Colored pencils are a beautiful way to add color and life to any drawing, but the paper you use is just as important!
Not all paper is created equal; some can lead to smudging and fading.
Make sure you're using the right kind of paper for your colored pencils!
Today's article reviews the best paper for colored pencils available today.
Whether you're looking for something smooth and easy to work with or something that will make your colors really pop, we've got you covered!
Keep reading to find the best colored pencil paper, so you can grab your favorite set of colored pencils and get started!
How We Choose Our Selections
It's hard to find the perfect art supplies, whether it's a quality set of colored pencils or premium paper.
There are so many brands and options available, that it's hard to figure out which ones are best.
It's such a hassle to wade through the endless choices, analyzing reviews and trying to figure out who to trust.
We've done the hard work for you; after reading thousands of Amazon reviews, we've found the best paper for colored pencils.
Our picks include a variety of types, so there's something for every level of artist, hobbyist, and creator.
Whether you just enjoy doodling or seek to draw a masterpiece, we've got you covered.
Why We Love It
Searching for a great paper for your colored pencil drawings?
Look no further than Strathmore's colored pencil paper pad!
This pad comes with 30 smooth, white sheets that are perfect for a variety of drawing techniques.
The micro-perforated, wire-bound pages make it easy to tear out your drawings and the durable construction will resist wear and tear.
This premium paper works great with colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, pastels, and other dry media.
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this pad is perfect for all of your colored pencil needs!
What You Should Know
If you're an artist who loves to use colored pencils, then you know that having high-quality paper is essential.
Strathmore has been making the finest art paper since 1899, and this paper is no exception.
This high-quality, acid-free paper is made in the USA and is an Amazon's Choice product.
It's the ideal surface for all types of fine art, and it's sure to make your colored pencils look their best.
If you're looking for the perfect paper for your colored pencils, be sure to check out Strathmore's colored pencil paper.
You won't be disappointed!
Why We Love It
Looking a sketchbook that’s easy to use for both left- and right-handed artists?
Bachmore has your back.
Bachmore’s drawing sketchbook features a top spiral and smooth, white paper, which perfect for dry media including colored pencils, charcoal, graphite, and pastels.
They come with 100 9x12-inch pages, making them perfect sketchbooks for all your drawing needs.
This sketchbook is great for both kids and adults!
What You Should Know
Bachmore paper is smooth, allowing colored pencils to glide across the surface.
These sketchbooks are made with acid-free, durable pages that are perforated, making them easy to remove.
This is a great feature for artists who like to frame their work or for those who simply want to make a clean break between sketches.
Bachmore sketchbooks come with 100% handmade, hard covers to protect your artwork, making them perfect for all levels of artists.
Whether you're just starting out or you're looking for a high-quality sketchbook to use for your professional work, Bachmore has the perfect sketchbook for you.
Why We Love It
If you want a sketchbook that will make your drawings pop, look no further than the Zenacolor black paper sketchbook.
This 2-pack of sketchbooks offers 30 professional-grade sheets, perfect for artists of all levels.
The thick, perforated pages are 100lb-paperweight and offer great contrast for your drawings.
Plus, the pages are easy to remove so you can display your masterpiece with pride.
Order your Zenacolor black paper sketchbook today and unleash your creativity!
What You Should Know
This paper is one of the most versatile types of paper you can buy.
It's perfect for a variety of mediums, including charcoal, chalk pen, watercolor pencils, gel pens, pastels, and paint.
You can use it to play with color and contrast, mixing and matching your art skills and freeing your inner artist.
Zenacolor black paper sketchbooks offer 9x12-inch pages that are pre-cut and easy to remove.
This premium paper is a great gift for anyone who loves to draw or paint.
Give the gift of creativity today!
Why We Love It
On the hunt for a versatile paper that can be used with light or dark media?
Strathmore 400 Series toned tan paper is perfect for your next project!
This 80lb acid-free paper provides mid-toned backgrounds, allowing you to create a wide range of values.
Strathmore designed this sketchbook to be used with dry media like colored pencils, charcoal, graphite, and pastels.
The 5.5x8.5 inch size is perfect for art on the go, and the micro-perforated pages make it easy to tear out your finished drawings.
Grab a pack of Strathmore tan drawing paper and get started on your next masterpiece!
What You Should Know
Strathmore is one of the most popular brands of artist paper, and for good reason.
They've been providing high-quality paper to artists for over a century, and their sketchbooks are some of the best you can find.
The paper is 100% recycled and made in the USA, so this drawing paper is not only top-notch quality, but it's eco-friendly, too.
This colored pencil paper is specifically designed to provide excellent results with colored pencils; it's heavy enough to resist smudging and light enough to allow for smooth blending.
The sketchbooks come in a variety of sizes, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for your needs.
Plus, the heavy chipboard backing provides extra stability, ensuring that your sketches will stay looking neat and tidy.
If you're looking for the best possible sketchbook, Strathmore should be your go-to brand.
Why We Love It
If you want a sketchbook that can handle all your dry media needs, then Castle Arts drawing sketchbook is what you need!
This sketchbook comes with smooth, strong sheets that are perforated and spiral bound, making it perfect for creating freely with colored pencils, charcoal, graphite, pastels, and more.
Plus, the paper has a great grip for dry media, so you can be sure your drawings will turn out just the way you want them to.
This double pack consists of two 100-page, multi-purpose, premium drawing sketchbooks, so you'll have plenty of space to explore your creativity.
What You Should Know
The paper in Castle Arts' sketchbooks is specially formulated to resist smudging and fading, so your artwork will look its best for years to come.
The premium, acid-free paper helps prevent damage to your colored pencils, and the heavy-duty construction means that your sketchbook will stand up to repeated use.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, you'll appreciate the paper quality of these drawing sketchbooks.
This sketchbook set includes a tutorial to help you build your drawing skills.
Castle Arts believes that great, creative visions deserve the best art supplies, so they provide lasting quality at affordable prices.
These drawing sketchbooks are tested by Castle Arts experts, trusted by 1.5 million customers, and backed by their money-back guarantee; you can be confident that you're making a wise investment in your creativity.
Why wait?
Grab a Castle Arts drawing sketchbook today and let your imagination run wild!
Colored Pencil Drawing FAQs
You're going to have questions when learning a knew skill or trying a new medium.
If you're wanting to explore colored pencils or take your art to the next level, knowing the best paper to use is a must.
There are a lot of different types of paper out there, and it can be hard to know which one is right fit for your specific needs.
We've put together this guide of some of the most frequently asked questions people have about drawing paper for colored pencils, so you can make an informed decision and walk away happy with your purchase.
How do you blend colored pencils on paper?
There are a few different techniques you can use to blend colored pencils on paper.
The most basic way is to use a blending stump or tortillon.
To do this, lightly drag the stump over the top of the pencil marks, and then turn it slightly and do the same thing in another direction.
This will create a smooth gradation of color.
Another way to blend colors is by using a paper blender.
This is a triangular-shaped tool with soft, frayed edges.
Hold the blender against the paper perpendicular to your coloring and swipe it back and forth to create a blended effect.
You can also try using your fingers to blend colors.
Start by rubbing two colors together directly on the paper until they start to blend.
Then, use a circular motion to blend the colors outward from the center.
You can also use colorless blending pencils to blend in your drawings.
Whichever method you choose, the important thing is to experiment and find the one that works best for you.
Does it matter what kind of paper you use for colored pencil art?
There are a few things to consider when choosing paper for colored pencil art.
The type of paper you use can affect the way your colors look and how easy it is to blend them.
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing paper for your next colored pencil project:
- The weight or thickness of the paper.
Heavier papers will hold up better to multiple layers of color and erasing, while lighter papers may be more suited for single-layer illustrations or lower priced sketchbooks.
- The texture of the paper.
Smooth papers may be easier to blend on, while rougher surfaces can add interesting effects like random veins or catch light differently.
Many artists prefer a balance between the two.
- The way the paper is made.
Some papers are specifically designed for use with colored pencils, while others are repurposed from other mediums like watercolor or printmaking.
Each type of paper will react differently to colored pencils, so it's important to choose the one that will give you the results you're looking for.
What size paper is best for colored pencils?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people have different preferences.
Many colored pencil artists prefer to use a heavier weight paper when working with colored pencils, as it helps to prevent the pencils from tearing through the paper.
Some brands of colored pencils even come with recommendations for which type of paper to use.
A smaller sized paper may be more convenient for traveling or working on smaller projects, while a larger piece of paper may be better suited for detailed illustrations.
A mid-sized paper strikes a great balance and is a good all-purpose size that can be used for a variety of projects.
In general, the best size paper for colored pencils is anywhere from 11"x14" to 18"x24".
This gives you plenty of space to work, while still being able to easily transport your project.
Ultimately, it is up to the artist to experiment with different types of paper and sizes until they find the one that works best for them.
What's the best paper thickness for colored pencils?
The best paper thickness can depend partially on artist preference, but, usually, the a good paperweight is anywhere from 60-90 lbs.
This type of paper is thick enough to resist damage from erasing and heavy layers of color, but it's still thin enough to be easily portable.
It's also a good idea to choose a paper that's specifically designed for use with colored pencil.
These papers usually have a toothy surface that helps the pencils grip the paper and lay down color.
They also tend to be acid-free, which helps to prevent the paper from yellowing over time.
Using a heavier weight paper can also help to prevent your pencils from tearing through the paper.
If you're looking for a good all-purpose paper weight, choose something in the middle of the range, such as 80lbs.
This type of paper can be used for a variety of different projects and is sturdy enough to withstand multiple layers of color.
Should you buy individual sheets of paper or paper pads for colored pencil drawings?
Ultimately, it depends on what you want to do.
There are pros and cons to both options.
If you buy single sheets, you can select the exact colors you want and avoid wasting any paper.
However, it can get expensive buying individual sheets if you want to create a lot of colored pencil drawings.
If you buy a paper sketchbook or pad, usually, all of the sheets will be the same color, which can be convenient if you're looking for consistency.
While some paper pads come with multiple colors, it can be tough to find the exact color you need when you need it.
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference.
Some people prefer the precision that comes with buying single sheets, while others appreciate the convenience of having a sketchbook on hand.
Consider what your needs, plans, and budget when selecting your paper.
You can always mix and match, buying the more economical paper sketchbooks and single sheets of a specific color you need.
Do what's best for you and have fun drawing!
How many kinds of paper should you have to use with colored pencil art?
There is no single answer to this question since the type of paper you use can vary depending on your personal preference and what type of effect you are trying to achieve.
Paper ranges in type, thickness, texture, and quality; you can get thick, absorbent paper like watercolor paper, multi-purpose mixed media paper, bristol paper, printer paper, pastel paper, archival paper, illustration board, cold press paper, hot pressed paper, and so much more.
You can buy rough paper or smooth paper, paper for dry or wet media, heavy paper, white paper, fine texture paper, vellum surface paper--there are endless possibilities.
Some artists enjoy lots of paper texture while others prefer a smoother paper.
A good quality paper selection will take into consideration the different paper types, paper texture, and overall art project goal.
It's generally best to choose a heavyweight paper that is at least 70 lb (32 gsm).
This will provide a smooth surface to work on, and getting an acid-free paper will help your artwork to last longer.
You may also want to try a textured paper if you're looking for more interesting results when working with color pencils.
When it comes to color, white paper tends to produce the brightest colors while off-white or cream papers can give your drawing a softer look.
You can also experiment with toned papers, which can add an interesting depth to your drawing.
Black paper is excellent for helping your colors pop off the page.
If you're working on a budget, you can find some good quality mixed media paper pads that will provide the bang for your buck, since you can use both dry and wet media.
There are all sorts of sizes, textures, weights, and colors when it comes to colored pencil paper.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out what type of paper works best for you is to experiment with different types and see what you like best.
Start with a few sheets of different types of paper and go from there!
Have fun exploring all the possibilities!
Should you have a sketchbook for drawings made with colored pencil?
A sketchbook is a great way to experiment with different colors and shading techniques.
You can also use it to practice drawing different objects and landscapes.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a sketchbook with 100-120 pages so that you have plenty of space to work on your drawings.
If you're just starting out, investing in a reliable colored pencil set, like Prismacolor pencils, is recommended.
This will give you a range of colors to work with and help you create more realistic drawings.
What color paper is best for colored pencils?
There is no definitive answer to this question since the best color paper will vary depending on the individual artist's preferences and techniques.
However, some colored pencil artists prefer to use white paper since it allows them to create brighter, more vibrant colors.
Alternatively, other artists may prefer to use a darker colored paper in order to create richer and more nuanced color tones that pop.
Some colored pencil artists enjoy using a mid-toned paper, while others enjoy pastel colored paper.
Ultimately, it's up to the artist to experiment with different types of paper in order to see what works best for them.
Is toned paper good for colored pencils?
Toned paper is great for colored pencil!
Colored pencils are more translucent than other types of drawing media, so the surface color of the paper will affect the way the colors look in your drawing.
Toned paper has a subtle beige or gray tone that will mute your colors slightly, giving them a softer and more muted appearance.
This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the look you're going for. If you want your colors to be very strong and bright, then you may prefer to use white paper instead.
If you want to create a more subdued and subtle color palette, then toned paper is definitely the way to go.
Is cardstock good for colored pencils?
Coloring on cardstock with colored pencil can be a great way to add some dimension and interest to your project.
The thickness of the paper can provide a smooth surface for layering colors and creates a sharp line when you use a light touch.
Colored pencils also won’t tear through cardstock like they might with thinner papers.
If you’re using heavier pressure or layering multiple colors, you may want to experiment with other types of paper to see what gives you the best results.
Cardstock also comes in different colors, so it can be fun playing with color scheme combinations.
Trying different kinds of paper is part of the fun of exploring new mediums and creative possibilities!
The Best Paper for Colored Pencils
Colored pencil sets are a great way to start as an artist or perfect way to unwind with a coloring book.
There are lots of options, ranging from cheap to professional-grade, and they come in a variety of colors for you to choose from.
So, what is the best paper for colored pencil?
After hours of research reading thousands of Amazon customer reviews, we’ve uncovered the top colored pencil paper selections for all types and levels of artists.
No matter how much experience you have, there is a perfect colored pencil paper for you and your art projects!
Hopefully, this article has armed you the necessary information to make an informed decision, leaving you happy with your new paper purchase!
Whichever colored pencil paper you choose, we hope you have a blast unleashing your creativity!
Don't forget to tap the button to check Amazon for the prices of the best paper for colored pencil, and be sure to check out our other art supply articles, so you can expand your art kit with the best tools!
Thanks so much for reading and here's to your new, colorful creations!
Want to learn even more? Check out Jessica Matheney Fine Art's paper guide!
If you'd like to see artwork I've made, you can find some at Redbubble, TeePublic, and TeeSpring.
And if you enjoy listening while creating, like I do, you can get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime Music or Two Free Audiobooks from Audible Plus!
I love having a great soundtrack of a great book or awesome music to work to while immersing myself in the creative process!
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Want ideas for which color palette to use on your new colored pencil paper?
Head on over to our color guides on the color wheel, color theory color schemes, and finding the perfect color scheme!
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