Yes, you can apply acrylic paint on sketchbook paper. The paint will easily stick to the surface. But you have to be careful while diluting the paint with water.
30% water would be fine. Otherwise, excessive moisture can make the paper wrap or encase.
Acrylic is one of the most suitable paints. So, can you use acrylic paint on sketchbook paper?
Although we’ve given a short answer, there is much more to learn regarding the topic. Stay tuned!
What Do Experts Say?
This topic is a moot point, basically. Some artists say it’s really great to work with acrylic on sketchbook paper. On the contrary, the colors and texture can completely ruin the papers.
So, if we want to pick a side, we need to judge the pros and cons of applying acrylic paint on sketchbook paper. But when you plan on acrylic painting your sketchbook paper, make sure you follow the rules.
Those rules would include diluting the paint with the right amount (30%) of water, using primer according to the medium (water-based ones for water dilution and solvent-based ones for oil medium), and letting the previous layer dry in case of applying several coats (A layer might take 20-30 minutes to dry).
Can I Use Acrylic Paint on Any Kind of Normal Paper?
You’re allowed to apply acrylic paint on the normal paper considering the paper’s weight and quality. If you want to weigh paper, you should know they’re weighed in gsm (grams per square metre).
The suitable weight for acrylic is at least 300 gsm. If the paper isn’t heavy enough, it won’t stand the moisture acrylic has. Consequently, it will start creasing.
But with the recommended weight (300+ gsm), you won’t face this issue. Plus, heavyweight paper tends to be more viable.
As a result, the brush bristles can’t damage them. However, if you want any normal paper to be acrylic-suitable, consider applying acrylic gesso on it before you start with paints.
Advantages of Painting Sketchbook Paper with Acrylic Paint
There are a number of benefits why experts go with painting sketchbook paper with acrylic. This paint is a very multifaceted option. It goes with almost every surface.
However, let’s look into the more detailed traits:
- Acrylic paint is made with no toxic chemicals at all
- They are effortless to wipe off, so you’re allowed to make mistakes more than once with this paint
- Acrylic paint is available in uncountable colors
- The prices are pocket friendly
- You can work on multiple parts of your artwork at once since the paint dries very quickly.
- It won’t get yellowish over time as it’s permanent
- If applied correctly, it sits pretty well on the surface
- You can create different designs and effects on sketchbook paper with acrylic paint
Disadvantages of Painting Sketchbook Paper with Acrylic Paint
It’s not all about the benefits; painting sketchbook paper with acrylic has drawbacks as well. Take a look at these before you reach a conclusion:
- Not prepping the paint correctly will make it non-sticky to the surface. Plus, the paper will keep wrapping up.
- The paint can be really fuzzy sometimes. Consequently, it makes the following pages more visible.
Summary
According to experts, acrylic painting on sketchbook paper comes with both ins and outs. Check them properly before you make up your mind. We believe following the experts’ tips can make this process flawless.
How to Paint Sketchbook Paper with Acrylic Paint?
Painting your sketchbook paper with acrylic paint requires minimal effort. Still, we’re about to describe the most effortless way to complete this process in the shortest possible time. Make sure you follow the steps in order.
Step-1: Prepare the Paint
You need to prep up the paint before starting the process. Acrylic paints tend to be thick. Thus, it needs to be diluted with water. Otherwise, the texture will be too heavy for the paper’s surface.
Anyway, you need to use 30% water to dilute the paint. Of course, there are other options like gloss, oil, or airbrush mediums. But for this particular paper, a water medium would be the best.
Note:
Make sure you don’t mix excessive water. It will completely ruin the paper.
Step- 2: Prepping-Up the Sketchbook
There’s little to do in this step. To save the underlying papers of your sketchbook, place an artboard or thick paper under the paper you’re going to work on.
Note: if you’re using a top-quality, acid-free paper which weighs more than 300 gsm, there’s no need to apply primer beforehand. But if you prefer less absorption, consider applying acrylic gesso beforehand.
Step- 3: Time for the Colors
Now you’re all set to apply the prepped acrylic on your sketchbook paper. Create any design or art you want, and let it dry for 20-30 minutes, although it might not take this long.
What Types Of Paper Are Suitable for Acrylic Paint?
Hotpress pages are the best since they provide the smoothest yet most heavy surface. For acrylic, you may go with other types of pages that are heavy enough and have enough tooth for the paint.
If you go with watercolor paper, try to pick the thickest one. Or else the paint will get through the back side of the paper and cause the following page to wrap.
Next comes fine art paper. Art papers weigh from 300 to 555 lb generally. So this is a decent option as well.
Cold Press or Rough Grain papers meet the weight requirements, but Grain paper won’t be smooth enough. Cold Press paper will be less bumpy than Grain but not as smooth as Hot Press ones.
In the case of sketchbook paper, they work pretty well with acrylic as the paint sticks to the surface well enough. But the biggest threat is water dilution.
Too much water will definitely wrap or buckle up the page. Other than this, you’re good to go.
What to Look for While Buying Paper for Acrylic Paint?
The type of paper has a lot to do with the painting outcomes. So, you should pick the paper while judging the significant factors.
1. The Weight of the Paper
The most challenging fact while painting with water-based paints is they would wrap due to too much moisture. You can avoid this by using a heavyweight paper that stands the moisture.
As mentioned earlier, paper weighing up to 300 gsm will be perfect for acrylic paint.
2. A neutral pH Level Is a Must
Make sure that you choose a paper with a neutral pH level. Acidic paper will fade over time. This is why many think acrylic turns yellow gradually. But the main problem is using acidic pages.
3. Right Texture Means Right Outcome
The right texture is very important for the desired outcome. For acrylic painting, always try going with the smoothest texture.
Summary
For acrylic paint, you should always look for long lasting, glossy and smooth paper. Durability comes vividly with cotton or linen-type paper. The texture, weight, and pH level must be accurate.
Acrylic Paints That Work Best on Sketchbook Paper
If you’re planning on acrylic painting your sketchbook paper, this section can help you choose the right paint.
| Recommended Product | Unique Feature |
| Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Paints and Sets | 1. Smoothest texture 2. Best coverage 3. Bright & Strong colors |
| Liquitex Basics 8.5 oz Acrylic Paints 1PK | 1. Best for painting sketchings 2. Works great for underpainting 3. Compatible with maximum surfaces. |
| Golden Artist Colors 2 fl. oz Heavy Body Acrylic Paint | 1. Best pigmentation 2. Fast drying 3. Non-toxic |
| M. Graham Artists’ Acrylic Paints and Set | 1. High-end resin made 2. Smooth texture 3. Durable |
Frequently Asked Questions
It won’t if you keep the paper flat while painting and use the right amount of water with the paint. Use painting boards to keep the page even.
There’s no need to if dilute the paint beforehand. This way, the paint will blend easily without wetting the brush.
Some prefer acrylic gesso for keeping acrylic from sticking the pages together. Wax works pretty well as well.
Wrapping Up!
Acrylic paint is the greatest fascination for artists. If you’re new in this field, it’s entirely fair to ask- can you use acrylic paint on sketchbook paper? After our detailed elaboration, we hope you’ve concluded.
For more details on paints and papers, visit your nearby art shop. You’ll get more ideas this way. Good luck on your new colorful journey!