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Japanese Sheetforming Techniques

Japanese kozo = pale yellow paper 

Thai kozo -- tan paper Paper in Japan is traditionally used for much more than a writing surface. The superior strength of  washi (Japanese handmade paper) suitable for umbrellas, lanterns, kites, clothing, string, packaging, even building materials. It is unfortunately that Western culture and , modern mass-production methods have permeated Japanese culture and as a result, washi is much less prevalent today.

• Initial vat set-up.

1. Cold Water added to vat.
2. Add pulp.
3. Mix
4. Add Formation Aid (Neri) is added later.
   Tororo-aoi (okra root) (Pronounce Torro O Owee) - mucilage
5. Cannot use hot water at all with formation aid.

Mulberry on Western screens

Formation Aid Must be used to form a sheet using Japanese method. 

Better to have too little fiber or too much neri in the vat 

Pull the Mould through vat to form the sheet 

• Screen up
• Deckle placed on top of the mold to control the edge of the sheet. Screen trap the fiber and lets the water drain away.
• Hold the two mould parts together on the short sides of the mould.
• Perpendicularly insert mould and deckle into the far side of the vat 
• Dip the mould into the pulp in a slow continuous motion pulling forward and gradually bringing the mould into a horizontal position.

• First dip should be a full motion
• Subsequent dips = move
• Dip about 8 times
• Before all of the water drains throw off excess and recharge
• Last pull is flat and even

• Tip mould to drain the excess water from the corners. Hold a sponge below to help catch any water that does not return to the vat.
• Remove deckle. Kiss off deckle.
• If the sheet is inferior, kiss it off screen so that pulp goes back into the vat
• Re-stir the pulp slurry

• Damp felts. If you use newspaper need to have fabric beneath
• Couch: (Rhymes with smooch) Turn mould onto felt (or newspaper) so that paper is between the screen and felt.
• Remove some of the water from the back of the screen with a sponge. 
• Paper will stick to damp felt before you remove the mould
• Should be able to read newspaper through sheet. Paper is transparent when wet.
• Remove mould.
• Place another layer of newsprint, or felt, on top. First roll with no pressure then gently press with a rolling pin to remove excess water. Gradually increase pressure. Pressing helps to strengthen paper. IONIC transfer.
• Remove top felt.

• Place paper and felt "upside down" onto white board. The felt will be on top.
• Roll down again with rolling pin. By adhering to "tile board", you employ restraint drying.
• Mark your new sheet of paper with a post-it note with your name.
• Apx amount of neri

• Place another layer of cotton sheeting on top
• Press with a warm iron. Keep it moving.

Can directly iron the paper when it is nearly dry

• 90 degree when roll down
• Press gently at front edge to adhere sheet slightly to help grip.
• Between each sheet = thread.
• 6 - 8 hours - increase the weights
• Brush paper down onto Board after sheets are separated.
• GAMPI = "Gahm - ee"