Here's a PAPER QUIZ for You!

And it is the easiest of all kinds of tests - True or False!

What do you know about paper? Let's find out!

1. All paper is made from trees.

FALSE. Paper can be made from anything, almost! The best is made from cotton or linen rags, but paper can be made from reeds (papyrus) wood, (lower grade papers such as newsprint) and even leaves (mulberry paper) as well as even more exotic substances.

2. Paper can be acid-free and yet not archival quality.

TRUE. Compounds called "buffers" can be added that allow a paper to test acid-free, but those buffers can be used up over time and then the paper returns to its natural high acid state, if that is what the paper was before the buffer was added. So know you source!

3. Watercolor paper is different from other kind of paper.

TRUE. Watercolor paper has 'size' added to it. There are both internal (added to the paper before it is cast or shaped) and external (applied to the paper after casting). Sizing makes the paper less absorbent and more receptive to watercolor.

4. You can paint on paper with any kind of paint.

TRUE. You can get some interesting effects painting o paper with acrylic paint or even oils. Just remember that the paint could crack should the paper bend. And make sure you are using rag paper or the paper could become brittle and self-destruct, leaving your painting with nothing under it!

5. Once paper is rolled, it can never be completely flat again.

TRUE. Unless the paper is mounted (either drymount or other mounting choices) it will always have a little 'bend' in it, which will be more apparent on humid days. The fibers never forget, so when you buy a print, always ask for it to be backed flat if you plan to frame it. You don't want to mount it permanently in any way, as it would spoil any potential value. So, keep it flat!

6. Construction paper is as good as other colored papers. It's just cheaper because it is in bundles.

FALSE. Construction paper is meant for temporary projects. The dyes are of less quality and fade easily and the paper itself will become brittle relatively quickly. Howard's sells one of the best lines of construction paper . It's good for school projects, but don't use it for artwork!

7. All paper can be recycled.

TRUE. But it is not easy (or cheap!) to recycle paper that have adhesive (such as Post-It Brand notes) or clay coating (slick magazines) But the more recycled products you buy, then the more demand there is for it, so think environmentally and ask for recycled products. And recycle your paper, too!

8. A sheet of 180# paper is twice as large as a sheet of 90# paper.

FALSE. The weight of paper comes from the weight of 144 full-size sheets of the paper . A full sheet of paper is 22" x 30".

9. Hot press paper is heated to make it smoother than cold press paper.

FALSE. Today, papers are rolled between heavy cylinders that give each sort of paper its characteristic texture, such as hot press, cold press, Bristol or linen finish.

10. A paper's "tooth" has to do with its whiteness.

FALSE. Paper "tooth" is its texture. Paper said to have more tooth has more texture, thus allowing the medium such as chalk, acrylic paint, etc, to attach more firmly to the papers. Paper with too little tooth can actually stop a medium from staying on the paper. You have seen this when trying to write with a felt tip pen on a slick magazine.

So, how did you do? Total up your correct answers and apply the following scale.

0 right: Better use your paper to make a dunce cap.

1-4 right: Check with the paper experts at Howard's to make your paper choices.

5-8 right: You are ready to face the paper aisle on your own.

9-10 right: Your are a real Paper Tiger!

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