Marcus Chen
Painting on paper is a convenient way to get started with art, as it is easy to store and transport. The type of paper used for painting depends on the medium and style of art. For instance, watercolour and acrylic paints require heavy paper to prevent curling, whereas oil paint requires priming or specialist oil paper. Printer paper is not ideal for painting as it is thin and absorbent, but artists have used thicker art papers for printing with varying results. Acid-free paper is also important for preserving artwork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper weight | Heavyweight paper is less prone to buckling and curling when paint is applied. |
| Paper texture | Smooth 'hot-pressed' paper is better for detailed work, whereas 'cold-pressed' or 'rough' paper is more suitable for loose styles. |
| Acid content | Acidic papers will deteriorate over time, so acid-free papers are preferable for art. |
| Paint type | Watercolour, acrylic, and oil paints can be used on paper. Oil paint requires priming or specialist oil paper. |
| Printing | Inkjet and laser printing on art paper is not recommended, but some artists use printers and are happy with the results. |
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What You'll Learn
- Printer paper is thin and will crinkle when painted on, especially with watercolours
- Heavy fine art quality papers are better suited for painting
- Watercolour paper comes in three types: hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough
- Heavyweight paper is more durable and can withstand more moisture without buckling
- Paper made for prints may not be suitable for painting, but some artists have used it with good results
Printer paper is thin and will crinkle when painted on, especially with watercolours
Printer paper is not ideal for painting, especially with watercolours, due to its thin and absorbent nature. It will likely crinkle and curl when painted on, as the paint, especially watercolour with its high water content, will cause the paper to buckle.
Watercolour painting requires a heavier, more durable paper to withstand the moisture and subsequent buckling. The heavier the paper, the more moisture it can withstand, and the less likely it is to crinkle. For this reason, most artists opt for fine art quality papers, even the lowest grade of which will be better than normal printer paper.
The type of paper used for watercolour painting can be categorised into '
While printer paper is not recommended for painting, especially watercolours, there are ways to paint on paper effectively. Firstly, the right type of paper for the specific paint medium must be chosen. Secondly, the paper weight or thickness should be considered, with heavier papers being better for paint. Paper is weighed in grams per square metre (gsm), and a weight of at least 300gsm is recommended for acrylic paints, for example.
Additionally, the surface texture of the paper is important, as a smoother paper will suit a more detailed style, while a rougher paper will suit a looser style. Finally, the acidity of the paper is a factor, as acidic papers will deteriorate over time, turning yellow. Acid-free papers are considered artist-quality and can be preserved for much longer.
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Heavy fine art quality papers are better suited for painting
When it comes to painting, heavy fine art quality papers are definitely worth considering. While normal printer paper can be used for painting, it is very thin and absorbent, causing it to crinkle and curl when paint is applied, especially if the paint is water-based.
Heavy fine art quality papers, on the other hand, provide several benefits for painters. Firstly, they are less prone to buckling under the weight of paint, which is particularly beneficial when using watercolours or other watery mediums. This is due to the weight and thickness of the paper, with a higher gsm indicating a heavier paper. For reference, a weight of 300 gsm or above is typically considered heavyweight, while a weight of 120-200 gsm is considered lightweight.
The texture of the paper is another important consideration. Heavy fine art papers come in a variety of textures, from smooth 'hot-pressed' papers to 'cold-pressed' or 'rough' papers. Smooth papers are ideal for artists who want to include a lot of detail in their work, while rough papers may be better suited to looser styles, as the paint pools on the surface to create interesting effects.
Additionally, acid-free papers are recommended for art as they can be preserved for generations, whereas acidic papers will yellow and deteriorate over time.
Overall, while you can paint on paper made for prints, investing in a heavy fine art quality paper will provide a more suitable surface for your paintings and help ensure the longevity of your artwork.
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Watercolour paper comes in three types: hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough
Watercolour paper is typically categorised into three types: hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough. Each type has distinct characteristics that cater to different artistic styles and techniques.
Hot-pressed paper is created by pressing the sheet through hot metal rollers, resulting in a smooth and textureless surface. This type of paper is commonly used by artists who work with intricate details, such as botanical painters. The smooth surface of hot-pressed paper allows for precise brushwork and is less absorbent, causing paint washes to sit on the surface for a longer duration.
Cold-pressed paper, on the other hand, is produced by pressing the sheet through cold metal rollers, creating a slightly textured surface with small bumps and dimples. This variety is the most popular choice among watercolour artists as it strikes a balance between texture and detail work. The paint sinks into the paper's texture, adding a unique element to the artwork. Cold-pressed paper is also more absorbent than hot-pressed, making it ideal for watercolour beginners.
Rough paper, as the name suggests, offers the most textured surface of the three types. It is created when paper is pressed against a woollen blanket on rollers, resulting in a highly textured finish. This type of paper is perfect for artists who prefer a loose painting style, as the texture adds interesting effects to the watercolour. Landscape artists often favour rough paper for its ability to create unique textures in their paintings.
The choice between hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough watercolour paper ultimately depends on the artist's preferred style, level of detail, and desired effects. All three types of paper can produce beautiful artworks, and it is common for artists to experiment with different papers to find the one that best suits their creative vision.
While normal printer paper is not ideal for painting due to its thin and absorbent nature, there are specific types of art paper that can be used for printing. For instance, Strathmore Artist Papers offers a limited line of inkjet papers suitable for reproducing artwork and photography. These papers are designed to work with desktop inkjet printers and can be a good option for printing artwork. However, it is always recommended to refer to the printer manual to ensure the paper thickness is compatible with the printer model.
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Heavyweight paper is more durable and can withstand more moisture without buckling
Painting on paper is a convenient way to get started with art, as it is easy to store and transport. Watercolour paint, in particular, is intended for use on paper, and acrylic paints can also be used. However, normal printer paper is not ideal for painting as it is very thin and absorbent, causing it to crinkle and curl when paint is applied, especially if the paint is water-based.
Heavyweight paper, on the other hand, is more durable and can withstand moisture without buckling. The weight of paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm), and heavyweight paper is typically considered to be 300 gsm or more. This type of paper is less prone to buckling when paint is applied, making it a better option for watercolour or other techniques that involve a lot of moisture. Buckling occurs when the fibres in the paper absorb moisture unevenly, causing the paper to expand and contract in different areas, resulting in an uneven surface.
When choosing paper for painting, it's important to consider the surface texture as well. Smooth "hot-pressed" papers are better suited for detailed work, while "cold-pressed" or "rough" papers may be ideal for a looser style. Additionally, acid-free paper is recommended for art as it can be preserved for longer periods, whereas acidic paper will yellow and deteriorate over time.
While heavyweight paper is more durable and can withstand moisture better, it's still important to take precautions to minimize buckling. For example, taping down the edges of the paper while painting can help keep it in place and reduce warping.
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Paper made for prints may not be suitable for painting, but some artists have used it with good results
Paper designed for printing may not be suitable for painting due to its thin and absorbent nature, which can cause crinkling and curling when paint is applied, especially with watercolours. However, some artists have successfully used printing paper for painting by employing specific techniques and considerations.
Printing paper, also known as regular copy or printer paper, tends to be very thin and absorbent. This makes it challenging to use as a surface for painting, as it may not be able to withstand the moisture and weight of the paint, resulting in buckling and curling of the paper. Therefore, most artists prefer using heavier fine art-quality papers, which are less prone to these issues and provide a better surface for paint application.
However, some artists have experimented with printing paper for their paintings and have achieved satisfactory results. It is important to note that the success of this approach may depend on the type of printing paper used and the specific requirements of the artist. Thicker printing papers, such as watercolour or Bristol sheets, may be more suitable for painting than standard printer paper.
When using printing paper for painting, it is crucial to consider the weight and texture of the paper. Heavier papers, often measured in grams per square metre (gsm), are recommended to reduce buckling. For example, when using acrylic paints, a minimum weight of 300 gsm is suggested to withstand the moisture and brush bristles. Additionally, the texture of the paper, such as hot-pressed, cold-pressed, or rough, will impact the painting style and the overall effect.
Some artists suggest printing the desired image on regular printing paper and then tracing it onto the watercolour paper before painting. This method helps to avoid potential issues with the printer ink bleeding on the watercolour paper. Others have recommended using a lightbox or taping the print to a window to trace the image onto the watercolour paper.
While printing paper may not be the ideal surface for painting, artists can still achieve desirable results by being mindful of the paper's limitations and employing appropriate techniques. However, for long-term preservation, it is advisable to use acid-free paper, as acidic paper tends to yellow and deteriorate over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can paint on paper made for prints, but it is not recommended as normal copy/printer paper is very thin and absorbent, causing it to crinkle and curl when paint is applied.
Watercolour paint is specifically intended for use on paper, and acrylic paints can be used as well. Oil paint can also be used on paper, but the paper must first be primed or a specialist oil paper must be used.
The type of paper used for prints depends on the style of art. Giclee paper is recommended if your target customer appreciates finer details and is willing to pay a premium. Cold-pressed paper is ideal for oil paintings as it has a slightly textured surface, similar to the original paintings.
