Have you ever tried to paint with tempura, only to have your colors look dull or your paper warp and tear? It’s a common frustration for artists, especially when you’re just starting out! Tempura paint is a wonderful, versatile medium, but picking the wrong paper can really get in the way of your creative flow.
The wrong paper can make your beautiful colors look muddy. It can also cause your artwork to buckle, making it difficult to paint smoothly. You might end up wasting paint and feeling disappointed with your results. But don’t worry, choosing the right paper doesn’t have to be complicated!
In this post, we’re going to explore the best types of paper that work perfectly with tempura paint. You’ll learn what to look for, so you can avoid those frustrating mistakes. Get ready to discover how the right paper can make your tempura paintings truly shine!
Our Top 5 Paper To Use With Tempura Paint Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Paper To Use With Tempura Paint Detailed Reviews
1. Melissa & Doug Finger Paint Paper Pad (12 x 18 inches) – 50 Sheets
Rating: 8.5/10
Unleash your little artist’s creativity with the Melissa & Doug Finger Paint Paper Pad! This fantastic pack comes with two large pads, each holding 50 sheets of specially coated paper, perfect for all your finger painting adventures. The generous 12 x 18-inch size gives kids plenty of room to explore and create without making a mess.
What We Like:
- Generous Size: The 12 x 18-inch sheets provide ample space for big, bold finger painting creations.
- Double-Sided Coating: The paper is coated on both sides, meaning paint won’t bleed through to the next sheet, making every page usable.
- Smooth, Non-Absorbent Surface: This special surface is ideal for finger paints, allowing colors to pop and glide smoothly.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: The paper is FSC-certified, supporting responsible forestry, which is a great bonus for conscious parents.
- Perfect Gift: It’s an excellent gift for young children aged 2-5, encouraging hands-on fun away from screens.
What Could Be Improved:
- Slightly Glossy Finish: While good for paint, the glossy finish might not be ideal for other art mediums like crayons or pencils if you plan to use it for more than just finger painting.
This Melissa & Doug Finger Paint Paper Pad is a wonderful way to encourage artistic expression and provide hours of creative fun for young children. It’s a quality product that supports imaginative play and responsible sourcing.
2. Colorations Art Paper
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your inner artist with Colorations Art Paper! This 9″ x 12″ paper is a fantastic choice for all your painting and crafting adventures. Whether you’re using finger paints, watercolors, tempera, or markers, this paper is designed to handle it all. It’s a must-have for any art room or homeschool setup.
What We Like:
- The soak-resistant feature is a lifesaver! Your creations stay neat, and your tables stay clean, even with wet paints.
- This paper is incredibly versatile. It works wonderfully with finger paints, watercolors, tempera, markers, and more.
- It’s perfect for artists of all ages. Kids can experiment with different painting techniques using brushes, sponges, stampers, or even their hands.
- Using this paper helps kids develop their fine motor skills and build self-confidence as they create.
- Colorations is a brand trusted by teachers and parents, making it a reliable choice for your art supplies.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for many mediums, very heavy washes of watercolor might still show some buckling.
- The 100-sheet pack is generous, but for very large projects or extensive classroom use, a larger quantity might be ideal.
This Colorations Art Paper provides a sturdy and reliable surface for countless creative projects. It’s an excellent investment for fostering artistic expression and learning.
3. BEIBOON 100 Sheets Drawing Paper for Kids 9″” x 12″” Art Craft Paper for Drawing
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your creativity with the BEIBOON 100 Sheets Drawing Paper! This generous pack of 100 sheets, each a handy 9″ x 12″, is your go-to for all sorts of art projects. Whether you’re in an art room, doing homeschool crafts, or just need some space to doodle, this paper is ready for your ideas.
What We Like:
- You get a lot of paper for your money with 100 sheets.
- The 9″ x 12″ size is just right for kids and adults to draw and sketch.
- It works great with many art supplies like markers, crayons, pencils, and pens.
- This paper is perfect for schools, classrooms, and art classes.
- Kids can draw and sketch freely without worrying about wasting paper.
What Could Be Improved:
- The paper might be a bit thin for very wet media like heavy paints.
- While good for dry media, it may not hold up as well for certain advanced techniques.
This BEIBOON drawing paper is a fantastic resource for any young artist or creative spirit. It offers plenty of space for imagination to flourish, making it a solid choice for everyday art making.
4. Durable Art Easel Paper Roll for Crafts
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your creativity with the Durable Art Easel Paper Roll from Paper Pros! This versatile paper roll is your go-to for all sorts of artistic adventures, from vibrant paintings to detailed drawings and fun crafts. It’s the perfect companion for little artists and seasoned creators alike, offering a sturdy surface for any project.
What We Like:
- MULTIUSE: This paper is fantastic for all kinds of art, like drawing, painting, and crafts. It’s not just regular butcher paper; it’s made for art!
- DURABLE: The industrial-grade paper is strong and won’t tear easily. It holds up well for projects at home or in the classroom.
- ACID-FREE: This means your artwork will last longer! It works great with paints, markers, crayons, and pencils. Your colors will stay bright and won’t fade over time.
- VALUE: Paper Pros offers different sizes and lengths, so you can find the perfect amount of paper for any project you have in mind.
- MADE IN THE USA: You can feel good knowing this paper is proudly made right here in the United States.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the paper is durable, very heavy wet mediums might cause some buckling if applied too thickly.
- The 17.75-inch width is great for many easels, but some wider projects might require joining pieces.
This Paper Pros Art Easel Paper Roll is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to create. It offers quality and versatility, making it a staple for your art supplies.
5. Crayola Marker & Watercolor Pad
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Crayola Marker & Watercolor Pad! This fantastic art supply pad is packed with 50 blank coloring pages, ready for your wildest creative ideas. It’s the perfect canvas for both markers and watercolors, making it a versatile addition to any young artist’s collection. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or a thoughtful gift, this pad is sure to spark joy and imagination.
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What We Like:
- 50 sheets of bright white paper give kids plenty of space to create.
- The paper is specially made for markers and watercolors, so colors look vibrant.
- It’s heavy-duty paper that won’t get wrinkly when wet, even with paint.
- Each page is a standard 8”x10” blank canvas, perfect for drawing and painting.
- An art project idea is included inside to help kids get started on their next masterpiece.
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What Could Be Improved:
- While great for markers and watercolors, it might not be ideal for heavier mediums like oil pastels.
- The pad is designed for kids, so adult artists might prefer a more professional-grade paper.
This Crayola pad is a wonderful way to encourage artistic exploration. It’s a fantastic resource for budding artists to experiment and bring their colorful visions to life.
Choosing the Right Paper for Your Tempura Masterpieces
Tempura paint is a wonderful medium. It’s water-based, dries quickly, and gives a matte finish. But what kind of paper works best with it? The right paper makes your art pop. It helps the paint look its best. It also makes painting more enjoyable. This guide will help you pick the perfect paper.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy paper for tempura paint, think about these things:
- Weight (GSM): This is how thick the paper is. Heavier paper is better. It won’t buckle or warp when it gets wet. Look for paper that is at least 120 GSM. 160 GSM or more is even better.
- Surface Texture: Paper has different textures. Smooth paper is good for fine details. Textured paper (like cold-press watercolor paper) can add interesting effects. For tempura, a slightly textured paper often works well. It holds the paint nicely.
- Absorbency: How much water the paper soaks up matters. You don’t want paper that soaks up too much water too fast. This can make the paint look dull. You also don’t want paper that doesn’t absorb enough. This can make the paint stay wet for too long.
- Brightness/Whiteness: A bright white paper makes colors look more vibrant. It helps your tempura paint stand out.
- Acid-Free: This is important for art that you want to last. Acid-free paper won’t yellow or become brittle over time.
Important Materials
The paper itself is the main material. But knowing what it’s made of helps.
- Cotton Rag Paper: This paper is made from cotton fibers. It is strong and durable. It also absorbs water well. Cotton paper is often considered high quality. It’s a great choice for tempura.
- Wood Pulp Paper: Most paper is made from wood pulp. It’s more common and usually less expensive. For tempura, make sure it’s a good quality wood pulp paper. Check the weight and brightness.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Thickness is Key: Thicker paper (higher GSM) is always better. It handles the water in tempura paint without getting flimsy. Thin paper will wrinkle. This can ruin your painting.
- Surface Finish Matters: A paper that’s too smooth might not hold the paint well. The paint could slide off. A paper that’s too rough might make it hard to get smooth strokes. A medium texture is usually best.
- Proper Sizing: Some papers are “sized.” This means a coating is added to control how much liquid the paper absorbs. Good sizing helps tempura paint sit on the surface. It keeps colors bright.
- Paper Sourcing: Where the paper comes from can affect quality. Reputable art supply brands usually offer better quality paper.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using the right paper makes painting with tempura a joy.
- Beginners: If you’re just starting, a good quality, medium-weight drawing paper or a lightweight watercolor paper is a good choice. It’s affordable. It will still give you a decent experience.
- Experienced Artists: Artists who want vibrant colors and smooth application might prefer heavier cotton rag paper. This paper feels luxurious. It makes your artwork look professional.
- Techniques: For detailed work, a smoother paper is helpful. If you like layering or creating texture, a paper with a bit more tooth (texture) can be beneficial. Tempura paint works well with dry brush techniques. Textured paper can enhance this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use regular printer paper for tempura paint?
A: No, regular printer paper is too thin. It will buckle and tear easily when wet. It’s best to use paper made for art.
Q: What is the best type of paper for beginners?
A: A good starting point is paper that is at least 120 GSM. Look for drawing paper or entry-level watercolor paper.
Q: Does the color of the paper matter for tempura paint?
A: White paper makes colors look brightest. Off-white or toned papers can create different moods for your artwork.
Q: Is watercolor paper good for tempura paint?
A: Yes, watercolor paper is often a great choice. Its weight and texture are usually suitable for tempura. Cold-press watercolor paper is a popular option.
Q: How do I prevent my paper from buckling?
A: Use heavier weight paper. You can also stretch your paper before painting. This involves wetting the paper and taping it to a board.
Q: What does GSM mean?
A: GSM stands for grams per square meter. It is a measure of paper weight or thickness.
Q: Can I use gouache paper for tempura?
A: Yes, gouache paper is usually a good option. Gouache is also a water-based paint, so the papers are often similar.
Q: Does the brand of paper matter?
A: Yes, reputable art supply brands often produce higher quality paper with better performance for painting.
Q: What if my tempura paint looks dull on the paper?
A: This could be due to the paper’s absorbency or a lack of sizing. Try a paper with a smoother surface or better sizing.
Q: Can I use cardstock for tempura paint?
A: Some heavier cardstock (160 GSM or more) might work, especially if it’s acid-free. However, art-specific papers are usually a safer bet for better results.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.