Infrared spectroscopy techniques are employed to measure (i) the moisture level in both the sheet of wet stock and the papermaking machine clothing on which the sheet is supported and (ii) the moisture level in the clothing alone as a separate layer of material. Differential measurement thus yields the moisture content of the sheet of wet stock alone. Changes in the moisture level in the clothing at the press section can be correlated with corresponding changes in the quality or physical property of the paper produced. Both fixed point and scanning IR sensors are strategically positioned in the press section to generate machine direction and/or cross machine direction water profiles for process control.