Whatman paper can be useful not only for people in technical professions, but also for anyone who wants to realize their creative ideas. We will tell you how to correctly determine the size of whatman paper and what color palette it comes in in this article.
What is it?
Whatman paper is premium thick paper, the main characteristics of which are:
- lack of a well-defined texture,
- high strength;
- presence of surface sizing;
- abrasion resistance.
Whatman paper is classified as a type of drawing paper.
Species
In stores you can see several types of this paper:
- Universal– Suitable for use in various fields.
- Primed– has a primed surface on which it is convenient to draw with any paints, as well as pencil, pastel, and charcoal. This type Whatman paper is very expensive, for this reason it is rarely seen in stores in our country, but it is very convenient to use.
- Heavily glued paper. In order to make such paper, the dense base is well coated with special compounds that are very similar to those used in the manufacture of watercolor paper. This type of Whatman paper is hard, resistant to high humidity and oil bases paints. It is heavier in weight than regular Whatman paper.
A little history and purpose
After James Watman, who invented Whatman paper, established his paper production in the mid-1750s, this paper very quickly gained wide popularity.
Artists were the first to become interested in this type of paper. Later it began to be used for printing books. The quality of the paper was also highly appreciated by people in technical professions.
In everyday life, it is often offered to children who are just learning to draw. In addition, various wall newspapers and posters are made on it. It is often used to create backgrounds for photographs, wish cards, original congratulations with gifts.
Watercolor Whatman paper is an excellent basis for painting. It successfully withstands high humidity without slipping. The paints do not spread over the thick sheet, which gives the artist the opportunity to create original color variations and combinations. The finished work dries quickly, this process does not spoil the image quality. This paper is suitable for painting with gouache or watercolor.
For drawing, whatman paper, grade A, is used. Drawing paper is ideal for performing drawing and graphic work with pencils, ink, watercolor or gouache. As a result of frequent erasing, the sheet does not change its properties.
Size
The standard format is called whatman paper A1, which is also called educational. This is how it differs from regular paper – its standard is A0 format. A1 format was previously called 24 paper format.
According to European international format standards, the size of a sheet of Whatman paper A1 should be 59.4 * 84.1 cm, however, Goznak paper, which is popular among us, differs in its size. Whatman paper in A1 format from this manufacturer has dimensions of 61*86 cm.
By cutting a sheet of Whatman paper from Goznak in half, you will not get the standard A2 format, the parameters of which should be 42 * 52.4 cm, since it is slightly larger than European sizes. The same A2 format standard has been adopted in our country.
A3 sheet of Whatman paper is the largest format that can be used in printers and copying equipment of the average consumer. Its standard width and length are 29.7*42 cm. You can get it by cutting the A2 format in half.
A4 sheets of Whatman paper are considered standard in ordinary life, unless a different size has been agreed upon in advance. This format is most often used in printers and copiers, office work. The size of this sheet is 21*29.7 cm. It can be obtained by cutting the A3 format in half.
By cutting an A4 sheet, an A5 format is obtained, which is most suitable for printing various brochures. Its parameters are 14.8*21 cm.
These sizes are the most popular. However, whatman paper comes in other formats. You can get acquainted with them in the table, where series A means that the maximum sheet area is 1 square. m., series B - the length of the short side of the maximum sheet size is 1 m, series C is the format of envelopes for sheets of series A.
You can also purchase rolled Whatman paper. It is less common on sale, but is a more economical and convenient option. From it you can make a sheet of non-standard format that you need for your work.
Colors
In stores you can now find white and colored Whatman paper, with a wide color palette and various formats. In fact this colored paper very similar to Whatman paper, it is quite dense, it is convenient to work on it with pencils and various colors. But in fact, this is not whatman paper at all, because it is customary to call it white paper of the highest grade.
How to put it on a tablet?
A tablet is a board in the shape of a square, the dimensions of which can vary. It is made of plywood attached to a frame. The frame base provides rigidity and remains smooth even in contact with liquid. An artist or architect may need a tablet for their work.
In order to cover the tablet with whatman paper, you will need:
- Whatman paper, the size of which will exceed the size of the tablet by approximately 5 cm on all sides;
- tablet;
- buttons with which we will fasten the sheet, or a furniture stapler;
- water (this can be a jar of water and a sponge, a shower jet, etc.).
First you need to wet a sheet of Whatman paper with water on both sides. This can be done by holding it in the shower, using a sponge and a jar of water, or by dipping the sheet in a large container (such as a bathtub). Whatman paper should get very wet. Be very careful when doing this - a damp sheet tears very easily.
Next, you need to put a sheet of Whatman paper on the table. Without waiting for it to dry, place the tablet on the Whatman paper exactly in the middle and begin to secure the paper. To do this, bend it on one side and attach it to the tablet using buttons or a furniture stapler. Secure the remaining sides of the Whatman paper in the same way.
The next stage will be very important. It is necessary to secure the corners of whatman paper. Wrinkle the corner with your hands and carefully lay it with the eyelet facing up. In this case, the crumpled paper must be turned first to the side and then up.
Once all the corners are secured, use a few more paper clips to secure the paper to the frame between the center and the corners. All you have to do is dry the Whatman paper. Drying should be in a strictly horizontal position.
You should not place the tablet to dry next to heating devices: the sheets may become limp and crack in the place where water has flowed from it.
The result of a job well done is a perfectly flat sheet of Whatman paper stretched over a tablet. If suddenly after drying the corners turn out to be torn, you have stretched the paper too much. If you see waves, this is the result of poor attachment of the Whatman paper to the tablet.
How to smooth it out?
It happens that situations arise when it is necessary to straighten a sheet of whatman paper. You may need to straighten a rolled sheet of paper or straighten a crumpled document. You can try to cope with such situations on your own. There are several ways to do this. Let's take a closer look.
Press
Spray water from a distance of at least 30 cm onto the sheet or lightly dampen it with a wet towel. Use only distilled water: plain water is not suitable in this case, as it contains minerals that can make the paper hard and brittle. Water will soften damaged fibers and they will be smooth. Place the wet Whatman paper under the press and give it time to dry and smooth out. This usually takes from 2 to 5 days.
Instead of a press, you can also use layers of absorbent material (“blotters,” wool felt, or other absorbent materials). You can even use a paper towel, but embossing on it may leave an imprint on the sheet. You will have to replace the absorbent material as needed.
Be careful if your sheet contains work done with watercolors, chalk, pastels or ink on water based. To prevent water from washing them away, it is necessary to spray the sheet from the back side.
Iron
Using an iron for these purposes is quite risky, because with strong heat the sheet can turn yellow if you keep the iron in one place for a long time, and the ink can also fade or tears may form. It's better to test on a small piece of paper first.
Straighten the Whatman paper and cover it with a towel. It is necessary to start ironing from the lowest temperatures. After ironing for 1 minute, check the sheet and add heat if necessary.
If the sheet gets too hot, it must be moistened by lightly spraying with distilled water. You can also use steam on an iron for these purposes. Do not spray the sheet over watercolors, chalk, pastels or other water-based materials.
Rolling a sheet on the edge of the table
This method can be used if you need to straighten the sheet very urgently and there is no time to wait for it to dry. It is only suitable for straightening large folds. You will need to roll the sheet on the edge of the table repeatedly.
Rolling
In this way, you can try to straighten a sheet of whatman paper that has been rolled up for a long time and is now curling. You can try to twist Whatman paper into reverse side into a roll and let it sit like that. Of course, no one can guarantee that this method will be effective in your case, but it’s worth a try.
If you accidentally crumple an important document, you should not try to straighten it yourself. It would be safer to take it to a restoration workshop, where professionals will work with it.
Accessories
To work with Whatman paper and store it, you may need various additional accessories.
To transport whatman paper, a cover is required. It is very convenient to protect your work done on whatman paper from bad weather in a compact case. Which one you choose depends entirely on your personal preferences. This can be a plastic tube, the diameter and length of which should be selected based on the number of sheets being transported and their format.
Folders are usually made of dense and durable fabric. The sheets are secured in them using elastic bands. A rigid, stable frame is given to it by a bar running along the bottom.
The bag is more suitable for one-time transportation of small format sheets. It's not very convenient to use it all the time.
To learn how to stretch whatman paper onto a tablet, watch the following video.
Any artist or person who is forced to use it for work can tell a lot about the importance and advantages of this type of stationery.
What is Whatman paper?
It is of high quality and abrasion resistance.
The standard size of whatman paper in centimeters is 59.4x84.1 cm, has an A1 format and is called “educational”.
What is it and how did it appear
This type of paper differs from others only in quality and manufacturing method. The sheet size fits the standard format system. Main differences:
there is no pronounced texture;
more dense;
more durable, images on it last much longer;
refers to a type of drawing paper.
But, despite all the differences, the main parameter, namely, the size of the Whatman paper format, is the same as other paper. It’s just that in 1750, one very smart man named James Whatman Sr., who had his own printing business, came up with a technology that made it possible to produce sheets of paper without traces of a grid. It is in the manufacturing process that the whole secret lies, and the size of whatman paper has nothing to do with it. As a result, this stationery owes its name to its inventor.
In the vastness of our Motherland, this type of office appeared only in the 19th century, and was called “rough” paper. It was mainly used, and is still used now, for drawing or drawing with pencil, ink or watercolors.
Options
Whatman paper in centimeters has the same length, width and area as standard sheets of a certain format. True, if in relation to ordinary paper A0 is considered the standard, which has an area equal to 1 m2, then with whatman paper things are a little different.
What is the standard for Whatman paper? Next after A0 is A1. More often GOZNAK products are used for work, as they are very different good quality . Such a sheet has a size of 610x860 millimeters in centimeters. It can be classified as a separate category of stationery, since the structure not only differs from the usual one, it can have various nuances. Moreover, these nuances do not depend in any way on the size of whatman paper you purchase.
The quality of the sheet and its characteristics play a significant role. When choosing them, you need to know exactly why you want to purchase this particular type of office. Ordinary Whatman paper can be called drawing paper, since it is mainly used to create various plans, diagrams or tables, but in the artistic field it has also taken its place. Today you can buy such a specific type of stationery as ground paper. It is suitable for several techniques and is universal, and it does not matter what size the Whatman paper is.
Nuances
But, despite the fact that this stationery came to us from Europe, and for sizes we use international format standards, which are also European, Goznak paper has some differences. The standard size of whatman paper in centimeters is 59.4x84.1, but the same state sign product is 610x860, with a density of 200 g/m2.
But the size of half a Whatman paper, if, of course, you buy it and don’t make it yourself, when printed, it coincides with the value of our foreign friends - 420x594 mm. Everyone knows that the ratio of one to the square root of two is used to determine paper parameters. Thus, if we fold a sheet in half, we get two other sheets that are identical to the first one, but have a smaller area and sides. By cutting a standard A1 sheet in half, we won’t get A2, since the government sign paper has a slightly larger size than is customary in Europe.
So let's summarize all the differences:
different standard (A1 and A0);
different manufacturing method;
different characteristics.
Before purchasing, you should clarify whether the extra millimeters along the edge of the sheet matter.
Size Chart
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Height x Length (mm) |
Height x Length (" inches) |
Pixels * |
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2378 x 1682 mm |
93.6 x 66.2" inches |
28087 x 19866 px |
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1682 x 1189 mm |
66.2 x 46.8" inches |
19866 x 14043 px |
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46.8 x 33.1" inches |
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33.1 x 23.4" inches |
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23.4 x 16.5" inches |
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16.5 x 11.7" inches |
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11.7 x 8.3" inches |
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8.3 x 5.8" inches |
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5.8 x 4.1" inches |
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4.1x. 2.9" inches |
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2.9 x 2.0" inches |
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2.0 x 1.5" inches |
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1.5 x 1.0" inches |
Sizes of formats A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 in mm.
Home \ Additional materials \ Sizes of formats A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 in mm.
Sheets of Ax formats are defined by the international standard ISO216. They all have an aspect ratio of 1:√2, called the Lichtenberg ratio, reduced to an integer number of millimeters.
Whatman paper sizes
The series is based on A0 sheet, having an area of 1 square meter. The remaining sheets are obtained by dividing it in half (accurate to the nearest millimeter).
- Sheet format A0 has the size 841×1189 mm. This is the size of the so-called “Whatman sheet” or “Whatman paper” in drawing.
- Sheet format A1 has the size 594×841 mm and is obtained by cutting the A0 sheet in half minus 1 mm per cut.
- Sheet format A2 has the size 420×594 mm and is obtained by cutting sheet A1 in half minus 1 mm per cut. Sheets of traditional newspapers have approximately this format.
- Sheet format A3 has the size 297×420 mm and is obtained by cutting a sheet of A2 in half without any leftovers or reserves. Tabloid newspapers have approximately this format. A3 (or slightly larger A3+) is the maximum size used in consumer printers and copiers.
- Sheet format A4 has the size 210×297 mm and is obtained by cutting a sheet of A3 in half without any leftovers or reserves. This is the main format of writing paper used in Russia, used in office work, it is the main one for most printers and is considered the standard size of a sheet of paper, unless the format is specifically specified.
- Sheet format A5 has the size 148×210 mm and is obtained by cutting an A4 sheet in half minus 1 mm per cut. In A5 format, small-circulation bound brochures are usually produced, which are reproduced on a printer or copier.
- Sheet format A6 has the size 105×148 mm and is obtained by cutting a sheet of A5 in half without any leftovers or reserves.
Whatman paper is thick paper white. Refers to premium products, with surface sizing, without texture. Whatman paper is a drawing paper that is suitable for drawings with pencil or watercolors. This paper is ideal for drawing because it is very resistant to abrasion.
In post-Soviet countries, the standard format is Whatman paper A1 (size 594 x 841 mm). This is what they called any A1, which is not entirely true. After all, whatman paper is a special paper production technology, named after its inventor. Abroad, such paper is called vellum; it is used to produce sketchbooks and forms for valuable documents.
History of appearance
Whatman paper began to be produced in England in the 18th century (mid-1750s). The inventor of this type of paper can be called James Whatman. The paper could well have been called “votmen”, but due to the specifics of transliteration of English names in Cyrillic, the well-known name was born.
Mr. Watman tanned leather, but the desire to get rich led to the opening of his own paper production in 1733. He set out to produce the best paper in Europe, with the help of the most experienced craftsmen in Britain who worked in his factory. Unlike its competitors, Watman's mill produced paper from linen and hemp rags, resulting in a purer pulp than wood.
Artists were the first to appreciate high quality Watman products - the pencil mark was clearly visible, and watercolor paints lay perfectly on a dense base. Watman had no competitors for 30 years; his paper became known outside the UK and was widely used for printing books. The first book put on Whatman paper is a collection of works by Virgil, and the most famous is the Bible, dated 1763.
Watman himself called his invention “woven” or “vellum” paper due to the fact that the even structure of the sheet is comparable to the thinnest fabric. The paper was distinguished by its whiteness and strength, and also, unlike paper from other factories, by the absence of mold marks.
After the death of James Watman, the company was inherited by his son, and already under him the factory’s products began to be called Whatman paper or simply Whatman paper. The Watman company still exists, but it produces medical equipment.
About Whatman formats
A paper format is a kind of template of a certain size, adopted as a standard. The international community has adopted the ISO standard, according to which it is divided into series: A - for documents, B - for printing, C - for envelopes. In the ISO format standard, which has values from 0 to 10, each subsequent size is half the size of the previous one.
Whatman paper, produced in post-Soviet countries, can be in formats from A1 to A4. Thus, the A1 format is used for professional design and prototyping, A2 is popular among students who take their diploma and dissertations in this size. term papers, A3 is chosen by artists, A4 is the most convenient for children who are just starting to learn to draw.
Whatman paper at home
Based on the maximum A0 format, which has an area of 1 square meter, it is easy to obtain the desired size by dividing in half. Thus, drawing paper A1 is obtained by dividing A0 by 2. It is noteworthy that the system also works in the opposite direction: A1 can be obtained by connecting together 8 sheets of A4 paper. The question of how to make whatman paper at home is solved in a similar way.
Beyond sketching and painting
Historically, whatman paper (A1 format, as defined above) has become a favorite paper not only for people in technical professions, but also for the implementation of all kinds of creative ideas. Wall newspapers were published on whatman paper, posters were drawn for weddings and anniversaries, New Year and all kinds of memorable events.
Whatman and modernity
With development modern technologies Whatman paper has not lost its relevance. It is used to make popular but previously unknown things: backgrounds for photographs, cards with gifts.
Depending on the goal being pursued, the question of how to draw up whatman paper is solved differently. If you need a photo backdrop, then no additional decor is needed. The whiteness of the paper perfectly emphasizes the texture of the objects placed on whatman paper. Wish cards, popular among girls, or on such a sheet, are drawn up simply: clippings from magazines or pictures printed from the Internet are glued onto paper, which display the desired object (for example, fashionable shoes, a car, a place where you want to go on vacation).
Using whatman paper it is easy to make an original gift - a poster with sweets (chocolate bars, candies or chewing gum in individual packaging). In this case, you can decorate the white background, write congratulations to the recipient and stick your favorite sweets using double-sided tape. It is important to choose small packages so that the tape can handle the load.
In our article we will talk about Whatman paper. Whatman paper is graded paper of dense quality without texture, with a thin surface sizing. It is highly abrasion resistant and is used primarily for painting.
Historical facts
Whatman paper was invented by James Whatman in the 18th century in Europe. At this time, a new production form appeared that produced white, durable sheets of paper without any marks or impressions. The new product was called “woven paper”.
The name of this stationery in honor of the famous inventor has been preserved and consolidated in the Russian lexicon. IN Russian state the term “rough paper” was often used, which referred to the famous brand. This novelty became widespread only in the 19th century.
This stationery was used for printing; used for various drawing works, which were performed with pencil, ink, and paints. At this time, whatman paper (dimensions are shown below) gained popularity among artists.
Note:
Until now, it was considered incorrect to use the word “Whatman paper” when naming sheets of paper. Whatman was the name given to the brand and production technology.
Options
Whatman paper is widely used by people all over the world in different areas: on school lessons drawing, advertising, specialized publishing, etc. However, many people do not know that it comes in different formats.
Whatman paper (the dimensions are strictly established) has the abbreviation Ax. It is determined by precise international standards. The main format is considered to be a sheet of paper with the abbreviation A0 .
Whatman paper size is standard. The area of the corresponding sheet is set equal to a square meter. The formats of all other sheets are calculated by dividing in half with high accuracy.
We bring to the attention of readers the size of whatman paper in centimeters:
- A0 - 84.1 to 118.9;
- A1 - 59.4 to 84.1;
- A2 - 42.0 to 59.4;
- A3 - 29.7 to 42.0;
- A4 - 21.0 to 29.7;
- A5 - 14.8 to 21.0;
- A6 - 10.5 to 14.8.
Modern use
It is very important to use the paper for its intended purpose. Why is this required? It all has to do with the fact that there is no point in printing newspapers on paper intended for drawing or drafting work. Newspapers exist for several days. Therefore, there is no need to spend durable and expensive goods on them.
Whatman paper (we listed the sizes above) is graded high-quality paper for drawing work. This is a thick, durable, dense piece of stationery. The main, frequently used paper size is the A4 format, which is used in office work, used for scanners, printers, etc.
Newspapers used Whatman paper in sizes A2 and A3 as the basis for their publications. A5 size sheets are used to create brochures and promotional material. The most common sheet size is A6.
IN lately Whatman paper (standard sizes) is widely used not only for artistic and drawing work. It is used for document processing, creating promotional material, printing brochures, etc.
Conclusion
The technology for producing Whatman paper has improved over time. A long time has passed since the patent for the production of the first “woven paper” was received. historical period, who gave the world various new products, discoveries, and masterpieces.
A special role in them is given to ordinary Whatman paper. Currently, whatman paper is an indispensable stationery item for modern designers, artists, businessmen, office workers, and advertising managers.
Whatman paper is also called Whatman paper (from English Whatman paper). This is paper with a weak texture, with surface sizing, due to which it has a high density. It wears off and ages very little, and therefore has a presentable appearance for quite a long time. appearance. The main, but not the only, area of application is drawing with pencils or watercolors.
History of creation
This miracle paper was made for the first time in the 1750s in England by James Whatman, who was a paper manufacturer. He introduced into widespread consumption new uniform for the production of paper, thanks to which sheets were obtained without traces of the grid, as was the case before. James called his creation “wove paper”. However, in our language, a completely different name has taken root - sheets of size from A1 and smaller began to be called Whatman paper, in honor of the inventor. But this is fundamentally wrong, since it is the technology by which the sheet of paper was made, and not its size.Spreading
Whatman paper very quickly found its admirers in the world of watercolor artists. At one time Gainsborough loved her very much.In Russia, this type of paper became widespread in the second half of the 19th century. It was used for printing engravings and lithographs. It was also used for drawing various drawings, which were made with pencils, watercolors or ink.
What sizes does Whatman paper come in?
Paper made using Whatman technology is called Ah. Its dimensions are determined according to international standards, making it the same size in all countries.The size of this paper format is based on a sheet called A0. It has an area equal to one square meter. The formats of the remaining sheets are obtained by dividing it in half with perfect accuracy.
A size paper sizes:
1. Size A0 – 841x1189 mm. This is a sheet, it is called Whatman paper in drawing.
2. Size A1 – 594x841 mm. This size was achieved by dividing an A0 sheet in half minus 1 mm, which is needed for the cut.
3. Size A2 – 420x594 mm. Traditional newspapers have taken this format as the basis for their pages.
4. Size A3 – 297x420mm. Format preferred by tabloid newspapers.
5. Size A4 – 210x297 mm. This is the most basic paper size that is used everywhere - in offices, for documents, for printers, etc.
6. Size A5 – 148x210 mm. This size is used mainly for small brochures and other handouts.
7. Size A6 – 105x148 mm. A very rare paper format.
As you can see, the habit established in society of calling A1 paper “Whatman paper” is erroneous. Whatman is not a format, but a manufacturing technology, and it is thanks to a wonderful man, James Whatman, that today we use convenient paper formats that take up most of our work, and for some, our lives.
