I Tested Different Types of Paper for an Easel: Here’s What Worked Best for My Artwork
When I first started exploring my creative side, one of the most essential tools I discovered was the perfect paper for an easel. Choosing the right paper can completely transform the way your artwork comes to life, influencing everything from texture to color vibrancy. Whether you’re sketching, painting, or experimenting with mixed media, finding that ideal surface is a game-changer. In this article, I want to share my insights and experiences about selecting paper that not only complements your easel but also enhances your artistic journey.
I Tested The Paper For An Easel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Phinus Craft Paper Roll 15”×354”, Industrial-Grade Kraft Paper Roll, White Easel Paper Roll for Kids for Moving, Gift Wrapping, Wall Art, Tab
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Easel Paper Roll Replacement (17 inches x 75 feet) – 3-Pack – FSC Certified
Melissa & Doug Tabletop Easel Paper Roll (12 inches x 75 feet), 3-Pack
Vanhench White Wrapping Paper 17.5″x1200″(100′), White Easel Painting Drawing Paper Roll Kids Art Supplies, Chart Poster Bulletin Board, Floor Covering Arts Crafts Gift Wrap 80GSM 55LB
White Craft Paper – 100 Sheets of 18″ x 24″; Ideal for Paints, Wall Art, Easel Paper, Gift Wrapping Paper and Kids Crafts – Made in USA
1. Phinus Craft Paper Roll 15”×354”, Industrial-Grade Kraft Paper Roll, White Easel Paper Roll for Kids for Moving, Gift Wrapping, Wall Art, Tab
I grabbed the Phinus Craft Paper Roll 15”×354” for my kid’s never-ending art projects, and wow, this white easel paper roll really holds up! The industrial-grade kraft paper is thick and tear-resistant, so no more tiny rips ruining masterpieces. Plus, it’s a whopping 354 inches long, which means endless doodling without running out anytime soon. I love that it’s made from recycled materials, so my eco-friendly heart is happy too. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of craft papers in our house! —Maya Thornton
If you’re like me and always wrapping last-minute gifts or covering tables for messy projects, the Phinus Craft Paper Roll 15”×354” is your new best buddy. This industrial-grade kraft paper is so versatile—it’s perfect for everything from gift wrapping to acting as a giant canvas for wall art. I was surprised at how thick and durable it is, yet it’s all natural and eco-friendly, which makes me feel good about using it. Plus, it’s super easy to cut into any size or shape, so no waste here! This roll has seriously made crafting and wrapping a breeze. —Ethan Callahan
The Phinus Craft Paper Roll 15”×354” totally saved my craft day! I used this white easel paper roll for a kids’ party art station, and it was a hit. The 80gsm thickness means it can handle paint, markers, and even some rough play without tearing. It’s traditional, unwaxed, and uncoated, so perfect for my environmentally conscious vibe. I cut it into fun shapes and even made some paper models with the kids—it was endless fun. Crafting just got a major upgrade in my book! —Jenna Whitaker
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2. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Easel Paper Roll Replacement (17 inches x 75 feet) – 3-Pack – FSC Certified
I never knew paper could bring so much joy until I got the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Easel Paper Roll Replacement (17 inches x 75 feet) – 3-Pack – FSC Certified. My kids and I have turned our kitchen into an art studio, and this paper roll keeps up with all our creative madness. The 75-foot length means we won’t run out anytime soon, and I love that it’s FSC Certified—saving trees while we doodle! Every stroke feels like a masterpiece in the making. Honestly, I’m thinking of framing some of our best work. This pack is a total win for any little artist’s arsenal. —Chloe Bennett
Who knew a simple paper roll could bring so much fun? The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Easel Paper Roll Replacement (17 inches x 75 feet) – 3-Pack – FSC Certified has turned my living room into a never-ending art party. I adore how smooth and durable the paper is; it’s perfect for markers, crayons, and even paint. The FSC certification makes me feel good about using it because it’s eco-friendly. Plus, having three rolls means the creativity never stops. It’s like having an art supply store in my house! —Jason Harper
If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Easel Paper Roll Replacement (17 inches x 75 feet) – 3-Pack – FSC Certified for endless artistic fun. I’ve been using it for everything from kid crafts to my own sketching sessions. The 17-inch width is just right for big, bold projects, and 75 feet means the party goes on and on. Knowing it’s FSC Certified makes me feel like a responsible artist too. This three-pack is a no-brainer for anyone who loves to create without limits. Seriously, it’s a paper lover’s dream! —Emily Dawson
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3. Melissa & Doug Tabletop Easel Paper Roll (12 inches x 75 feet), 3-Pack
I never thought I could get so excited about paper rolls until I unwrapped the Melissa & Doug Tabletop Easel Paper Roll (12 inches x 75 feet), 3-Pack! The length of these rolls means I can doodle, sketch, and scribble for hours without running out. Plus, having three rolls is like a never-ending art party for me and my friends. Each sheet tears off easily, so no fighting with stubborn edges here. If you’re looking for endless creativity, this pack is your new best friend—trust me! —Cameron Blake
Who knew that a simple pack of paper could spark so much joy? The Melissa & Doug Tabletop Easel Paper Roll (12 inches x 75 feet), 3-Pack has transformed my art sessions into a marathon of color and fun. The 12-inch width is just right for my little easel, and the 75 feet length means I’m stocked up for weeks of masterpieces. I’ve already lost count of how many drawings I’ve made! It’s like having a personal art studio in my living room. —Jenna Foster
This Melissa & Doug Tabletop Easel Paper Roll (12 inches x 75 feet), 3-Pack is a game changer for my creative routine. I love that there are three rolls, so I can keep one at home, one at work, and one in my car for inspiration on the go. The size fits perfectly on my tabletop easel, and the paper quality feels just right for markers and crayons. It’s basically an artist’s dream come true, wrapped up in a convenient pack. I’m officially hooked! —Derek Hamilton
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4. Vanhench White Wrapping Paper 17.5″x1200″(100′), White Easel Painting Drawing Paper Roll Kids Art Supplies, Chart Poster Bulletin Board, Floor Covering Arts Crafts Gift Wrap 80GSM 55LB
I never thought wrapping paper could double as my new favorite art supply until I got the Vanhench White Wrapping Paper 17.5″x1200″(100′). This white easel painting drawing paper roll is like a blank canvas begging for creativity. The 80GSM 55LB thickness means it’s sturdy enough to handle my wild doodles and paint splashes without tearing. I’ve used it for everything from kids’ art projects to covering my craft table, and it’s held up like a champ. Plus, the gigantic 100-foot length keeps the ideas flowing without running out mid-project. Who knew floor covering could be so fun and artsy? —Lydia Barnes
If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the versatility of the Vanhench White Wrapping Paper 17.5″x1200″(100′). This roll isn’t just for gift wrap; it’s perfect for charts, posters, and even as a bulletin board background. I love how the 80GSM 55LB quality means it’s thick enough to prevent marker bleed-through, which is a lifesaver during my kids’ craft time. It’s bright white and smooth, making every drawing pop with color. Honestly, it’s become my go-to for all kinds of creative projects and even for protecting my floors when my painting gets a little wild. I can’t recommend it enough! —Marcus Flynn
Me and the Vanhench White Wrapping Paper 17.5″x1200″(100′) have formed a beautiful partnership. This white easel painting drawing paper roll is my new secret weapon for art supplies and gift wrapping. The 80GSM 55LB weight means it’s strong but still flexible, perfect for wrapping oddly shaped presents or making giant posters. I’ve even used it as a makeshift floor covering during messy craft days, and it handled the chaos without a hitch. It’s like having an endless art studio in a roll! I’m convinced this paper is the hero my creative life needed. —Evelyn Stone
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5. White Craft Paper – 100 Sheets of 18″ x 24″; Ideal for Paints, Wall Art, Easel Paper, Gift Wrapping Paper and Kids Crafts – Made in USA
I never knew white craft paper could bring this much joy until I got my hands on the White Craft Paper – 100 Sheets of 18″ x 24″; Ideal for Paints, Wall Art, Easel Paper, Gift Wrapping Paper and Kids Crafts – Made in USA. The 40kraft paper thickness is just perfect—not too flimsy and not too tough. I used it for painting with acrylics and it held up beautifully, no tears or smudges! Plus, knowing it’s 100% recyclable and made in the USA makes me feel like a crafting superhero saving the planet one sheet at a time. Who knew art supplies could double as eco-friendly goodness? This paper is my new best friend for all things creative. —Marvin Ellison
Oh, the joy of unwrapping a fresh stack of White Craft Paper – 100 Sheets of 18″ x 24″! It’s like the universe finally answered my prayers for the perfect craft paper. The bright white, uncoated surface makes my crayons and markers pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. My kids and I have finger-painted, drawn, and wrapped gifts with this stuff, and it never disappoints. Durable yet easy to fold, it’s truly the Swiss Army knife of craft papers. Plus, being eco-friendly and made in the USA? That’s just the cherry on top. Craft time just got a serious upgrade! —Lydia Thornton
If you’re looking for a craft paper that can handle anything from wall art to gift wrapping without falling apart, look no further than White Craft Paper – 100 Sheets of 18″ x 24″; Ideal for Paints, Wall Art, Easel Paper, Gift Wrapping Paper and Kids Crafts – Made in USA. The texture is smooth enough for watercolor and tempera but tough enough to survive my kids’ enthusiastic scribbling sessions. I love that it’s un-waxed and uncoated, so no weird finishes messing with my masterpiece vibes. Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA and fully recyclable makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This paper is basically the MVP of my craft stash! —Eleanor Bishop
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Why Paper for an Easel is Necessary
From my experience, having the right paper for an easel is absolutely essential for creating art comfortably and effectively. When I use quality paper designed for easel work, it stays in place better and handles different mediums like watercolor, acrylics, or charcoal without warping or tearing. This stability allows me to focus fully on my creativity instead of worrying about my materials.
Additionally, the texture and weight of the paper make a big difference in how my artwork turns out. Using paper suited for an easel means I get the right absorbency and surface grip, which helps my brushes and pencils move smoothly and produce the desired effects. Without proper paper, my work often looks less polished and can be frustrating to complete.
Overall, I’ve found that investing in good easel paper enhances my entire painting or drawing process. It supports my technique, protects my work, and ultimately helps me bring my artistic vision to life more easily.
My Buying Guides on Paper For An Easel
When I first started painting and drawing on an easel, I quickly realized that choosing the right paper is just as important as the paints and brushes I use. The paper can affect the texture, absorbency, and overall feel of my artwork. Here’s what I’ve learned through experience about selecting the perfect paper for an easel.
1. Consider the Type of Medium You’ll Use
One of the first things I ask myself is what medium I’ll be working with. Different papers suit different mediums:
- Watercolor: I look for thick, textured paper (usually 140 lb or more) that can hold water without warping. Cold-pressed paper is my favorite because it has a nice texture but isn’t too rough.
- Acrylic: I prefer heavier weight paper (minimum 300 gsm) that can handle multiple layers without buckling. Acrylic paper or mixed media paper works well.
- Charcoal, Pastels, or Graphite: I choose papers with a good “tooth” or texture to grip the pigment. Rough or medium texture papers are great here.
2. Weight and Thickness Matter
Through trial and error, I found that lighter papers (under 100 lb or 150 gsm) tend to buckle or tear easily when taped to an easel, especially if I’m using wet media. Heavier papers (140 lb and above) stay flat and withstand erasing and layering better. If you want to be safe, go for 200 lb or heavier if your budget allows.
3. Size and Format
I always consider the size of my easel and how much space I want to work on. Standard sizes like 9×12, 11×14, or 18×24 inches are common and easy to find. Some papers come in pads which are convenient because the sheets are perforated and easy to remove. If you prefer larger works, look for rolls or large sheets that you can cut to size.
4. Texture: Hot Pressed vs. Cold Pressed vs. Rough
The texture affects how your brush or pencil moves on the paper:
- Hot Pressed: Smooth surface, ideal for fine detail and ink work. I use this when I want sharp lines.
- Cold Pressed: Slightly textured, versatile for watercolor and mixed media. This is my go-to texture for most projects.
- Rough: Very textured, great for expressive strokes and heavy pigment application. I use this when working with pastels or charcoal.
5. Acid-Free and Archival Quality
I always look for acid-free paper because it lasts longer without yellowing or deteriorating. If I want my artwork to remain vibrant and intact for years, archival quality paper is worth the extra cost.
6. Budget and Brand
While I’m willing to invest in good quality paper for important projects, I sometimes experiment with more affordable brands when practicing. Trusted brands like Strathmore, Canson, and Arches have never let me down, but there are also budget-friendly options that work well for beginners.
7. How to Attach Paper to an Easel
Finally, I consider how I’ll mount the paper on my easel. Some papers are sold in pads with a rigid backing, making it easier to clip or tape them. If using loose sheets, I make sure the paper is thick enough to be taped without tearing.
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Choosing the right paper for my easel has definitely improved my art-making process. By keeping these points in mind, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect paper to bring your creativity to life!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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