Mar 13, 2024
by Bethany Hamer

What Type of Art Paper Should You Use?

Mar 13, 2024
by Bethany Hamer

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When you start any new art project, one of the first decisions you must make is what paper you’d like to work with. The right art paper can enhance your techniques, inspire your creativity, and ensure that your masterpieces stand the test of time. But with so many types of paper available, how do you know which one will suit your needs?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of art paper and cover the key factors to consider such as size, weight, texture, and color. Whether you’re a sketcher, painter, colorist, or a budding artist who can’t wait to explore lots of different mediums, we’re here to help you find the perfect paper and bring your artistic ideas to life.

Artist painting a watercolor flower on her chosen art paper, surrounded by color swatches and other paper samples.

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Art Paper?
Several factors including your chosen medium, subject matter, and budget play a role in selecting the right art paper.

Size and Format
Art paper is available in various sizes and formats to cater to different ways of working. Paper may be measured in inches or millimeters and comes in spiral and gummed pads, sketchbooks, and blocks, as well as loose sheets and rolls for large-scale work.

When choosing the size and format that best suits your needs and preferences, consider your working environment, the variety of mediums you’ll be using, and storage requirements, as well as what feels most comfortable for you. If you’ll be taking art with you to classes or the studio, you’ll also want to make sure that your work is well-protected, which is where a drawing pad or sketchbook can be a practical solution.

Paper Weight
Different types of art papers are made in various weights, measured in pounds or grams per square meter. In general, the heavier a paper’s weight, the thicker it will be. Heavier artistic papers are typically more suitable for wet media, while drawing papers are often lighter and ideal for dry media such as pencils.

Surface Texture
The surface texture of artist paper can have a significant impact on the final appearance of your work. When using dry media, you may want to sketch on paper that has a “toothy” texture, as dry pigments will better stick to the page. Painters may benefit from a smoother surface that allows for fine detail and the even application of thin layers. If you’re just starting out on your creative journey, you may find it useful to experiment with different surface textures and find the one that best suits your style.

Acid-Free
To ensure the longevity of your artwork, always opt for acid-free paper. Papers containing acid can cause yellowing, fading, and deterioration over time, so choosing a high-quality, acid-free option is crucial for maintaining the optimal structural integrity of your work. When you’ve spent a long time perfecting a piece of art, the last thing you want is for it to become damaged by the paper used.

Binding Type
When selecting your art paper, consider the pad or sketchbook’s binding. Gummed pads allow you to easily tear out individual sheets for framing or storage, while spiral binding will help a book stay open when working. Castle Arts’ range of specialty art papers also come with a stiff-backed design, so you can easily create art anywhere without a drawing board.

Pages vs. Sheets
Considering how much paper you’ll need? Remember the difference between sheets and pages. A sheet of paper has two sides, and each side is considered one page. This means that a 50-sheet pad will have 100 pages. If you plan to frame your artworks or display them in a portfolio, you may prefer to use only one side of the paper, leaving the reverse page blank. In this case, you'll need to account for the number of sheets rather than pages when deciding on the best art paper for you.

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