<p>A transfer fabric (14) for use in the press section of a papermaking machine which includes a forming section and a dryer section. The transfer fabric (14) is adapted to receive paper (P) delivered from the forming section and to transport the paper (P) through the press section. The support surface (29) of the transfer fabric (14) is constructed to hold the paper (P) during transport through the press section and to release the paper upon reaching the dryer section. The transfer fabric (14) comprises a base fabric (20) formed of interlaced longitudinal and transverse continuous filament yarns having fibers interspersed throughout. A latex coating is dispersed evenly throughout the base fabric (20) coating the yarns and fibers and forming the support surface (29) and the running surface (28) with non-uniform peaks (30) and valleys (32). The transfer fabric (14) as constructed has a first porosity in an uncompressed condition which creates a first paper holding intensity and a second porosity in an uncompressed condition which creates a second and greater paper holding intensity. The construction allows the transfer fabric (14) to hold the paper (P) with the first intensity when in an uncompressed condition during movement to and from the press rolls and to hold the paper (P) with the second intensity when compressed during movement through said press rolls. The first intensity is sufficient to hold the paper (P) and yet release the paper (P) to the vacuum roll (18) without stretching while the second intensity is sufficient to pull the paper (P) away from the press roll while maintaining contact with the transfer fabric (14).</p>
