Ultimate Guide to Choosing Art Papers: From Watercolor to Sketching

Art is not only about the technique that you need to be perfect at. It is also as much as about the choice of materials. Using the right kind of paper is crucial for you as an artist. There are different types of papers to suit varied styles and modes. How to choose good art supplies to make your artwork look more beautiful? Here is the ultimate guide to help you choose the best art papers for your needs, from watercolor to sketching and much more.

Understand the Basics of Art Paper

Firstly, get a proper idea about what differentiates art paper from regular paper. Paper weight is determined in grams per square meter (gsm). It plays a big role in determining the longevity of a creative output.

Heavier art paper is not likely to warp easily. This makes it perfect for different forms of art. The paper texture can vary from hot-pressed or smooth to cold-pressed or rough. The feel of the surface also plays a big role on what kind of artwork you can create.

With acid-free paper, you can make artwork more durable without deterioration or yellowing over a period.

Watercolor Paper

For watercolor painting, you need a type of paper that can handle water flow with no buckling or tearing. Rough paper is the best choice for this mode. Due to a slightly textured surface, it can absorb water well. Naturally, it is ideal for starters.

In contrast, smooth watercolor paper has a smooth surface. It is ideal for layering and detailed work, given that it ensures greater control over applying paint. If you have a more expressive painting style, choose highly textured watercolor paper with a rough surface. You can draw bold strokes with more ease.

Choose watercolor paper with a minimum weight of 300 gsm, to prevent warping. These papers are also available in sheets and blocks. You have to stretch sheets before using them. There is no such need while using blocks. Blocks prevent buckling of the paper when artists paint on them. You can get suitable watercolor paper from ArtRight, a one-stop art craft online shop.

Craft Paper

For adding depth, textured paper is the best choice. Smooth paper is best for clean designs. Choose lighter paper for origami craftwork. For scrapbooking purposes, thicker cardstock is more suitable.

For durable craft-making and keepsakes, choose acid-free paper. You can find craft paper in many patterns, colors and finishes, suitable for making many creative projects, from simple to intricate.

Acrylic & Mixed Media Paper

Designed to handle different materials, Mixed Media Paper can be ideal if you wish to experiment with various types of media. Generally, it comes with medium texture. You can get paper with a balance between smooth and rough, and capable of handling both dry and wet media.

Typically heavier, its weight is in the range of 150 – 300 gsm. It can handle different techniques with no tearing or warping.

Mixed media paper is perfect for combining pastels with acrylic paints or watercolor with ink. It is available in both pads with perforated edges and spiral-bound sketchbooks. When required, it can be removed easily. Explore the range of Mixed media paper at ArtRight, and order art supplies with confidence for your own art and craft store.

Paper Pads & Rolls 

For different types of crafts, these versatile options can be more apt. Pads are suitable for journaling or card-making, often available as pre-cut sheets in even themes and sizes. With larger, continuous surfaces, rolls are best for expansive projects, gift wrapping or murals.

Sketching paper

For drawing with more detailed pencil work, you need sketching paper. Perfect and versatile, it is ideal for drawing ideas that come quickly. Typically, it is lighter than other art papers, often in the range of 90 – 120 gsm.

The sketching paper texture can vary between slightly rough and smooth. For sketches, choice of the best paper depends on what the preferred medium is.

For charcoal and graphite drawings, you need rougher art papers that offer sufficient grip. For more detailed work and for fine lines, smoother paper is a better choice.

You should also consider whether acid-free paper will be a better option, to preserve sketches for more time.

Overall, you have to choose the right art paper according to your artistic vision and needs. When you consider the needs of your artistic medium and understand the features of various kinds of art, you can choose the best supplies from ArtRight, the art craft online shop India.