Types of Paper for Drawing and Their Uses
Overview
Artists use a wide range of papers depending on the medium, technique, and desired final effect. Paper varies in texture (tooth), weight, colour, and how it responds to dry or wet materials. This guide explains the main types of drawing paper and what each is best suited for.
Cartridge Paper
Description: A versatile, medium-weight paper (usually 120–220gsm) with a smooth or lightly textured surface.
Best for:
- Graphite and coloured pencils
- Charcoal and soft pastels (light texture versions)
- Ink and markers (heavier weights)
Uses: Ideal for sketching, studies, and general drawing. It is the most common paper for art classes and everyday practice.
Watercolour Paper
Description: Thick, textured paper (usually 300gsm or more) designed to handle water without buckling. Comes in three textures: hot-pressed (smooth), cold-pressed (medium texture), and rough.
Best for:
- Watercolour washes
- Gouache
- Ink and water-based markers
- Mixed media involving wet techniques
Uses: Perfect for detailed watercolour illustrations (hot-pressed) or expressive, textured paintings (rough). Also excellent for ink drawings requiring water effects.
Bristol Board
Description: A very smooth, stiff, multi-ply drawing board. Available in smooth (plate) and vellum (lightly textured) surfaces.
Best for:
- Technical drawing
- Pen and ink
- Fine line work
- Marker rendering
- Graphite realism
Uses: Favoured by illustrators, comic artists, and designers who need crisp, clean lines and a surface that won’t feather with ink.
Newsprint
Description: Lightweight, inexpensive paper with a soft, slightly rough surface.
Best for:
- Quick sketches
- Gesture drawing
- Charcoal and soft pastels
Uses: Ideal for practice sessions and life drawing classes. Not archival—work will yellow over time.
Pastel Paper
Description: Textured paper with a pronounced tooth, sometimes sanded, designed to grip pastel particles.
Best for:
- Soft pastels
- Oil pastels
- Charcoal
Uses: Allows layering of colours and blending. Sanded versions support many layers and are used for professional pastel artworks.
Toned Paper
Description: Paper with a mid-tone colour (grey, tan, blue, etc.). Usually medium weight with light texture.
Best for:
- Graphite
- Charcoal
- Coloured pencils
- White chalk for highlights
Uses: Excellent for drawings that use both dark and light values. Helps artists quickly establish contrast.
Marker Paper
Description: Very smooth, thin paper designed to prevent ink bleed-through.
Best for:
- Alcohol markers
- Technical pens
- Graphic design rendering
Uses: Ideal for designers, illustrators, and anyone using markers for blending and layering. Keeps colours vibrant and prevents feathering.
Mixed Media Paper
Description: Medium-to-heavy weight paper with a surface that supports both dry and light wet media.
Best for:
- Pencil
- Ink
- Light watercolour
- Gouache
- Markers
Uses: Great for artists who switch between mediums in a single piece. More flexible than standard sketch paper.
Sketch Paper
Description: Lightweight paper (around 90–110gsm) with a smooth surface.
Best for:
- Graphite
- Coloured pencils
- Light ink work
Uses: Ideal for everyday sketching, planning compositions, and warm-up drawings. Not suitable for heavy layering or wet media.
Handmade and Cotton Rag Papers
Description: High-quality, often textured papers made from cotton fibres. Archival and durable.
Best for:
- Watercolour
- Ink
- Charcoal
- Mixed media
Uses: Used for professional, long-lasting artworks. The texture and absorbency vary widely, giving artists unique surfaces to explore.
Choosing the Right Paper
When selecting paper, consider:
- Medium: Dry vs wet materials
- Texture: Smooth for detail, rough for expressive marks
- Weight: Heavier paper resists warping and supports layering
- Archival quality: Important for finished artworks
Summary Table
| Paper Type | Texture | Best For | Key Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | Smooth/light tooth | Pencil, charcoal | General drawing |
| Watercolour | Smooth to rough | Wet media | Watercolour painting |
| Bristol Board | Smooth/vellum | Ink, markers | Illustration |
| Newsprint | Soft, rough | Charcoal | Quick sketches |
| Pastel Paper | Heavy tooth | Pastels | Layered pastel work |
| Toned Paper | Mid-tone | Pencil, charcoal | Value-based drawing |
| Marker Paper | Very smooth | Markers | Design rendering |
| Mixed Media | Medium tooth | Dry + light wet | Versatile projects |
| Sketch Paper | Smooth | Pencil | Everyday sketching |
| Cotton Rag | Varied | Wet + dry | Archival artwork |
Key Takeaway
Different papers enhance different artistic techniques. Choosing the right surface helps achieve cleaner lines, richer colours, smoother blends, or expressive textures depending on your creative goals.
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