Paper Boards - Clairefontaine

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Paper boards are great for gestural marks and have a surface that can hold a variety of mediums, including watercolour, acrylic, gouache, and more.

Paper Boards: Popular Questions from Artists

At Jackson’s Art Supplies, we offer a comprehensive range of paper boards for artists working across all media. Whether you're sketching in graphite, building up layers of colour, or experimenting with printmaking, our selection provides a strong, stable surface you can rely on.


A paper board is a thick, rigid substrate made by compressing layers of pulp to form a surface sturdier than regular paper. It’s designed to offer support without the need for extra mounting, making it ideal for both professional artists and students.


Artists like to use paper boards for their durability and convenience. A paper board will not buckle when wet, which allows for smooth washes and precise lines.

Paper board provides an ideal surface for both wet and dry media, such as watercolour, gouache, charcoal, acrylic, and pencil. For artists working on location, a paper board is especially useful, eliminating the need for taping or stretching.


Jackson’s offers an extensive collection of paper boards from leading brands like Legion, Clairefontaine, Crescent, Daler-Rowney, Hahnemühle, as well as our own Jackson’s range.

Our options include heavyweight and archival-quality boards, suitable for everything from sketching to professional exhibition work. With a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating, eco-conscious packaging, and fast worldwide shipping, we’re trusted by artists around the globe.

Shop Paper Art Boards at Jackson’s

Browse our full collection of paper boards online today. Need more help? Visit our Help & Advice or Contact pages.


What Mediums Can I Use on a Paper Board?

Paper board can be compatible with a wide range of art materials, including watercolour, acrylic, gouache, oil, pencil, pastel, ink, and charcoal. Its sturdy surface makes it a reliable choice for both wet and dry media. You can filter by medium using the ‘To Use With’ filter on our website.

How Do I Choose the Right Paper Board for my Project?

When choosing a paper board, consider the texture (smooth or textured), weight, and size that suits your medium and technique. For example, watercolourists may prefer cold-pressed paper boards, while illustrators may opt for hot-pressed for finer detail.

Are Hot Press and Cold Press Paper Boards Available?

Yes, we offer both hot press (smooth surface) and cold press (textured surface) paper boards. Cold press is ideal for water-based media due to its absorbency, while hot press is great for detailed work with ink or dry media.

What Shades are Available Across Your Paper Board Selection?

Our range includes white, off-white, blue-white, grey, and a selection of coloured boards such as yellow, red, and blue. These are great as tinted backgrounds or for mixed-media projects.

What Sizes of Paper Board are Available?

Jackson’s stocks paper board in a wide variety of sizes, from smaller sheets for sketching and studies to large boards for final artworks.

Guide to Paper