Airbrushing is a versatile technique that can be used to create a wide variety of art, from fine art and model design to makeup looks and cake decorations.
It’s versatility is thanks in large part to the many different kinds of paint that can be used with the airbrush.
The key to picking the right type of paper for airbrushing is to make sure that it is compatible with the type of paint that you are using.
What is good paper for airbrush art?
Good paper for airbrush art is low-absorbency, heavyweight, smooth, sized paper. These parameters ensure that colors won’t bleed through and enable you to create finer lines and greater detail. Paper made specifically for airbrushing is available, but mixed-media paper can be used as well.
When airbrushing, it’s important to pick the right paper for the job. In order to make the right choice you need to know what qualities to look for.
In the following, we’ll cover tips on how to choose a good airbrush paper as well as provide thorough reviews for six high-performing airbrush papers.
Airbrush Art Paper: What To Look For
When picking out an airbrush art paper, the key elements to look for are absorption, texture, size, and weight.
Absorption
The absorption rate of airbrush paper determines how porous the paper is. The less absorbent the paper, the more waterproof it is.
Picking a paper with a low-absorption rate allows you to easily blend or layer colors and helps you to avoid creating a soggy mess.
Texture
Picking a paper with a smooth texture helps you to add finesse to your airbrush artworks.
Look for low-absorption paper with a smooth texture (similar to cardstock) in order to avoid waterlogging and warping your airbrush artwork.
Size
In the paper world, sizing refers to the ability of a piece of paper to soak up a liquid. Sized paper is more durable than unsized paper, making it a better choice for airbrushing.
Paper can be internally sized, meaning that size was applied to the pulp during the papermaking process; externally sized, meaning that the size was applied after the paper had been pressed and dried; or both internally and externally sized.
Different papers are often sized for specific mediums.
GSM/Weight
Heavier weight paper is better able to tolerate excess water or multiple layers of color than lighter weight paper.
For this reason, it’s best to look for a heavier weight paper for use with airbrushing.
GSM stands for grams per square meter and is how paper is weighed. When airbrushing, it’s a good idea to look for a paper that is at least 120 GSM.
The weight of the paper in pounds is determined by how much 500 sheets of the paper weigh together, so don’t be confused when your 120-pound paper feels a little light.
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Best Paper for Airbrush Art
The best paper for airbrush art will depend to some extent on what kind of paint you are using.
While acrylics are most often used when airbrushing, they are certainly not the only option. I explain all of your paint choices for airbrushing in this article.
Best Overall: Strathmore 400 Series Acrylic Pad
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The Strathmore 400 Series Acrylic Pad is a durable, heavyweight paper that was designed for use with acrylic paints, making it a perfect choice for airbrushing.
Pros:
- Heavyweight paper, meaning that it can tolerate water and multiple layers of paint
- Textured surface, further enabling layering as well as paint adherence
- Glue-bound, making it easy to remove single sheets of paper from the pad
Cons:
- May be too absorbent for airbrushing very thick layers of paint
- Behaves more like paper and less like a canvas board
Best Value: Bachmore Mixed Media Pad
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The Bachmore Mixed Media Pad comes with 100 sheets of paper designed to withstand a range of media.
Pros:
- Premium quality
- Ideal for both left- and right-handed artists
- Can be used with acrylic paint as well as watercolor and ink
- Includes handmade hard covers that assist in protecting your artwork
Cons:
- Although it does work with some watercolors, it’s not the heaviest of papers and may not withstand many applications of water
- Can become warped with overuse of water or paint
Canson XL Series Oil and Acrylic Pad
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The Canson Oil and Acrylic Pad is a 136-pound paper designed for use with oil and acrylic paints.
Pros:
- This paper is similar to cardstock in that multiple layers of paint can easily be applied to the paper without warping it
- Rougher texture that assists with paint adherence
- Designed for use with oil paints, meaning that it is durable and can handle higher levels of moisture for longer periods of time
Cons:
- The rougher texture may not be suitable for certain styles of painting
Canson XL Series Mix Media Pad
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The Canson Mix Media Pad is a 60 sheet sketch pad intended for use with a variety of media, including acrylics and light use of watercolor or ink washes.
Pros:
- Inexpensive mixed-media paper option
- Great for use with watercolor and ink as long as you don’t use a lot of water
Cons:
- This paper will not tolerate heavier applications or layers of paint well
TerraSlate Airbrush Art Paper
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Terraslate Airbrush Art Paper is a smooth, nonporous, synthetic paper that is specifically designed for use with an airbrush.
Pros:
- Advertised as “the most durable paper on the planet,” this paper can handle multiple layers of paint and water
Cons:
- More expensive than lower-quality papers
U.S. Art Supply Premium Acrylic Paper
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U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Paper is a 246-pound extra-heavyweight paper, making it an excellent choice for airbrush art.
Pros:
- An inexpensive choice for the quality you receive
- Designed for use with acrylics, so it can withstand heavier applications of paint
- Won’t bleed through
Cons:
- Spiral bound, so you will need to tear out and trim paper if you wish to remove it from the pad
What To Use for Airbrush Practice Paper
Practice makes perfect, but it’s important to use practice paper that is both inexpensive and has similar qualities to the paper on which you intend to create your artwork.
Look for low-absorbency, smooth-texture papers, such as cardstock. You can also practice on bond paper, but be aware that the paper will not do well with lots of paint or moisture.
Related Questions:
Can You Airbrush on Watercolor Paper?
As long as you are using watercolors, you can definitely airbrush on watercolor paper with satisfying results.
Of course, using watercolors will work, but don’t rule out experimenting with other paints as long as they are thinned enough to avoid weighing down the paper.
Can You Airbrush on Canvas?
You can indeed airbrush on canvas. Canvases often have a more textured surface that some airbrush artists might not like.
To create a smoother surface, you can apply gesso or primer to the canvas, and allow it to dry before applying your airbrush paint.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right paper for your airbrush art project essentially comes down to what kind of paint you will be using and how many layers you intend to apply.
In general, you will want to pick a heavier weight paper with a smoother surface in order to create the best results.
