7 Facts on How To Choose The Best Paper for Acrylic Paint

As a beginner artist delving into the world of acrylic painting, selecting the right paper is crucial for achieving the best results in your artwork.

Let's explore the factors to consider and address common concerns to help you choose the best paper for acrylic paint projects.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Paper:

Which factors define the best paper for acrylic paint: affordability, texture, or weight?

As a beginner artist, you might wonder if heavyweight papers are necessary for your acrylic paintings.

You might wonder about the differences between various textures, their respective effects on acrylic paintings, and how to discern which texture suits your artistic vision.

Here's how to overcome these concerns:

Explore Texture Variations:
Begin by understanding the different textures available:

• Rough Texture: Ideal for creating pronounced brushstrokes and texture-rich artworks, adding depth and visual interest.
  
  
• Cold-Pressed Texture: Offers a balanced surface, suitable for various painting styles, including detailed work and washes.
  
  
• Hot-Pressed Texture: Provides a smooth surface, perfect for intricate details and smooth blending techniques.
  
  
• Handmade Texture: Adds a unique, organic feel to your paintings, offering texture variations for expressive artworks.

Understanding Texture Benefits:
Each texture offers unique advantages:

• Rough Texture: Enhances texture and adds visual depth to paintings, ideal for expressive and textured artworks.
  
  
• Cold-Pressed Texture: Offers versatility for detailed work and washes, suitable for various painting styles.
  
  
• Hot-Pressed Texture: Provides a smooth surface for intricate details and precise blending techniques.
  
  
• Handmade Texture: Adds organic texture variations, perfect for creating expressive and tactile artworks.

If you're struggling to differentiate between texture types like rough or hot-pressed, don't worry.

Look for visual references or descriptions online and in art supply stores to help you understand the distinguishing features of each texture.

Seek Guidance and Recommendations:

• Seek guidance from experienced artists or art instructors who can offer insights into the selection of texture options for acrylic painting.
  
  
• Join online forums or communities where artists discuss their experiences with different texture types and share recommendations based on their artistic preferences and techniques.
  
  

By embracing experimentation and seeking guidance from seasoned artists, you can navigate through the plethora of texture options available in the market and make informed decisions that align with your artistic aspirations.

Our Recommendations: Best Paper Texture For Acrylic Paint:

When considering paper texture, artists often look for options that complement their painting style and technique. Here are some renowned brands known for offering diverse textures:



Strathmore: Renowned for its wide range of paper textures, including rough, cold-pressed, and hot-pressed surfaces.

Strathmore papers cater to various artistic preferences, from expressive brushwork to fine detail.

Arches: Celebrated for its premium-quality watercolor papers, Arches offers textures ranging from rough to hot-pressed.

Artists appreciate the versatility and durability of Arches papers across different painting techniques.

Fabriano: Known for its traditional Italian craftsmanship, Fabriano produces papers with distinctive textures, including cold-pressed and rough surfaces.

Fabriano papers are favored by artists for their excellent absorbency and surface responsiveness.

How to Determine Absorbency Metrics and Understand Surface Finishes for Acrylic Painting?

You might wonder how to assess absorbency levels both online and offline, and what impact different surface finishes have on acrylic paint.

Let's navigate through these aspects to help you make informed decisions:

Here's how to overcome these concerns:

Deciphering Absorbency Metrics:

When assessing absorbency metrics for acrylic painting paper, it's essential to familiarize yourself with common indicators such as paper weight, thickness, and absorbency ratings.

Manufacturers often provide information on absorbency levels, which can influence paint application and overall painting experience.

To understand absorbency metrics:

• Research common absorbency scales and ratings used in the industry, such as GSM (grams per square meter) or pounds (lbs).
  
  
• Look for papers with higher GSM or weight for better paint absorption and reduced risk of buckling.
  
  A GSM range of 200-300 is often ideal for acrylic painting, providing adequate absorbency without being too heavy.
  
  
• Consider reaching out to customer service representatives or visiting local art supply stores for guidance on interpreting absorbency ratings and selecting papers suitable for acrylic painting.
  

Understanding Surface Finishes:

Surface finishes play a significant role in determining the final appearance and presentation of acrylic paintings.

Different finishes, including satin, matte, and glossy, offer distinct characteristics that can enhance or alter the visual impact of your artwork.

To understand surface finishes:

• Explore the characteristics of each surface finish and their effects on color vibrancy, texture, and glare in acrylic paintings.
  
  Satin finishes offer a subtle sheen and smooth texture, while matte finishes reduce glare and provide a more subdued appearance.
  
  Glossy finishes enhance color saturation and create a reflective, high-shine effect.
  
  
• Experiment with samples of different paper types and surface finishes to observe how they interact with acrylic paint.
  
  
• Consider the aesthetic preferences and intended visual impact of your artwork when selecting the appropriate surface finish.
  
  Satin finishes may complement vibrant, dynamic compositions, while matte finishes may be preferable for understated, contemplative pieces.

Experimentation and Observation:

• Experiment with samples of different paper types and surface finishes to observe how they interact with acrylic paint.
  
  
• Test various techniques and applications to assess how each surface finish affects the overall look and feel of your artwork.

Take note of your preferences and observations to guide future selections of paper with the ideal absorbency and surface finish for your acrylic painting projects.

By engaging in thorough research, experimentation, and observation, you can gain a deeper understanding of absorbency metrics and surface finishes, empowering you to make informed decisions when selecting paper for your acrylic painting endeavors.

Our Recommendations: Best Acrylic Paper With Absorbency Metric:

For artists seeking papers with reliable absorbency metrics, consider reputable brands such as Canson, Winsor & Newton, and Hahnemühle.

These brands offer papers with balanced absorbency, accommodating various painting techniques with ease.

Here are some brands recognized for their consistent absorbency metrics:

Canson: Canson papers are esteemed for their balanced absorbency, allowing artists to manipulate paint smoothly without excessive bleeding or buckling.

Their versatile papers accommodate various painting techniques with ease.

Winsor & Newton: Trusted by artists worldwide, Winsor & Newton offers papers with reliable absorbency metrics across different textures and weights.

Their papers provide consistent results, making them suitable for both beginners and seasoned artists.

Hahnemühle: Known for its premium-quality papers, Hahnemühle ensures optimal absorbency for acrylic painting applications.

Artists appreciate the uniformity of Hahnemühle papers, which facilitate precise paint control and color saturation.

Our Recommendations: Best Acrylic Paper For Surface Finish Texture:

Explore diverse surface finishes offered by brands like Strathmore, Fabriano, and Arches.

Whether you prefer a subtle satin finish or a bold glossy surface, these brands provide papers that elevate the overall look and feel of acrylic paintings.

Here are brands known for offering diverse surface finishes:

Strathmore: Strathmore papers come in various surface finishes, including satin, matte, and glossy.

Artists can choose the ideal finish to enhance the visual impact and texture of their acrylic paintings.

Fabriano: Fabriano offers papers with exquisite surface finishes, ranging from satin to textured matte.

Their diverse finishes allow artists to create artworks with nuanced aesthetics and tactile qualities.

Arches: Arches papers feature refined surface finishes that elevate the overall look and feel of acrylic paintings.

Whether opting for a subtle satin finish or a bold glossy surface, artists can achieve stunning visual effects with Arches papers.

By highlighting these brands renowned for their paper textures, absorbency metrics, and surface finishes, artists can make informed decisions based on their specific artistic preferences and requirements.

How to Ensure Paper is Acid-Free and Archival Quality for Acrylic Painting?

As a beginner artist, you may have concerns about the longevity and preservation of your acrylic paintings.

You might question how to ensure that the paper you choose is acid-free and archival quality to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time.

Metrics for Acid-Free or pH Neutral Paper:

When selecting paper for acrylic painting, you might wonder about the metrics used to determine if a paper is acid-free or pH neutral.

While there isn't a specific ranking system with numbers, acid-free or pH neutral paper is generally labeled as such by manufacturers, indicating that it meets certain industry standards.

Effects of Highly Acidic Paper vs Acid-Free Paper:

Choosing highly acidic paper for your acrylic paintings can lead to undesirable outcomes such as yellowing, brittleness, and deterioration over time.

In contrast, acid-free paper offers longevity, stability, and resistance to yellowing and degradation, ensuring the preservation of your artwork.

What to Look for in Specifications and Descriptions:

When examining paper specifications, look for information on the paper's pH level, buffering agents, and certifications indicating compliance with archival standards.

Detailed descriptions provided by manufacturers can also emphasize the paper's acid-free and archival properties, guiding you towards suitable options.

How Acrylic Paint Reacts to Different Paper Types:Acrylic paint can behave differently on various types of paper, influenced by factors such as absorbency, texture, and surface finish.

Experimenting with samples of different paper types allows you to observe how acrylic paint interacts with the surface.

Conduct compatibility tests by applying acrylic paint to small samples of the paper to assess its performance and suitability for your artwork.

Sometimes, choosing the right type of paint solves the problem. We have a separate article on that.

By following these steps, you can confidently select the paper that is acid-free and archival quality for your acrylic painting projects, ensuring the longevity and preservation of your artwork for years to come.

Our Recommendations: Best Acrylic Paper With Absorbency Metric:

Arches: Renowned for its commitment to archival quality, Arches papers are acid-free and made from 100% cotton fiber. This ensures the longevity and stability of artworks, protecting them from deterioration over time.

Strathmore: Many Strathmore papers are acid-free and archival, making them suitable for professional artists and preservationists.

Strathmore's dedication to quality ensures that artworks remain vibrant and intact for generations to come.

Hahnemühle: Hahnemühle papers are known for their acid-free composition and archival properties, providing a stable substrate for acrylic paintings.

Artists can trust Hahnemühle papers for long-lasting durability and color retention.

Fabriano: Fabriano is committed to producing acid-free papers that meet archival standards, ensuring the preservation of artworks over time.

Artists can confidently create on Fabriano papers, knowing that their creations will stand the test of time.

By choosing papers from reputable brands like Arches, Strathmore, Hahnemühle, and Fabriano, artists can safeguard their artworks against acid degradation and ensure archival-quality preservation.

How to Ensure Durability and Longevity of Paper for Acrylic Painting?

As a beginner artist, you might have questions about the ideal weight and thickness of paper for acrylic painting and how these factors contribute to the durability and longevity of your artwork.

Choosing the Right Weight and Thickness:

Consider the weight and thickness of the paper, which play crucial roles in determining its durability and ability to withstand multiple layers of paint.


Look for papers with a weight of at least 140 pounds (300 gsm) or higher, as these are generally more robust and less prone to warping or buckling.


Thicker papers, typically measured in microns or millimeters, offer greater resilience and stability, allowing you to experiment with heavy applications of paint and mixed media techniques without compromising the paper's integrity.

Exploring Paper Characteristics:

Evaluate the characteristics of different papers, such as heavyweight or mixed media varieties, which are specifically engineered to handle the demands of acrylic painting.


Review product descriptions and specifications to ensure the paper is designed to withstand moisture, heavy pigments, and the use of various mediums.

Testing Paper Performance:

Conduct test paintings on different types of paper to assess their suitability for acrylic painting.


Experiment with layering, blending, and lifting techniques to gauge how well the paper holds up under various painting conditions.


Observe how the paper responds to your painting style and techniques, paying attention to its ability to maintain its shape and surface texture without buckling or warping.

Considering Archival Quality:

Prioritize papers that are acid-free and archival quality to ensure the long-term preservation of your artwork.


Choose papers with archival certifications and assurances of longevity to protect your paintings against premature deterioration and discoloration over time.

Proper Handling and Storage:

Handle the paper with care to prevent creasing, tearing, or damage during the painting process.


Store finished paintings in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and humidity to minimize the risk of deterioration over time.


By selecting papers with the appropriate weight, thickness, and archival quality, you can ensure the durability and longevity of your acrylic paintings, preserving them for years to come.

How to Ensure Paper Compatibility with Acrylic Painting Techniques?

As you explore the world of acrylic painting, it's essential to choose paper that can accommodate a variety of techniques without compromising the quality of your artwork.


Here's how to address concerns about paper compatibility with different acrylic painting techniques:

Understanding Paper Properties:

• Select paper specifically designed for acrylic painting, with characteristics that support various techniques such as wet-on-wet blending, glazing, and impasto.
  
  
  
• Look for papers that offer optimal absorbency and texture to enhance the application and manipulation of acrylic paints.
  
  
  

Exploring Surface Texture:

• Consider the texture of the paper surface and how it influences paint application and brushstroke effects.
  
  
  
• Choose papers with a smooth surface for detailed work and intricate techniques, or opt for textured papers to add depth and dimension to your paintings.
  
  
  

Assessing Absorbency Levels:

• Evaluate the absorbency of the paper to ensure it can handle heavy applications of paint and the use of solvents and mediums without buckling or warping.
  
  
  
• Test the paper's absorbency by applying layers of paint and observing how it reacts to different painting techniques.
  
  
  

Considering Paper Weight and Thickness:

• Choose paper with sufficient weight and thickness to support the application of multiple layers of paint and the use of heavy mediums.
  
  
  
• Thicker papers are less likely to buckle or tear when subjected to vigorous painting techniques, providing a stable surface for your creative endeavors.
  
  
  

Experimentation and Testing:

• Experiment with different paper types and brands to determine which ones best suit your preferred painting techniques and artistic style.
  
  
  
• Conduct test paintings on small samples of paper to assess how they respond to various acrylic painting techniques before committing to larger projects.
  
  
  

By considering these factors and conducting experimentation, you can ensure that the paper you choose is compatible with a wide range of acrylic painting techniques, allowing you to unleash your creativity with confidence.

Our Recommendations: Best Paper for Acrylic Paint That Ensures Compatibility with Acrylic Painting Techniques:

Acrylic Paper For Wet-on-Wet Blending Technique:

Arches: Arches papers excel in wet-on-wet blending techniques, allowing colors to blend seamlessly without excessive bleeding or muddying. Their consistent absorbency and surface texture make them ideal for achieving smooth transitions and soft gradients.

Strathmore: Strathmore papers offer excellent wet-on-wet blending capabilities, enabling artists to achieve dynamic and expressive effects. With their durable construction and moderate absorbency, Strathmore papers provide reliable performance for blending techniques.

Canson: Canson papers are well-suited for wet-on-wet blending, offering a balance of absorbency and surface texture. Artists appreciate the versatility of Canson papers, which allow for effortless color blending and layering.

Acrylic Paper For Glazing:

Hahnemühle: Hahnemühle papers are renowned for their suitability for glazing techniques, allowing artists to build transparent layers of color with precision and control. Their smooth surfaces and archival quality ensure optimal results for glazing applications.

Fabriano: Fabriano papers offer exceptional glazing properties, allowing artists to create luminous and translucent effects with ease. Their acid-free composition and consistent texture make Fabriano papers a preferred choice for glazing techniques.

Arches: Arches papers provide excellent support for glazing, allowing colors to layer beautifully without compromising clarity or vibrancy. Artists trust Arches papers for their archival quality and ability to maintain color integrity over time.

Acrylic Paper For Impasto Techniques:

Winsor & Newton: Winsor & Newton papers are well-suited for impasto techniques, offering sturdy construction and ample tooth for building thick layers of paint.

Their heavyweight papers provide stability and support for impasto applications.

Strathmore: Strathmore papers offer a range of options suitable for impasto techniques, from heavyweight to mixed media papers.

Artists appreciate the durability and resilience of Strathmore papers when applying thick, textured layers of paint.

Canson: Canson papers provide reliable support for impasto techniques, allowing artists to sculpt and manipulate paint with confidence. Their heavyweight papers offer durability and resilience, making them ideal for building texture and depth.

How to Ensure Paper is Environmentally Sustainable and Ethically Sourced for Acrylic Painting?

As a conscious consumer and artist, it's essential to consider the environmental impact of the materials you use in your creative endeavors.


Here's how to address concerns about the sustainability and ethical sourcing of paper for acrylic painting:

Prioritizing Sustainable Materials:

• Look for paper brands and products that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in their manufacturing processes.
  
  
• Choose papers made from responsibly sourced materials, such as FSC-certified wood pulp or recycled content, to minimize the ecological footprint of your artwork.
  
  

Researching Manufacturing Practices:

• Research the paper manufacturer's practices and policies regarding sustainability, including their commitment to eco-friendly production methods and waste reduction.
  
  
• Look for information on the use of renewable energy, water conservation measures, and efforts to minimize pollution and carbon emissions.
  
  

Seeking Eco-Friendly Certifications:

• Look for eco-friendly certifications and endorsements, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which verifies that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests.
  
  
• Consider papers labeled as "recycled" or "post-consumer waste," indicating that they are made from reclaimed materials and contribute to the circular economy.
  
  

Supporting Ethical Brands and Initiatives:

• Choose paper brands and suppliers that demonstrate a commitment to ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and community engagement.
  
  
• Support initiatives that promote sustainability in the arts, such as paper mills that invest in reforestation projects or participate in carbon offset programs.
  
  

Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact:

• Minimize waste by using paper efficiently and responsibly, avoiding unnecessary trimming or overconsumption of materials.
  
  
• Consider alternatives to disposable paper palettes and single-use materials, opting for reusable or recyclable options whenever possible.
  
  

By prioritizing sustainability and ethical sourcing in your paper selection process, you can minimize the environmental impact of your acrylic painting practice while supporting responsible manufacturing practices and conservation efforts.

Our Recommendations: Best Paper for Acrylic Paint That Are Environmentally Sustainable:

Acrylic Paper With Eco-Friendly Certification:

Fabriano EcoQua: Fabriano EcoQua papers are certified eco-friendly, made from 100% recycled materials and FSC-certified pulp. Artists can support sustainability efforts while enjoying high-quality paper suitable for various artistic techniques.

Strathmore Windpower: Strathmore Windpower papers are made using wind-generated electricity and recycled materials, earning them eco-friendly certification. Artists can create with confidence knowing that their paper choices support environmental conservation.

Canson XL Recycled: Canson XL Recycled papers are made from recycled materials and certified eco-friendly, offering artists a sustainable option for their creative projects. With Canson XL Recycled papers, artists can reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on quality.

How to Choose Affordable Paper Options Without Sacrificing Quality for Acrylic Painting?

For many artists, cost and affordability play a significant role in the selection of paper for acrylic painting.


Here's how to address concerns about finding budget-friendly options without compromising on quality:

Exploring Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

• Research and explore a variety of paper brands and options to find budget-friendly alternatives that suit your artistic needs and budget constraints.
  
  
• Look for papers available in bulk or multipacks, which often offer cost savings compared to purchasing individual sheets or pads.
  
  
  

Considering Performance vs. Price:

• Evaluate the performance and quality of budget-friendly papers compared to higher-priced options to determine the best value for your investment.
  
  
• Consider factors such as durability, absorbency, and surface texture when assessing the suitability of affordable papers for your acrylic painting projects. These are discussed in-depth in the above section.
  
  

Reading Reviews and Recommendations:

• Seek out reviews and recommendations from fellow artists and online communities to learn about their experiences with different paper brands and options.
  
  
• Look for testimonials highlighting the performance and durability of budget-friendly papers in acrylic painting applications.
  
  
  

Exploring Paper Weight and Thickness:

• Opt for papers with moderate weight and thickness that strike a balance between affordability and performance.
  
  
• Consider papers labeled as "student-grade" or "practice paper," which are often more budget-friendly options suitable for experimentation and learning.
  
  
  

Maximizing Value and Longevity:

• Invest in papers that offer long-term value and durability, even within a budget-friendly price range.
  
  
• Prioritize papers with archival quality and acid-free properties to ensure the longevity and preservation of your acrylic paintings over time.
  
  
  

By carefully considering cost, performance, and longevity, you can choose affordable paper options that meet your artistic requirements without breaking the bank.

Our Recommendations: Best Paper for Acrylic Paint That Has Weight and Thickness:

Bockingford: Bockingford papers come in various weights and thicknesses, catering to artists' diverse preferences and techniques.

From lightweight sketching papers to heavyweight watercolor sheets, Bockingford offers options suitable for every project.

Stonehenge: Stonehenge papers are available in a range of weights and thicknesses, providing artists with flexibility and versatility in their creative endeavors.

Whether working with dry or wet media, Stonehenge papers offer reliable performance and durability.

Fabriano: Fabriano papers are renowned for their consistent weight and thickness, ensuring uniformity and stability across different paper types.

Artists can confidently choose Fabriano papers for their reliability and ease of use.

Our Recommendations: Best Paper for Acrylic Paint That Are Affordable:

Canson XL Series: Canson XL Series papers offer affordable options without compromising quality. Ideal for students and artists on a budget, Canson XL

Series papers provide reliable performance at accessible price points.

Strathmore 300 Series: Strathmore 300 Series papers combine quality and affordability, making them suitable for artists of all skill levels.

With a wide range of options, including pads and sheets, Strathmore 300 Series papers offer excellent value for money.

Fabriano Studio: Fabriano Studio papers provide budget-friendly options for artists seeking quality at an affordable price.

With consistent performance and durability, Fabriano Studio papers are ideal for students and hobbyists alike.

By considering factors such as wet-on-wet blending, glazing, impasto techniques, paper weight and thickness, eco-friendly certification, and affordability, artists can make informed decisions when selecting acrylic painting paper for their projects.