Bristol paper is the choice of illustrators, architects, graphic artists, and anyone who needs a flawlessly smooth surface for precise, detailed work. Fabriano's 1264 Bristol is one of the finest versions available: 200gsm, extra-smooth, acid-free, and made in Italy with paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.
The ultra-smooth surface performs beautifully with pencil (both graphite and coloured), technical pens and fineliner, Copic and alcohol markers, and light ink wash techniques. Because the surface has no tooth to interrupt your marks, lines are crisp and precise, gradients blend seamlessly, and ink sits cleanly without feathering.
50 sheets per pad — good value for regular illustration work, sketchbook drawing, and technical projects.
FAQ
Is Fabriano 1264 Bristol suitable for Copic markers? Yes — the smooth, dense surface is excellent for alcohol markers including Copic. Ink sits on the surface cleanly with minimal bleed-through, and colours blend smoothly. For heavy marker work, you may want to slip a spare sheet behind to protect the next page.
Can 1264 Bristol be used for watercolour? Light washes work, but Bristol is not designed for wet watercolour techniques — it won't handle heavy wet-on-wet, will buckle with significant moisture, and won't give the same results as dedicated watercolour paper. For combined pen and wash work with light washes, it performs well; for pure watercolour, use a dedicated watercolour paper.
What does "Bristol" mean? Bristol paper is a category of smooth, dense, heavyweight paper originally associated with the city of Bristol. It's characterised by its ultra-smooth surface, typically achieved through calendering (pressing under heavy rollers), making it the preferred surface for illustration and precision drawing.
