Acrylic paints are a popular choice among artists due to their versatility and ease of use. However, finding the right paper to use with acrylic paints can be challenging. The right paper can enhance the vibrancy of the colors and prevent the paint from bleeding or smudging. In this article, we will be discussing the best paper for acrylic paint.
When choosing paper for acrylic paint, it’s essential to consider the weight, texture, and absorbency of the paper. The weight of the paper determines its thickness and durability. A heavier weight paper is less likely to buckle or warp when wet. The texture of the paper can affect how the paint interacts with the surface. A rougher texture can create interesting effects, while a smoother texture is better for fine details. The absorbency of the paper affects how the paint dries and how the colors appear.
When selecting paper for acrylic paint, it’s vital to choose a paper that is specifically designed for use with acrylics. Using the wrong type of paper can cause the paint to peel, crack, or flake. Additionally, it’s important to choose acid-free paper to prevent the paper from yellowing over time.
In this article, we will be discussing the top papers for acrylic paint, taking into consideration their weight, texture, absorbency, and compatibility with acrylics.
Best Papers for Acrylic Paint
We understand how difficult it can be to find the perfect paper for your acrylic painting needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best papers for acrylic paint that will help you achieve the results you desire. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each product on our list to ensure that they meet our high standards. So, without further ado, here are the best papers for acrylic paint that you can buy right now.
1. BB Bachmore Drawing Pad
If you’re looking for a versatile drawing pad that can handle both wet and dry media, the BB Bachmore Drawing Pad is a great option for artists of all levels.
Pros
- The acid-free paper is thick, strong, slick-smooth, and durable, making it perfect for a variety of media, including watercolors, acrylics, ink, and more.
- The top spiral design is friendly for both left-handed and right-handed artists, and the pages tear out easily with punctures.
- The hardbound cover is 100% handmade and helps protect your artwork safely.
Cons
- The paper has a bit of texture, which may not be ideal for artists who prefer a smoother surface.
- Some users have reported minor issues with bleed-through when using certain media, so it may be worth testing the paper with your preferred medium before committing to a large project.
- The paper has a slight lavender tinge, which may not be ideal for artists who prefer stark white paper.
We’ve found that the BB Bachmore Drawing Pad is a great option for artists who want a versatile, high-quality paper that can handle a variety of media. The acid-free paper is thick and durable, and the top spiral design makes it easy to use for both left-handed and right-handed artists. The hardbound cover is also a nice touch, providing extra protection for your artwork.
That being said, the paper does have a bit of texture, which may not be ideal for artists who prefer a smoother surface. Additionally, some users have reported minor issues with bleed-through when using certain media, so it may be worth testing the paper with your preferred medium before committing to a large project. Finally, the slight lavender tinge of the paper may not be ideal for artists who prefer stark white paper.
Overall, we think the BB Bachmore Drawing Pad is a great choice for artists of all levels who want a high-quality paper that can handle a variety of media. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out for yourself risk-free.
2. Strathmore Acrylic Paper Pad 9″X12″-10 Sheets -430900 Acrylic 9×12
If you’re looking for a durable and heavyweight paper for acrylic painting, Strathmore 400 Acrylic paper is a great option. The textured linen surface assures the maximum adherence and layering of paint, making it a great choice for artists who want to achieve a unique and textured finish.
Pros
- The heavyweight paper (246lb, 400 g/M2) is perfect for acrylic painting.
- The textured linen surface assures the maximum adherence and layering of paint.
- The paper is manufactured in France, ensuring high-quality standards.
Cons
- The paper may be too thick for some artists’ needs.
- Beginners may find the product a little hard to work with.
- The paper tears easily after being taped to a surface, making it difficult to remove.
We recently used this paper for an acrylic painting project, and we were impressed with its durability and texture. The paper is thick enough to hold heavy layers of paint without warping or bleeding through, and the linen texture adds a unique dimension to the finished artwork.
One thing to note is that the paper may be too thick for some artists’ preferences. We found that it took a little extra effort to work with, but the end result was worth it. Additionally, beginners may find the product a little hard to work with, but with practice and patience, they can achieve great results.
Overall, we highly recommend the Strathmore Acrylic Paper Pad for artists who want a durable and textured paper for their acrylic painting projects.
3. Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad
If you’re looking for a high-quality paper pad for practicing techniques with oils and acrylics, the Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad is a great choice.
Pros
- The canvas texture of the paper makes it ideal for practicing techniques with oils and acrylics.
- The pad is glue bound and features a flip over cover, which makes it easy to use and store.
- This paper pad is acid-free and made in the USA, which means it’s a high-quality product that you can trust.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the paper is a bit thin, which can make it difficult to work with.
- The paper can wrinkle if it gets too wet with paint, which can be frustrating.
- It may not be the best choice for more advanced artists who are looking for a higher-quality paper.
Overall, we think the Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a high-quality paper pad for practicing techniques with oils and acrylics. The canvas texture of the paper makes it ideal for this type of work, and the glue bound pad with flip over cover makes it easy to use and store. Additionally, the fact that it’s acid-free and made in the USA means that it’s a high-quality product that you can trust. If you’re looking for a reliable paper pad for your next project, we highly recommend the Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad.
4. Bellofy Multimedia Sketchbook
If you’re looking for a versatile sketchbook that can handle a variety of media, the Bellofy Multimedia Sketchbook is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The paper has a nice weight and texture, making it suitable for drawing and painting with a variety of media.
- The micro-perforated pages make it easy to tear out your artwork without damaging it.
- The sketchbook is a great value for the price.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the paper doesn’t hold up well to heavy washes of watercolor.
- The paper has a slightly off-white color that may not be to everyone’s liking.
- The sketchbook cover is fairly plain and not particularly inspiring.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Bellofy Multimedia Sketchbook, and overall we were quite impressed. The paper has a nice weight and texture that makes it suitable for drawing and painting with a variety of media, including acrylics, watercolors, and graphite.
One thing we particularly appreciated about this sketchbook is the micro-perforated pages, which make it easy to tear out your artwork without damaging it. This is a great feature if you like to sell or give away your artwork, or if you just want to keep your sketches organized.
Another thing we liked about the Bellofy Multimedia Sketchbook is the value it offers. With 100 sheets of paper in each sketchbook, it’s a great deal for the price.
That said, there are a few downsides to this sketchbook. Some users have reported that the paper doesn’t hold up well to heavy washes of watercolor, so if you’re primarily a watercolor artist, this may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, the paper has a slightly off-white color that may not be to everyone’s liking. Finally, the sketchbook cover is fairly plain and not particularly inspiring.
Overall, we think the Bellofy Multimedia Sketchbook is a great choice if you’re looking for a versatile sketchbook that can handle a variety of media. It’s a great value for the price, and the micro-perforated pages are a nice touch. However, if you’re primarily a watercolor artist or you prefer a sketchbook with a more inspiring cover, you may want to look elsewhere.
5. 200 Series Canvas Paper
We highly recommend the Strathmore 200 Series Canvas Paper for anyone looking for an economical way to begin their oil painting career or for those who want to practice their acrylic painting skills.
Pros
- The 115 lb. canvas paper has a textured finish that mimics the look and feel of canvas, making it suitable for oil or acrylic painting.
- The 9-x-12-inch size is perfect for small to medium-sized paintings and the tape-bound pad keeps the sheets securely in place.
- The Strathmore brand is known for producing high-quality artist papers that are perfect for both adults and students.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the paper is not delivered shrink-wrapped, causing it to arrive water damaged and curled.
- The paper may warp or buckle when used for painting, especially if a lot of water or paint is applied.
- The paper is only sold in a 10-sheet pad, which may not be enough for some artists who want to create multiple paintings.
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to canvas that still provides a similar texture and feel, the Strathmore 200 Series Canvas Paper is a great option. While it may not be as durable as traditional canvas, it’s perfect for practicing your painting skills or creating small to medium-sized works of art.
The textured finish of the paper adds depth and dimension to your paintings, while the tape-bound pad keeps your sheets securely in place. We also appreciate that the paper is suitable for both oil and acrylic painting, making it a versatile choice for artists of all skill levels.
However, it’s important to note that some customers have reported issues with the paper arriving damaged or warping when used for painting. Additionally, the 10-sheet pad may not be enough for artists who want to create multiple paintings. Despite these drawbacks, we still believe that the Strathmore 200 Series Canvas Paper is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile alternative to traditional canvas.
6. Grumbacher Acrylic Paper Pad with In & Out Pages
We recommend the Grumbacher Acrylic Paper Pad with In & Out Pages for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile paper for acrylic paint.
Pros
- Colors look bright and crisp on this Grumbacher surface, and textures are easy to create.
- The paper feels absorbent and holds water well, and it doesn’t buckle easily. Optimally sized surface for all acrylic paints, markers, and inks.
- The dual loop, wire-bound construction and features “In & Out” Pages (patent pending) allow you to remove sheets from the pad for painting, reworking, scanning, and more. Upon completion, simply return the sheets into the pad and can also be placed in any other Grumbacher and Koh-I-Noor wire-bound pad.
Cons
- The paper may not be thick enough for heavy applications of paint.
- The price may be a bit high for some budgets.
- The wire binding can sometimes get in the way when working on the edges of the paper.
We’ve used this paper for several acrylic painting projects and found it to be a great option for beginners and professionals alike. The colors look vibrant and the textures are easy to create, making it a great surface for experimenting with different techniques. We also appreciate the “In & Out” pages feature, which allows us to easily remove and replace sheets as needed.
One thing to keep in mind is that the paper may not be thick enough for very heavy applications of paint, but it works well for most standard acrylic painting projects. Additionally, the price may be a bit high for those on a tight budget, but we believe the quality justifies the cost.
Overall, we highly recommend the Grumbacher Acrylic Paper Pad with In & Out Pages for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile paper for acrylic paint.
7. U.S. Art Supply Premium Acrylic Painting Paper Pad
If you’re looking for a heavy-weight paper pad for acrylic painting, then the U.S. Art Supply Premium Acrylic Painting Paper Pad is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Acid-free and neutral pH
- Extremely heavyweight and versatile paper
- Nice texture and resistant to moisture bleed-through
Cons
- Not suitable for watercolor or oil painting
- Not suitable for outdoor use
- Some users may find the paper too thick for their liking
We recently used this paper pad for an acrylic painting project and were impressed with its quality. The acid-free and neutral pH paper provides a stable surface for painting, and the heavyweight paper is perfect for acrylic paint. The texture of the paper is nice, and it resists moisture bleed-through, which is a common issue with other paper pads.
One downside to this paper pad is that it’s not suitable for watercolor or oil painting, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a more versatile paper. Additionally, the paper is quite thick, which some users may find cumbersome. However, we found that the thickness of the paper added to the overall quality of the finished painting.
Overall, we highly recommend the U.S. Art Supply Premium Acrylic Painting Paper Pad for anyone looking for a high-quality paper pad for acrylic painting.
8. LYTek Acrylic and Watercolor Painting Pad
If you’re looking for a high-quality paper pad for your acrylic and watercolor paintings, then the LYTek Acrylic and Watercolor Painting Pad might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The heavyweight and bleedproof paper can hold the paint and water very well, without warping or soaking through.
- The canvas-like texture of the paper gives your paintings a professional look and feel.
- The acid-free and bright white paper resists damage from light and air, keeping your colors truly pop on white paper.
Cons
- The paper is quite thick and heavy, which may make it difficult to transport.
- The pad contains only 15 sheets, which may not be enough for some artists.
- The price is a bit higher than some other paper pads on the market.
We were impressed with the LYTek Acrylic and Watercolor Painting Pad. The heavyweight paper is perfect for acrylic and watercolor paintings, and the canvas-like texture gives your paintings a professional look and feel. The paper is also acid-free and bright white, which helps to keep your colors looking vibrant.
One thing to keep in mind is that the paper is quite thick and heavy, which may make it difficult to transport. Additionally, the pad only contains 15 sheets, which may not be enough for some artists. Finally, the price is a bit higher than some other paper pads on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality paper pad for your acrylic and watercolor paintings, the LYTek Acrylic and Watercolor Painting Pad is definitely worth considering.
9. Qianshan Oil and Acrylic Paper Pad
If you’re looking for a paper pad that’s perfect for oil and acrylic painting, then the Qianshan Oil and Acrylic Paper Pad might be just what you need.
Pros
- The double-sided texture is a great feature, with the front side being a canvas surface with clear texture and good painting effect, suitable for oil painting and acrylic painting. The back side is a matte surface with good leadability and no dazzling, suitable for sketching and design painting creation.
- The thick, high-quality paper is perfect for oil painting. The 180gsm(110lb) bleed proof paper is acid-free to prevent yellowing and fading of artwork.
- Suitable for both professional and amateur artists, this paper pad is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create beautiful oil and acrylic paintings.
Cons
- The size of the paper pad is 15 x 15 cm / 5.9”x 5.9”, which might be too small for some artists.
- The paper isn’t perforated, which might make it difficult to detach pages from the pad.
- The Qianshan Oil and Acrylic Paper Pad might be a bit pricey compared to other paper pads on the market.
We’ve used this paper pad for several oil and acrylic paintings, and we’re impressed with its quality. The canvas-like texture of the paper is perfect for creating beautiful paintings, and the bleed-proof paper ensures that the colors remain vibrant and don’t bleed through to the other side of the paper.
The double-sided texture is a great feature, allowing us to use the front side for oil and acrylic painting and the back side for sketching and design painting creation. The thick, high-quality paper is perfect for oil painting, and we didn’t experience any warping or buckling.
Overall, we highly recommend the Qianshan Oil and Acrylic Paper Pad for anyone looking to create beautiful oil and acrylic paintings.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best paper for acrylic paint, there are a few factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features to look for when making your purchase.
1. Weight and Texture
The weight and texture of the paper are important factors to consider. A heavier weight paper will be more durable and less likely to buckle or warp when wet. The texture of the paper can also affect the way the paint adheres and dries on the surface. Smooth paper is great for fine details, while rough paper can create interesting textures and effects.
2. Acid-Free and Archival Quality
Acid-free paper is essential for any artwork that you want to last. Acidic paper can yellow and deteriorate over time, causing damage to your artwork. Look for paper that is labeled as archival quality, which means it is designed to last for many years without deteriorating.
3. Size and Format
Consider the size and format of the paper you need for your project. If you’re working on a large piece, you’ll need a larger sheet of paper. If you’re working on a series of smaller pieces, you might want to choose a pad of smaller sheets. You might also consider the format of the paper, such as a pad of loose sheets, a spiral-bound sketchbook, or a roll of paper.
4. Price
Price is always a factor to consider when making a purchase. While it’s important to invest in quality materials, there are also affordable options available. Consider your budget and the amount of paper you’ll need for your project.
In summary, when choosing the best paper for acrylic paint, consider the weight and texture of the paper, whether it is acid-free and archival quality, the size and format of the paper, and your budget. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect paper for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some good options for paper to use with acrylic paint?
When it comes to paper for acrylic painting, there are several options to consider. Some popular choices include watercolor paper, mixed media paper, and acrylic paper. Watercolor paper is a good option because it is absorbent and can handle multiple layers of paint. Mixed media paper is also a good option because it is versatile and can handle a variety of mediums. Acrylic paper is specifically designed for use with acrylics and has a smoother surface that allows for better blending.
2. Is there a specific brand of paper that is best for acrylic painting?
There is no one brand of paper that is universally considered the best for acrylic painting. However, some reputable brands to consider include Strathmore, Canson, and Winsor & Newton. It is important to choose a brand that offers high-quality paper that can handle the demands of acrylic paint.
3. What qualities should I look for in paper when painting with acrylics?
When choosing paper for acrylic painting, it is important to look for paper that is sturdy and can handle the weight of the paint. The paper should also have a smooth surface that allows for easy blending and layering of colors. Additionally, the paper should be able to withstand the drying time of acrylic paint without warping or curling.
4. Can I use canvas paper for acrylic painting?
Yes, canvas paper is a good option for acrylic painting. It has a textured surface that mimics the look and feel of canvas, but is more affordable than traditional canvas. Additionally, canvas paper is easier to store and transport than stretched canvas.
5. What is the difference between acrylic paper and regular paper?
Acrylic paper is specifically designed for use with acrylic paint. It has a smoother surface that allows for better blending and layering of colors. Additionally, acrylic paper is sturdier and can handle the weight of the paint without warping or curling. Regular paper, on the other hand, may not be able to handle the demands of acrylic paint and may warp or curl as it dries.
6. Are there any affordable options for high-quality acrylic painting paper?
Yes, there are affordable options for high-quality acrylic painting paper. Some brands, such as Strathmore and Canson, offer budget-friendly options that still provide good quality paper. Additionally, mixed media paper can also be a more affordable option that still provides a good surface for acrylic painting.
