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Best Paper For Acrylic Painting (2025 Update)

If you’re looking for the best paper for acrylic painting, there are a few factors you should consider before making your purchase. The right paper can make a significant difference in the final look and quality of your paintings. One important consideration is the weight of the paper. A heavier weight paper, such as a 300-pound option, can handle the moisture and weight of acrylic paint better than a lighter weight option. Another factor to consider is the surface texture of the paper. Depending on your painting style and preference, you may want a smooth or rough surface.

When choosing the best paper for acrylic painting, it is also important to consider the quality of the paper. High-quality paper can withstand the effects of time and aging, while lower quality options may yellow or deteriorate over time. Additionally, consider if the paper is acid-free and archival grade, which ensures it will not deteriorate over time and will hold up well against the elements.

Are you tired of using low-quality paper for your acrylic paintings? Are you looking for a paper that will bring out the best in your artwork? In this article, you will discover the best paper options for acrylic painting. Do you need a heavier weight paper or a surface texture that enhances your painting style? Keep reading to find out which paper is right for you and your artistic goals.

10 Best Paper For Acrylic Painting

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for artists who use oil, acrylic, alkyd, and egg tempera paints and need a disposable palette paper.
2
This product is ideal for artists who want a complete set of acrylic painting supplies, including an easel and instructional DVD.
3
It is ideal for artists who use acrylic paint and want a high-quality surface to work on.
4
It is ideal for oil paint, acrylic paint, and mixed media art projects for both adult and student artists.
5
This artist paper is ideal for use with acrylic and oil paints for both adult and student artists.
6
Ideal for creating watercolor, mixed media, ink, charcoal, pastel, and acrylic artwork on textured paper with sturdy weight and large size.
7
This artist paper pad is ideal for creating oil and acrylic artwork with 22 high-quality sheets in a convenient size.
8
It is ideal for acrylic painting projects for both adults and students.
9
The product is ideal for creating canvas-like textures on paper in various mediums such as acrylics, oils, and gouache.
10
This product is ideal for creating mixed media art projects due to its heavyweight and ample sheet count.
The product is ideal for artists who use oil, acrylic, alkyd, and egg tempera paints and need a disposable palette paper.
This product is ideal for artists who want a complete set of acrylic painting supplies, including an easel and instructional DVD.
It is ideal for artists who use acrylic paint and want a high-quality surface to work on.
It is ideal for oil paint, acrylic paint, and mixed media art projects for both adult and student artists.
This artist paper is ideal for use with acrylic and oil paints for both adult and student artists.
Ideal for creating watercolor, mixed media, ink, charcoal, pastel, and acrylic artwork on textured paper with sturdy weight and large size.
This artist paper pad is ideal for creating oil and acrylic artwork with 22 high-quality sheets in a convenient size.
It is ideal for acrylic painting projects for both adults and students.
The product is ideal for creating canvas-like textures on paper in various mediums such as acrylics, oils, and gouache.
This product is ideal for creating mixed media art projects due to its heavyweight and ample sheet count.

1. Jerry's Heavy Duty Palette Pads – 50 Sheets

The Jerry's Castaway paper palette canvas pad is a must-have for artists who paint frequently or quickly. This paint pad is an effortless and wash-free option that allows artists to tear off the palette paper after use. With its heavy weight 35 lb coated sheets, the paint palette pad is perfect for mixing and holding paints.

The castaway disposable painting paper can hold various mediums including oils, acrylics, caseins, alkyds, and egg tempera. Artists can now take their creativity with them on the go, as the paint paper pad is easier to carry than an actual canvas. This painting pad is perfect for artists who are always on the move and need to be ready whenever inspiration strikes.

The canvas drawing pad is bleed-proof, which means artists no longer have to worry about big stains, smudges, or colors bleeding through the paper. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists who need to work quickly without compromising the quality of their artwork.

2. Soho Urban Artist Complete Acrylic Set

The SoHo Acrylics is a premium quality paint that boasts an excellent coverage and peak to maintain brush strokes. The paint is heavily saturated with pigment to provide a wide range of tints, and is available in 52 vibrant colors that are sure to inspire creativity. Once dry, the colors form a permanent film that is highly resistant to water, dirt, and atmospheric pollution, ensuring a long-lasting finish.

This complete acrylic painting set includes all the necessary tools to bring imagination to life. The set includes 24 – 21ml tubes of SoHo Acrylics, SoHo Mediums, Paint Brushes, Palette knives, Painting boards, Disposable paper palette pad, Palette cup, Easel, and a "Basics of Acrylic Painting" DVD. With this comprehensive set, beginners and professionals alike can enjoy the painting experience.

The SoHo Acrylics is versatile and can be applied to virtually any surface, including canvas, paper, wood, and more. The paint dries to a lustrous finish that enhances the beauty of the artwork and adds a professional touch. The set comes with a wide array of colors that allows artists to experiment with different shades and hues, making it easy to achieve the desired outcome.

The SoHo Acrylics are perfect for artists who value quality and performance. The paint is easy to work with and provides excellent results, making it a favorite among artists. The set includes a DVD that provides a step-by-step tutorial on the basics of acrylic painting, making it an ideal choice for beginners who want to learn more about the medium.

3. Strathmore Acrylic Paper Pad 9"x12"-10 Sheets -430900

The Strathmore 400 Acrylic paper is a top-of-the-line product that is specially designed for acrylic painting enthusiasts. With its durable and heavyweight composition, this paper (rated at 246lb, 400 g/M2) can withstand the rigors of acrylic painting without tearing or wrinkling.

The textured linen surface of the paper ensures maximum adherence and layering of paint, allowing artists to experiment with a variety of techniques to create their desired effects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this paper will provide the perfect canvas for your creative vision.

Manufactured in France, this product is of the highest quality, ensuring that your finished artwork will look stunning and professional. It is perfect for use with acrylic paints and will help you achieve the desired results for your next project.

4. Canson Canva-Paper: Premium Artist Roll

The Bleed-proof canvas-like textured paper is a must-have for any artist who loves to work with oil or acrylic paints. It is specifically designed for use with these paints with no need for surface preparation or priming. This 36" x 5' roll of paper is the perfect size for any project, whether it's a small painting or a large canvas.

One of the standout features of this paper is its bleed-proof quality. This means that the paint will not bleed through the paper, ensuring that your work stays neat and tidy. The canvas-like texture of the paper also adds an extra dimension to your work, giving it a professional, artistic look.

The paper has a weight of 136 lb/290 gsm, making it a sturdy and durable option for any artist. It is also acid-free, which ensures that your artwork will not yellow or fade over time.

This paper was formerly part of the Foundation Series and has been a popular choice among artists for years. It is now available as a standalone product, giving you the opportunity to experience the quality and versatility of this paper for yourself.

5. Canvas Pad For Acrylic And Oil Paints.

Introducing the Canvas-Textured Paper Pad, a must-have for artists who love to experiment with oils and acrylics. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, this high-quality paper pad is perfect for practicing techniques and planning your next masterpiece.

The canvas-textured paper provides a realistic surface for your artwork, allowing you to create stunning pieces that resemble an actual canvas. With its 10 sheets, you have plenty of space to practice and perfect your skills.

The pad is glue-bound, ensuring that your pages stay together and don't fall out. The flip-over cover allows for easy access to your pages and protects your artwork from dust and damage.

This paper pad is not only practical but also eco-friendly. It is acid-free, ensuring that your artwork won't fade or yellow over time. Plus, it's made in the USA, so you can trust that you're getting a quality product.

Whether you're sketching out your ideas or planning your next masterpiece, the Canvas-Textured Paper Pad is the perfect tool for any artist. Don't settle for anything less than the best, get your hands on this paper pad today!

6. Watercolor Paper Pad By Canson Xl

This product boasts of being manufactured using sustainable processes, making it an eco-friendly choice for artists. The fold over bound design ensures that the pages remain protected while providing easy access to the sheets. The cold press texture adds a unique touch to the paper, making it perfect for a variety of artistic styles.

Crafted to withstand repeated washes, this paper features a durable surface that is sure to impress even the most discerning artists. The pack contains 30 sheets of 140 pound/300 grams paper, providing ample space for creative expression.

In addition to its impressive quality, this acid-free paper measures 18 x 24 inches, making it perfect for a variety of art projects. Its neutral pH ensures that the paper won't deteriorate over time, making it a great choice for archival work.

7. Royal Langnickel 22-Sheet Oil And Acrylic Essentials Artist Paper Pad, 9-Inch By 12-Inch

The Essentials Artist High-Quality Paper Pads are a must-have for any artist, whether professional or amateur. These pads are specifically designed to cater to a variety of art mediums, making them versatile and practical for any project.

Each pad is expertly bound on top, ensuring that the pages remain secure and intact while you work. The pads are available in both oil and acrylic mediums, so you can choose the perfect option for your desired project.

One of the best things about these paper pads is that they come with a generous 22 sheets per pad, providing you with ample space to unleash your creativity and experiment with different techniques. The sheets measure 12 inches by 9 inches, making them the perfect size for creating art pieces of various sizes.

These paper pads are of high quality, ensuring that your artwork looks stunning and professional. With their smooth texture and clean finish, you can rest assured that your colors will appear vivid and true to life.

8. Canson Acrylic Paper Pad: Pro-Quality Fine Art Sheets

The artist in you deserves nothing but the best, and that is precisely what this heavyweight, textured paper offers. It is specially designed to cater to the needs of aqueous media, providing the perfect level of absorbency to bring your artwork to life.

With a weight of 185 pounds/400 grams, this acid-free paper is sized to ensure that it stays flat and does not buckle, allowing you to work on your masterpiece without any interruptions. Its ready-to-use feature eliminates the need for gesso or any other preparation, saving you time and effort.

Each pack contains ten sheets of 12 x 16 inch paper, giving you ample space to unleash your creativity. Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, this paper is ideal for a wide range of artistic endeavors, including watercolors, gouache, and acrylics.

This high-quality paper offers a luxurious texture that enhances the overall look and feel of your artwork, making it the perfect addition to your art supplies. So, whether you want to create a stunning landscape or a portrait, this heavyweight, textured paper has got you covered.

9. Strathmore (25-309 200 Series Canvas Paper Pad, 9 X 12

This canvas paper is a great option for artists who are just starting out in the world of oil painting. The paper is made of 115 lb. canvas and has a textured finish that provides an excellent surface for both oil and acrylic paints. With 10 sheets included in the package, this canvas paper is an economical choice that allows artists to practice and experiment without breaking the bank.

The paper is tape-bound, which means that it is easy to tear out individual sheets as needed. Each sheet measures 9 x 12 inches, making it a versatile size that can be used for a variety of painting projects. The textured finish of the paper provides a tactile surface that allows artists to create depth and dimension in their paintings.

10. Mixed Media Art Paper, Heavyweight, 9" X 12", 500 Sheets

The 500-sheet pack of 9-inch by 12-inch white paper is an exceptional choice for all types of media. The paper is composed of heavyweight sulphite, which offers a natural color and medium tooth surface that provides an ideal surface for pencil, colored pencils, and charcoal.

This paper is acid-free, ensuring that it will not yellow or deteriorate over time, making it an excellent choice for archival purposes. Additionally, the paper is recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice for artists and anyone who is environmentally conscious.

The 9-inch by 12-inch size is perfect for a variety of projects, and the large quantity of paper in the pack ensures that you will not have to constantly repurchase. Whether you are a professional artist or just starting, this paper is sure to meet all of your needs.

With its natural color and medium tooth surface, this paper is perfect for those who want to achieve detailed drawings or vibrant color. Its heavyweight sulphite construction offers a sturdy surface that can withstand multiple layers of media without tearing or smudging.

Best Paper For Acrylic Painting FAQs

Can you use canvas paper for acrylic painting?

Yes, you can definitely use canvas paper for acrylic painting. Canvas paper is a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to traditional stretched canvas. It is made by adhering canvas to a paper backing, which provides a stable surface for painting with acrylics.

One of the advantages of using canvas paper is that it is easier to transport and store compared to stretched canvas. It is also more affordable, making it a great option for beginners or those on a budget. Additionally, canvas paper comes in a variety of sizes and textures, allowing artists to experiment with different surfaces for their artwork.

When using canvas paper for acrylic painting, it's important to prime the surface with gesso first. This will create a barrier between the paint and the paper backing, preventing the paint from seeping through and potentially damaging the paper. It's also recommended to use a heavier weight paper (around 140lb or more) to prevent warping or buckling during the painting process.

Can you use mixed media paper for acrylic painting?

Yes, you can use mixed media paper for acrylic painting. Mixed media paper is designed to handle a variety of wet and dry media, including acrylics, watercolors, and markers. It has a heavier weight than regular drawing paper, which allows it to withstand the moisture and pressure of acrylic paint.

However, it's important to note that not all mixed media papers are created equal. Some brands may not be suitable for acrylics because they may not have enough tooth (texture) to hold the paint, or they may not have enough sizing (a protective coating) to prevent the paint from bleeding through.

When choosing a mixed media paper for acrylic painting, look for one that has a weight of at least 140lb (300gsm) and a medium to heavy tooth. You may also want to choose a paper that has a high level of sizing to prevent the paint from soaking through.

Overall, using mixed media paper for acrylic painting can be a great option for artists who want to experiment with different textures and surfaces without investing in expensive canvas or specialized papers.

Can you use regular paper for acrylic painting?

Using regular paper for acrylic painting is not recommended, as it is not designed to handle the properties of acrylic paint. Regular paper is usually thin and porous, which means it will quickly absorb the moisture from acrylic paint, causing it to buckle or wrinkle. Additionally, acrylic paint is known for its ability to crack and peel when applied to non-porous surfaces, like regular paper.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a paper that is specifically designed for acrylic painting. This type of paper is thicker, more durable, and has a surface that is compatible with acrylic paints. Some popular options for acrylic painting paper include canvas paper, watercolor paper, and mixed media paper. These papers are designed to handle the properties of acrylic paint, allowing for more vibrant colors and longer-lasting artwork.

How do you prepare paper for acrylic painting?

Preparing paper for acrylic painting requires a few simple steps to ensure the best possible outcome. First, choose a high-quality paper that is specifically designed for acrylic painting. The paper should be thick and sturdy enough to hold up to the heavy application of paint, and it should also have a smooth surface that will allow the paint to adhere properly.

Next, prepare the paper by applying a coat of gesso. Gesso is a primer that helps to create a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to. Apply the gesso with a brush or roller, making sure to cover the entire surface of the paper. Allow the gesso to dry completely before proceeding.

Once the gesso is dry, you can begin painting. Acrylic paint can be applied directly to the gessoed paper, but you may want to consider using a medium to thin the paint and make it more transparent. This will allow the paper to show through the paint, creating interesting textures and effects.

Overall, preparing paper for acrylic painting is a simple process that requires only a few basic materials and techniques. With the right preparation, you can create beautiful and long-lasting works of art on paper.

Should you use a textured or smooth paper for acrylic painting?

Choosing the right paper for acrylic painting is crucial as it can affect the overall quality of your artwork. When it comes to choosing between textured or smooth paper for acrylic painting, there is no right or wrong answer. It all depends on the style and technique you want to achieve.

If you prefer a more traditional look and feel, textured paper can add depth and dimension to your painting. The texture can create interesting patterns and add visual interest to your artwork. However, the texture can also make it difficult to achieve smooth and even brush strokes.

On the other hand, smooth paper is ideal for achieving crisp lines and smooth brush strokes. It is also great for blending colors seamlessly. However, it may not add as much visual interest to your painting as textured paper.

In the end, it all depends on your personal preference and the effect you want to achieve. It is recommended to experiment with both types of paper and see which one works best for your painting style.

What brand of paper is best for acrylic painting?

When it comes to acrylic painting, the type of paper you choose can make a big difference in the quality of your finished artwork. While there are many brands of paper that work well with acrylics, some are better than others. One brand that is highly recommended by many artists is Strathmore.

Strathmore produces a variety of papers that are ideal for acrylic painting, including their 400 series acrylic paper, which is specifically designed for this medium. This paper has a special coating that helps prevent the paint from soaking in and allows it to sit on top of the surface, making it easier to blend and layer colors. Another popular option is their 500 series mixed media paper, which is also great for acrylics and other wet media.

Other brands that are worth considering include Canson, Bee Paper, and Fabriano. Ultimately, the best paper for your acrylic painting will depend on your personal preferences and the techniques you use. It's always a good idea to experiment with different brands and types of paper to find the one that works best for you.

What is the best paper for acrylic painting?

The best paper for acrylic painting is generally a heavyweight paper that can withstand the moisture and weight of the acrylic paint without warping or bleeding through. A popular choice is a canvas paper, which is essentially a paper with a canvas-like texture that is specifically designed for acrylic painting. This paper is typically made with a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers, which gives it the strength and durability needed for acrylic painting. Another option is a watercolor paper, which is also heavyweight and able to handle wet media. However, it may not have the same texture as a canvas paper. Ultimately, the best paper for acrylic painting will depend on personal preference, budget, and the desired end result. It is recommended to experiment with different papers to find the one that works best for your painting style.

What is the best paper for beginners to use for acrylic painting?

For beginners, it is recommended to use a paper that is specifically designed for acrylic painting. The best paper for acrylic painting is heavy-weight, acid-free, and has a fine surface texture to hold the paint. The weight of the paper is important because it prevents the paper from curling or warping when it comes into contact with the acrylic paint. The acid-free quality ensures that the paper does not deteriorate over time and the fine surface texture allows for better paint adhesion and blending.

One popular option for beginners is acrylic paper pads, which are available in various sizes and sheet counts. They are affordable and convenient because they allow for easy tear-out and experimentation with different techniques. Another option is canvas paper, which has a canvas-like texture and appearance but is still lightweight and easy to work with. Ultimately, the best paper for acrylic painting depends on personal preference and the desired outcome of the artwork.

What is the difference between watercolor paper and acrylic paper?

Watercolor paper and acrylic paper are both types of paper used for painting. However, there are some differences between them.

Watercolor paper is designed specifically for use with watercolors. It is usually made of 100% cotton, which allows it to absorb water and pigment without warping or buckling. Watercolor paper comes in different weights and textures, such as rough, cold-pressed, and hot-pressed. The texture of the paper affects the way the paint is absorbed and how the final result looks.

Acrylic paper, on the other hand, is designed for use with acrylic paints. It is usually made of cellulose or wood pulp and has a smooth surface that allows the paint to glide on easily. Acrylic paper is also available in different weights and textures, but the textures are less pronounced than those of watercolor paper.

In summary, watercolor paper is designed for use with watercolors and has a higher absorbency, while acrylic paper is designed for use with acrylic paints and has a smoother surface. It is important to use the appropriate paper for the medium to achieve the best results.

What weight paper should you use for acrylic painting?

When it comes to choosing the right paper for acrylic painting, one of the most important factors to consider is the weight of the paper. The weight of the paper refers to its thickness and is usually measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm).

For acrylic painting, it is recommended to use a paper that is at least 246 gsm (140 lb). This weight of paper is thick enough to withstand the heavy application of acrylic paint without warping or buckling.

You can choose between different types of paper for acrylic painting such as watercolor paper, mixed media paper, or acrylic paper. Each type of paper has its own unique texture and absorbency, which can affect the final outcome of your painting.

Ultimately, the choice of paper weight and type will depend on your personal preference and style. It's always a good idea to experiment with different types of paper to find the one that works best for you and your painting techniques.