I have attempted to collect words concerning paper that might be of use to fountain pen users; and, in an attempt to emulate other scholars, I have as often as not plagiarized from other glossaries. This is a living glossary and I will consider any new inclusions, or for that matter deletions.
|
S
|
|
satin finish
|
(also silk finish) This is a very smooth paper that usually has a sheen.
|
|
scalloped edge
|
A series of decorative curved projections cut along the edge of a paper. See also deckle edge.
|
|
silk finish
|
See satin finish.
|
|
sisal
|
This is a leaf fiber from the Yucatán traditionally used for making ropes and rugs. It produces a soft paper.
|
|
size or sizing
|
This is a coating or treatment to paper to provide resistance to the absorption of moisture and prevent ink feathering or bleeding through. When sizing is applied only to the surface, as with a brush, the paper is surface sized. When the sizing is added to the pulp while still in its vat, the paper is tub sized, and the sizing is also internal to the paper. The sizing is any of various gelatinous or glutinous preparations that fill the pores of paper. A common sizing is rosin, which come from the gums of pine trees, that is added to alum (aluminum sulphate), which adheres the rosin to the fibers of the paper and keep it from dissolving in water. See also alum.
|
|
Spanish Inquisition
|
“Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!”
|
|
stiffness
|
This refers to the paper’s rigidity, its lack of flexibility.
|
|
stuff
|
In papermaking, this is pulp that is ready to be spread on the wire. I don’t see that there is much need for fountain pen users to know this, but I just can’t resist including the word for its lightheartedness.
|
|
substance
|
See basis weight.
|
|
sulphite pulp
|
A higher grade of wood pulp in which calcium bisulphate or sodium sulphite is used in the process to produce long, strong fibers. The wood is usually from coniferous trees. The better qualities are excellent for fountain pens. See also high alpha cellulose, wood pulp.
|
The information in this glossary is as accurate as possible, but you should not take it as absolutely authoritative.
