For the initiated eye, paper might come across as a simple support for artwork. But experienced artists know that the composition and surface qualities of the paperwork have significant effects on the material’s performance.
Are you sketching, printing, or painting on paper? Understanding the technology behind papers and how they interact with different media can greatly improve your craft. This guide will show you the science of paper and how to get the best results by choosing the right paper for the right medium.
Understanding Paper Fibres
Paper fibres determine several performance elements, such as their absorbency, strength, and longevity. Among many other options, wood pulp and cotton (or rag) are the most popular.
The affordability and versatility of wood pulp paper makes it the most common medium for artists. Its nature makes it perfect for dry techniques, while heavier wood pulp paper weights make it suitable for watercolor and other wet techniques.
Meanwhile, Cotton (rag) paper offers superior strength, absorbency, and durability, especially with wet techniques. Its resistance to breakdown under repeated washes makes it ideal for watercolor.
Matching Paper to Medium and Technique
Each medium interacts uniquely with different paper surfaces, and choosing the right combination boosts your work quality. For instance, Graphite pencils require smooth surfaces that allow precise lines and reduce smudging. However, Pastels require a toothy paper that can grip powdery pigment, while permitting rich layering and bending.
We recommend hot-pressed papers if you’re working with watercolor and other wet techniques. Any paper texture used for watercolor will be visible when the artwork is complete. Therefore, you want to choose a Cold-pressed or Rough Paper, depending on how much texture you prefer for the finished work.
Also, drawing and sketching papers are available in various textures. However, smoother surfaces are preferred for detailed work and other artworks like those featuring pastel-suited tooth or charcoal-suited tooth. Here’s a rundown of various paper media and where they work best.
- Graphite thrives on smoother surfaces for crisp lines and minimal smudging.
- Pastel requires a toothy texture to grip pigment adequately.
- Ink demands well-sized paper to prevent bleeding; too absorbent paper causes spreading.
- Hot-pressed paper is ideal for fine details.
- Cold-pressed (NOT) paper provides a balanced texture, the most popular texture among watercolourists.
- Rough paper has the most pronounced watercolour texture.
Specialty and Mixed Media Papers
Are you working with mixed media or specialized materials? There are specialized materials designed to accommodate the unique requirements of each paper.
Take note of the peculiarities of each material to give your final design a solid and easily reproducible foundation. For instance, mixed media papers are formulated to accept both wet and dry techniques, which makes them crucial for experimentation, travel sketchbooks, or students learning multiple methods.
Gouache possesses opaque features that makes it most appropriate on heavier watercolor paper. Such a feature retains some tooth to help the pigment adhere evenly.
Meanwhile, acrylic paints require heavy and strong papers. These papers are also often internally sized to withstand repeated wet layers without deteriorating. For oil painting, consider specially treated oil paper that includes a barrier layer to shield the surface from oil absorption. Without such a barrier layer, the paper would weaken and degrade, impairing the work’s quality.
Below is a handy summary on how to match specialty/mixed media papers with the right medium:
- Mixed media paper balances wet and dry media requirements, which makes it useful for trials, learners, and travel sketchbooks.
- Gouache possesses some teeth for better pigment, which helps it hold pigment better on heavy watercolour paper.
- Acrylic paper is stronger and heavier, often internally sized for durability with acrylics.
- Oil paper has a barrier layer for preventing oil absorption, protecting the paper from degradation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paper qualities can significantly impact your artistic outcomes. Look out for the right surface material and texture that accurately match your intended paint or work. That way, you can reduce frustrations and enhance the appearance and durability of your work. Also, others can easily learn about your projects and replicate them anywhere.