Paper is an essential part of any art classroom and any artist's toolkit. But with so many different types of paper available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your project. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to choose the right paper for different types of art projects, using papers available at Abacus Creative Resources.

The first thing to consider when choosing paper is the medium you'll be using. Different mediums require different types of paper. For example, watercolour paper is designed to absorb water without buckling, while charcoal paper has a rougher texture that helps to create richer tones.

Paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Heavier weight paper is more durable and can handle more layers of medium, while lighter weight paper is more delicate and may be better suited for sketching or preliminary drawings.

Paper texture refers to the smoothness or roughness of the surface. Rougher textured paper is better for mediums such as charcoal and pastel, while smoother textured paper is better for mediums such as pen and ink or watercolour.

Acid-free paper is essential for preserving your artwork over time. Acidic paper can cause your artwork to yellow and deteriorate.

Here are some specific recommendations for papers available to buy at Abacus Creative Resources:

Drawing: Aristo Cartridge, 170gsm cartridge, Acid free. Very durable surface that withstands erasure. Exceptional whiteness - good for exam and presentation work. Suitable for any graphics based work including pencil, pen, ink, calligraphy, technical pen, charcoal, oil pastel, soft pastel and airbrush.

Watercolour: Bockingford, English watercolour, high quality paper made using pure materials to archival standards.

Acrylic and Oil: Abacus Cartridge paper 220gsm, acid free. This high quality, acid-free paper has a toothy texture and is suitable for all media. 

Mixed Media:  Abacus Cartridge Paper 160gsm, 100% recycled, manufactured by the world renowned paper mill of James Cropper (watch our tour of the factory here!). Toothy cartridge paper perfect for mixed media.

Printmaking: Bread & Butter Cartridge Paper 270gsm, acid free, very strong machine made grade paper, ideal for most printmaking purposes, especially screen printing. The sheets have a smooth, soft surface, bright white in colour.

Paper being made at St Cuthberts, the creators of Bockingford watercolour paper!

Tips for choosing the right paper for your project

• If you're not sure what type of paper to use, ask a team member at Abacus Creative Resources for help. They can be a great resource for finding the perfect paper for your needs.
• Experiment with different types of paper to see what you like best. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing paper, so it's important to find something that works for you and your art.
• Don't be afraid to try new things. Abacus Creative Resources has a wide variety of papers to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect paper for your next project.

We hope this guide helps you to choose the right paper for your next art project. Happy creating!