When shopping for paper for your art journal, watercolor paintings, or mixed media projects, you've probably come across a number followed by the letters GSM. But what does it mean, and why is it so important?
What Does GSM Mean?
GSM (grams per square meter) refers to the weight of the paper. In general, the higher the number, the thicker and more durable the paper.
However, heavier doesn't always mean better. The best choice depends on the techniques and materials you work with.
120–180 gsm: Ideal for Sketching and Dry Media
Papers in this range are suitable for:
- Pencil and charcoal drawing
- Colored pencils
- Light layering
- Dry media techniques
They can handle light ink work, but they are not designed for heavy water applications.
200–250 gsm: The Sweet Spot for Mixed Media
This range is a favorite among artists because it offers versatility and durability.
Perfect for:
- Light acrylic layers
- Inks
- Stamping
- Markers
- Pastels
- Collage
- Mixed media techniques
If you enjoy combining different materials in one piece, this weight range offers great flexibility.
300 gsm: The Watercolor Favorite
For watercolor artists, 300 gsm is considered the standard.
It provides:
- Better resistance to moisture
- Less buckling and warping
- Support for multiple layers
- Excellent performance with wet-on-wet techniques
It is also ideal for gouache, inks, and more demanding mixed media applications.
400 gsm and Above: For Heavy Techniques
Extra-heavy papers are recommended for projects involving:
- Multiple washes
- Heavy water applications
- Scrubbing and lifting techniques
- Watercolor combined with acrylics
- Experimental mixed media work
These papers usually require little or no stretching and remain stable throughout the painting process.
Weight Isn't Everything
Besides GSM, other factors affect the performance of paper:
- Paper composition (cotton or cellulose)
- Surface texture (hot pressed, cold pressed, rough)
- Absorbency
- Resistance to repeated layers
Two papers may both be 300 gsm, but a 100% cotton paper will behave very differently from a cellulose paper.
Which Paper Weight Should You Choose?
As a simple guide:
- 120–180 gsm: sketching and dry media.
- 200–250 gsm: versatile mixed media applications.
- 300 gsm: watercolor, gouache, and wet techniques.
- 400 gsm+: demanding projects with multiple layers.
The best paper is the one that supports your creative process. Experiment with different weights and textures to discover what works best for your favorite techniques.
In our next article, we'll explore the differences between cellulose papers and 100% cotton papers, and how each affects watercolor and mixed media results.
