Mounting paper on solid backing for gum printing

Yes, that does make more sense to me, thanks, and as I said, never mind me, I was just making a passing comment, probably not all that helpful. Although I haven't seen that myself, the paper getting smaller and smaller with each subsequent printing, it does make some logical sense that it might. Do carry on, you're doing just fine.

Xandros,
I use a sheet of tissue only slightly smaller than the paper. And that is only so I have something to grab onto when I'm peeling the paper off the plexi. But it essentially covers the entire back of the paper. I think if you only use strips of tissue when mounting to the substrate, you would have all kinds of weird contracting going on. A full sheet is what makes the paper dimensionally stable.
Again, I take the paper right out of the package. No preshrinking at all. When mounted on the solid, flat substrate (plexiglass), registration is a snap.
I use Fabriano Artistico Extra White, and I have not noticed any kind of relief on the back.
Steve
www.scdowellphoto.com