Method of finishing paper utilizing substrata thermal molding

Process for producing gloss and smoothness on the surface of a paper web, comprising the steps of:

• A. providing a finishing apparatus comprising a smooth metal finishing drum and a resilient backing roll pressed against the drum at a force up to 700 KN/M (4000 pounds per lineal inch) to form a nip with pressure against the paper of at least 13,780 KN/M.sup.2 (2000 pounds per square inch) and less than 60,000 KN/M.sup.2 (8,700 pounds per square inch);
• B. advancing a web of papermaking fibers having a moisture content of from 3% to 7% of the bone dry weight of the fibers through the nip at a speed which results in the web dwelling in the nip from 0.3 milliseconds to 12 milliseconds;
• and
• C. simultaneously with step B, heating the drum to a surface temperature having a value between 20.degree. C. below and 25.degree. C. above the Ts value determined by the following formula:
• Ts=[Ti.times.0.357t.sup.-0.479 -234.2e.sup.-0.131m] /[0.357t.sup.-0.479 -1]
• where:
• Ts=surface temperature of the heated drum, in .degree.C.;
• Ti=the initial temperature of the web just prior to entering the nip, in .degree.C.;
• t=dwell time of the web in the nip, in milliseconds;
• e=the base of the natural logarithm;
• and
• m=moisture content of the fibers in the web in weight percent of the bone dry fiber weight.