There are many different types of paper, depending on how they are manufactured.
Paper is defined as:
noun
1. Material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances used for writing, drawing, printing, or wrapping material.
2. A piece or sheet of paper with something written or drawn.
verb
1. Apply wallpaper to a wall or room.
Overview
Includes the following.
Paper is a versatile material and medium. It can be used for collage, origami, sculpture, or book binding.
The Chinese made paper almost 2,000 years ago using bast, bark, hemp, rags, and rice grass. Today, wood, made into pulp, is the primary material.
Choosing Paper
Depending on what is needed, it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge of the following concepts when shopping for paper.
What is Paper Made Of?
Most drawing papers are made from plant fibers, wood, or cotton. The process and materials used to make paper always affect the finished product. Paper can be made from various resources, but most is made by turning some type of fiber, usually cotton or wood, into a pulp. Lower-quality paper is made of wood. The pulp is then molded together, pressed flat, and allowed to dry.
How is it Manufactured?
The European Association representing the paper industry (Cepi) is a non-profit organization that produced the following graphic.
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| CEPI Image of the Paper-Making Process |
What is Paper Quality
Higher-quality papers are usually made from cotton or linen and are archival, which means they will resist chemical breakdown over time. Lower-quality paper is generally made from wood.
When the fibers are ground into a pulp, they are highly acidic and will degrade over time. Medium-quality papers, usually made with wood and cotton fibers, typically fall in between. Chemicals are often added to prevent the pH from changing over time.
Non-archival vs. Acid-Free vs. Archival
Knowing the difference between non-archival, acid-free, and archival is essential if you want your drawings to last through the ages.
What is Non-Archival Paper?
It is made from wood (white in color), which consists of cellulose fiber and lignin (brown in color). Newsprint is usually non-archival. Due to oxidation, the lignin eventually turns the paper yellow or brown and becomes brittle over time. If exposed to air, the lignin molecules oxidize and become less stable.
It also absorbs light and then gives off a darker brown color. If the paper is not exposed to air and kept entirely out of light, it will remain white; however, after only a few hours of exposure to these elements, it will start to turn yellow or brown and deteriorate.
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| Acid-free paper symbol |
What is Acid-Free Paper?
These papers are less expensive than archival paper but, have a different manufacturing process than archival paper. Today, much of the commercially produced paper is acid-free. Acid-Free Paper is manufactured in an alkaline environment or is made from wood that does not contain lignin. The wood is also treated with a mild base (usually calcium or magnesium bicarbonate) to neutralize the natural acids. Papers that have been treated will be labeled as "acid-free" but may be missing the "non-archival" markup. Acid-Free Paper prevent or minimize yellowing, browning, and crumbling of the paper over time and includes these characteristics:
- Neutral or alkaline (7 or higher), typically made using alkaline paper-making technology, where the pH of the pulp is above 7.
- While all archival paper is acid-free, not all acid-free paper meets the higher standards for archival quality.
What is Archival Paper?
Archival paper is paper that meets certain standards of permanence and durability, in addition to being acid-free. It is a permanent, durable, acid-free paper made from cotton or wood using a different process than just the acid-free. This paper is meant for publications of high legal, historical, or significant value. In the United States, the American National Standards Institute or ANSI standards must also approve such papers. The international standard for "permanent" paper is ISO 9706, and for "archival" paper, the standard is ISO 11108. It includes these characteristics:
- Must be acid-free as a prerequisite.
- Meets standards like those set by the Library of Congress or ISO.
- May include being made from 100% cotton, having low metal content, no optical brighteners, and being buffered with an alkaline reserve.
Cotton rag paper is often used for archival purposes, as it is not made from wood-based pulp. Thus, "archival paper" is sometimes broken down into two categories:
- Conservation-grade — acid-free, buffered paper made from wood-based pulp.
- Archival-grade (also Museum-grade) cotton rag paper is made from cotton pulp.
What is Paper Weight?
Drawing papers are designated by weight, which gives the user an idea of their thickness or stability.
It is most commonly dictated according to pounds. The weight designation is the physical weight of a paper ream of 500 sheets. For example, heavy watercolor paper will weigh more than sheets of thin tracing paper.
This is important because if you erase a lot, you probably need heavier paper, or if you are working in wet mediums, the paper will buckle when wet.
A good paper for the drawing will be heavyweight (at least 70 lbs. or 80 lbs.).
What is GSM?
Grams per square meter (GSM) may be used to compare weights across grades of card stock or paper for printers. It does translate to weight in lbs.
What is the Tooth of Paper?
The most frequently used paper finishing processes include coating, impregnating, parchmentizing, or laminating.
All papers have a surface texture that influences the marks on the paper. This surface texture is commonly referred to as the 'tooth.'
The tooth of the paper is produced according to the process used to create the paper.
Paper with a lot of 'tooth' is suitable for charcoal or pastels because it will hold more power or pigments.
Watercolor Paper
Finishes include the following:
- Unfinished or rough, this finish is not smooth and retains a particular texture. The rough or textured paper has a strong tooth and can grab smooth materials such as charcoal or pastel.
- The cold press is smooth. It is less textured and has a slightly weaker tooth than rough paper.
- Hotpress is utterly smooth because it has been ironed. This type of finish allows for the most detail or smooth gradations. It is great for polished or finished drawings and is best suited for printmaking.
Finishes Explained
Includes the following.
Unfished
It is extremely coarse or textured. When manufactured, cylinders are not used to press the paper flat; they are often not pressed or pressed mechanically, resulting in highly textured and rough surfaces. These papers can withstand multiple washes and wet mediums and are typically preferred by pastelists to enhance texture.
Hotpress vs. Coldpress
"Hotpress," "Coldpress," or "Rough" are all designations assigned to watercolor paper. They refer to different processes for making paper, each producing a different tooth or surface texture.
Hotpress
It is extremely smooth. When manufactured, heated cylinders press the paper flat, causing it to mold and flatten, resulting in a smooth surface. Hotpress papers are typically preferred by portrait artists, pen-and-ink artists, detailed watercolor artists, or anyone looking for control or precision in their mark-making.
Coldpress
It is coarse or textured. Unheated cylinders press the paper flat when manufactured, resulting in small grooves on the surface. Coldpress papers are typically preferred by landscape artists, watercolor artists, pastelists, or anyone looking to exploit the surface texture.
Types of Paper
Includes the following.
Drawing Papers
Paper is essential to drawing. Most papers are made from plant fibers, and cotton is the most archival.
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| Drawing Papers |
Types of Drawing Papers
Bristol Board (named for the town in England) is a smooth and heavier paper, much like card stock. It is known for its durability and versatility. It is suitable for various media and features two different types of "tooth," which are relatively smooth and come in a two-ply, one-ply (for tracing), and vellum finish, suitable for colored pencils or pens and ink.
Cellulose Fiber Paper is the most common type of paper, made from wood pulp. It is acidic but suitable for many erasures. However, it will be yellow after a few years, so it is best for practice only.
Charcoal paper has a slightly textured surface called the "tooth" of the paper, and the amount of texture or "tooth" varies among different brands. The texture allows the paper to hold the tiny particles of the charcoal so that it adheres better to the surface. Handmade paper is usually delicate and absorbent, best used for collage. Be sure to test it first before investing in a large quantity.
Cotton Rag Paper is made from cotton and comes in various weights, textures, and hues. It is the best of severe endeavors, including printmaking, and is excellent for wet drawing media such as ink or watercolor washes.
Sanded Paper for Pastels is made with a coated abrasive. It has a rough texture and is used for pastel or pastel pencils. There are many varieties of sandpaper, with variations in the paper or backing, the material used for the grit, grit size, and the bond. The higher the grit number, the finer the paper.
Handmade Paper is delicate and absorbent but may offer the artist different surfaces with textural qualities.
Newspaper is made from acidic wood pulp. Because it is not archival and will turn yellow after a few years, it's best suited for practice sketches. It's perfect for those 5-minute gesture drawings that will eventually be thrown out.
Vellum is a smooth paper that combines plastic with cotton or wood pulp materials. The material is translucent, making it suitable for tracing. This type of vellum paper should not be confused with Bristol paper, which has a "vellum" surface. It is suitable for pen and ink.
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| Toned Paper |
Using Toned Paper
Toned paper comes in various values and temperatures. It is excellent for starting on a mid-tone and then working to add in the lights or darks.
Where to Find Toned Paper
French Paper Company offers over 100 paper colors and envelopes in many weights and sizes. It can also make custom papers to match any color, texture, or specification.
Watercolor Papers
Watercolor Papers are selected by the paper finish and by the weight. Manufacturers generally sell three or more finishes, usually labeled Rough, Cold Press, or Hot Press. See "Paper Finishes" for a description of each.
"Watercolor blocks" prevent paper from buckling when wet or waterlogged. Once the artwork is completely dry, each paper may be removed using a razor blade or a thin object to separate it from the block.
Gouache Papers
Paper used with gouache does not have to be expensive. Smaller sizes work well since gouache dries quickly. Watercolor or mixed-media papers may also be used.
- EITHER Heavyweight sketchbook paper (9x12 or larger)
- OR Cardstock, which is heavyweight office paper that goes into the printer (8.5x11)
- OR Watercolor paper (9x12 or larger) (either hot or cold press).
Pen & Ink Papers
The best surface for pen & ink would be a firm, smooth, or polished texture. The pen should glide over the paper without any snags or clogging. The ink should not bleed or bead up when applied. The line produced should be precise in appearance or crisp. Bristol board or hot press illustration boards provide a very smooth surface for pen and ink.
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| Pastel |
Pastel Papers
Links to Pastel Paper Manufacturers
- Ampersand Pastelboard
- Art Spectrum Colourfix
- Canson
- Clairefontaine
- Fabriano
- Richeson Gator Foam
- Sennelier La Carte
- Strathmore
- UART Pastel Paper
Sketchbooks
If you want your sketchbooks to last for years, look on the label for "archival material."
Sketchbooks may be hard or softcover. Some have heavier papers, more so than others, and will not be destroyed by the constant use of an eraser or blender.
Hardcover
Hardcovers are great for an on-the-go drawing board, but are heavier and bulkier.
Wire bound
Wire-bound books are bound similarly to books or with a spiral. They are a great, lighter-weight solution for traveling.
Wet or Dry Medium?
Know whether you will be using dry, wet, or mixed media. Heavyweight paper is a must for wet mediums such as watercolor or gouache.
Popular Brands
[White Paper] Global Art Materials Travelogue Watercolor Book - Linen, acid-free, soft white sheets, 95lb/200 gsm, durable cover with elastic closure, clear envelope inside back cover, bound in natural linen, made in India (Global Art Materials, Inc.)
[White Paper] Stillman & Birn (Alpha Series) - Available in both hardbound and wire-bound formats, these sketchbooks contain multiple sheets of 100 lb (150 gsm) natural white paper with a vellum surface and a distinctive tooth. Ideal for dry media and light washes, the paper is both internally sized and surface-sized. (Stillman & Birn)
[Ivory Tinted Paper] Stillman & Birn (Gamma Series) - Available in both hardbound and wire-bound formats, these sketchbooks contain multiple sheets of 100 lb (150 gsm), ivory paper with a vellum surface, and a distinctive tooth. Ideal for dry media and light washes, the paper is both internally sized and surface-sized. The vellum surface is also recommended for dry media, light wash, or inks. The ivory-toned paper also warms up the cooler temperatures that most charcoal drawings seem to have when done on white paper. The paper also creates a subtle texture from the tooth. (Stillman & Birn)
[White Paper Great for Pen & Ink] Stillman & Birn (Epsilon Series) - Available in both hardbound and wire-bound formats, these sketchbooks contain multiple sheets of 100 lb (150 gsm) natural white paper with a vellum surface and a distinctive tooth. Ideal for dry media and light washes, the paper is both internally sized and surface-sized. (Stillman & Birn)
Fixatives
Protect drawings or pastels from smearing.
Workable Fixatives
Workable Fixatives allow you to continue working on a piece. You can use them between layers or apply them to protect an unfinished piece and return to it later.
SpectraFix is a casein-based fixative that utilizes milk protein and grain alcohol to hold and protect media without dulling or darkening colors. It is ideal for use with a variety of media. It is non-toxic, workable, and fully archival.
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| SpectraFix |
Non-Workable Fixatives
Permanent fixative protects it from damage and seal it from further alteration, whereas workable fixatives allow you to continue to work without damaging the previous layers of the medium.
Final Fixatives are non-workable and should be used only when the artwork is completed. Apply the fixative lightly without wetting or soaking the paper. Once the fixative has been applied, it protects against smudging and ultraviolet light.
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| Grumbacher Final Fixative |
