If you are an artist that works with paper as your canvas, chances are you like a particular kind. The reason for this is because of how it works with your chosen medium. In this post, I will explain how art on paper can differ depending on what medium, or paper, you use.

Artists use different types of paper for different mediums because each medium has specific requirements and characteristics that affect how it interacts with the paper surface. Different papers have varying levels of absorbency. Paper texture plays a significant role in the appearance and effect of the artwork. The surface finish of the paper can affect how the medium adheres to it.

What Type of Paper Should I Use for Sketching?

Read on if you are sketching with graphite. Sketching papers typically come in different weights or thicknesses, commonly measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). Here are some general guidelines for choosing the thickness of paper for sketching:

  1. Lightweight Paper (50-80 lb / 75-120 gsm): Lightweight papers are suitable for quick sketches, gesture drawings, and preliminary sketches. They are often more affordable and convenient for sketchbooks or pads and are more often smooth, hot pressed paper. However, these papers may not handle heavy erasing or wet media as well as heavier papers, but they are great for practicing and exploring ideas.
  2. Medium Weight Paper (90-140 lb / 135-210 gsm): Medium weight papers offer more versatility and durability than lightweight papers. Also, they are suitable for more detailed and refined sketches, as well as light washes or minimal watercolor applications. These are more commonly a bit more textured papers than lightweight.
  3. Heavyweight Paper (140 lb+ / 210 gsm+): Heavyweight papers are thicker and sturdier, making them ideal for sketching with wet media like watercolors or ink washes. They can withstand more layers of color, erasing, and reworking without buckling or warping.

The paper that I personally use for sketching with graphite would have to be Moleskine sketchbook paper. Not only are they portable, but they are durable and have a very lightly textured surface so the sketches come out very clear.

However, if you are sketching with charcoal, I would recommend a medium to heavyweight paper. This is because of when you put your protective spray overtop of the charcoal, the paper will not soak and bleed. I would also look for a more textured paper.

Some artists prefer a lighter paper for loose and expressive sketches, while others may opt for a heavier paper for more elaborate or finished drawings. It can be beneficial to try out different paper weights to find the one that suits your style, mediums, and desired effects.

What Type of Paper Should I Use for Watercolors?

For watercolor painting, it is recommended to use a thicker and heavier paper to ensure it can withstand the wetness of watercolors without buckling or warping. Watercolor paper is specifically designed to handle the water-based nature of the medium. Here are some commonly used thicknesses for watercolor paper:

  1. Lightweight (90-140 lb / 190-300 gsm): Lightweight watercolor paper is suitable for quick studies, practice sketches, or when working in a sketchbook. It can handle light washes and dry brush techniques. However, it may not withstand heavy washes or excessive layering.
  2. Medium Weight (140-200 lb / 300-425 gsm): Medium weight watercolor paper is a popular choice for most watercolor artists. It provides more durability and can handle moderate to heavy washes. It allows for layering, glazing, and lifting techniques without significant buckling or warping.
  3. Heavyweight (200 lb+ / 425 gsm+): Heavyweight watercolor paper is the thickest and most robust option. It is suitable for artists who prefer multiple layers, intense saturation, and heavy washes. Heavyweight paper has a higher capacity to hold water and pigment, providing better control and preserving the integrity of the artwork.

Texturally, I like something that has a bit of ridging to it. With watercolor, it can add a really cool affect where some of the pulp clings to the pigment more than others. However, this is all preference based.

The paper that I personally use is Canson watercolor paper that is cold pressed. It’s quite durable, easy to find (they have it at all Michaels) and comes in a lot of sizes.

What Type of Paper Should I Use for Acrylic Painting?

When working with acrylic paint, it is generally recommended to use a heavyweight paper or a sturdy substrate specifically designed for acrylic painting. Unlike watercolors or markers, acrylic paint is a thicker medium that requires a stronger support to prevent warping or damage. Here are some suggestions for paper thickness and alternative substrates for acrylic painting:

  1. Heavyweight Paper or Board: If you prefer working on paper, look for heavyweight papers or boards specifically designed for acrylic painting. These papers have a thicker weight and are often coated or primed to handle acrylic paint. They provide a stable surface and prevent the paper from buckling or warping. The weight of these papers can range from 140 lb (300 gsm) and higher. Another easy option is to get gesso on your paper before painting, which will thicken it up drastically.
  2. Canvas Panels: Canvas panels are a popular choice for acrylic painting. They consist of a cotton or linen canvas stretched and adhered to a rigid board. They provide a sturdy surface that can handle the heavy body of acrylic paint without warping. Canvas panels come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 1/8 inch to 1 inch (3-25 mm).
  3. Stretched Canvas: Stretched canvas is made of fabric stretched over a wooden frame. It offers a more traditional painting surface and comes in different depths, such as 3/4 inch (19 mm) or 1.5 inches (38 mm). Stretched canvas is suitable for acrylic painting, providing a resilient and stable support.

I personally only use acrylic paint on canvas, but it can certainly be used sparingly with thick paper. Using too many layers of acrylic paint however will soak the paper and make it warped very quickly.

What Type of Paper Should I Use for Markers?

Markers are often high in ink saturation and can bleed or feather on thin or lightweight papers. There is a distinct difference between how marker and water based paints such as watercolor or acrylic affect paper.

Water tends to warp the paper. Acrylic will split apart the paper, bleed the paper, and thin it out layer by layer. It is essential with markers to use a thick paper so that it also does not bleed through to the other side.

Here are some suggestions for paper thickness when working with markers:

  1. Medium Weight (100-140 lb / 160-225 gsm): Medium weight papers, such as bristol board or mixed media paper, are a popular choice for marker artwork. They offer a good balance between thickness and affordability. These papers have enough weight to resist bleed-through and provide a smooth surface for marker application.
  2. Heavyweight (140 lb+ / 225 gsm+): Heavyweight papers are even thicker and sturdier, making them an excellent option for marker work. They can handle multiple layers, blending techniques, and heavy ink saturation without the risk of bleed-through. Heavyweight papers are also more durable and resistant to buckling or warping when working with wetter markers or using techniques like ink washes.

It’s worth noting that marker paper is also available in the market. Marker paper is specifically designed to prevent ink bleeding and feathering. It has a smooth surface and a coating that allows the ink to sit on top without soaking through the paper. If you work with markers frequently, investing in marker-specific paper can provide optimal results.

Personally, I use marker specific sketchbook paper. This can be found easily on amazon or in most art supplies stores. Usually, you want it to be hot pressed because markers will otherwise pick up the pulp on the paper (which is just a preference of mine to not happen).