An Introduction to the Physical and Chemical Properties of Paper

Paper is a common support upon which many works of art are found. Herein, we describe an experiment introducing students to selected physical and chemical properties of paper. Specifically, we examine papers commonly used by the artist under a dissecting microscope. Additionally, we observe the tendency of these papers to absorb water and oil; we compare the absorbency of samples of papers coated in gesso to uncoated papers. Finally, yellowed newspaper and brown paper bags are subjected to oxidative and reductive bleaching conditions. This laboratory is suitable for use in a high school or non-majors laboratory setting.