Best Printmaking Paper of 2025

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Printmaking paper is a versatile and durable type of paper that is specifically designed for printmaking processes. This type of paper is available in various weights and textures, making it ideal for a range of printmaking techniques, including etching, lithography, and relief printing. The paper is typically made from high-quality materials, such as cotton or alpha cellulose, which ensures that it can withstand the pressure and moisture involved in the printmaking process. Additionally, printmaking paper is acid-free, which helps to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time, making it perfect for archival purposes. Overall, printmaking paper is an essential tool for any printmaker looking to produce high-quality prints that will stand the test of time.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Printmaking Paper
Strathmore Printmaking Paper Pad 11"X14"
Strathmore Printmaking Paper is a heavyweight pad designed for mastering printmaking techniques. The textured finish of the paper enhances your prints, offering a professional touch to your artwork. The United States-manufactured pad provides durability and quality for your creative projects. Ideal for artists looking to experiment with different printmaking methods, this paper pad offers a reliable surface to bring your artistic visions to life.
Strathmore 300 Series Printmaking Paper Pad
The Strathmore Printmaking Paper is an excellent choice for artists and students alike. This lightweight paper, with a natural color, is ideal for various printing techniques, including relief and screen printing. Its medium textured surface is soft yet durable, making it perfect for practicing and proofing your designs. At 120 gsm, the paper is absorbent, allowing for clean and crisp results. With its convenient 5"x7" glue-bound format and 40 sheets per pad, you have plenty of space to explore your creativity without running out of materials too quickly.
Ucreate Printmaking Paper, 9"x12", White, 100 Sheet
The Ucreate Printmaking Paper is a perfect choice for beginners and experienced artists. Its heavyweight paper is acid-free, which makes it durable and long-lasting. The pack contains 100 sheets, which is ideal for classroom use. This printmaking paper is suitable for block printing, relief printing, and other types of printmaking.
Richeson Printmaking Paper, 50 Sheets
This Richeson printmaking paper pad features 50 sheets of medium textured paper that is perfect for relief printing. The paper is lightweight and gluebound, with a weight of 88 lbs. The pad measures 12 x 9 inches, making it easy to handle and store.
Speedball Printmaster Paper
Speedball Print Paper is perfect for your printmaking needs. It offers archival quality, ensuring your prints won't yellow over time. The lightweight 70lb, 104gsm paper is ideal for everyday techniques. Specifically designed for relief lino and linocut printmaking, it's also great for proofing and screen printing. With pre-cut sheets in various sizes, including 9x12", 12x18", and 18x24", this paper is convenient for students and artists alike.
RIVES BFK White Printmaking Paper
RIVES BFK White is a pack of 5 printmaking papers made of 100% cotton and moulded in France. It has a softly textured surface, 2 natural deckles, and 2 tear deckles, making it perfect for all printmaking techniques. Additionally, it can be used for drawing with dry media. The paper is exceptionally bright, which makes it an ideal choice for creating crisp black and white prints.
Jack Richeson Printmaking Paper
Richeson Printmaking Paper, also known as Richeson Printmaking Paper, is a lightweight pad with medium texture designed for relief printing. With 50 sheets in a gluebound 6x9 inches pad, this 88 lbs paper offers convenience for your printmaking projects. The medium texture provides a good surface for achieving intricate relief prints. The lightweight feature makes it easy to handle and transport, ideal for artists on the go.
Speedball Arnhem 1618 Printmaking Paper Pad
The Speedball Printmaking Paper offers exceptional quality for your artistic needs. Made from 100% cotton rag, this paper is acid-free, ensuring your prints last without fading or deteriorating. Its subtle grain and vellum finish provide a smooth surface, perfect for detailed work. You can use it damp or dry, making it strong and absorbent for various printmaking techniques. Plus, it's versatile enough to accommodate different media, allowing you to explore your creativity beyond just printmaking. With 20 sheets in an 8.5 x 11-inch pad, this paper is ready for all your projects.
Speedball Printmaking Paper Pad, 5" x 7"
The Speedball Printmaking Paper Pad is a versatile product that can be used for all printmaking techniques, as well as pencils, colored pencils, and pen & ink. Its strong and absorbent quality make it suitable for use damp or dry, and it comes with 20 sheets of 5x7, 245gsm acid-free paper made from unbleached, alpha-cellulose fiber.
Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Paper
This heavyweight paper pad is perfect for both studies and finished artwork. The glue bound pads with easy-to-use flip over covers make it convenient to work on. Made in the US, it is suitable for watercolor, gouache, graphite, ink, pencil, and marker. The product dimension is 14.0"L x 11.0"W x 0.38"H.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What paper is used for printmaking?
For printmaking, papers like Arches Cover, Domestic Etch, and Copperplate are commonly used. If you are printing dry using a press, a soft and smooth paper such as Arches 88, Hosho, or Rives Lightweight is a good choice.
2. What is special about printmaking paper?
Printmaking paper is specifically designed to withstand soaking and absorb a lot of ink, even with multiple runs through a press. It does not disintegrate or deform easily, making it ideal for the printing process.
3. What is the difference between watercolor paper and printmaking paper?
Watercolor paper is generally thicker than printmaking paper, starting at 300gsm. It is also sized and has additional stiffness, which makes it suitable for watercolor painting. Printmaking paper focuses more on ink absorption and durability.
4. Can I use drawing paper for printmaking?
In theory, you can use any type of paper for printmaking as long as the ink adheres to it. However, the choice of paper becomes integral to your work, as each paper creates a unique contribution to the finished result.
5. How long do you soak printmaking paper?
To saturate the paper's fibers, it is recommended to soak printmaking paper for around 30 minutes. Heavier weight papers may require a longer soak. Some papers can handle being left in a water bath overnight.
6. What kind of paper do you use for ink art?
For ink art, smooth Bristol paper is ideal for pen and ink, airbrush, and detailed work with colored pencil or graphite. Vellum surface paper is suitable for graphite, charcoal, airbrush, pastel, crayon, colored pencil, and pen and ink.
During our printmaking paper research, we found 24 printmaking paper products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,119 customer reviews through our big data system to write the printmaking paper list. We found that most customers choose printmaking paper with an average price of $14.80.
The printmaking paper are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of printmaking paper, including Strathmore, UCREATE, Jack Richeson, Speedball, SENNELIER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.
Printmaking Paper Comparison Table
#TOP1 | #TOP2 | #TOP3 | #TOP4 | #TOP5 | #TOP6 | #TOP7 | #TOP8 | #TOP9 | #TOP10 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brand | Strathmore | Strathmore | UCREATE | Jack Richeson | Speedball | SENNELIER | Jack Richeson | Speedball | Speedball | Strathmore |
Paper Finish | Smooth | Matte | Matte | Uncoated | Smooth | - | Texture Laid | Matte | Smooth | Watercolor |
Item Weight | 1.19 Pounds | 4.8 ounces | - | 1 pounds | 9.07 g | - | 11.6 ounces | 14 ounces | 5.1 ounces | 0.62 Pounds |
Color | BROWN | White | White | - | Yellow | - | - | White | White | Black |
Material | Paper | Paper | Paper | - | - | - | Paper | Paper | Paper | Paper |
Sheet Size | 11 x 14 | 5x7 inches | 9 x 12 Inches | 9 x 12 inches | Letter | - | 6 x 9 inches | - | - | 11 x 14 |
Sheet Count | 15 | 40 | - | 50 | - | - | 50 | 20 | 20 | 15 |
Recommended Uses For Product | Printmaking | Printmaking | - | - | - | - | Printmaking | Printmaking | Drawing, Sketching, Calligraphy | Painting, Sketching, Watercolor, Drawing, Calligraphy, Coloring, Arts, Crafts |
Unit Count | 1.0 Count | 1.0 Count | - | - | - | - | 50.0 Count | 1.0 Count | - | 15.0 Count |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00012017433115 | 00012017333057 | - | - | - | - | - | 00651032070907 | 00651032070815 | 00012017462115 |
FTB Score | ||||||||||
Where to Buy |