Is the somerset paper both internally and externally sized? I have used it for over 20 years for intaglio printmaking, and then add some watercolor after the print dries. It has always worked beautifully for me with that process. I don't heavily watercolor on it, but I do usuallyadd at least a couple of layers. About 6-8 months ago, I ordered as I always do, and the paper is not the same. Something changed with the sizing it seems. The paint just soaks right in, it's horrid. I reordered twice over the next 6 month thinking/hoping it was just a bad batch, and the same thing. My very predictable, reliable, beautiful paper is not that anymore. It still pulls a beautiful print, but it doens't go any further as it used to. I'm at a loss as to what to do. I go to the lengths of printing my plates, drying them, then they are unusable to paint as I have for more than 20 years. I adore the "textured soft white". This was the 250 wt. paper, is it possible the 300 wt would be unchanged. I use it for only larger works, and haven't reordered any yet. I have spent a lot of money reordering paper I can't use. Has something changed with the "recipe" for this paper? I am so sad, and frustrated. I have been searching for a substitute, but thus far have come up empty. Thank you for whatever explanation and hopefully remedy you can offer. Warmly, Juie

Hi Juie
With the help of the mill in 1970 I created the Somerset range of printmaking, drawing & book paper.
This paper was always then, and as it is now internally sized only with no surface sizing. The paper was
designed specifically for printmaking NOT watermedia.
Since watercolor is a very subjective medium and many watercolorists like to work on a soft supple paper
the Somerset grade does fine its way into that watercolor market but not with several compromises:
because of the lack of surface sizing you will not get great water holdout; as a result colors may appear
to be washed out and not crisp.
What performance you have experienced in the past is of interest to me - if you wish to discuss this by phone
I am available. My email is attached so please feel free to forward me your contact #
and the best time to call and I will get in touch with you to discuss.
Michael Ginsburg

Thank you for your kind reply Michael. I believe I may have talked to you last fall about this. It's funny, on the Talus Paper website, they say the paper is both internally and externally sized. When I test the paper from the past, and that which I've purchased over the last 9 months from a couple different places, the paper reacts noticeably different. I have to believe you that it hasn't changed, but it's really hard to believe when I work on paper from the two time periods.
I was sure hoping that you were going to have a more positive response. I just felt I had to try one more time explaining my issue to someone, as the change is so notable and disappointing. It just seems that something has changed. I have evaluated everything I do again and again, and haven't come up with a reason for the change on my end.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond, I do appreciate that!
Warmly, Julie
608-424-1440