Velin Arches is a printmaking paper which is used widely around the world and is mainly suitable for lithography and copper plate printing.

It was developed specially for printing use by Arjo Wiggins of France and is made of 100% cotton pulp. Compared to other printmaking paper, this acid-free (mildly alkaline) paper has thickness and a rough surface texture. It is available in S, M, L, XL and XXL sizes as well as in rolls, and also in a wide range of thicknesses with a basis weight (mass of 1 sheet of paper per square meter) of 160g，200g，250g，270g，300g and 400g. The most common color is natural white but it is also produced in cream and black, and a broad selection of products is available. The paper has deckle edges on two (M size) or three sides (other sizes) and a watermark along the lower edge. The side where the “ARCHES” watermark reads normally is the front.

A cutter is not used when shearing the paper in two. Instead, turn the paper upside down, place a straight edge ruler on the line where it is to be cut and manually tear the paper along the ruler. This way, you can create a natural looking edge (artificial deckle edge).
Velin Arches can be purchased at art supply stores that handle printing supplies.

* The example (photo) is of a test sample to demonstrate the properties of the paper and the possible expressions. It is not a recommendation of any particularly type of material. (Materials that are not generally suitable are also used to demonstrate.)