The Many Types Of Paper

There is a large number of types of paper in the whole wide world. Even you and I don't know all of them. Perhaps some of us only know three types of papers, which are the most commonly used ones: printing paper, photo paper and drawing paper. There are more than those, of course. And here are a few unique ones:


TYPE 1: Water colour paper
These are artists' paper which has been designed specifically for the water colour medium. It is usually specially treated to make it less absorbent, so that the water colours will not bleed and muddle together on the paper. Water colour paper comes in a number of different grades and styles, and most artists experiment with several different types before they find a style which works for them.

Water colour paper

http://www.reuels.com/reuels/Arches_Natural_White_Watercolor_Paper.html

TYPE 2: Visualising paper

This group includes tracing papers, both rag and nonrag, and graphics papers. These papers are designed primarily to be transparent or translucent. At this time, there are no tracing or graphics papers, 100 percent rag or not, that are generally considered archival. The processes used and the chemicals with which these papers are impregnated, tend to make them impermanent. They should not be used for permanent fine artwork unless they are specifically guaranteed by the manufacturer.

Tracing paper

http://joohuat.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_24

TYPE 3: Specialty paper
In these category, it consists of tens of thousands of types. From the paper they use to print birthday cards to traditional linen paper. Here are just a few of specialty paper:

Antique Calligraphy Paper

http://www.heatoncooper.co.uk/product.php?xProd=705

Coated paper ( Wax )

http://www.printopacksaudi.com/wax-coated-paper.htm

Decorative papers

http://www.dickblick.com/products/decorative-paper-assortments/

Metallic paper

http://www.thepapermillstore.com/paper/metallic-paper

Lokta paper

http://blog.georgeweil.com/2008/03/highly-textured-brightly-coloured.html

Thin and lightweight paper

http://www.paperstudio.com/catalog2.php?category=Thin%20and%20Lightweight%20Paper

TYPE 4: Oriental paper

Oriental papers are highly absorbent. This allows the artist, as the ink or watercolor is applied, to create shading or a multivalued edge as the brushstroke is made. The character of this edge is determined by the quickness of the stroke and how it is executed and by the density of the ink in relation to the specific absorbency and texture of the paper. Success is based simply on developing skill, by experiencing how each particular paper will respond.

Oriental paper

http://www.zazzle.com/oriental_bamboo_ii_stationery-229460534543709987

That's almost 4 types of unique papers. If they're in the stores near you, feel free to try them out on your own. But remember, don't paste those papers! Instead, put them to full usage!

Adapted from: http://www.trueart.info/types_of_paper.htm
                       http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-watercolor-paper.htm
                       http://www.trueart.info/visualizing.htm
                       http://www.trueart.info/oriental.htm