smooth surface drawing paper

Smooth Surface Drawing Paper: Optimize Your Artwork Today

By Sarah Jones
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Are you an artist or a draftsperson seeking the perfect canvas for your creations? Have you ever struggled with paper that's too rough, teeing up a battle between your pencil and the surface? Enter: smooth surface drawing paper. This isn't just any paper; it's a game-changer for those who value a faultless, frictionless drawing experience.

Smooth surface drawing paper, much like its textured counterpart, comes in a variety of weights, formats, and brands. But what sets it apart is the mill's finishing process, which tames the fibers, resulting in an exceptionally smooth surface. This unique characteristic plays a pivotal role in achieving flawless lines, blends, and details.

Types of Smooth Surface Drawing Paper

Before delving into the benefits of smooth surface drawing paper, let's explore the different types available:

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ArtworkbyGabrielle | Character Classes
ArtworkbyGabrielle | Character Classes
Sketchbook Paper Types Explained
Sketchbook Paper Types Explained
a black and white drawing of a blanket
a black and white drawing of a blanket

Acid-Free Paper

Acid-free paper is a must for archival purposes. It's engineered to resist yellowing and deterioration over time, making it ideal for artists who wish to preserve their work.

Key features include:

Pen+gear, Manila Drawing Paper, 18 IN x 12 IN, 70 count, Size:18" x 12", Yellow
Pen+gear, Manila Drawing Paper, 18 IN x 12 IN, 70 count, Size:18" x 12", Yellow
Tips for Drawing on Smooth Paper with Colored Pencils
Tips for Drawing on Smooth Paper with Colored Pencils
watercolor paper texture
watercolor paper texture
  • pH-neutral
  • Contains calcium carbonate or lignin to counteract acidity
  • Archival-safe

Weight

Paper weight, or grammage, significantly influences an artist's control over shading and blending. The denser the paper, the more banner your medium can observe.

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Common weights range from 70gsm to 300gsm. Here's a quick rundown:

a black and white drawing of the earth with water swirling around it, in front of a gray background
a black and white drawing of the earth with water swirling around it, in front of a gray background
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Sheets - 22" x 28" - Smooth
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Sheets - 22" x 28" - Smooth
an ink drawing of waves in the ocean
an ink drawing of waves in the ocean
two different views of crumpled paper in black and white, each with one folded up
two different views of crumpled paper in black and white, each with one folded up
an image of different types of water and their names in black ink on white paper
an image of different types of water and their names in black ink on white paper
Everything You Need To Know About Drawing Paper
Everything You Need To Know About Drawing Paper
  • 70gsm: Lightweight, perfect for rough sketches and layouts
  • 120gsm: A versatile medium weight, suitable for various mediums
  • 300gsm: Heavy-duty, ideal for detailed works and intense blending

Benefits of Smooth Surface Drawing Paper

Now that we've expounded on the varieties of smooth surface drawing paper let's entice you with its perks:

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Smooth Lines and Blending

The eponymous smooth surface allows pencils, pens, and markers to glide effortlessly, ensuring clean, precise lines. Moreover, this frictionless canvas promotes seamless blending, enabling gradations and transitions that'd otherwise be a challenge on textured surfaces.

a black and white drawing of a bird on a branch
a black and white drawing of a bird on a branch
flower sketch via @fivesenseartt
flower sketch via @fivesenseartt
a black and white drawing of a square with wavy lines in the center, on top of a sheet of paper
a black and white drawing of a square with wavy lines in the center, on top of a sheet of paper

Erasability and Reworkability

Smooth surface drawing paper accepts erasures without tearing or degrading. This reworkability allows artists to refine their lines and shapes without fear of damaging the paper.

Versatility

A smooth surface accommodates an array of mediums. From pencils and markers to pastels and charcoal, this type of paper caters to diverse artistic styles and techniques.

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Proper Care and Storage

Aesthetics aside, let's talk about maintenance. Without proper care, your gorgeous, velvety paper sheets could succumb to creasing, yellowing, or worse—tears.

Protection

To safeguard your drawings, invest in acid-free Portfolio bags or archival boxes. These specialized storage solutions protect your work from environmental pollutants and dust.

Flat Storage

Avoid folders that curl or crease your paper. Flat storage trays or drawing board portfolios are your friends here.

Smooth surface drawing paper is more than just a medium—it's a canvas that shapes your expressions without imposing its will. So, go ahead, explore its possibilities, and drain your creativity onto its flawless surface. After all, life's too short to fight with rough paper.

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