The Artist’s Guide to Paper: History, Types & How to Choose the Right One

For artists, paper is far more than a blank page — it’s the foundation for your work. Understanding how paper is made, what it’s made from, and how its texture and weight affect your medium can help you choose the perfect surface for every project.

A Short History of Paper

Long before modern drawing pads and watercolor blocks, artists relied on ancient versions of paper. Early papyrus from Egypt and vellum in the Middle East laid the groundwork for what we now know as paper. About 2,000 years ago, the Chinese refined the process, using beaten wood or cotton fibers suspended in water to form sheets on screens.

Today’s paper is still made using the same basic principles. Sheets are pressed to remove moisture and then dried. Most everyday paper products, like newspapers and boxes, come from wood pulp — but these are not made to last. The acids in wood fiber papers cause yellowing and brittleness over time.

By contrast, fine art papers are made from cotton fibers, also called “rag” papers. Cotton fibers interlock tightly, creating paper that’s strong, flexible, and more archival. Some papers blend wood, cotton, or synthetic fibers for special qualities and price points.

Understanding Paper Grades, Weight & Texture

With so many paper options, how do you choose? Start by understanding these key factors:

Grade

Paper ranges from inexpensive newsprint (great for practice sketches) to 100% cotton rag (ideal for archival or professional work). Look for acid-free or pH-neutral papers for work you want to last.

Weight

Paper weight is measured by its basis weight — the weight of 144 “full size” sheets. For example, watercolor paper labeled 140 lb means each sheet weighs 140 pounds per ream. Heavier papers handle more wet media and repeated layering.

Texture & Finish

• Hot-Pressed (HP): Smooth surface, perfect for detailed drawing and ink work.

• Cold-Pressed (CP) or NOT (Not Hot-Pressed): Moderately textured with slight tooth, popular for watercolor.

• Rough: Highly textured; great for bold washes and expressive brushwork.

Sizing: Preparing Paper for Wet Media

Just like priming canvas with gesso, sizing helps paper resist too much absorption. Most fine art papers are internally sized during the pulp stage, but you can reduce or adjust sizing: soak your sheet in cool water, then lightly blot. You can also add sizing with a commercial soft gel if needed.

Best Paper Types for Different Media

• Pencil, Pastel & Charcoal: Use papers with tooth to hold dry particles. The rougher the paper, the more layers it can hold.

• Ink & Pen: Smooth or hot-pressed papers show crisp detail but avoid overly soft surfaces that can gouge.

• Watercolor: Choose from rough, cold-pressed, or hot-pressed labeled watercolor papers, or experiment with printmaking papers for unique textures.

• Acrylics: Work well on most paper types — pre-gessoing optional but helps for heavier layers.

• Oils: Must prime your paper with gesso first to create a barrier that prevents oil from degrading the fibers.

Understanding Acidity & Lightfastness

Acid-free or pH-neutral papers (around pH 7) resist yellowing and brittleness. High-quality papers always share their pH rating — neutral is best for lasting work.

Helpful Hints: Paper Longevity

Store paper in a cool, dry place
Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and stains
Use acid-free mats, backings, and storage for valuable work

Final Thoughts

Paper may look simple, but its ingredients and characteristics make a huge difference in your final result. Take time to explore different grades, textures, and weights — your choice of paper can elevate your work from good to great and ensure it lasts for years to come.