Papers are made by pressing fibers into thin sheets. The paper made from 100% rag fibers, linen or cotton are more expensive than those made of part rag and part chemically treated wood pulp. Rough, hot press and cold press are the three types of pressed papers.

Hot press papers

These papers come with smooth finish and are available for different weights. They are ideal for fine detail work and blending but unable to hold pastels, colored chalks and charcoal.

Cold press paper:

This paper has coarse finish with more grain or “tooth ” having capacity to hold graphite and leave dark rich lines and therefore they are best for pastel and charcoal drawings.

If you want your drawing to last long then it is advisable to use acid-free archival paper   to keep your drawing for years together.

There are various kinds of papers and brands to choose from and little knowledge will help you to grab a right kind of paper required for your drawing.

Fine grain paper:
The graphite was and colored pencils work very well on this paper and is very good for smoothness of shading and tonal blending when you are sketching.

Medium grain paper:
You can very well work with colored chalk, pastels, crayon, watercolor and ink.

Course Grain Paper
The course grain paper is specially meant for watercolor work.   

Bristol Board:
This paper is multipurpose paper having medium or plate finish. It is good for ink and wash work.

Ingress Paper:
This paper has been used since 100 years, the medium weight paper with some tooth very well goes with pastels, ink and graphite.

Canson Colored Papers (Mi-Tientes)
These papers come on smooth as well as grainy variety where all color mediums can be conveniently used and with precision.