Explore, collect, and master your knowledge of paper types!
Showing 22 paper types
90 lb (190 gsm) to 300 lb (640 gsm)
Very smooth, almost no texture. Created by pressing paper between hot rollers.
Less absorbent than cold press, pigment sits on surface longer allowing for lifting and manipulation
90 lb (190 gsm) to 300 lb (640 gsm)
Medium texture with slight bumps and valleys. Also called "NOT" (not hot-pressed).
Most popular choice for watercolorists. Balances absorbency and texture.
140 lb (300 gsm) to 300 lb (640 gsm)
Very pronounced texture with deep valleys. Most textured watercolor paper.
Pigment settles in valleys creating interesting effects. Requires more paint and water.
100 lb (270 gsm) to 140 lb (300 gsm)
Plate finish - extremely smooth, no visible texture.
Multi-ply construction makes it very durable. Resists bleed-through.
100 lb (270 gsm) to 140 lb (300 gsm)
Light tooth, slight texture ideal for dry media.
Texture helps grip dry media. Erasable and forgiving.
60 lb (130 gsm) to 90 lb (190 gsm)
Laid texture with visible linear pattern or moderate grain.
Often tinted in neutral tones (white, cream, gray, tan). Texture grips soft media well.
50 lb (100 gsm) to 80 lb (170 gsm)
Smooth to slightly textured surface.
Economical choice for studies and practice. Not archival quality.
90 lb (190 gsm) to 140 lb (300 gsm)
Pronounced tooth, often sanded or velour surface.
Available in many colors. Surface holds multiple layers of pastel.
16 lb (60 gsm) to 24 lb (90 gsm)
Very smooth, slightly frosted surface.
Semi-transparent. Accepts pencil, ink, and markers. Durable and erasable.
9 lb (35 gsm) to 25 lb (95 gsm)
Very smooth, transparent.
Highly transparent. Good for transferring or developing compositions.
90 lb (190 gsm) to 140 lb (300 gsm)
Medium texture, slightly textured surface.
Designed to handle both wet and dry media without warping or deteriorating.
2-ply to 5-ply thickness
Varies - available in hot press, cold press, or plate finish.
Rigid surface prevents warping. Museum board core for archival work.
136 lb (290 gsm) to 246 lb (520 gsm)
Canvas weave texture embossed on surface.
Affordable alternative to stretched canvas. Often pre-primed for acrylics.
140 lb (300 gsm) to 300 lb (640 gsm)
Soft, slightly textured, very absorbent.
100% cotton rag. Must be dampened for intaglio printing. Archival quality.
Varies widely, typically thin
Smooth to slightly fibrous texture.
Made from kozo, gampi, or mitsumata fibers. Very absorbent and delicate.
60 lb (130 gsm) to 98 lb (200 gsm)
Medium texture, slightly textured.
Available in gray, tan, blue, and other neutral tones. Allows for working with lights and darks simultaneously.
74 lb (200 gsm) to 110 lb (300 gsm)
Ultra-smooth, non-porous surface.
Waterproof, tear-resistant. Paint stays on surface and can be manipulated. Not archival.
30 lb (48 gsm) to 35 lb (57 gsm)
Smooth, slightly rough texture.
Not archival - yellows and deteriorates over time. Very economical for practice.
60 lb (90 gsm) to 100 lb (150 gsm)
Smooth to slightly rough depending on grade.
Natural brown tone works well with white and black media. Affordable and versatile.
65 lb (140 gsm) to 98 lb (200 gsm)
Smooth to medium texture.
Creates striking contrast with light media. Popular for constellation maps and night scenes.
140 lb (300 gsm)
Cold press texture, pre-primed surface.
Pre-treated to accept oils without additional sizing. More portable than canvas.
100 lb (270 gsm)
Plate smooth - no visible texture.
Smoothest bristol option. Excellent for scanning and reproduction.