Best Types of Paper to Try for Block Printmaking

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There are many printmaking paper options on the market today. I have found that most papers can be shipped directly to your house! How do you know the best types of paper to try for block printing? First, use what you have. Next, stay curious and try new papers!

If you want your artwork to stand the test of time, there are two things you want to look for in a high-quality paper. The best paper types to use are archival and acid-free. Choosing papers that meet those requirements will ensure your print doesn’t yellow over time.

Experiment in your studio with the papers listed below. Which kind of paper gives you that perfect print? There is no one correct paper to use for relief printmaking. Over time, try different types of paper to find the best option for your printmaking practice. 

What do all these words mean?

Below are a few quick definitions of common paper lingo. 

• Acid-free Papers – Paper-making technology is used to create alkaline papers. This means the pH of the pulp used to form the paper is above 7 (neutral). The paper is also buffered with an alkaline reserve to neutralize acid compounds absorbed from the atmosphere or formed through natural aging.
• Archival Papers – Besides being acid-free, the paper should contain no groundwood or unbleached pulp, meet strict limits on metallic content, and be free from optical brighteners that artificially make the sheet whiter.
• GSM (Paper Weight) – is a universal measurement that applies to all paper types (grams per square meter). It refers to the weight of the paper. The heavier the paper, the higher the number of gsm. 
• Natural Deckles – refers to paper that has a feathered edge created during the hand-made paper-making process. (You can make a post-production deckle with a ruler like this to give any paper a deckled edge.)

Best Types of Paper to Try for Block Printing:

All of the fine art papers listed here are made from natural materials. These papers can be used for a range of printmaking techniques. This list is organized from thinnest (lower gsm) to thicker (higher gsm) printmaking papers that you can use for hand printing or printmaking with a variety of different-style printing presses. You can use oil-based or water-based inks with all the papers on this list. 

Choosing different papers can be overwhelming. If you want to get started making art prints without worrying about having the right paper, I recommend printmakers start with the Strathmore 300 Series Printmaking Paper Pad. It is a good choice because it is a great price, easy to find, and its smooth surface is suitable for almost any printmaking application. 

After you are comfortable printing on that paper surface, it is a good idea to see if you can find an art supply store that allows you to buy a single sheet of paper. If you can buy a single sheet of paper that will allow you to try different types and weights of handmade papers without having the extra cost of placing a bulk order of the best paper stock. Ultimately, the ideal paper choice varies from artist to artist. Everyone has a different personal preference, informed by their printmaking process. 

Scrap paper

Computer paper (75gsm) and newsprint (49gsm) are two papers I use in my studio when testing prints. Remember that computer paper and newsprint paper are not archival and would not be something you wanted to print a finished product on. Test printing is a good time to use what you have. Test print on scrap paper? You bet! Open up a paper grocery bag? Why not?! Once you have finished testing your block and are getting uniform prints, try pulling a print on your favorite choice of paper to make a series of final prints.

Tip: Some artists save their misprinted prints and reuse them. Over time, this creates sheets of paper that have been printed several times over, creating a layered effect of marks and colors. Artists use them to make unique bookmarks, bonus enclosures, bookends, etc. 

Yasutomo Hosho Printmaking Paper (26gsm)

Yasutomo Hosho printmaking paper is a lightweight, semi-transparent Japanese paper with straw-like fibers. It is off-white in color and has sulfite content (visible fibers). It is made from Kozo pulp and sulfite. Purchase this paper in a pad of precut sheets with deckled edges or on a roll. Used in various applications, this paper is strong and an ideal choice for hand printing techniques. You can also run this paper through a flatbed press to print your block. Additionally, this paper is acid-free. However, it is not archival. 

Awagami Kitakata Printmaking Paper (36gsm) 

Awagami Kitakata fine art paper is used for drawing and printmaking. It is a thin, semi-translucent paper that comes in a natural cream or soft green color. Made of 90% Gampi fiber (a Japanese shrub) and 10% alpha cellulose (wood fiber). The surface of this fine printmaking paper holds fine details well. 16″ x 20″ large sheets with deckled edges are the most common size available to purchase. This paper is an ideal choice for hand printing or running through a flatbed press. It has a high absorbency and strength. This is acid-free printmaking paper, archival, and made in Japan.

Okawara Printmaking Paper (51gsm) 

Okawara Paper is handmade of kozo fibers and sulfite. It’s soft, supple, and strong. Manufacturing process lines (laid lines) are almost invisible. Sheets measure 12″ × 16″ (305 mm × 406 mm) and are natural white, with deckle edges. Okawara is one of the thicker Japanese papers, making it an ideal choice for printmaking. Additionally, his is acid-free printmaking paper and archival. 

Speedball Printmaster Paper (104gsm) 

Speedball Printmaster Block Printing Paper is designed to add intensity and texture to linoleum and woodblock prints. This popular paper has a delicate, marbled appearance and is softly toothed and absorbent. It is available in three pre-cut sizes: 9×12 inches, 12×18 inches, and 18×24 inches. Additionally, his printmaking paper is acid-free and archival. 

Strathmore 300 Series Printmaking Paper Pad (120gsm)

This Natural white paper features a soft, medium surface texture that can absorb large amounts of ink. It provides durable performance and is great for relief printing, block or linocut, practicing, and proofing. It is made from high-alpha cellulose wood fibers for longevity. Strathmore 300 Series printmaking paper is commonly sold in a 40-sheet paper pad measuring 8 x 10 inches. The Strathmore 300 Series printmaking paper pad is manufactured in the United States. Additionally, it is acid-free. Unfortunately, it is not archival. 

BFK Rives (280gsm)

BFK Rives is a lovely 100% cotton paper for printmaking and a popular choice with artists who like to print on damp paper. I recommend using a press to transfer your image because this paper is a heavier weight. If you want to put a lot of muscle into your printmaking, try printing on this paper by hand pressing with a baren. It is widely available and a popular paper to have on hand. Additionally, this paper is easy to cut or tear if you want a deckled edge. Aditionaly, this paper is acid-free printmaking paper, archival, and is made in France. 

Handmade Cotton Paper (180gsm-300gsm)

Kelsey Pike Paper Co. makes some awesome 100% cotton paper with various weights. I like using this heavier-weight paper and running it through a flatbed etching press to get a nice embossed look on my final print. Lighter-weight, thinner papers are best if you are printing by hand. This paper is available in three weights – 180gsm standard, 220 gsm, heavy-weight, and 300gsm double-heavy. This is a more textured paper; it is acid-free and archival. Kelsey Pike Paper Co. These cotton papers are also commonly used as watercolor paper. For this reason, it is a nice type of paper for printmaking artwork that is hand-painted with watercolor paint after you print. 

I hope this list makes finding the best types of paper less overwhelming! Something you might like to try is printing the same block on a variety of papers. Notice how the different textures and surfaces interact with your printed work. You can even take it to the next step, try the different papers in frames, and see if that changes what you think. Most importantly, have fun printmaking!