Fibre coarseness and the fines content of a pulp can have a distinct e
ffect on the combination of sheet properties that are achieved at a ce
rtain smoothness level. Low fibre coarseness and the presence of fines
from a mechanical pulp seem to give better sheets in terms of optical
properties, tensile strength and bending stiffness. Calendering exert
s forces on the paper which cause, in addition to a compression of the
sheet, rupture of fibre bonds and lateral displacement of fibres and
fines particles, which can have an impact on the response of the surfa
ce to subsequent treatments. Results suggest that calendering, conditi
oning, wetting and drying treatments each make its own characteristic
impact on the network.