Understanding Paper Weight & Surface: A Guide to Choosing the Right Paper for Your Project

When selecting the perfect paper for a creative or conservation project, two factors shape your results more than anything else: paper weight and paper surface. Though often discussed together, each property influences materials in its own way—from how a sheet feels in the hand to how pigment behaves on the page.

To help clarify these concepts, we’ve created two short videos—one covering paper weight, and the other focusing on surface textures. In this post, we’ll explore both topics and explain why they matter, especially when evaluating papers from different manufacturers and material families.

Paper Weight: Why Weight Doesn’t Always Mean Thickness

When it comes to choosing paper, weight is usually one of the first specifications you see. But contrary to expectation, heavier paper doesn’t always look or feel thicker.

In our video demonstration, we compare a range of relatively heavy papers:

• 20 pt Bristol

• 350 gsm Colorplan

• 30 pt blotter

• 270 gsm Colorplan

• 10 pt Bristol

Already, these labels reveal how confusing paper terminology can be. Paper "weight" may be measured in a variety of manners including:

• Point (pt): A thickness measurement used primarily for cover stocks and boards. One point equals one thousandth of an inch (0.001"). Points measure caliper, i.e. thickness of a single sheet, not mass—so a higher point sheet is not necessarily "heavier" in mass, just thicker.

• Text Weight (lb text): A weight measurement referring to lighter papers used for book text, stationery, and printing. “Text weight” numbers (ex. 70 lb text) represent the weight of 500 sheets of a specific base size* in pounds.

• Cover Weight (lb cover): A weight measurement referring to heavier papers used for covers, cards, and packaging. "Cover weight" numbers (ex. 80 lb cover) represents the weight of 500 sheets of a specific base size* in pounds.

• Grams per Square Meter (GSM): A universal, metric measurement indicating the mass of one square meter of paper. Because it measures weight independent of thickness or density, GSM is the most consistent way to compare different papers.

  
  

  *Basis Weight: A general term for the U.S. system that assigns weight based on 500 sheets of a base size, which changes depending on paper type. Because the base sizes differ between categories, text and cover weights with the same number (e.g., 80 lb text vs. 80 lb cover) are drastically different sheets.

Why TALAS Uses GSM

At TALAS, we rely on GSM—grams per square meter—because it provides a consistent, standardized way to understand weight across different types of paper and board. It represents the actual mass of the material, not its thickness or density.

Weight vs. Thickness

Take the 30 pt blotter paper in our array. Visually, it appears thicker than both lighter and heavier papers in terms of GSM. This is because blotter paper is intentionally made with a loose, open structure to maximize absorbency.

Its thickness doesn’t reflect its mass—just its construction.

In contrast, Bristol board is tightly compacted. On video, it may be difficult to distinguish between 20 pt and 10 pt Bristol, yet their weights tell a different story:

• 20 pt Bristol: ~450 gsm

• 10 pt Bristol: ~240 gsm

You can feel this difference immediately. The 20 pt is stiffer and more rigid, while the 10 pt offers more flexibility.

Understanding how weight and composition interact—and how they sometimes don’t—can make all the difference when choosing paper for bookbinding, printmaking, fine art, conservation, or design work.

Paper Surface: Hot Press, Cold Press, and Rough

Just as weight influences a sheet’s handling, surface texture shapes the way materials behave on paper. Whether you are drawing, painting, or working in mixed media, choosing the right surface determines how pigment settles, how fine your details can be, and how the final piece appears.

Most fine art papers fall into three main surface categories:

Hot Press (HP)

Hot press papers are pressed between heated rollers, creating a very smooth surface. This finish is ideal for:

• Pen and ink

• Graphite drawing

• Precise watercolor illustration

• Work requiring crisp edges and fine detail

Paint glides smoothly, and lines stay sharp.

Cold Press (CP)

Cold press sheets are pressed without heat, resulting in a moderate texture with a soft, natural tooth. This surface is versatile and works well for:

• Watercolor

• Gouache

• Mixed media

Pigments settle into the gentle texture, giving subtle variation and character.

Rough

Rough papers feature a pronounced, highly textured surface created with coarse felts. This makes them perfect for:

• Expressive watercolor techniques

• Loose, dynamic mark-making

• Artists who want texture as part of the artwork

The uneven surface catches pigment in dramatic, interesting ways.

At TALAS, our range of fine art papers includes clearly labeled hot press, cold press, and rough varieties, so you can choose the sheet that best suits your technique and creative vision. The right surface can completely transform the look and feel of your work.

Bringing It All Together

Whether you’re selecting paper for painting, binding, printing, or restoration, understanding both weight and surface will help guide you toward materials that truly fit your project’s needs.

• Weight affects rigidity, durability, and handling—but not always thickness.

• Surface determines how media interacts with the sheet and how your final piece looks.

At TALAS, we’re here to help you navigate these nuances with confidence. If you have questions about paper selection, or need guidance for a specific application, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to assist.