Types of Drawing Paper

Linguistically, all paper is drawing paper. For some artists the test is how well the paper handles erasures. Removing graphite, pastel, and charcoal is sometimes part of the methodology employed to create the shading and highlights in a drawing. Some retailers, like RexArt, make a distinction between sketch paper, used for preliminary work, and drawing paper, used for the final version. There is a difference in price, as well. In the trade, there are five categories of drawing paper: bristol, charcoal, drawing and sketching, bond, and graphics.

Bristol board (Bristol paper) has a hard, even surface compared to other papers. Sheets are doubly functional with different surface finishes on each side. Bristol is available in different thicknesses and with either a vellum or plate smooth finish. The thickness is achieved by bonding several sheets together. The plate finish can be used with acrylics as well as dry mediums. Bristol paper is considered good for detailed work like technical illustrations. Bristol board is available in acid-free formulations.

Charcoal paper is heavily textured, often with the laid pattern that resembles linen cloth. Usually made with at least some cotton fibers, charcoal paper is chosen for projects involving charcoal and both soft and hard pastels. Charcoal paper will not stand up to repeated or hard erasures. It is available in different weights and colors. Artists can select a paper color that will enhance their drawing, especially when working in pastels. Charcoal paper is available in acid-free formulations.

Drawing and sketching paper is used for those purposes. The right paper is the one the artist feels will best match their artistic technique and style. Some artists prefer to sketch on rough surfaced paper to preclude the ability to add details. Details are better left to the final version. Artists experiment with different grades of drawing paper and varying hardness of pencils to achieve the desired outcome on the surface. Some artists recommend that sketch paper be purchased in gummed layers or spiral bound so that it is more easily transported and ready to use and refer to. Drawing and sketching paper is available in acid-free formulations.

Bond paper is copy machine paper, typing paper, office paper. Bond paper varies in quality, and cost, by weight. A ream (500 sheets) of 20 pound bond paper measuring 17X22 inches weights 20 pounds. Bond paper can be made with various percentages cellulose pulp. It can contain recycled material. The manufacturing process may introduce wax, plasticizers, bleach, peroxide, sulfur, and brightening agents. The paper may contain lignin which will cause the paper to turn yellow over time. The paper may test acidic on the pH scale which will eat away the fibers in the paper (and anything the paper touches) over time. Bond paper will vary in whiteness depending on all of these factors. Bond paper can be used for sketching, watercolor, and permanent marker work. There are bond papers labeled ledger bond that are 28-32 pound paper. There are also bond papers labeled layout bond that are 13-20 pound paper.

Graphics paper are generally bond paper with higher rag content. Matte finishes are recommended for black and white images and gloss finishes are recommended for color or black and white in printing applications and digital art.

Sources
RexArt, http://www.rexart.com/drawing_paper.html
Drawing Paper Reviews, http://toadhollowstudio.com/Paper_Reviews.html
Types of Drawing Paper, http://beginninginart.com/drawing/types-of-drawing-paper/
Types of Paper, http://www.trueart.info/types_of_paper.htm
Bond Paper, http://home.howstuffworks.com/question329.htm
Specifications for Bond Paper Folders with Tab for the Storage of Artifacts, http://www.loc.gov/preserv/supply/specs/100-113.html
Booklet Printing Pros, http://www.bookletprintingpros.com/information/paper-options/