While you can technically use various papers for charcoal, specific types are highly recommended for optimal results due to their surface texture (tooth) and weight. Using the right paper significantly enhances charcoal adhesion, allows for better blending, and reduces smudging.
Understanding Paper Characteristics for Charcoal
The success of your charcoal drawing largely depends on the paper's characteristics, primarily its "tooth" and weight.
- Tooth (Texture): This refers to the microscopic peaks and valleys on the paper's surface.
- Fine-toothed paper is well-suited for charcoal as it provides ample surface area for the charcoal particles to adhere, leading to good pigment retention and less dust. This texture also allows for detailed work and smoother blending.
- Rough-toothed paper will also adhere charcoal due to its prominent texture but can make blending more challenging and may result in a more granular, textured appearance.
- Papers with a shiny or glossy surface are unsuitable for charcoal drawing because the smooth, non-absorbent surface prevents the charcoal from adhering properly, leading to smudging and poor retention.
- Weight (GSM/lb): Paper weight, measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lb), indicates its thickness and durability. Heavier papers (e.g., 100 gsm / 65 lb or more) are generally preferred as they can withstand multiple layers of charcoal, blending, and erasing without buckling or tearing.
Recommended Paper Types for Charcoal Drawing
Choosing the right paper is crucial for achieving desired effects, from smooth transitions to bold, textured strokes.
- Charcoal Paper: Specifically designed for charcoal, pastels, and other dry media. It typically has a laid or slightly textured surface to grip the pigment.
- Pastel Paper: Similar to charcoal paper, pastel papers often have a textured surface (like Canson Mi-Teintes) that is excellent for holding charcoal.
- Drawing Paper: Heavier drawing papers (90-120 lb) with a medium tooth can work well for charcoal, offering a good balance between adhesion and blendability.
- Watercolor Paper (Cold Press): While primarily for wet media, cold press watercolor paper (which has a textured surface) can be surprisingly effective for charcoal, especially if you desire a textured look or plan to combine charcoal with washes.
- Bristol Paper: Smooth Bristol paper is generally not recommended, but some vellum-surface Bristol boards have enough tooth for charcoal, offering a sturdy surface for detailed work.
Common Paper Types & Their Suitability
To help you decide, here's a quick overview of common paper types and their general suitability for charcoal drawing:
| Paper Type | Tooth/Texture | Suitability for Charcoal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Paper | Fine to Medium | Excellent | Specifically designed for dry media, offers good adhesion and less dust. |
| Pastel Paper | Medium to Rough | Excellent | Textured surface grips charcoal well, great for layering. |
| Drawing Paper | Fine to Medium | Good | Versatile, but ensure it's heavy enough (90lb+) and has sufficient tooth. |
| Watercolor Paper | Medium to Rough | Good (Cold Press) | Absorbent and textured, ideal for combining charcoal with light washes or for textured effects. Avoid hot press (smooth). |
| Ingres Paper | Laid (Subtle Ribs) | Good | Traditional paper with a unique ribbed texture that holds charcoal effectively, offers a classic appearance. |
| Bristol Paper | Smooth or Vellum | Fair (Vellum only) | Smooth surface (plate) is unsuitable. Vellum surface can work for detailed work, but may hold less charcoal. |
| Newsprint | Rough | Poor (for finished art) | Very thin and acidic; good for practice and quick sketches but not for archival work. |
| Printer Paper | Smooth | Poor | Too thin and smooth; charcoal won't adhere well, smudges easily, and paper will buckle. |
| Shiny/Glossy Paper | None (Smooth) | Unsuitable | Charcoal will not adhere properly and will smudge extensively. |
Practical Tips for Choosing Charcoal Paper
- Consider Your Style: Do you prefer smooth blends or a more textured, expressive look? A fine tooth is better for blending, while a slightly rougher tooth can enhance texture.
- Experiment: The best way to find your preferred paper is to try different types and brands. Many art stores offer sample packs or individual sheets.
- Acid-Free Quality: For longevity, especially if you intend to keep your artwork, choose acid-free paper. Acidic papers can yellow and degrade over time, affecting your drawing.
- Color Matters: While white is common, charcoal looks striking on toned papers (grays, browns, blues). This allows you to work with both highlights (using white charcoal or pastels) and shadows, adding depth to your drawing.
In conclusion, while you don't necessarily need "special" paper in the sense of proprietary brands, you do need paper with the right characteristics—primarily adequate tooth and weight—to achieve the best results with charcoal. Avoiding glossy surfaces is paramount.
