So, in summary, you can use acrylic paints on paper, as an acrylic artist working on paper is a great decision. Acrylic paints offer you a variety of possibilities in terms of the surfaces you can paint on. Paper is more affordable than canvas and is great for acrylic paints as it is available in an assortment of weights, textures, and sizes, making it the perfect option for any artist.
Top 3 Paints to Use While Painting a Cardboard
Cardboard is one of the most versatile, most affordable and easiest products to use for crafting. Whether you are recycling old cardboard to create a new craft or to make a signboard, you can surely never go wrong with cardboard. Though cardboards can easily be bent, shaped, and cut, painting them can be a bit tricky. Cardboard is basically made from delicate kraft paper and is therefore subject to warping, wrinkle, and bleeding if painted with the wrong kind of paint. Unlike when using canvass or other drawing papers, you need to be more careful in choosing the material you will use while painting cardboard.
We’ve already tried a variety of paints when doing different artworks made from cardboard. Based on our experience, we picked the 3 best kinds of paints you can paint on cardboard without damaging it.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is by far the cheapest among the three best paints for crescent quality boards. It is also easy to use. Acrylic paint is popularly used on canvas, ceramics, fabric, wood, metal and other surfaces. This fast-drying paint is made of pigment that is suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion.
Acrylic paint is water-soluble when wet but it can also get water-resistant when completely dried up. It has a nice consistency and it won’t leave the cardboard soaked or penetrate its inner layer.
Oil Paint
Another great option for painting cardboard is oil paint. This type of paint has the same consistency as the acrylic paint but it tends to leave a brighter color. It is also easy to use and applied to the crescent cardboard. The only downside of this option is its price. Oil paint comes with a hefty price and is more expensive than acrylic paint.
Spray Paint
Spray paint is yet another excellent paint option for cardboard. The good thing about using spray paint is that you don’t have to wait long to dry it completely. Spray paint, when applied directly to the surface of the cardboard, has only 15 minutes drying time. It will also not melt the cardboard. You have to remember, though, to keep the cardboard flat when applying the spray paint to avoid crumbling or breaking it.
Do you need a primer?
The corrugated cardboard is highly delicate. As much as it can’t tolerate much moisture, cardboard can’t also stand most kinds of paint. Even the best paints we have mentioned above can possibly damage the cardboard when applied directly to its surface.
Moreover, using the paint directly to the surface will affect the quality of its color. Cardboard is highly porous and it can absorb the paint well, leaving the color of the outer layer dull. You will need to apply more coatings to achieve the brightness you want. Not only will this cost you more, but it can also leave the cardboard damaged. The best practice is to apply a primer first prior to applying the paint.
The primer will prevent the cardboard from absorbing the paint. It can also help you achieve an opaque and bright print even without applying multiple layers of paint. For cardboards, the best primer to use is gesso, specifically the white acrylic gesso. This type of primer is composed of binder, pigment, and chalk. It is also made of a combination of latex, calcium carbonate, and other chemicals. Though it is normally white, you can have it in different hues by mixing in your chosen acrylic color.
Applying Gesso
You will need to use a sponge or a foam brush when applying gesso. In most cases, you have to apply two coatings of gesso before your cardboard is ready to receive the paint. Remember to apply the primer in two different directions- apply the first layer vertically and the second layer horizontally. Once you are done, simply leave the cardboard with the primer in a dry and cool place and let it dry completely for 24 hours. Once dry, check the roughness of the surface. If you think it is too rough, sand it down using 500-grit sandpaper. Otherwise, you can apply your chosen paint directly on the dry surface.
Another primer option is white acrylic paint. But unlike gesso, you will need more than two coatings to achieve the needed opaque layer to paint on. Gesso is readily available in home depots and paint shops but you can also opt to make your own at home.
Why Use Paper for Acrylic Paint?
If acrylic painting is something new to you, which in all likelihood it is, as you are consulting this article, you may be asking which surfaces you can paint with acrylic paint. What is great about acrylic paint is that it can be used on the majority of surfaces, including leather, paper, board, and canvas to name just a few.
We are not going to give detailed positives and negatives in terms of the kind of surface material to use with acrylic paint, but we can highly recommend working on paper. To start with, paper is very affordable, although this depends on what type of paper you buy. Normally, paper is a lot cheaper than canvas. Paper is also very easy to transport and is light, which is a great attribute, particularly if you will be painting outside.
Overall, paper is a great option for both someone just starting with acrylic paints, as well as someone who has a lot of experience.
Even if over time you wish to paint on canvas, paper offers you an affordable option to experiment with acrylic paint and build up your confidence and skill set before you tackle your final piece. Instead of practicing on canvas, which can be expensive, you can simply experiment on paper. This also takes the pressure off and allows you to let your creativity flow, as you will not be wasting expensive canvas.
What to Consider When Selecting Paper for Acrylics
Keep in mind, however, that acrylic paint will not work on all types of paper, so you will have to consider some aspects before purchasing your paper. You ideally want glossy paper, as it provides the correct texture and is durable. In terms of durability, paper made from linen or cotton tends to be significantly stronger than paper made from wood. You will also find that this type of paper lasts longer and is less likely to tear.
Thickness/Paper Weight
When working with acrylic paint on paper you want a paper that is heavier than your standard printing paper, otherwise, it will wrinkle and buckle. It is a challenge to ensure that the paper does not warp when it reacts to the water when working with watercolors or acrylic paint. You can solve this problem by using the correct volume of water in your paint and using the correct paper.
Paper’s weight can be measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). In the United States, the measurement of gsm is used. We do not recommend that you use any paper lighter than 300 gsm. Another advantage to using heavier paper is that it is easier to mount on a board or frame, which is a stunning way to finish off an acrylic painting.
Color
You need to take into consideration the color of the paper you will be using, particularly if you do not plan to prime the paper before you begin painting. The color of the paper can impact the color of your paint, as it can show through the layers of your paint. To create an aesthetically pleasing border, we recommend you use a color that complements your painting. You can use the color of the paper as an enhancement for your art piece, but it may take some experimenting to determine which color paper works best with which colors of paint.
pH Level
You want to use paper that is pH neutral, as paper that is acidic will begin to discolor over time. You will be able to find a huge variety of different types of paper at all arts and craft shops. Later in this article, we will go into a bit more detail into the commonly used types of paper.
You can determine the paper’s quality by its lack of acidity, which should be shown on the paper itself when you purchase it (this is more so the case with higher-quality paper). You need to know which types of paper will experience discoloration after some time (months or years) before you purchase it, as you will want your acrylic art piece on paper to last.
Texture
You will need to consider texture when selecting your paints. How your paint adheres to the paper’s surface is impacted by how smooth your paper is. The consistency of the paint you apply to the paper will also impact the extent to which the paint is absorbed by the paper.
At the end of the day, you will have to gain experience and experiment to discover how the paint performs on different types of paper.
Types of Paper
Watercolor paints are a form of watered-down acrylic paint. You can therefore use watercolor paper when working with acrylic paints. A lot of artists choose to use watercolor paper when working with acrylic paints as this type of paper is extremely absorbent. You want to use paper that is heavy enough so that the paper will not warp when using thin paints. Heavier paper is also able to handle thicker paint. If you are using heavier paper, then the paint will not crack. The same idea goes for cartridge paper and drawing paper – always select the heavier option.
Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is available in a variety of textures. You can buy rougher cold-pressed paper, which has a toothy texture, or a smoother option like hot-pressed paper. The style of your painting will impact which type of paper you use. We recommend that you experiment on an assortment of types of paper before you being your work of art so that you know how they perform.
Acrylic Paper
You can also work on acrylic paper, which has specifically been designed for use with acrylic paints and offers you a surface that is textured, thus assisting your paint in adhering to the page. As this paper is a specialty product, you will not always find it in-store and will probably have to purchase it online. An affordable option is made by Canson and is a great option for withstanding the demands of acrylic paints.
Synthetic Paper
As opposed to linen or wood, synthetic paper is made from polypropylene, which gives it the advantage of not being prone to warping. Another advantage is that the paper is formulated to be pH neutral, so yellowing will not occur. Sadly, this surface is the least absorbent of all the available options, so you may require extra effort to have your paint adhere effectively.
You can experiment with other types of paper as well when working with acrylic paint. Another great option is cardboard as it can be relatively thick and is acid-free. You can also experiment with recycled or handmade paper.
How to Prepare Paper for Acrylic Paints
If you are painting on acid-free, high-quality paper, you will not have to prime the paper first. If you are looking to have a smooth surface that promotes less absorption, however, we can recommend that you use acrylic gesso on paper. Acrylic gesso stops the thin paper from buckling and bending by thickening and therefore strengthening the paper.
Gesso is a binder that is mixed with gypsum, chalk, and/or pigment, which is used as a base on an assortment of surfaces. You can purchase several different brands of gesso online, like Liquitex Gesso Surface Prep Medium or the Handy Art Student Gesso.
Impasto gel is an additive that you can use to thicken the consistency of your paints and allow for the impasto effect that is well known for its use by artists such as Jackson Pollock and Vincent van Gogh. Liquitex Matte Gel or a similar form of the binding medium can be utilized for the same purposes as gesso.
If you are using paper that is non-acidic before you begin with your acrylic paints, you will have to use a primer. When selecting your primer, the same principle applies to the surface acidity of your paper. You want to ensure that the primer does not have properties that are acidic, as this will result in discoloration and impact the longevity of your painting.
So, in summary, you can use acrylic paints on paper, as an acrylic artist working on paper is a great decision. Acrylic paints offer you a variety of possibilities in terms of the surfaces you can paint on. Paper is more affordable than canvas and is great for acrylic paints as it is available in an assortment of weights, textures, and sizes, making it the perfect option for any artist.
A Brief Guide To The Types Of Art Papers
The kinds of materials you employ are crucial while creating art. The correct tools will enable you to complete the idea you have in your head, but dedication and talent are also necessary. We have already discussed the top coloured pencils , markers , acrylic, and oil paints that artists adore.
On the other hand, don’t overlook paper. Your media will move smoothly across the page and, in certain situations, stay still if the paper is done well. Additionally, it may be folded and scored without tearing.
The world of art paper types is so huge that you may get lost in the paper types, brands, textures, weights, and more if you walk into any art supply store looking for paper. Why is there such a wide variety of papers? Which kind of paper should you use for your project? When selecting the best paper for your job, many factors are at play. Let us assist you in removing the mystery around the paper selection.
Depending on the job you’re producing, you’ll want to utilize a particular kind of paper. The drawing usually involves a dry medium, so you should draw on paper that has some “toothy” surface; this will prevent your pencils or pastels from sliding off the page. On the other hand, painting frequently gains from a smoother surface. It enables you to evenly apply light pigment layers until you get vibrant, complex hues.
You undoubtedly want your artwork to remain in good condition for a very long time. Make sure the paper you choose is acid-free because this is a crucial consideration. If the paper is not acid-free, it may deteriorate or turn yellow over time, which would affect the image. The acid that is absorbed from the air or through normal aging processes is neutralized by calcium carbonate, a buffer, in acid-free paper.
It would be important to consider surface texture, especially if you planned to work with numerous coatings. It is challenging to layer additional colours on top of the surface of the paper once the surface has already been coated. To facilitate the process, use paper with the appropriate tooth or texture.
The paper’s weight is another thing to take into account. More layers, water, and techniques can be applied to a heavier-weight paper than a lighter-weight paper can. A team of 500 sheets that have been weighed together at the manufacturer instead of a single sheet determines the weight of the paper.
Additionally, Make sure the paper has proper sizing for the medium you are using . Choose whether it is internally, externally, or both internally and externally scaled. Paper is best sized for watercolour and other water-based media. Unsized papers are best for printmaking or loose painting style like the traditional Chinese style of painting which is more representational or symbolic gestural brush stoke, While some prefer using speciality prepared water media, mixed media canvas, or boards. Gesso is used to prepare the canvas and boards. Even while some people use gesso paper to work with heavier media, we normally advise artists to use papers that are appropriately sized for the project. This means that if you choose the proper paper that is designated for the medium you decide to use, you do not need to gesso it.
Artists like to experiment with different painting materials, painting paper is also one type of painting material. Why should we spare the papers from getting experimented with? Here is an introduction to the different types of surfaces that can be used in creating various art drawings.
(1) Newsprint Papers
The Newsprint Paper Pads are most commonly used by sketching amateurs. In artists’ words, if we can say, newsprint paper pads are for sketchers who like to sketch their ideas on paper.
The newsprint papers are not acid-free so they are most likely to turn yellowish with time. On this surface, markers, graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, monochrome chalks, and oil pencils will work wonders.
(2) Sketching Papers
Sketching papers are very similar to drawing papers, which is why sketching papers are considered a lighter version of drawing papers. It’s popular for drawing exercises, dry media explorations, and quick studies for finished drawings on heavier, superior papers.
Artists frequently use sketchbooks for their quick sketches and studies. Coloured pencils, graphite, charcoal drawing chalks, monochrome chalks, and oil pencils are the best mediums for sketching on paper.
(3) Drawing Papers
Drawing paper is frequently used for finished work and drawing. Again, for these papers, graphite, charcoal, dry monochromes, soft pastels, oil pastels, markers, and pen and ink are the best media to use with drawing paper.
(4) Charcoal Papers
The history of charcoal paper dates back more than a century. It is made entirely of cotton and has a distinct woven finish. Once again, this paper also works well with charcoal, drawing chalks, monochromes, pastels, and graphite, and gives the artist fine shading control.
Although this paper is very lightweight and would not receive much water, some painters in the past have even utilized light splashes of ink, watercolour, and gouache. The term “woven paper” was used to describe a variety of old papers that looked like this laid paper. It is well known that Ingres produced exquisite drawings on woven paper that captured this surface grain.
(5) Pastel Papers
The pastel paper can be used on both of its sides, as one side has a distinctive shingled texture, while the other is a little silkier.
The best medium for pastels, charcoal, drawing chalks, monochromes, and coloured pencils, as suggested by the name, is pastel paper. Most coloured pencil artists use the smoother side of the paper. Even light watercolour washes are sometimes used by artists as an underpainting.
(6) Mixed Media Papers
In the realm of paper, the mixed media surface is relatively new. Manufacturers were motivated to create a paper that could survive the various media processes utilized by contemporary painters. The surface was created to have characteristics similar to watercolour but with a drawing surface made of vellum.
Graphite, coloured pencils, markers, acrylic, watercolour, gouache, pen and ink, charcoal, drawing chalks, monochromes, pastels, gel pens, fine liners, calligraphy inks, and a long list of other mediums are suitable for art.
(7) Toned Papers
By giving the intermediate value that would otherwise need to be produced by the artist, starting your artwork on toned paper opens up fresh sketching and drawing options. The ability to use a larger range of values from bright to dark as well as an intermediate tone facilitates the artist’s strategic placement of shadows and highlights.
The artist can use graphite or other dark media to push darker values and white pencils or other light media to add highlights, making sketches and drawings shine. By keeping the value of the paper as one of the values in the drawing, the artist not only saves time.
(8) Marker Papers
For use with markers, marker paper has an incredibly smooth surface and is heavy. The surface facilitates blending and prevents bleeding and feathering of the markers. Even though this paper is intended for markers, it can also be lightly sketched on with graphite.
Some artists also use light-coloured pencil strokes but are warned: once you cover pencil marks with marker, they are difficult to remove. Additionally, this paper is rather new, and many contemporary artists have gotten used to utilizing it. This type of paper is oftentimes used by the comic art business.
(9) Bristol Papers
A lot of businesses and institutions utilize this adaptable and widely used paper. To achieve stiffness and strength, to create a sheet with two identical usable sides, two or more sheets are adhered together to form 2-ply, 3-ply, etc. sheets. These papers are referred to as bristol.
Bristol paper comes in two different surface types: smooth (plate) and vellum (has some tooth). For pen and ink, airbrush, and intricate work with coloured pencils or graphite, smooth Bristol is best. For graphite, charcoal, airbrush, pastel, crayon, coloured pencil, and pen and ink, vellum is the best surface.
(10) Layout Bond Papers
Designers, calligraphers, and many artists in the comic art industry frequently utilize this semi-opaque layout bond paper . Graphite, coloured pencils, chalk, monochrome pencils, and charcoal all work well on paper.
Rough drawings or completed designer compositions are typically utilized for it. Many painters prefer it as a thin sketching surface, and others may also use it for tracing.
(11) Oil Painting Papers
Oil painting paper is a linen-textured, appropriately sized piece of paper that can be utilized to paint with oil without the need for a gesso. The size prevents the oil from leaking to the paper’s reverse side. Before framing, we recommended mounting the finished result to a board.
(12) Canvas Papers
This textured canvas paper is the right size to take paint and oil on paper without gesso. This paper is excellent for practising painting techniques on. This essay is utilized in a lot of classrooms. Graphite, coloured pencils, oils, acrylics, and painting media can all be utilized on this paper.
(13) Watercolour Papers
One of the broadest categories of paper, with a wide range of weights and surface textures. Watercolour paper is often available in weights of 90 lb, 140 lb, and 300 lb, with the higher number being stiffer.
The 300 lb paper doesn’t require stretching, but the 90 lb and 140 lb papers should be stretched to another surface to prevent buckling during painting. Hot-pressed paper is very smooth, the cold-pressed paper has some surface texture or pebbling, and rough paper has a very noticeable surface texture or pebbling.
Graphite, watercolour, gouache, coloured pencils, watercolour pencils, liquid acrylics, drawing chalks, and monochromes are among the approved mediums.
(14) Pallete Papers
This poly-coated paper is intended to be used as a temporary palette for mixing paint, which is why it is named “Palette Paper.” It is typically used by artists for acrylic and oil, although it might also be used for watercolour and gouache.
The artist is supposed to use this for one session, throw away the sheet, and then use the following sheet in the pad for the following session. The artist is relieved of the labour of cleaning their palette.
(15) Tracing Papers
A very thin, transparent sheet of paper used for picture tracing and transferring to other papers is called tracing paper . It works well for thumbnail sketches, preliminary drawings, and image overlays. Ink, markers, and graphite are all accepted.
(16) Vellum Papers
For fine art and craft projects, this translucent vellum paper can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as tracing paper, to add decorative components to cards and letters, or to protect artwork.
Pastel, chalk, coloured pencils, graphite, and markers are all acceptable. Vellum has a fascinating past because calf skin was once used in its production. Of course, it is no longer produced in that manner.
Concluding Phrases
Although there are simply too many paper producers and varieties to review each one individually, having a fundamental understanding of paper should help you decide which is ideal for your application.
Some people will advise you to use a certain kind or brand for a particular medium or technique. I won’t be saying this to you. Both the paper you choose and the mark you create are special. You can only discover what works best for your artistic expression through exploration.
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October 24, 2022 5:38 AM | View: 31965 | Categories: Articles & Inspiration, Tips & Techniques | Tags: Art Papers
