The Art Paper Series: GSM Explained for Every Artist (The Paper Weight Guide)
GSM Unpacked: It’s Simpler Than It Sounds! If you’ve ever bought paper and later wondered why your pencil felt wrong, why your watercolor buckled, or why your ink bled through, the answer often comes down to one thing: GSM. Today, we’re breaking down one of the most confusing but important things in the art world: GSM. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly what GSM means, why it matters, and how to choose the "right" paper for your style. So… What Exactly Is GSM? GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre. GSM is simply the weight of that single paper square in grams. It measures how heavy and thick a sheet of paper is. Lower GSM means lighter, thinner paper Higher GSM means thicker, stronger paper A Simple Breakdown of Paper Weights Let’s look at each weight category more closely. 1. Lightweight (70-110 GSM): Best for sketching and notebooking Typical Papers: Tracing paper, newsprint, lightweight sketch paper. The Feel: Sheer, translucent, or soft. It might crinkle...