The most popular surface for drawing and sketching is cartridge paper. Cartridge paper obtained its name from being used to wrap gunpowder for cartridges in the early 19th century. This use of course, ceased long ago but the name has become synonymous with any general grade of drawing and sketching paper.

There are many types of cartridge paper available. The most popular papers are often white with a slightly toothed surface and are of a light to medium weight. Internally sized papers can be used quite well for drawing and sketching but a harder, surface sized paper is necessary if a lot of rubbing out and reworking is necessary.

The degree of coarseness or tooth of cartridge paper also has a direct impact on the character of your work and how the final image will appear.

Medium Surface cartridge paper – pads

Winsor & Newton also provide a selection of medium surface gummed and spiral pads that are suitable for a variety of drawing and sketching applications with various media from pencils through to oil pastels and inks.