Hello!

I am a draftsman and I am starting to work a lot with Stonehenge from the roll, attempting larger drawings. I have a few questions.

(1) Is there a preferred side of the paper, i.e. is the inner facing side (on the roll) the expected side for drawing? Both sides seem the same but I thought I'd ask...

(2) For flattening Stonehenge from the roll, is the reverse or back-rolling method the best solution? I am attempting this now.

(3) Sheets of Stonehenge purchased online are usually dented or creased, due I think to poor handling by the shippers. And of course I've created a few myself from studio accidents. Is there any way to remove these without changing the surface grain (which I assume any water-based method would do)?

Thanks for any insights! - Matthew Durante

Hi Matthew
Answers to your Stonehenge questions.

1. The roll stock is more 2-sided than the sheet stock - the smooth side of the sheet is the preferable side of the sheet to work on. That said one can work on either side if so desired.

2. You are doing what most artists do with roll stock - and that is carefully rewinding the stock (back-rolling if you will) in the opposite direction off the roll. Once trimmed to a specific size you may want to consider putting some heavy weighted cartons or material on top to help flatten the paper as well.

3. Carefully handling any and all cotton papers is the first important task. Dents or creases that are visible as a result of shipping and miss-handling can potentially be remedied by slightly misting the area and again putting some heavy weights on top. Sheets that are severely dented or creased may be more difficult to remedy and fix. Trial on one particular dented or creased area will tell you whether a slight water misting will help.

Hope this information is of help.

Please let us know if we can be of any further help.