Two properties carry everything. Weight decides whether the sheet stays flat under paint and wash, and light stock ripples the moment it gets wet. Tooth is the surface texture that grips dry media, which is why charcoal and pastel hold on cartridge and slide off a smooth coated sheet. Match the paper to what is going on it. See cartridge paper, paper and canvas and watercolour.

Derwent A4 tracing paper on a bright architect and artist workspace with sketching tools and technical drawings.