A watermark is a deliberate thinning of the paper by the placing of either wires or metal shapes, called bits, onto the wire mesh of the mould.

The paper is not only the foundation of the stamp but it has also been incorporated into the stamps design, has provided security against fraud and has aided in the automation of the postal delivery system.

Stamp collectors and philatelists understand that a stamps paper not only defines a unique stamp but could also mean the difference between an inexpensive stamp from one that is rare and worth more than its common counterpart.

Certain paper types may require the services of an expert as the only sure way of knowing the true identity of the stamps paper.

Depending on the purpose of the paper, the craftsman will choose specific materials and apply certain manufacturing processes to achieve the design objectives.

Characteristics such as composition, weight, color, size, watermark, surface finish, opacity, hardness and strength all have to be established before the papermaker can begin his work.

From a philatelic interest, it is the second phase, the forming of the paper that yields the most interesting characteristics.

Cellulose is the skeleton structure of plant cells and can be separated from the plant for use in paper.

Cellulose has several characteristics that make it desirable for paper, the foremost being its strength when formed into a mat or web.

When cellulose fibers come in contact with each other in water, a bond is formed.

When water is removed from the adjoining fibers, the bond between the fibers strengthens.

Pulp, the collection of individual fibers, may be bleached, especially if the paper is to be dyed a different color or the paper is expected to be white.

Since most paper is either printed or written upon, fillers are added to the pulp to fill the pores of the paper and sizing is added to make the fibers water resistant, yet both act as fillers.

Unsized paper is blotting paper, making it unsuitable for printing.

Fillers and sizing are added to the pulp to absorb the ink quickly, unlike pure cellulose.

Fillers can be glues made from animal products, starches from rice or wheat, resins or gums, or minerals such as calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide or kaolin.

Mineral fillers are the most common as they are very effective as a filler.

When all of these ingredients are assembled, they are suspended in water, which may include a color dye, as the furnish to the second phase of papermaking.

The mould determines the dimensions of the finished sheet and its weight, which ultimately establishes the papers thickness.

The mould is usually a wire mesh that acts as a strainer such that the furnish is separated out of the water.

The water drains off, leaving layers upon layers of fibers or a web of paper on the mould.

The texture of the paper is determined by the nature of the mould.

Wove paper has a uniform texture while laid paper has a fine-lined texture created by wires that are attached to the wire mesh.

If a watermark is part of the papers design, it is the mould that creates the watermark, in the same way that the fine lines of laid paper are created.

E Stamp Paper Mp 40