The Secret Behind Paper

Both painting paper, coloring paper, and sketching paper have essential differences in design logic. Understanding these differences can make you more proficient in using them.

The core of a coloring book is the "printed pattern", so its paper design should first serve the printing clarity and coloring experience. In order to reduce costs and ensure bright colors, most coloring books use coated paper or double coated paper with smooth surfaces and high whiteness. This type of paper has good adhesion to colored pencils and crayons, but it is prone to wrinkling when exposed to water and is not suitable for wet painting techniques such as watercolor.

The core of a sketchbook is "blank paper", which pursues inclusiveness towards multiple painting materials. Sketching paper usually has a certain texture, known as "paper grain", which can increase friction and make it easier for pencil and charcoal strokes to adhere, forming rich layers. High quality sketch paper also emphasizes scratch resistance and number of modifications. Simply put, the coloring book prepares the stage background for you, while the sketching book leaves the entire stage for you to freely create.