We offer both unprepared Parchment as well as "prepared” Parchment.
We "prepare" a skin by sanding it down with fine grain sandpaper while it is still being stretched so that it is easier to write, paint or draw on. Preparing allows inks and paints to adhere better to the suffice. There are also different levels of preparation:
Calligraphy- is prepared for writing, drawing, or painting on the grain side of the parchment.
Manuscript- is prepared for writing, drawing, or painting on both the grain and flesh side of the parchment.
Botanical- is prepared for fine detailed painting with an ultra smooth prepared grain side.
Gessoed: A white plaster-like substance made from hide glue and calcium carbonate applied to a hide to prepare the surface for painting. We use this traditional preparation in creating our Roycroft parchment.
To shop dyed parchment see our Wild Hide Shop