Types of Paper and How to Use Them | A Beginner’s Guide to Creative Surfaces

Why Paper Choice Matters

Whether you’re a sketchbook enthusiast, a mixed media artist, or just starting your creative journey, understanding the types of paper and how to use them is essential. The surface you choose can dramatically affect your results—impacting everything from ink flow to paint absorption. This guide breaks down the most common paper types, their characteristics, and how to match them with the right tools and techniques.

---

Paper isn’t just a background—it’s an active part of your creative process. The weight, texture, absorbency, and finish of a sheet can influence how your materials behave. Choosing the right paper helps you avoid frustration, improves your results, and enhances your overall experience.

Whether you’re drawing, painting, printing, or crafting, knowing your paper is just as important as knowing your tools.

Understanding Paper Weight and Texture

Paper Weight

Paper weight is typically measured in GSM (grams per square meter). The higher the number, the thicker and heavier the paper.

• 70–90 GSM: Lightweight, ideal for everyday writing or sketching with dry media.
• 100–150 GSM: Medium weight, suitable for ink, light watercolor, and mixed media.
• 200–300 GSM: Heavyweight, perfect for watercolor, acrylic, and wet techniques.
• 300+ GSM: Extra heavy, often used for professional-grade painting or printmaking.

Paper Texture

Also known as tooth, texture affects how materials grip the surface.

• Smooth (Hot Pressed): Great for detailed ink work, markers, and calligraphy.
• Medium (Cold Pressed): Versatile for watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil.
• Rough: Ideal for expressive watercolor and charcoal, offering strong texture and absorbency.

Understanding Paper Processing and Surface Finish

The way paper is processed—especially how it’s pressed during manufacturing—affects its surface texture, absorbency, and how it interacts with different media.

Hot Pressed (Smooth Finish) Hot pressed paper is rolled between heated cylinders, resulting in a smooth, low-tooth surface.

• Ideal for: fine detail work, ink, markers, colored pencil, and calligraphy
• Absorbency: low, allowing for crisp lines and slow drying times
• Common in: botanical illustration, technical drawing, and mixed media with minimal texture

Cold Pressed (Medium Texture) Cold pressed paper is pressed without heat, leaving a subtle texture that balances grip and smoothness.

• Ideal for: watercolor, graphite, gouache, and soft pastels
• Absorbency: moderate, allowing for controlled washes and layering
• Common in: general-purpose watercolor pads and sketchbooks

Rough Pressed (Heavy Texture) Rough paper is air-dried or minimally pressed, preserving a pronounced tooth and irregular surface.

• Ideal for: expressive watercolor, charcoal, and loose ink washes
• Absorbency: high, which can lead to softer edges and faster drying
• Common in: landscape painting, abstract work, and texture-rich techniques

Common Types of Paper and How to Use Them

Drawing Paper

Drawing paper is a versatile surface designed for dry media like graphite, charcoal, and colored pencil. It usually ranges from 100–200 GSM and comes in smooth or lightly textured finishes.

Best for: Sketching, shading, colored pencil, graphite, charcoal
Avoid: Heavy wet media like watercolor or ink washes

Sketchbook Paper

Sketchbook paper varies widely in quality and weight. Most are designed for dry media, but some mixed media sketchbooks can handle ink and light washes.

Best for: Daily drawing, idea development, visual journaling
Tip: Choose acid-free paper to preserve your work over time

Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper is designed to absorb and hold water without warping. It comes in hot press (smooth), cold press (textured), and rough varieties.

Best for: Watercolor, gouache, ink washes
Tip: Stretch your paper or tape it down to prevent buckling

Bristol Board

Bristol board is a smooth, heavyweight paper ideal for clean, crisp lines. It comes in vellum (slightly textured) and smooth finishes.

Best for: Pen and ink, markers, technical drawing, comic art
Avoid: Heavy wet media—it may buckle or bleed

Mixed Media Paper

Mixed media paper is designed to handle both wet and dry materials. It’s a great all-purpose option for artists who like to experiment.

Best for: Watercolor, ink, pencil, collage, light acrylic
Tip: Look for 160–250 GSM for best versatility

Newsprint

Newsprint is inexpensive and lightweight, often used for practice sketches or gesture drawing.

Best for: Charcoal, graphite, warm-up exercises
Avoid: Long-term work—it yellows and deteriorates quickly

Kraft and Toned Paper

Toned paper (gray, tan, or kraft) provides a mid-tone base, allowing highlights and shadows to pop.

Best for: White charcoal, pastel, colored pencil, ink
Tip: Use toned paper to speed up value studies and add depth

Handmade and Specialty Papers

These include rice paper, mulberry, Lokta, and other textured or fibrous papers. They’re often used in printmaking, collage, or calligraphy.

Best for: Ink, brushwork, collage, decorative projects
Tip: Test your materials—absorbency and texture vary widely

---

How to Choose the Right Paper for Your Medium

For Pencil and Graphite

Use smooth or lightly textured drawing paper (100–150 GSM). Heavier paper isn’t necessary unless you’re layering heavily.

For Ink and Markers

Opt for smooth Bristol board or marker paper. These prevent feathering and allow for crisp lines and vibrant color.

For Watercolor and Gouache

Use cold press or rough watercolor paper (200–300+ GSM). The texture helps hold pigment and water evenly.

For Acrylic and Heavy Paint

Choose heavyweight mixed media or acrylic paper (300+ GSM). Some artists prefer canvas paper for texture.

For Collage and Crafting

Use cardstock, construction paper, or mixed media paper. Heavier weights support glue and layered materials.

---

Tips for Using Paper Effectively

• Test your tools: Always swatch your materials on a corner of the paper before starting.
• Store flat: Keep paper in a dry, flat space to avoid warping or curling.
• Use fixative: For charcoal or pastel, apply a fixative spray to prevent smudging.
• Label your sketchbook: Note the paper type and weight inside the cover for future reference.
• Don’t hoard the “good paper”: Use it! Your best work often comes when you’re not overthinking.

---

Final Thoughts

Understanding the types of paper and how to use them is a foundational skill for any creative. The right surface can elevate your work, support your technique, and make your process more enjoyable. Whether you’re filling a sketchbook, experimenting with watercolor, or layering a collage, choosing the right paper is part of the art itself.

So go ahead—explore, test, and trust your hands. The perfect page is waiting.

Ready to Share Your Work?