BurdgeCooper...and me

I'm excited to begin a new chapter in my professional career this Monday, October 15th.  I've decided to join BurdgeCooper in Atlanta.

The L.A. & Atlanta printer does lithography and digital work but admittedly I'm most excited about the craft printing - engraving, embossing, die-cutting, letterpress, foil stamping and thermography they excel in producing.  It's what takes an ordinary sheet of paper and turns it into something EXTRAordinary!

And who couldn't use a few more beautiful printed things and a little less electronic clutter in their life these days?

If I could engrave this blog...I would.  :)

So, look for the content here to change.  While I hope to remain on top of what's new with paper, my focus shifts to what's being done with the paper!

Also, treat yourself to a delightful video, behind the scenes of the craft of engraving. 

Until next time!  Mendy

 

New Horizons...I'm no longer at Mac Atlanta.

Good morning from Seattle where I'm having a superb family vacation!  Last Friday before we left I found out Mac Papers eliminated my position.  Maybe this is good for my readers since my posts will now include news from all mills, not just the ones I represented there.

Looking forward to what the future holds....and still loving paper.
Mendy

Soft, luxurious paper Touche' Adds Four New Colors

Fibermark Touche' was one of those ground-breaking papers that brought the total luxury of soft papers you want to touch to the marketplace.

Now they've added four new colors: Pewter, Lapis, Mink and Scarlet.

Old version, outside cover.

If you specify Touche' take this (above) old swatchbook and recycle it...then call Mac Papers in Atlanta at (770) 948-9959 to request the new version which beautifully demonstrates foil-stamping and a spot gloss raised UV on the new Pewter shade of the paper.

New version, outside cover.



Inside showing new colors.



Current swatch books from International Paper.

Old Accent Opaque, Hammermill and Springhill books.

International Paper has updated all three major swatch books for specifiers.  If you have any of the ones pictured above, you can recycle them.  The ones you want are pictured below.  Call the Sample Department at Mac Papers Atlanta to get yours: (770) 948-9959.

BIG coated paper news from NewPage. Centura, Productolith and Sterling Ultra sheets retired.

I can't explain it any better than the news release Monday July 30th did, so I quote:

 "NewPage Corporation today announced that it has created a shift in the premium paper value equation with the introduction of Sterling® Premium, Sterling® Premium Digital™ and Sterling® Premium Digital™ for HP Indigo.

The company’s legendary Sterling brand has been reengineered to provide enhanced optics, an extremely smooth surface and premium shade – all at a No. 2 price.

With the introduction of the new product line, NewPage will be retiring Centura

® sheets and web, Productolith® sheets and web and Sterling® Ultra sheets. Sterling Ultra web products will remain.

Both the sheetfed and digital line ups are earth friendly; carrying three chain-of-custody certifications and containing 10 percent post-consumer recycled fiber and 100 percent of our products are made in the USA by NewPage, an American-operated manufacturer."
Our Mac Papers sales team was able to see printed and unprinted samples of the new Sterling Premium in Gloss, Dull and Matte last week and they were very impressive!

I'm so pleased to see NewPage recognize customer's desire to have fewer, better choices in coated paper.  Well done!!

I'll post images of the new swatch book soon. 

NEW! Waterproof Paper for Digital Printing!

Choices for materials optimized for digital printing continue to proliferate and it's exciting!  Mac Papers has added yet another family of products, these from FUSION DIGITAL. 

We stock 12"x18" sheets of the Repositionable Woven Fabric, Peel/Seal Bumper Stickers, Peel/Stick Post Cards, soft Polyester, and more.  Many of these products are waterproof!!

Call Mac Papers Atlanta for more information and to request samples: 770-948-9959.

Buying Paper Online & the new French Paper Website

I liked the email title, "French Paper's New Website-141 Years in the Making".  Catchy, funny, and true.  What concerns me - as a paper merchant- is how many times it encourages the reader to order paper, envelopes and more from the French site.

Mac Papers hasn't been around 141 years, but I'd venture a guess we've been partners with French Papers for a long time.  And I just want to remind customers the value the merchant brings in warehousing and delivering French and all the other papers to you and your printers.  I also want to remind you, we are a wholesaler!  Our customers aren't paying the retail prices you find on the paper mill websites!

So let's imagine your purchase isn't about the service or the availability or the price...why would you buy online?  Very small quantities.  Hey, let's face it.  Sometimes you just need 50 Mod-Tone Pink A-6 envelopes, or 50 sheets of 8.5"x11" 80 lb Cover.  In that instance, you're best bet IS the mill website. 

Not to say we can't help you out with small quantities in many cases, but consider your options.

Not too long ago the website paperspecs.com featured me in a story called The Truth About Your Paper Merchant.  I'd encourage yout to click the link, read it and call Mac Papers.  With 20+ locations in the Southeast, and 180,000 Sq. Ft. of warehouse in Atlanta alone, there's a good chance we have what you need.

Mac Papers Atlanta: 770-948-9959.