What is Masking Paper?

            Selling Masking Paper is really no big secret, once you understand the terminology.  Since Green  is still such a large part of our industry,  we will concentrate on it and then apply the same principals to the Premium Grades.

1.     Machine Gloss (Glazed) versus Machine Finished.  Machined Finished is a phrase used to describe the manufacturing process of compressing the damp paper material between 2 rollers.  This is done to achieve uniformity in film thickness, and at the same time, it makes the “hairs” lay down.  The word “Glazed” refers to a procedure in the Machine Finishing that involves spinning one of the rollers at a faster speed than the other.  A buffing effect is created, giving the appearance of Gloss.  The “glazing” is created not by applying something to the surface, but instead, it is shiny simply through the Machine   Finish process of buffing the surface.  That is all there is to it!  It is natural for this paper to absorb liquid, and all of the “hairs” pop back up as soon as they swell from liquid absorption.  There is, however, a procedure earlier in the manufacturing process of Automotive Grade that does cut down on the    absorption by up to 20%.  This chemical is added to qualify as Automotive Grade, whether it ends up as Machine Gloss (Glazed) or Machine Finished.

MF "Machine Finished" Rollers spin evenly, compressing the wet pulp as it moves through the manufacturing process.

MG "Machine Glazed" Rollers spin at different speeds, compressing and buffing the wet pulp as it moves through the manufacturing process.

2.     How many “Feet” am I really buying?  It is footage that masks a car, not pounds or diameter.  There is a conversion formula that can be used with complete accuracy, eliminating the need to roll out a log on the floor, or even worse, believing what the customer was “Told” they have.  We find that a Customer is often under the impression that their log is larger than reality!

            a.  First, determine the “Basis Weight” of the paper.  Feel it, and then compare that feel to the samples provided in this book.

            b.  Next, weigh a roll of the paper.  You can use their paint scale in grams.  Multiply those grams X the number of rolls in a 36” log (if you weigh a 12” roll, multiply by 3).  Divide that total by 448.  28 grams per ounce, 16 ounce per pound {28x16=448}

                Now you know how many pounds a 36” log weighs.  Divide the total pounds by the basis weight.  Now you know the Linear Footage of the log!

12” roll weighs 2987 grams X 3 rolls = 8961 grams / 448 = 20.0 pounds / 40# basis weight = 500 Linear Feet

3.     Why can’t I have a printed price sheet?  Good Question, Easy Answer!  This is a consumable commodity item, and extremely competitive.  Each Quotation is simple as 1, 2, 3:

            1.  How many linear feet per log?

            2.  How many total logs of paper is the Prospect interested in buying?

            3.  What is the “Ship To” zip code?

4.     What packaging options are available?  All Premium Products are Boxed.  Green Products are available either Boxed or Paper Wrapped.  A savings of 40¢ per log may be realized by choosing Wrapped.  If Wrapped, we use our Patented “Honey Comb Stacking” for easier handling.  Each layer is banded, giving stability to the layers beneath the one you are currently pulling from.  Sell 1 log at a time without all the other logs falling down around your ankles!