Best Paper to Color On- Thickness, Texture and No Bleed Paper
As regards to coloring, when people are asked what tools they use most people will mention the tools i.e. pencils, markers or crayons, however the type of paper you use can have just as much of an impact in how you do.
-
Paper Thickness -GSM and Weight
Paper thickness is commonly quantified in g/m 2 or GSM (grams per square meter), or in lb in the United States. The thicker and the heavier the paper is, the higher the number.
Usual coloring ranges:
70-90 gsm (school notebook paper): The most suitable paper type would be light coloring instruments which include crayons, colored pencils, and gel pens. Markers and water-based paints do not work well on it.
100-120 gsm:easier to work with than 90, far more robust concerning work with colored pencils, and can take some light marker usage without excessive bleeding.
160-200 gsm: It works great with alcohol markers, brush pens, and is great to layer multiple mediums.
200+ gsm: Very heavyweight cardstock or watercolor paper; most suitable with water based materials such as watercolors, gouache, and acrylic markers.
Tip: In case you print the digital coloring pages, you can select a higher GSM that will work well with your tools.
-
Texture of paper- smooth vs. tooth
Your colors on the paper go on and blend depending on the feel of the paper. This is referred to as tooth of the paper.
Smooth paper:
Super in markers and finer detail.
Enables even distribution of the application of the ink.
Less friction in the colored pencils, and heavy layering may be more difficult.Medium tooth:
A multi purpose option of most coloring mediums.
Has fair grip to layer and blend with pencils, yet smooth enough to use marker with.Rough tooth:
The best application is when one wants to do heavy layering with dry media such as soft pastels and colored pencils.
When using fine ink work is improper, because the durability of the surface may transfer to some irregular lines. -
Bleed Prevention -Putting your Colours where they belong
Bleed-through occurs when the coloring ink also bleeds through the paper and appears on the reverse. The paper quality and using good technique will prevent this.
Bleed prevention ways:
Wet or heavy ink medium (particularly with alcohol markers) should be used on thicker paper.
Use paper that is friendlier to markers; this consists of smooth, coated paper that has the capability to absorb ink.
Make sure you lay a piece of protective material (scrap paper or plastic) under your coloring page so as not to destroy pages behind them.
You do not want to put too much ink in the same place which could predispose to soak-through, particularly with markers. -
Paper to Your Coloring Tool
Here are some simple instructions to selecting the appropriate paper depending on your favorite medium of coloring:
Coloring Tool Ideal Paper GSM Recommended Texture Notes on Bleed Prevention Crayons 70–120 gsm Smooth to medium tooth Little to no bleed risk Colored Pencils 90–160 gsm Medium tooth Avoid overly smooth paper for better layering Watercolor Pencils 200+ gsm Medium to rough tooth Use watercolor paper to prevent warping Water-Based Markers 120–160 gsm Smooth Slight bleed possible—use backing sheet Alcohol Markers 160–200 gsm+ Smooth Always use single-sided paper or marker pad -
Special Types of Paper to Color Fun
Bristol Board: super smooth, thick paper and great with markers or pen work.
Mixed Media Paper: It accepts wet and dry mediums; ideal to use in case you are fond of experimentation.
Watercolor Paper: Thick and coarse, used to soak up water-based paints which do not cause watercolor papers to crumple.
Toned Paper: Available in either grey or tan or the various shades, this makes it great to add highlights and shadows using colored pencils.Final Thoughts
The ideal coloring paper is based on what materials you have, the level of detail, and where you intend to place the art work. Paper that is thicker discourages bleeding and warping, texture feels good, and the kind you use that is right on your medium will give the best results.