Top 20 Sketching Paper Brands in 2025

The most popular brands for Sketching Paper Includes Seawhite, Daler-Rowney, Strathmore, Clairefontaine, Canson, Winsor & Newton, Derwent, Pacon, Kraft, Royal & Langnickel among many others.

1

Seawhite

Popular Brand

Already ruling the education industry in the UK, Seawhite specializes in art and design materials. The company has valuable products for schools, colleges, and other artistic industries, from sketchbooks to travel journals and watercolor books. Starting as a small business, the company today has customers worldwide who are fans of its painting and drawing accessories and latest design technology products. Providing its products at an affordable price, the company is highly valued by its customers.

2

Daler-Rowney

Popular Brand
3

Strathmore

Popular Brand

Strathmore started showing up on these high art papers, initially with Graphite and now with Somerset. Strathmore rapidly became among the top-notch painting newspapers employed by several of the world's most prominent painters. The company has maintained its reputation as a high art material provider for centuries. Nowadays, the company remains and provides the appropriate platform for artisans of all abilities to create magnificent masterpieces. Among the essential considerations an artist takes in affecting the quality of their artwork is the choice of newspapers.

4

Clairefontaine

Best Brand

Meurthe Valley is known for paper production as an honorable tradition. This was where Papeteries de Clairefontaine began business operations in 1858 by the Meurthe Valley. Clairefontaine uses the paper as well as the rags provided by nearby textile industries to create unique and durable envelopes, notebooks, and other stationery. It has already become well-known in French households and has set its eyes on the global market.

5

Canson

Best Brand

Canson offers a diversified and specific range for each artistic need. With each paper sheet designed for particular painting and art purposes, one can use it based on the choice and color type they prefer for their artwork. Canson also provides quality sheets for digital artworks. Their old paper museum consists of paper-making machines that allow visitors to learn more about the process. More importantly, they care about the environment and perseverance of natural resources in their paper manufacturing process.

6

Winsor & Newton

Best Brand

Winsor and Newton was formed by a chemist and an artist back in 1832. The mixture of science and creativity gave birth to a very popular artist brand of the era. The company sells all kinds of good that an artist need ranging from several types of paints to canvases and papers. They are famous for making artist-level products, and they have made their mark as a regular source of reliable art supplies for many artists across the globe.

7

Derwent

Best Brand

Hue, Value, and Chroma are defined as the three qualities of color. Derwent is a perfect example to represent this. Derwent is an English brand founded in 1832. With over a century-old heritage, it supplies high-quality pencils and stationery for professional-grade sketching. Its product catalog includes vibrant pencil colors, pigmented sketches, charcoal blocks, pen, paper, and other accessories. The products are created by keeping in mind the vision of the original art combined with the reinvented style and unique formulations to provide the best art materials to artists across the world.

8

Pacon

Best Brand

Colorful papers are the most widely used stationery products in art and craft. Pacon is a brand that provides bright...

9

Kraft

Kraft is one of the best food global brands worldwide, including well-known brands. The merger of Kraft Foods and Heinz,...

11

Helix

12

Sakura

The brand of honey Sakura Honey originates from Japan. All of their products are additive- and preservative-free and made with...

13

Staedtler

Staedtler goods assist them in this effort by making life easier for them. Staedtler's variety of pencils, pens, markers, drawing...

14

Creativity Street

15

Art Alternatives

Art Alternatives is a small-scale emerging creative group supplying the designer and various art supplements, including sketchbooks, journals, pens, markers,...

16

Crayola

The most popular brand name in coloring and arts and crafts is Crayola. Their goal is to offer practical, artistic...

17

Juvale

Juvale is a modern company that belive in contemporary designs. Juvale features a long list of original houseware and décor...

18

Loew-Cornell

For those passionate about the art and craft, Loew-Cornell is a hub for them to discover and shop for the...

19

ArtSkills

Poster-making is not everyone's cup of tea. The cause for that may be lack of creativity, unavailability of proper supplies,...

20

Fabriano

Fabriano is a one-stop destination for all the art lovers. Its wonderful products will enhance your creative skills like no...

Sketching Paper Buying Guide

Sketching is a popular hobby enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are an aspiring artist, a professional illustrator or just someone who enjoys drawing, sketching paper is one of the most important tools you’ll need. However, with so many different types of sketching paper available in the market, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about buying sketching paper, including the types of paper available, the different weights and textures and how to choose the right paper for your needs.

Types of Sketching Paper

Sketching paper comes in a variety of different types, each with its own distinctive features. Here are the most common types of sketching paper:

Bristol Paper

Bristol paper is a heavyweight paper that is typically used for fine art and illustration purposes. It is a very durable type of paper that can withstand erasing, smudging and other forms of manipulation. Bristol paper is available in both smooth and textured finishes and comes in a variety of different weights.

Charcoal Paper

Charcoal paper is a specially designed paper that is intended for use with charcoal or graphite pencils. It is typically a medium, fine or rough textured paper that is designed to hold the charcoal, preventing it from smudging and smearing. Charcoal paper is available in a variety of different weights and colors, including white, black and shades of gray.

Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper is a type of paper that is designed for use with watercolor paints. It has a special coating that allows the watercolor to sit on top of the paper, rather than being absorbed into it. Watercolor paper is available in a variety of different textures, including rough, cold pressed and hot pressed. It also comes in a variety of different weights, ranging from 90 lb to 300 lb.

Newsprint Paper

Newsprint paper is a lightweight paper that is typically used for sketching and drawing practice. It is a cheap and readily available type of paper that is perfect for beginners or those who want to practice without using expensive materials. Newsprint paper is available in a variety of different weights and textures, but it is typically very thin and not very durable.

Toned Paper

Toned paper is a type of paper that is designed to have a colored background. It is available in a variety of different colors, including tan, gray and light blue. Toned paper is ideal for those who want to create a more atmospheric or moody effect in their sketches. It can be used with a variety of different media, including pencils, pens, markers and pastels.

Paper Weights

The weight of a paper refers to the thickness of the paper. Heavier papers are generally more durable and can withstand more abuse than lighter papers. Here are the most common paper weights:

50-60 lb

This is a very lightweight paper that is typically used for quick sketches or for practice. It is not very durable and may tear easily if erased too much.

70-80 lb

This is a medium weight paper that is suitable for most sketching purposes. It is durable enough to withstand erasing and smudging, but still lightweight enough to be easy to carry around.

90-100 lb

This is a heavier weight paper that is intended for use with wet media such as watercolors. It can withstand a lot of moisture without tearing or warping and is ideal for those who want to experiment with different media.

120-140 lb

This is a very heavy paper that is ideal for those who want to create larger works of art. It is very durable and can withstand a lot of abuse without tearing or warping.

Paper Textures

Paper texture refers to the surface finish of the paper. Different textures can create different effects in your drawings and can also affect how the media interacts with the surface of the paper. Here are the most common paper textures:

Smooth

Smooth paper has a flat, even surface that is ideal for detailed drawings and fine lines. It is also good for creating a polished, finished look. Smooth paper is typically used with ink or pen, but can also work well with pencil.

Medium

Medium paper has a slightly rough surface that is ideal for creating texture and shading. It is good for creating atmospheric, moody drawings with charcoal or graphite pencil.

Rough

Rough paper has a very textured surface that is ideal for creating dramatic effects. It is good for creating heavy shadows and for creating a more organic, natural look. Rough paper is typically used with charcoal or pastels.

Choosing the Right Paper

Choosing the right paper for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of media you plan to use, the size of your artwork and your personal preferences. Here are some things to consider when choosing your sketching paper:

Media Compatibility

It is important to choose a paper that is compatible with the media you plan to use. For example, if you plan to use watercolors, you will need to choose a paper that is specifically designed for use with watercolors. If you plan to use charcoal, you will need to choose a paper that is specifically designed to hold charcoal.

Size

The size of the paper you choose will depend on the size of the artwork you plan to create. If you plan to create a large, detailed piece of artwork, you will need to choose a larger size paper. If you plan to create a small sketch or practice drawing, a smaller size paper will be sufficient.

Durability

If you plan to do a lot of erasing or smudging, you will need to choose a paper that is very durable and can withstand a lot of abuse. Heavier papers are generally more durable than lighter papers.

Personal Preferences

Finally, it is important to choose a paper that suits your personal preferences. Do you prefer a smooth, polished finish or a more textured, organic look? Do you prefer a heavyweight paper or a lighter weight paper? Consider your own personal style and preferences when choosing your sketching paper.

Conclusion

Sketching paper is an essential tool for anyone who enjoys drawing. There are many different types of sketching paper available in the market, each with its own distinctive features. When choosing your sketching paper, consider the type of media you plan to use, the size of your artwork and your personal preferences. By following these guidelines, you can choose the perfect sketching paper for your needs.

Categories Similar to Sketching Paper

Top similar topics to Sketching Paper Includes Art Pencils, Easels, Art Sets among many others.