Technical Paper Info

What is the difference between the top side and back side of art paper? How can I tell what side is the front? Is the performance the same on both sides?

Did you read the summer edition of our Artist Newsletter? It's all about Toned Sketch! Click here to download your free copy.

Drawing & painting papers need to have excellent surface strength. The tape pick test can be used to evaluate how strong the surface is on a fine art sheet. 

Bristol generally describes a drawing paper that is pasted to form multi-ply sheets. Bristol sheets provide a stiff, strong surface to work on without the need for mounting. The term Bristol derives from the early days of European papermaking when mills would send their finest papers to Bristol, England to be pasted together. Bristol papers generally have two types of surfaces: smooth and vellum.

We recently introduced a full line of Printmaking papers that covers the range of needs from beginners to professionals. We have some very helpful downloadable PDF's available that explain printmaking terminology, different printmaking techniques, and methods for creating monotypes.

The selection of paper for shading techniques is influenced by the type of pencil used, the degree of darkness desired, the shading technique used, and the expression of the shading technique desired.

The key is to select a paper surface (medium or smooth) based upon the effects you’re looking to achieve. As a general rule, a medium or textured surface will be able to produce a more even, luminescent shade than a smooth surface.

FAQ: Is there a difference between a varnish and a fixative? Should I be using them on my art? Read more to find out. 

Most of our products have a “series” number on them. This is our way of classifying our papers to help you determine which best suits your needs as an artist.

To select the right paper for graphite shading techniques, a few factors need to be taken into consideration.

Artist Lena Danya demonstrates our new 400 Series Oil Painting paper with a beautiful portrait. 

Mixed Media and Watercolor papers have some similarities and some differences. Read to find out more and see which best suits your style and mediums. 

We manufacture our fine art papers without the use of optical brightener additives (OBA’s), which is ideal for fine art papers. Find out why. 

Sketch and drawing papers have many similarities and many differences. Knowing the differences is important in determining which to use for your artwork. 

If you've created a painting on a piece of paper and are experiencing buckling or waviness after it has dried, we've got two methods you can try to flatten it.

We often get asked if our art paper can be run through an inkjet or laser printer. Read on to find out.

The first writing surface was made in ancient Egypt from a plant called Papyrus, the royal plant of Egypt. The core of the papyrus plant was cut into tissue-thin strips, then laid across each other and pressed together under pressure. This turned the strips into a thin, smooth and durable laminated material that wasn’t quite paper.

What does it mean to stretch watercolor paper? Why & how should it be done?

Many artists soak or stretch their watercolor paper prior to painting. This is typically done on lighter-weight watercolor sheets to stop the paper from buckling when wet media is applied to the surface.

Take a look at how we make our 300 Series Sketch Pads in this behind-the-scenes process video. 

We are excited to share 5 new videos created by Strathmore's Art Educator and Colored Pencil expert Sarah Becktel. In these short, 2-5 minute videos, Sarah explains her colored pencil tips and techniques for choosing the right paper, getting started, blending, and using water soluble colored pencils. 

The term vellum as it relates to paper can be somewhat confusing because it can refer to two distinct aspects:
1. Vellum as a paper 2. Vellum as a finish

Bristol generally describes a drawing paper that is pasted to form multi-ply sheets. Learn more...

There are a few different paper types that are best suited for colored pencil work. Read on to find out which. 

What is the difference between feathering and bleeding when using ink or markers on paper? How to I prevent either from happening?

Looking to make the move into more sustainable papers?  Read on to find out about some of our more earth-friendly products!

Learn about this unique paper we introduced a decade ago, and meet a new member of the toned family!

What is the difference between pre-consumer fibers and post-consumer fibers that get used for making recycled papers?

What does the term “vellum” mean? Is it a type of paper?

How should you choose paper for your project? Many factors come in play when choosing the correct paper for your work.

Created in 1893, Strathmore 500 Series 100% cotton Bristol is an industry standard beloved by artists for its exceptional quality.

Shedding light on the differences between the two sides of art paper.