I thought documenting some of the paper types I have tested for It Starts With A Step would be beneficial for not only me but, anyone who may read this. I started this process at the end of last year. However, I would say the paper testing started in January.

Paper I ordered from G.F Smith

Naturalis, Matt Absolute White -Weight135gsm

Naturalis, Smooth Absolute White- Weight 135gsm

G . F Smith Max, White Matt- Weight 150gsm

These are the Matte papers from GF Smith. At University for books, we can’t print on a laser printer. This means we can’t get a true matte book. I tested on 2 different matte papers to see which one would create the closest matte book. I wanted to bind my book myself, so I didn’t print externally.

Paper from University

Munken Smooth - Weight 150gsm

Munken Rough - Weight 300gsm

Silk Coated- Weight 150gsm

Zen- Weight 150gsn

White Linen - Weight 150gsn

With gloss, you get a deeper shadow tone and darker blacks. I opted for a range of different smooth paper, to try to get a mixture between a gloss and matte.

What I want to do after uni/submission

Rice paper, or thin matte paper. When I try this, I want to develop the book further. To double the book in size. I like the feel of the book now because of the thicker of the paper. I think I will test this on Mixam. They print as low as 80gsm. However, it would be a perfect bound book. This is why I would only use it as a way to test. I am set on binding the book myself. And I don’t think Mixam has this option.

I also want to try the Japanese paper, Takeo Tela. From GF Smith.

I want to develop and further experiment with the cover of the book. I want the exposed binding, Maybe a cover like Dear Kairos when it’s stuck to the back & the binding is exposed