Drawing Paper Guide: Ivory, Conqueror, Sketch and Tracing Paper

Walk into any art shop and you will find stacks of paper that look almost the same. This guide to drawing paper explains the everyday papers our customers buy most: ivory paper, Conqueror paper, sketch paper, plain drawing paper, coloured Tinto paper and tracing paper. You will learn what GSM means, which size to pick, and which paper suits school art, projects, cards and certificates.

What GSM and paper sizes mean

GSM means grams per square metre. It tells you how heavy, and roughly how thick, a sheet is. Ordinary printer paper is usually around 80gsm. A higher number means a thicker, stiffer sheet that is less likely to tear, curl or show marks through the back.

• 80–100gsm: light paper for practice, rough work and children’s drawings.
• 140–180gsm: sturdy sketch paper that takes shading and erasing well.
• 240–260gsm: card-like sheets for projects, cards, invitations and certificates.

Sizes follow the A and B series. A4 is the size of a normal printed page (210 × 297mm). A3 is twice that (297 × 420mm), and A2 is twice A3. A5 is half of A4, handy for small cards. B4 (250 × 353mm) sits between A4 and A3.

Drawing paper types we stock

• Plain drawing paper: Drawing Paper 100gsm A3, 100gsm B4 and 80gsm A3 are low-cost loose sheets for school art, rough sketches and kids’ drawing.
• Sketch paper: SeaKing sketch paper is 160gsm, sturdy enough for pencil shading and exam practice. Choose a 5-pack of A4 sheets or a large A2 sheet for bigger drawings.
• Ivory paper: Ivory Paper 240gsm A4 and A3 is a thick, smooth card for greeting cards, certificates and school projects.
• Conqueror paper: a 260gsm paper with a premium finish, popular for invitations and certificates. We stock Off White A3, Off White A4, Off White A5 and White A5.
• Coloured paper: Tinto Paper 250gsm and Tinto Paper 140gsm are coloured papers for pastel drawing, cards and craft.
• Tracing paper: see-through Tracing Paper A4, A3 or a Mont Marte Tracing Pad (A4, 40 sheets) for copying and transferring designs.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all drawing pads and papers, or go straight to papers for pencil drawing and other papers and pads.

How to choose the right paper

• School art and practice: 80–100gsm drawing paper is fine. Move up to 160gsm sketch paper for shaded drawings that need repeated erasing.
• Finished pencil and charcoal drawings: choose a heavier drawing paper. Our Fabriano Accademia paper guide explains the weights for art class and portfolio work.
• Paint and water: plain drawing paper buckles when wet. Use watercolour paper instead; see our watercolour paper guide.
• Cards, certificates and invitations: ivory or Conqueror paper gives a firm, smart finish.
• Pastels: coloured Tinto paper lets light and dark colours stand out.
• Copying a design: tracing paper.

How to transfer a drawing with tracing paper

1. Place the tracing paper over your design and trace the main lines with an HB pencil.
2. Turn the sheet over and shade over the lines on the back with a soft pencil, such as 4B.
3. Turn it the right way up, place it on your final paper and tape it in place.
4. Draw over the lines again with firm, even pressure. The graphite on the back transfers to the paper below.
5. Lift a corner to check before you remove it, then tidy up any light lines.

Not sure which pencil grades to use? Our pencil grades guide explains H, HB and B pencils.

Tips for storing and using paper

• Store paper flat in a dry place. Sri Lanka’s humidity can make sheets wavy and soft.
• Keep large sheets in a drawing tube or between two pieces of card so the corners don’t bend.
• Test your pencil, pen or paint on a small corner or offcut first.
• Rest your hand on a spare sheet while drawing to keep the paper clean.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ivory paper and Conqueror paper?

Both are thick papers for cards and certificates. Our ivory paper is a smooth 240gsm card, while Conqueror is a 260gsm paper with a premium textured finish.

Which paper should I use for school art?

Check your teacher’s list first. For everyday work, 100gsm drawing paper is enough. For shaded drawings, 160gsm sketch paper holds up better to erasing.

Can I use drawing paper for watercolour?

Light paper will buckle and pill when wet. For watercolour, use watercolour paper or a watercolour pad.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose the right paper for your project.

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