Parchment Types
| >> Goat: Goat parchment tends to have a pebbly, somewhat pronounced grain that is noticeable when you run your hand across the surface. Also common are scars, bug/tick bites, scratches, and other markings that come from the nature of the animal’s life. Goat parchment varies in color from off-white/cream to an unbleached natural pigmentation of the animal’s hide. Sizes range from 3 to 12 square feet, with 5-7 square feet being standard sizes. | >>Sheep: Sheep parchment is very similar to goat, but has a slightly finer grain pattern. The hide also usually has pronounced wrinkles located around the neck and spine, due to the much more pliable grain. Because sheep have more natural oils and grease in their skins than goat, their parchment tends to be much softer and rounder to the touch (meaning that it is easier to curve or roll than goat). Most skins come out in a gray/brown “antique” color, though some can be a light cream. These hides cannot be bleached to impact their color. Size ranges from 6 to 14 square feet. |
| >> Calf: Calf parchment has a very smooth, even grain, characterized by fat wrinkles that run perpendicular to the spine of the skin. Calf also tends to have much more noticeable veins on the flesh because it is a young animal with less-developed skin layers. Calf parchment varies from off-white/cream to an unbleached natural pigmentation which can include black, gray, and brown colors in blotchy or spotted markings. Sizes range from 5 to 13 square feet with 6-8 square feet being standard sizes. | >> Deer: Deer parchment has a very smooth, fine-haired grain, but lacks the fat wrinkles of calf. It almost always has some sort of natural markings, like bites, scratches, scars, etc. Hides are procured from local hunters, meaning the skins often have pronounced slices or holes around the edges of the parchment due to poor butchering. Color ranges from light to dark cream, with a lot of character from hair and scars. Size ranges from 5 to 14 square feet. |
Parchment Surface Preparation Types:
Skin's are "prepared" by sanding them 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. Pergamena uses this traditional preparation in creating the Roycroft parchment. |
