sheet. If you are unable to read the watermark and want to know which side is the top, just feel for the raised side of the watermark. The area that is raised or "bumpy" is the top of your sheet.
During the paper making process the pulp is spit into a mould that often has an embossing on the bottom. This embossing creates the watermark that we see after a sheet is made. Sometimes you will not be able to read a watermark, especially if it is an older sheet. If you are unable to read the watermark and want to know which side is the top, just feel for the raised side of the watermark. The area that is raised or "bumpy" is the top of your sheet.