A dandy roll can create various types of watermarks. Generally, these are classified as wire marks, shadow marks, or combination marks, which is a combination of the first two. Wire marks are caused by a raised wire or a patterned surface, which compresses the fibers and gives a lighter or white appearance when held up to the light. A recessed area in the pattern or wire will result in a thicker mat and a darker appearance. Thus, the name shadow mark.
Watermarks can appear on plain sheets, or embossed or laid sheets.
Laid sheets have a ribbed or woven appearance and this is also created by a dandy roll. Eastern Fine Paper produces all of these combinations. All grades have been produced with an alkaline pH for the last 10 years. All of the paper machines are computer controlled and all computer operations at the mill are Y2K compliant. Watermark grades are produced on all three machines.