A Beginner's Guide to Artist Papers: Finding Your Perfect Match

Walking into an art supply store can be overwhelming due to the many paper options available. What's the difference between 90lb and 300lb paper? Why are some so expensive? Does it really matter what paper is used?

This guide will help make sense of artist papers for those just starting their artistic journey. Choosing the right paper can make the artistic experience much more enjoyable.

Paper Weight Basics

Paper weight works like fabric thickness:

• Light papers (70-90 gsm/20-24 lb): Perfect for practice sketches and doodling. These are everyday papers that won't break the bank.
• Medium papers (130-190 gsm/35-56 lb): Great for finished drawings with pencil, ink, or markers. They hold up better than lightweight papers.
• Heavy papers (200-300 gsm/90-140 lb): These are ideal for watercolours and mixed media. They won't buckle as easily when wet.
• Extra heavy papers (300+ gsm/140+ lb): Reserved for serious watercolour work or multimedia pieces that need to withstand lots of water and layering.

Paper Textures Made Simple

Papers come with different surfaces that affect how art tools interact with them:

• Smooth papers: Feel slick to the touch. Great for detailed work with pens, fine pencils, or markers.
• Medium texture papers: Have a slight "tooth" or roughness. These are versatile for most drawing and some painting techniques.
• Rough papers: Have a noticeable texture. Perfect for creating interesting effects with watercolors, pastels, or charcoal.

Paper Composition

• Cotton papers: The premium option. They're stronger, more durable, and handle water better. They're more expensive but worth it for finished pieces.
• Wood pulp papers: More affordable everyday options. Good for practice and learning.

Paper Types for Different Art Styles

For Pencil Drawing Beginners

For starting with pencil drawing, look for:

• Medium-weight drawing paper with some texture to grab the pencil
• Sketchbooks labeled "drawing" or "sketching"
• White or off-white color for good contrast

The paper should feel pleasant when drawing and show pencil marks clearly without smudging too much.

https://craftandcanvas.co.uk/products/fabriano-1264-drawing-pad?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web

For Watercolour Beginners

Watercolour needs special paper to handle water without falling apart:

• Look for papers labeled "watercolour"
• At least 140 lb/300 gsm weight
• "Cold-pressed" is the most versatile texture to start with

Watercolour paper is more expensive, but even budget watercolour paper is better than using regular paper, which will warp and pill when wet.

https://craftandcanvas.co.uk/products/bockingford-glued-pads-300gsm?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web

For Marker Artists

Markers need paper that prevents bleeding:

• Look for "marker paper" or "illustration board"
• Smooth surface with low absorbency
• Papers that advertise "no bleed-through"

The right paper will keep marker lines crisp and prevent them from feathering or bleeding through to the next page.

https://craftandcanvas.co.uk/products/fabriano-1264-bristol-paper?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web

For Charcoal and Pastel Beginners

These dusty mediums need paper with "tooth" to hold the pigment:

• Look for papers with texture
• Medium to heavyweight
• Papers specifically labeled for charcoal or pastel

The texture helps the particles cling to the paper rather than falling off.

https://craftandcanvas.co.uk/products/pastelmat-pads?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web

Starting a Paper Collection

For beginners, here's a recommended approach:

1. Start with a basic sketchbook (80-100 gsm) for everyday practice and ideas
2. Add a medium-weight drawing pad (120-160 gsm) for more finished pencil or pen drawings
3. If trying watercolours, get a small watercolour pad (300 gsm/140 lb) to experiment with
4. Buy individual sheets of specialty papers (like pastel or printmaking paper) before investing in full pads

Simple Tips for Paper Success

1. Match paper to medium - this is the most important rule! Using watercolors on printer paper will always disappoint.
2. Pay attention to how the paper feels when using it - does it feel good? Does it resist or accept the tool easily?
3. Store paper flat in a dry place to prevent warping and damage
4. Test new techniques on scrap paper before using good paper
5. Don't be intimidated by fancy papers - as skills grow, trying better quality papers can be a revelation

Even the best artists started as beginners with basic materials. Focus on enjoying the process, experimenting with different papers, and discovering what works best for your unique style. The perfect paper is out there waiting for you!