How is Papyrus Paper Made?
After harvesting the Cyperus papyrus plant, the outer fibers are peeled away and the core of the stalk and sliced into very thin strips that are as broad as possible. The best of these strips, from the perspective of quality, comes from the center. Progressively, the quality of the papyrus strips decline as the strips are taken further from the center of the yellowish-white pith. These papyrus strips are next soaked in water for around three days, removing the sugar content and making the fibres become flexible and transparent. When the papyrus is removed from the water it is very soft and quite spongy. It is rolled flat and left to dry a little before the strips are cut to the desired length.Next, the papyrus strips are pounded and the excess water drained away, after which they are placed side by side, overlapping slightly. A second set of papyrus strips are placed at right angles to the first, again overlapping slightly. Next, this raw papyrus sheet is pounded once again, and left u
