Iridescent paper

Description

A decorative paper with an iridescent surface. Patents were issued in 1855, 1864 and 1866 for the preparation of iridescent paper by floating glazed paper in a bath of silver or lead salts, then exposing the dried paper to hydrogen sulfide gas. An alternative procedure was to soak the paper in a solution of gum, iron sulfate, sulfate of indigo and nutgalls then expose the dried paper to ammonia fumes. Today, iridescent paper is produced by special printing techniques and dyes.

Synonyms and Related Terms

mother-of-pearl paper; nacreous paper; opalescent paper