· bristol paper · 13 min read
Best Bristol Board Paper for Drawing, Painting, and Crafting
Discover the best bristol board paper options for all your artistic needs, whether you're a professional or a beginner.
Bristol board paper is a versatile and durable paper that is perfect for a variety of artistic applications, from drawing and painting to crafting. It is made from high-quality paper stock and has a smooth, even surface that is ideal for creating detailed and precise artwork. In this article, we will review the best bristol board papers on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Overview

PROS
- Premium quality bristol board paper with a smooth surface, ideal for detailed artworks.
- Heavy-weight 100lb/270g paper provides durability and resists buckling or tearing.
CONS
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty applications such as sculpting or 3D projects.
- Tape binding can limit the flexibility of the pad for large-scale artworks.
Immerse yourself in a world of artistic expression with the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad. This exceptional paper is crafted with a smooth surface that effortlessly captures every stroke, making it an ideal choice for detailed drawings, precise illustrations, and intricate mixed media artworks. The substantial 100lb/270g weight ensures durability, preventing buckling or tearing even under the most delicate touch.
The convenient tape binding keeps the sheets securely in place, providing a stable surface for your creative endeavors. Whether you're a seasoned artist or an enthusiastic student, this bristol board paper pad is an exceptional tool that will elevate your artistic journey. Its smooth texture allows for effortless blending and shading, while its heavyweight construction ensures that your creations will stand the test of time. Unleash your creativity and bring your artistic visions to life on this premium bristol board paper pad from Strathmore.

PROS
- Exquisitely smooth vellum surface glides easily, preventing smudging or tearing
- Exceptional thickness and weight of 67 lb/147 gsm provides a sturdy foundation for all artistic endeavors
CONS
- May not be suitable for highly detailed drawings due to its smooth surface which may limit pen or pencil adhesion
- Priced higher compared to standard bristol board paper, but worth the investment for its exceptional quality
Introducing Neenah Exact Vellum Bristol Paper, the pinnacle of drawing and sketching surfaces. Crafted with meticulous precision, this premium paper boasts an ultra-smooth vellum surface that invites your creativity to soar. Experience effortless gliding with pencils, pens, and charcoal, without the slightest hint of smudging or tearing. Its substantial thickness, weighing in at 67 lb/147 gsm, grants an unshakeable foundation for your most ambitious artistic pursuits.
Neenah Exact Vellum Bristol Paper stands apart with its exceptional brightness of 94, ensuring your creations radiate with vibrant clarity. Whether you're an aspiring artist seeking the perfect canvas or a seasoned professional demanding unwavering quality, this bristol board is your ideal companion. Unleash your imagination, let your creativity flow, and witness the transformative power of Neenah Exact Vellum Bristol Paper.

PROS
- Experience unparalleled smoothness and rigidity that enhances your artistic expression
- Exceptional durability withstands erasing and multiple layers, ensuring longevity
CONS
- May be slightly more expensive than lower quality options
- Not suitable for heavy water-based media
Immerse yourself in the world of artistic possibilities with Fabriano Bristol Board Paper, renowned for its exceptional quality and versatility. Crafted from superior materials, this premium paper boasts an ideal blend of smoothness and rigidity, providing a stable canvas for your creative endeavors. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting to explore your artistic side, Fabriano Bristol Board Paper empowers you to bring your vision to life with unparalleled precision and control.
The durability of this exceptional paper sets it apart, allowing you to erase, rework, and layer your creations without compromising its integrity. Experience the joy of creating without limits, knowing that your artwork will stand the test of time. Each sheet can withstand multiple erasures and layers, ensuring that your masterpieces remain vibrant and preserved for years to come.

PROS
- Exceptional 67 lb weight provides durability and a luxurious feel
- Smooth vellum finish offers effortless writing and vivid color reproduction
CONS
- May require specialized cutting tools for intricate designs
- Slightly more expensive than standard cardstock options
Indulge in the exceptional quality of JAM Paper Vellum Bristol Cardstock, the perfect choice for discerning artists, crafters, and professionals alike. Its substantial 67 lb weight exudes durability, ensuring your creations withstand the test of time. The smooth vellum finish provides an unparalleled writing experience, allowing pens and pencils to glide effortlessly across its surface. Colors appear vibrant and true, making this cardstock ideal for artwork, presentations, and invitations.
JAM Paper Vellum Bristol Cardstock empowers you to unleash your creativity. Its versatility extends from crafting elegant greeting cards to designing intricate scrapbook layouts and creating eye-catching posters. The generous 8.5 x 11 inch size accommodates a wide range of projects, while the 50-pack quantity ensures you have ample stock for all your endeavors. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting to explore your creative side, JAM Paper Vellum Bristol Cardstock is the perfect companion to elevate your creations to the next level.

PROS
- High-quality 250gsm paper for durability and professional finishes
- Bright white surface that provides excellent contrast and clarity for your creations
CONS
- May be too thick for some printers
- Can be prone to smudging if not handled carefully
Unleash your creativity with the Frisk Bristol Board Paper Pad A4. This premium paper boasts an impressive 250gsm weight, ensuring durability and a professional touch to your artwork. Its bright white surface provides exceptional contrast, allowing your drawings, paintings, and mixed media creations to come to life with vibrant clarity.
While the paper's thickness may pose a challenge for some printers, it more than compensates for this with its ability to hold up to multiple layers of medium without buckling or warping. For artists seeking a reliable surface for their masterpieces, the Frisk Bristol Board Paper Pad is an excellent choice.

PROS
- Exceptional quality 110lb cardstock for superior durability and rigidity
- Smooth vellum finish provides a flawless surface for drawing, painting, and more
CONS
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty projects requiring extreme rigidity
- Expensive compared to standard cardstock options
Elevate your crafting endeavors with JAM PAPER Vellum Bristol Board Paper. This 110lb cardstock exudes exceptional quality, offering a sturdy base for your creative expression. The smooth vellum finish creates an immaculate surface, ideal for showcasing your artwork in all its glory. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a novice crafter, this versatile paper will enhance your projects with its professional touch.
Despite its superior quality, the JAM PAPER Vellum Bristol Board Paper comes in a convenient 50-sheet pack, catering to both large and small-scale projects. Its 8.5 x 11 letter size makes it compatible with standard printers and copiers, ensuring seamless integration into your workflow. While its price point may exceed that of regular cardstock, the exceptional performance and durability of this bristol board paper make it a worthwhile investment for discerning crafters seeking the finest materials for their creations.

PROS
- Durable 67 lb/147 GSM tan paper withstands various mediums
- Smooth surface offers optimal grip for both dry and wet media
CONS
- May buckle slightly under heavy water application
- Higher cost compared to standard bristol board options
Indulge in the realm of artistic expression with Exact Vellum Bristol, a premium drawing paper designed to elevate your creative pursuits. Its substantial weight and durable construction ensure resilience against warping and buckling, allowing you to work confidently with a wide range of mediums. The smooth, vellum surface provides an exceptional grip for pencils, markers, and charcoal, enabling precise lines and vibrant strokes.
The warm tan hue of Exact Vellum Bristol adds a touch of sophistication to your artwork. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting your creative journey, this high-quality bristol board paper empowers you to explore boundless possibilities. Its versatility makes it ideal for sketching, drawing, and even light watercolor applications, inspiring you to unleash your imagination and create masterpieces that will stand the test of time.

PROS
- Durable construction ensures your artwork will stand the test of time.
- Smooth, even surface is perfect for drawing, painting, and other art projects.
- Acid-free design makes it ideal for archival purposes.
CONS
- Not as thick as other bristol boards on the market.
- Can be difficult to cut through if you are using a dull blade.
School Smart Bristol Tagboard is a high-quality, student-grade paper that is perfect for a variety of art projects. It is made from durable materials that will stand up to repeated use, and its smooth, even surface is ideal for drawing, painting, and other creative pursuits. The acid-free design makes it perfect for archival purposes, so you can be sure that your artwork will last for years to come.
One of the things that makes School Smart Bristol Tagboard so unique is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of projects, including drawing, painting, sketching, and even construction. It is also strong enough to be used as a backing for posters and other large-scale projects. The smooth, even surface of the paper makes it easy to work with, and the acid-free design ensures that your artwork will not yellow or deteriorate over time.

PROS
- Features a generous pack of 100 tagboards for ample crafting supplies
- Versatile assorted colors cater to a wide range of creative projects
- Durable and sturdy bristol board paper withstands frequent handling and manipulations
- Ideal for drawing, painting, scrapbooking, and various other art and craft activities
- Compatible with a variety of art mediums, ensuring seamless integration into your creative workflow
CONS
- May not be suitable for highly detailed or intricate designs due to its thickness
- Some users have reported occasional issues with board warping or bending
Immerse yourself in the world of artistic expression with the School Smart Folding Bristol Tagboard. This exceptional pack boasts 100 sheets of high-quality bristol board paper, providing an ample supply for all your creative endeavors. Its diverse assortment of colors ignites your imagination and allows you to bring your artistic visions to life.
Crafted from durable and sturdy materials, this bristol board paper offers exceptional resilience to withstand frequent handling and manipulations. Whether you're sketching, painting, or scrapbooking, its versatility knows no bounds. The compatibility with various art mediums ensures seamless integration into your creative workflow. Unleash your inner artist and transform your ideas into tangible masterpieces with the School Smart Folding Bristol Tagboard.

PROS
- Extraordinary thickness and durability for seamless folding and intricate designs.
- Smooth and receptive surface, ideal for a variety of creative mediums like markers, paints, and pencils.
CONS
- May be too thick for certain craft applications requiring delicate folds.
- Limited color options compared to other bristol board brands.
School Smart's Folding Bristol Tagboard offers an exceptional foundation for your artistic endeavors. With its robust thickness and durable construction, this bristol board paper can withstand the demands of intricate folding techniques, making it perfect for creating dimensional artwork. Its smooth, receptive surface provides a delightful experience for various mediums, including markers, paints, and pencils, allowing your creativity to flow effortlessly.
While the thickness lends itself to durability, it's important to consider the specific requirements of your project. For delicate folding applications, you may find the board to be slightly too thick. Additionally, the color selection is somewhat limited compared to other brands, which may influence your choice if you seek a wider range of hues.
We've reviewed the best bristol board papers for drawing, painting, and crafting. Our top picks are Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Neenah Exact Vellum Bristol, and Fabriano 1264 Bristol Pad. These papers are all high-quality and durable, and they have a smooth, even surface that is ideal for creating detailed and precise artwork. Whether you're a professional artist or a beginner, we recommend trying one of these bristol board papers for your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bristol board paper?
Bristol board paper is a high-quality and durable paper that is made from paper stock. It has a smooth, even surface that is ideal for creating detailed and precise artwork.
What are the best bristol board papers?
The best bristol board papers are Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Neenah Exact Vellum Bristol, and Fabriano 1264 Bristol Pad. These papers are all high-quality and durable, and they have a smooth, even surface that is ideal for creating detailed and precise artwork.
What can I use bristol board paper for?
Bristol board paper can be used for a variety of artistic applications, including drawing, painting, and crafting.
Is bristol board paper expensive?
Bristol board paper can vary in price, but it is generally affordable.
Where can I buy bristol board paper?
Bristol board paper can be purchased at most art supply stores and online retailers.