Understanding Paper Types and Their Uses in Art Cards

When creating art cards, the choice of paper is crucial not only for the final look but also for how different art mediums interact with the surface. Artists often work with various mediums such as watercolors, alcohol markers, acrylics, and traditional markers, each of which can behave differently depending on the paper type and weight.

Common Paper Types for Art Cards

Bristol Paper

• Weight: Typically 103 lb (approx. 220 gsm)

• Texture: Smooth or vellum finish

• Uses: Excellent for sketching, pen and ink, markers, and light washes.

• Notes: Watercolors tend to bleed through due to thinner weight; alcohol markers may also show some bleed depending on the brand and saturation.

Hot Press Watercolor Paper

• Weight: Usually 140 lb (approx. 300 gsm)

• Texture: Smooth, ideal for detailed watercolor work

• Uses: Best for watercolor, gouache, and mixed media.

• Notes: Minimal bleed through with watercolors; alcohol markers and acrylics generally do not bleed through but may cause slight warping.

Cold Press Watercolor Paper

• Weight: Typically 140 lb to 300 lb (300-640 gsm)

• Texture: Slightly textured, good for washes and layering

• Uses: Watercolors, acrylics, and mixed media

• Notes: Minimal bleed through; thicker weights reduce warping.

Marker Paper

• Weight: Usually around 70-90 lb (105-135 gsm)

• Texture: Ultra-smooth, bleed-proof surface

• Uses: Alcohol markers, ink, and fine liners

• Notes: Designed to prevent bleed through; ideal for marker work.

Cardstock

• Weight: Varies widely, commonly 80 lb to 110 lb (216-300 gsm)

• Texture: Smooth or textured

• Uses: Mixed media, acrylics, markers, and printing

• Notes: Depends on weight and coating; heavier cardstock resists bleed better.

Understanding Paper Weight and Thickness

• Weight (lbs): Refers to the weight of 500 sheets of paper in its basic size. Heavier weight means thicker and usually more durable paper.

• Grams per Square Meter (gsm): Metric measurement of paper density. Higher gsm indicates thicker paper.

Bleed Through Effects by Medium and Material Interaction

Different mediums interact with paper and material makeup in unique ways, affecting bleed through, warping, and saturation:

• Watercolors: Soak into thinner papers causing bleed through and warping; heavier watercolor papers reduce this. Cotton blends absorb water better, reducing warping.

• Alcohol Markers: Can bleed through thinner papers like Bristol or lightweight cardstock; marker paper prevents bleed. Coated surfaces resist saturation.

• Acrylics: Typically sit on top but can cause warping on thin or unprimed papers; heavier cardstock or cotton blends handle acrylics better.

• Traditional Markers and Inks: May bleed or feather on rough or thin papers; smooth, coated papers reduce feathering.

Artists' Medium and Material Considerations

When selecting paper or cardstock for art cards, consider both the artist's medium and the material's properties:

• Medium Saturation: Wet mediums like watercolors and acrylics saturate paper differently than dry mediums like markers or pencils.

• Warping: Thin or uncoated papers warp more with wet media; heavier weights and cotton blends resist warping.

• Bleed Through: Depends on paper weight, coating, and fiber content; marker papers and coated cardstock minimize bleed.

• Material Makeup: Papers with cotton or cotton blends offer better absorbency and durability, ideal for wet media.

Material Makeup and Its Effects

• Cotton and Cotton Blends: Provide superior absorbency, softness, and durability. They reduce warping and allow for better layering of wet media.

• Wood Pulp Papers: More prone to warping and bleed through, especially with wet media.

• Coatings: Surface coatings on cardstock or marker paper create barriers that prevent bleed through and feathering.