Painting surfaces: Paper
Acrylic paper
Acrylic paper is specifically designed for use with Acrylic colours and mediums.
The paper can be bought in pads and are available in different sizes and weights from a range of manufacturers,
and can also be purchased with different textured surfaces (canvas texture, linen) which offers a very good alternative to canvas.
If you buy the heavy weight paper (usually over 300/356/638 gms) it does not buckle or warp
from the liquid paint and acts as an ideal base for impasto and thick texture applications.
Acrylic paper also tends to be pre-primed and acid free so it yellows or darkens less with age.
The pads are ideal for outdoor sketching, studio work or any glaze, dry and wet applications
Watercolour paper
Watercolour paper is normally “sized”.
This means the paper have been treated (with either gelatine or starch) to make it
water-resistant and to control the paper's absorbency.
The weight of watercolour paper ranges from 70 to over 300 lbs, and most are suitable for a variety of media
including watercolour, acrylic, gouache, ink, charcoal and pencil.
Watercolour paper is usually white, although selections of tints and colours are available.
The paper can be bought in pads, rolls or individual sheets and come in a variety of sizes and weights.
There are three different types of Watercolour surfaces:
a) Hot-pressed (HP): This paper is fine-grained and have a smooth surface.
b) Cold-pressed (CP), also “Not”: This paper have a slightly textured surface suitable for
the majority of artwork and is recommended for beginners.
c) Rough: This paper has a very textured and rough surface and is the hardest to work with.
Watercolour paper can be machine made or hand made and there will also be a difference
in surface and in weights depending on which manufacturer/brand you choose.
Watercolour Paper Tips:
In order to ensure the paper will dry flat and to prevent wrinkling and distortion,
the paper should be soaked in water for a couple of minutes (to allow the paper to expand) and then stretched on a board.
- Use lukewarm water when soaking the paper.
- Make sure both sides of the paper have been properly soaked.
- Drain the paper and place the soaked sheet on a board.
- Any excess water can be removed with a paper towel.
- Leave the paper to dry overnight.
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