Paper For Acrylic Painting: Three Ways To Identify

What To Know

  • One reason why it make so user-friendly is because it is a water soluble paint made from a plastic polymer that can be painted on any surface provided it isn’t greasy or glossy and can be used in a variety of ways.
  • Heavyweight – In case you want to choose a heavier weight paper that will not buckle when you use a lot of water or medium with your paint.

Acrylic painting is known to be a popular medium for all levels of painters. They range from the total beginner to the well-established professional. One reason why it make so user-friendly is because it is a water soluble paint made from a plastic polymer that can be painted on any surface provided it isn’t greasy or glossy and can be used in a variety of ways; thinner like watercolor and thicker like oil paint or mixed with other medium. Paper makes for an excellent surface when it comes to acrylic painting. It is flexible and can support for acrylics to paint on it. Below are three ways good paper for acrylic painting.

  1. Durability – As opposed to canvas, acrylic painting paper might not be very long lasting. The paper for acrylic painting should be durable and should resist tearing from scraping, scrubbing, eraser, paint application, sanding and other techniques. Paper that is made from cotton or linen pulp tends to be stronger as well as more durable paper than those made of wood which may also contain acid. You can see it labeled as “100% cotton” or “100% linen” or even as “100% pure rag”.

  2. Heavyweight – In case you want to choose a heavier weight paper that will not buckle when you use a lot of water or medium with your paint. It is advised that you shouldn’t use less than less than 300 gms (140 lbs) to avoid buckling if you want good paper for acrylic painting. If it is heavier, then it is even sturdier and can be mounted on a board or canvas more easily.

  3. Acid free – The presence of acid in paper signifies it longevity or archival quality. If you want a pH neutral paper, it means the cellulose pulp should be pH neutral and the primer (any primer) should be free of chemicals that will possibly cause acidity.  Paper that is of high quality will ensure that they are acid free.

  4. Shouldn’t discolor with age – Papers that has a higher content of acidic components are prone to discoloration, yellowing and becoming brittle with age. These papers are not necessarily papers for acrylic painting and they are the less expensive papers such as the regular brown paper, copy paper, wrapping paper and newsprint paper.

Apart from these last four points, you should maintain that the paper shouldn’t be glossy, too smooth or oily. This is because it needs to have enough surface texture to absorb the pigments in the paint. Also priming is necessary, especially if the paper you have chosen is not of high quality, acid-free paper.

You can apply paint directly if the paper is of higher quality which will also ensure the archival quality of you painting. You can paint on a variety of surfaces with acrylic paint. You just have to maintain that the paper for acrylic painting is acid free and is best for archival purposes. Want to buy  acrylic prints, good quality canvas prints online check bestselling collections like abstract art  canvas prints.

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