I'm looking to restock my painting paper supply and thought I'd see what kind of paper use and love... I like thick paper, so my 1.5 year old can paint without it soaking through. But I also need good quality paper for my 3.5 year old's projects.
save paper bags from the grocery store and split down the middle, also save old boxes before you thow them out let your baby go to town on them.
butcher paper
it's inexpensive and you can get it on a giant roll at michael's
it can handle any kind of paint: water, tempera, finger paints
Don't waste money buying specialty art paper for children...that's all it is, a waste of money. Both my husband and I are professional artists and we very much encourage our children, but you need to be realistic.
You can buy construction paper, which will hold up VERY well under paint, for children. If you don't want multicolored packs, stores like Staples sell packs of one color. That's what our children use for paint, mostly.
For myself, I buy expensive paper, but then, I'm getting paid for my work and I also get paid for my expenses.
I use blue prints!
If you know anyone in the construction or design biz, see if you can get some for free! One side has the blue print drawing but the other side is plain white - pretty sturdy paper and big sheets too!
Real specialty "art" paper.... is expensive.
There are MANY types or art paper on which to paint on.
With varying thicknesses.
It comes in pads.
"Watercolor paper" can be used for most any medium. And is thick. And is textured.
If you have the money to buy specialty art paper, then go to an art supply store.
Being these are kids, use only water based paints. Watercolors, tempura, acrylics etc. But again, these paints can be expensive as well.
Really for kids this age and per their use, I would just use construction paper. And, just put a plastic sheet under the paper, so that the bleeding through does not soak the table underneath.
Kids, tend to use too much water or paint when they paint. That is another reason why it soaks through the paper.
Depends on the type of paint. For a child, I think anything that is heavier would work.
Watercolor - watercolor papers. there are many types. most have to be wet first (soaked), but some can be painted on without soaking
Fingerpaint- fingerpaint paper- it has a special coating to keep the paint from 'bleeding' or wetting the paper so much it tears
Acrylic- any good weight paper including watercolor paper (can also paint on other objects)
Oil Paints- canvas, canvas board, but not recommended for paper (Oil paint is never recommended for children because of the chemicals/fumes and terpentine used to wash bruches and thin paint.
As an art teacher, I order basic white drawing paper in different weights for my classroom. 50-60lb. for general drawing. 80lb+ for paint with the exception of watercolor. We use watercolor paper. Handles being soaking wet without tears or rips.
Hope this helps
