Artist PAPERS

Confused by terms like “cotton rag”, “cold pressed” and “cylinder mould made”? Picking perfect paper can be perplexing, but luckily our experts have got all the answers

WHAT IS THE BEST ARTIST PAPER FOR ME?

There is no simple answer to this question. Many individual factors, such as your medium, subject and budget, come into play. Couple this with the enormous choice on the market and it can be overwhelming. But one thing is for sure – artist paper should be acid free. This optimises its structure, minimises deterioration and prevents fading and yellowing.

WHAT MATERIAL OF PAPER SHOULD I PICK?

Paper is made from interwoven fibres which, in the case of fine art papers, are often plant fibres. For example, wood pulp is used to make cartridge paper, a paper typically used for drawing and printmaking as it tends to be smooth with a very light, uniform grain.

Wood-free paper is, confusingly, made from wood pulp too, but the lignin that causes the paper to yellow and deteriorate is removed, upping its archival credentials. The best archival grade paper, however, is made from 100% cotton rag. Not only does it last the longest, but it is also the strongest and the most suitable for water-based media.

WHAT IS SIZING?

This sort of sizing is not referring to a paper’s measurements, but a glue-like sealant traditionally made of gelatin. Incorporated during the production process, “internal sizing” toughens the structure of the paper and increases its durability.

Meanwhile, “surface sizing” (also known as “tub-sizing”) involves size being applied to the surface and it is a feature that watercolourists should look out for.