Stylizing with Translucent Paper

Choosing between premium uncoated freesheet or coated glossy stocks can be difficult, not because there is not enough to choose from, but because the choices can be so close in quality. One often overlooked product within this realm is translucent paper, a very distinct and versatile substrate with

Translucency is a subtle phenomenon, and, to be certain, differentiation is assured when using translucent paper. It makes a printed text message more striking, a product more mysterious, and a package more intriguing.

Translucent paper also is usually harder and stiffer than other uncoated freesheet stocks. The papermaking process here includes a higher drying rate, with more fiber and less filler, giving the paper a see-through, show-through quality that most papers try to avoid. Very few paper mills offer translucent paper because of the unique way in which it is formed and dried, so its price is often higher, too.

In terms of handling practices, folding, creasing, or even punching translucent papers isn't widely done. Translucent papers may crack at the fold or be very resistant to punching, simply because all that fiber makes the paper very strong, and very expensive. Any job spec'd out with translucent papers should be double-checked during the prepress phase of production and proofed thoroughly to avoid waste.

Tips for printers

The primary technique for printing with translucent papers is offset lithography. Paper should be conditioned in the pressroom for 24 hours or longer if it was previously stored in an uncontrolled environment. Like most papers, it is best to operate in ambient conditions of 50% relative humidity and 75°F. Printers should air the sheets during unloading, and rewrap in plastic after running. Unused papers must be covered to reduce contamination and moisture migration.

Inks that dry by oxidation rather than absorption are preferred due to the unique dense finish of translucent papers (much like plastic film). Quick-dry inks are recommended, and printers should always proof with a test ink before running the job. Using conventional inks may increase dry time to a week.

High-temperature drying techniques such as infrared should be avoided, as translucent papers may curl a little more quickly than regular text and cover grades. A 133- to 150-line screen is optimum; the maximum is 200 lpi. Using undercolor-removing techniques also will help to reduce drying times.

The ink/water solution should be run at an absolute minimum to prevent extending the drying time and paper distortion. Printers can reduce damping by targeting pH levels at 5 to 6. Alcohol can be increased to 13% to 15% to reduce the amount of the water going onto the plate, though this needs to be monitored for ink quality changes.

Complex finishing systems should use a UV varnish to seal the ink. Varnish only after the ink is dry, and avoid using water-based emulsion varnishes. Print jobs can use a coated spray powder at least 15 to 20 microns in particle size to prevent set-off, and should be left undisturbed for 24 hours to cure properly before any finishing work is done.

When trimming, use a dull knife set at 30°, as fresh knives may chip immediately after sharpening. Scoring and folding calls for a channel matrix system. Hard scoring may result in cracking at the fold. The sheet should be folded along its grain to reduce the possibility of cracking at the fold.

Designs produced using translucent papers should be printed in small lifts and wound before and after printing. Finished print jobs should be racked in small piles.

"Wow" applications

Among translucent papers of note are Neenah's UV/Ultra II offerings, which come in three weights (17, 28, and 36 lbs.) and three colors (white, radiant white, and columns). UV/Ultra II has been designed for use in applications such as "accent pages," certificates, announcements, inserts, business cards, direct mail, invitations, menus, and overlays. Neenah says the sheets boast minimal dot gain and excellent registration.

Paris-based Thibierge & Comar Papetiers is now distributing its Evanescent line of translucent papers throughout the U.S. from its office in Middletown, Del. The featured sheet is called Cromática, a small group of translucent papers in four weights and six colors, including pastels. Cromática fits applications in inserts, dust jackets, design presentation materials, covers, and envelopes.