If a paper company states "100 % cotton", or "cotton linters", or "all cotton", then that is the finest quality, right?
'Cotton linters' could simply imply some cotton content, the other two are fairly obviously 100% cotton, but with no implication of quality, just that the paper base is cotton.
If a paper is stated as "internally buffered", what does that mean? (crane museo max)
It means that an alkaili has been added to the pulp, usually calcium carbonate.
What does "chemically treated woodpulp" do to a paper"(Innova Soft textured Natural white IFA-12(not IFA 22) ?
By itself, it doesn't mean much. There are all sorts of chemical processes used in pulping wood.
What does "velina finish" mean ?(Crane museo max) ?
The term comes from vellum (qv). It is a relatively smooth velvety surface.
If a paper is acid-free, it still may not be 100 % cotton, right?
Correct. I can't think of a inkjet paper from a major manufacturer, such as Canson or Hahnemuhle, that isn't acid free. BUt Hahnemuhle German Etching (an excellent paer by the way) is made from wood pulp. Paper makers are prone to using the term '100% alpha-cellulose' for wood pulp based papers, but but cotton is essentially ninety something percent cellulose.
Canson Infinity BFK Rives states "100 % rag" - this is also another way of stating 100 % cotton, right?
Yep. They don't make paper for cotton or linen rags any more, but the term persists.
When I was much younger, a guy would come round the streets with a hand cart once a month or so shouting 'rags and bones'. He paid small sums for both: the rags destined for paper pulp, the bones for glue and fertilizer production. An early form of recycling.
The cloth production industry is still often referred to as the 'rag trade'.
Brian A
Brian A