Paper for Posters

I’m wanting to print some posters, but I’m looking for paper that won’t break the bank. What paper is great for printing letterpress posters?

Thanks!

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First, what is the size of the poster and will the posters be places on a wall or stand on it own?

Also, how many poster are you printing?

This is a great subject that hasn’t come up for a long time. Depending on where you are located, I’d try to visit local commercial printers (NOT Kinko’s, Sir Speedy, ect. but real offset commercial printers). Introduce yourself and ask if they have any odds and ends of paper that you might be able to buy from them. They will often show you what they have leftover from different runs and actually quite often simply GIVE you the paper. They usually have to buy their stock in whole cartons, when the job they were specifically acquired for did not require that much.

Make sure you explain that your are basically a hobbyist and not a competitor. Their sheets will usually be full size and probably bigger than you can deal with, so they will usually also cut it in half or fourths for you to have something more manageable.

Usually once or twice a year these odds and ends pile up on them and they actually donate the paper to pre-schools and places like that for the kiddies to draw on.

While you are there, also ask about used cans of colored ink. They often mix or buy special colors for specific jobs and after what is left has sat around for a few years to never be used again they are also likely to give you some of that. Offset inks usually work just fine for letterpress.

My philosophy has always been “It never hurts to ask” because the worst thing that can happen is they simply say “No”.

Good luck.

Rick

Good question but let us know a little more about what size and kind of posters you are trying to make. I have printed posters on anything from newsprint to 600gsm cotton stock. It all has its place depending on the end use.

Mr. French paper (ww.mrfrench.com) is a great place to get paper for posters. American made and very affordable

Ian-G-on Mr. French… what paper have you used?

I have used French Paper for all of my posters. I have a couple of posts here on Briar Press that include photos. I have attached one below. The one below is Pop Tone Lemon Drop. I have also used the Construction and Speckletone papers.

Robert
The Dog House Press

image: WPA Poster Number 4.jpg

WPA Poster Number 4.jpg

I have used French Paper for all of my posters. I have a couple of posts here on Briar Press that include photos. I have attached one below. The one below is Pop Tone Lemon Drop. I have also used the Construction and Speckletone papers.

Robert
The Dog House Press

Robert- What weight are you using for your posters?

I usually print on 100lb cover. I have also printed on the 80lb cover.