Understanding Paper Weights and Surfaces for Artists

Choosing the right paper is more than just picking up a pad and getting started. The weight, texture and absorbency of paper can dramatically affect your final results. Whether you’re layering watercolour washes, sketching with graphite or working across multiple mediums, understanding how paper behaves will help you create with more confidence and control.

At ArtStore Online we stock a carefully selected range of artist papers designed to meet the needs of students, illustrators and professional painters alike. This guide will help you match the right surface to your medium so your artwork can shine from the very first mark.

What Does GSM Mean?

GSM stands for grams per square metre and tells you how thick or heavy a piece of paper is. It's one of the most useful numbers on a pad of art paper and helps you know what to expect before you start.

Lower GSM paper, typically under 150 gsm, is thin and often used for tracing, lightweight sketching or dry media. It’s great for fast studies but can wrinkle or buckle under heavy layering.

Mid-range weights between 180 gsm and 300 gsm offer more stability and are suited to dry and light wet media like ink, watercolour pencils or gouache. Above 300 gsm, you’re working with heavy-duty surfaces that are ideal for watercolour, acrylic and mixed media. This heavier paper resists buckling when wet and can handle more aggressive techniques like scrubbing or lifting.

Smooth, Medium and Rough Textures

When artists talk about paper texture, they’re usually referring to how the surface feels and behaves under different tools. The texture affects everything from pencil grip to water flow and pigment lift.

Smooth paper, often called hot press, has very little texture. It's ideal for detailed line work, pen and ink and precise graphite drawing. Pencils glide across the surface, making it easier to achieve clean edges and sharp contrasts.

Medium texture, also known as cold press, is the go-to for many watercolourists and mixed media artists. It has just enough tooth to hold pigment but still allows for some control. It’s a balanced surface that suits many styles.

Rough paper has a pronounced grain that absorbs pigment unevenly, creating interesting natural textures. It’s great for expressive painterly techniques, especially in watercolour and pastel.

Matching Paper to Mediums

Not all paper handles all media equally. Choosing the right surface makes a big difference to how your tools perform.

For drawing and sketching, smooth or lightly textured paper in the 110–200 gsm range works best. If you're using graphite, coloured pencils or ink, a sketch pad made for dry media will deliver consistent results.

For watercolour, aim for paper that’s at least 200 gsm. Cold press offers a good balance of texture and absorbency while hot press suits detailed brushwork. Both types are designed to handle the flow of paint without warping.

For acrylic or gouache, heavier paper, 250 gsm and up, provides the stability needed for thicker applications. A textured surface helps grip the paint and keeps layers from sliding.

For mixed media, choose a paper labelled as suitable for wet and dry media, usually around 300 gsm. These papers can handle light washes, ink, pencil and collage.

Recommended Paper Ranges from ArtStore Online

We stock artist-trusted paper lines designed to support everything from study sketches to gallery-ready pieces. Here’s how to navigate what’s available:

Visit the Drawing Paper category for sketch pads, layout paper and illustration stock across various weights and textures. Whether you’re shading with graphite or planning a finished pencil drawing, the right surface makes all the difference.

Browse Watercolour Paper for smooth or textured pads ideal for washes, wet-on-wet work and layering. These sheets are designed to absorb pigment without bleeding, perfect for artists who value depth and vibrancy.

Head to Paper & Card for heavyweight sheets, creative surfaces and general-purpose papers ideal for collage, cutting, stamping or craft work. These surfaces are great for experimental projects and mixed techniques.

Each category includes artist-quality brands and a range of sizes, bindings and formats so you can find exactly what suits your setup.

Tips for Choosing the Right Surface

To make the most of your materials, consider the following when selecting your paper:

• Check the GSM rating to make sure it supports the media you plan to use

• Pick a texture that matches your desired outcome: smooth for control, rough for energy

• Look for acid-free or archival labels if you want your work to stand the test of time

• Choose the right format: pads for portability, sheets for flexibility and blocks for wet media

• Try small pads before committing to a large investment; it helps you learn how each paper behaves

Taking the time to understand how paper responds to your tools can be the key to achieving better results.

Ready to Choose Your Paper?

Finding the right paper can elevate your art. Whether you’re a beginner testing graphite, a watercolourist chasing softness and flow or a mixed media artist layering texture and colour, your surface plays a huge role in the outcome.

At ArtStore Online we stock a curated selection of drawing and painting papers that artists trust. Explore our collections today to find the perfect base for your next creative piece.

Choose the right surface for your next masterpiece with paper from ArtStore Online. Need help selecting the right pad or sheet? Reach out to our team. We’re always here to help you make a confident choice.