What is paper sizing?

There are two types of paper sizing: internal and surface sizing. Internal sizing is added to paper furnish before forming the paper and gives the paper "wet strength" or resistance to penetration of water and ink oils. Blotter and filter papers are examples of unsized papers. Lithographic papers are sized to give the paper some resistance to absorbing the fountain solution and falling apart. Surface sizing is applied to the paper by sizing rollers before the paper web is completely dry. Surface sizing bonds the surface fibers together, increasing the paper's surface strength. Some of the surface sizing penetrates the surface of the paper reducing ink penetration and increasing the ink holdout. Excessive surface sizing contributes to the paper fibers not bending and cracking in folding operations.

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