When you sketch, having the right paper can make a big difference in your experience and results.
Toned paper is especially popular among artists because it can provide a mid-tone background that enhances sketches.
This type of paper, often in shades of gray or tan, allows for more dynamic contrasts.
It makes highlights and shadows pop without the need to start from a white surface.
Fabriano, a well-known name in the art supply industry, offers a range of high-quality toned papers ideal for sketching.
Their products are well-regarded for their durability and texture, catering to various artistic styles.
When selecting toned paper, you should consider the weight, texture, and shade.
Thicker papers hold up better to different mediums, while texture can impact how your pencils or pens interact with the surface.
I spent time reviewing the top options from Fabriano to help you find the best toned paper for your sketching needs.
Top Fabriano Toned Paper for Sketching
I’ve gathered a selection of the best Fabriano toned paper options for sketching.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, these papers will enhance your creative projects and bring your ideas to life.
Check out my top picks below!
Fabriano Toned Paper Pad
I really enjoyed using the Fabriano Toned Paper Pad for my sketches and think it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their drawing experience.
- The textured surface beautifully showcases shading and highlights.
- Its 15% cotton content adds both durability and a pleasant touch.
- Pages are easy to remove thanks to the gluebound design.
- Could be a bit too heavy for those who prefer lighter papers.
- Not suitable for wet media, which limits versatility.
- Some may find the color tone less vibrant than expected.
When I first tried the Fabriano Toned Paper Pad, I was immediately impressed by the smoothness of its surface.
It holds dry media incredibly well, making my pencil sketches pop with contrast.
Whether I’m using colored pencils or charcoal, this paper captures every detail nicely.
The 120 gsm weight feels robust enough to withstand layering without warping, which is a major plus for sketching.
I appreciated that it allows me to really work on value studies, letting me play around with light and shadow in my drawings.
Plus, with 50 sheets in the pad, I didn’t have to worry about running out too quickly.
On the downside, while I loved the texture, I found that it might not be the best option for wet media.
If you enjoy watercolors or markers, this pad might not meet your needs.
Fabriano Toned Paper Pad
This Fabriano Toned Paper Pad is an excellent choice for sketching, especially if you work with dry media.
- The smooth surface enhances texture in drawings.
- The gluebound pages make it easy to remove sheets.
- A nice balance of softness and strength thanks to cotton content.
- It may not hold up well to heavy blending techniques.
- The paper’s thickness is thinner than some might expect.
- Susceptible to marks from oil or sweat from your hands.
I recently started using the Fabriano Toned Paper Pad, and I have to say, this paper is a treat to work with.
The natural color feels more premium than typical toned papers, providing a golden sand backdrop that’s perfect for highlighting and shading.
Using colored pencils on this surface yields great results; the colors seem to pop nicely.
One thing I noticed was how well the paper dealt with gel pens and charcoal.
The surface has a bit of tooth that grabs onto the mediums beautifully without smudging.
I appreciate that the pages are gluebound, which allows me to tear them out easily when I want to showcase my sketches.
Although the paper performs well overall, I found that blending can sometimes remove the color rather than mix it smoothly.
It’s best to use a light hand with blending tools.
Also, keep a cloth nearby to avoid leaving smudges from your hands—this paper tends to pick that up.
Strathmore Toned Gray Pad
I found the Strathmore 400 Series Toned Gray Pad to be an excellent choice for sketching, especially for artists looking to explore both light and dark media.
- Durable and well-made paper suitable for various media.
- Good contrast between values makes highlights stand out.
- Eco-friendly with 100% recycled content.
- A bit thinner than some sketching paper.
- The size may not suit everyone’s needs.
- Some might prefer a larger pad for bigger projects.
I recently used this sketch pad for different techniques, including charcoal and colored pencils.
The toned gray color really enhances the contrast in my sketches.
It’s amazing how well my white gel pen pops on this paper, allowing for some striking highlights.
I felt more creative as the mid-tone background provided a unique depth to my sketches.
Carrying this pad around has been a breeze due to its lightweight and portable size.
The micro-perforated sheets make it easy to remove finished sketches without tearing the paper, which is a great feature.
Plus, knowing that I’m using eco-friendly paper adds to the pleasure of creating.
While I appreciate its durability, I did notice the paper isn’t exceedingly thick.
Some materials can leave a mark if pressed too hard, but I’ve had no major issues with bleed-through.
Floit Toned Sketchbook Paper Pad
I’ve recently tried the Floit Toned Gray & Tan Sketchbook Paper and it’s definitely a solid option for anyone into sketching.
- The muted colors are easy on the eyes and really make drawings pop.
- Works well with various mediums like oil pastels and charcoal.
- Having four color options in one pack gives versatility to my sketches.
- The paper is lighter than some heavier sketchbooks, limiting its use for final pieces.
- I found the size a bit smaller than I expected.
- It might not hold up as well with heavy layering of wet media.
When I first opened the pack, I was impressed by the smooth texture of the paper.
The toned gray and tan colors stand out nicely against my pastels and pencils.
It’s perfect for capturing those subtle tonal changes.
I appreciate how it accommodates a range of materials, which is always a plus for my creative sessions.
While the paper weight feels sturdy, I noticed it might not be ideal if I want to create a finished piece that requires heavy layering.
The dimensions also threw me off a bit; they’re compact, which makes it perfect for packing up and sketching on the go.
MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketch Pad
This sketch pad is a solid choice for anyone looking to experiment with various media while maintaining quality.
- Great paper thickness prevents bleed-through.
- Flexible ring binding allows for easy page turning.
- Versatile for different types of drawing and painting.
- The sketch pad may feel bulky for some users.
- Limited to a specific size which may not suit all artists.
- Hard cover could feel stiff at first.
Using the MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketch Pad has been an enjoyable experience.
I appreciate its heavyweight paper, which has proven to handle both my colored pencils and markers without any bleed-through.
It’s a relief not having to worry about my artwork being compromised.
The ring binding is another highlight.
The flexibility lets me flip through pages seamlessly, which makes sketching a breeze.
I often find myself doodling or jotting down ideas on the go, and this pad accommodates that perfectly.
While the size is 9 x 12 inches, which is manageable, I sometimes wish for something larger.
The hard cover feels a bit stiff initially, but it has grown on me as it offers solid protection for my sketches.
Buying Guide
When I’m looking for the best toned paper for sketching, I consider several key features.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Paper Weight
A heavier paper (like 160 gsm or more) will hold up better to various mediums.
I prefer it when the paper can handle both pencils and inks without warping.
2. Texture
The texture of the paper affects how smoothly my pencil glides.
I usually look for a fine or medium texture to strike a balance between detail and shading.
3. Color
Toned papers come in various colors.
I like to choose a color that complements my sketching style.
Light shades are great for highlights, while darker ones add depth.
4. Acid-Free
Choosing acid-free paper is essential for preserving my artwork.
This ensures that my sketches won’t yellow or deteriorate over time.
5. Size Options
I often work on different projects, so having various size options is nice.
Common sizes include A4, A5, and sketchbooks, which suit my needs.
6. Binding Type
If I’m sketching a lot, I may prefer spiral-bound sketchbooks.
Spiral binding makes flipping through pages much easier.
With this information, I feel ready to select the toned paper that fits my sketching style best.