Mass Quantities of Smooth Newsprint

[drdarrow]

The school in which I teach has a Student Supply Store that to date will not stock pads of smooth newsprint.

After a little research and testing, I found that the type movers use for packing dishes is the same as the padded stuff, and I bought a "case" of 18" x 24" loose sheets to take to class. My students eventually "get it" and prefer mine. (And it's cheaper: about $2 for 50 sheets-- compare that to $9 or $10 for padded newsprint!)

If you are a teacher or a school, just buy a pack from U-line (http://www.uline.com/ProductDetail.asp?model=S-2460) -- you get 1666 sheets of 18 x 24 (yes, it's already cut) for $47 plus shipping (UPS). Arrives next day if you're in California.

I'm sure you can get it elsewhere, too.

Other sizes and quantities are available. Rolls, too.

[fredflickstone]

Ikea gives away smooth newsprint also. At the ends of the checkout counters. If you dont snag their stack, they will let you have as much as you need.

If you have an Ikea near you.

FREE!

[BadMange]

Is there really that much of a difference between smooth and rough newsprint? I personally can tell the difference between, say, rough and smooth sketch and drawing paper. But I simply cannot tell the difference b/t the two types of newsprint available, either by feel or by the look of my drawings. Can someone post an example of the difference?

[.PZ.]

It doesn't bother me if its smooth or rough really. (though I guess I kind of prefer smooth)

but studying here in canada, there is sooooo much generic smooth newsprint that it it insanely cheap. All the art stores have it. 50 sheets for 80 CENTS canadian.

Back home in Minnesota I was paying 5-7 bucks American for that much. It was all name brand rough newsprint. I couldn't find generic smooth ANYWHERE. I have gone through over 1,300 sheets this semester and that starts to add up. I would be bankrupt now.

(plus smooth feels soooo nice)

so yeah, thanks for the link!

[drdarrow]

Originally posted by BadMange
Is there really that much of a difference between smooth and rough newsprint?

Yes. Those of it who have been using it for years can tell the difference in the dark, without touching it. Rough gives off an orange aura, while smooth... (just kidding)...

An exaggerated example is canson vs. bristol. Smooth, due to its finish, allows the lead or charcoal to glide, while Rough "sands it off your pencil" -- There is a tactile difference (you can feel it through the pencil as you draw), which becomes a visual reality.

My students claim, when they try my paper the first time, that they can't tell the differnce, but after drawing for 15 or 20 minutes say they much prefer the smooth.

[Deth Jester]

I love this message board!!
THANK YOU!!!

FRED THANK YOU!!! FREE IS ALWAYS NICE!!!!!!

-mike

[Jason Manley]

smooth newsprint is king. if you havent used it...try it...its like butter.

[Main Loop]

ehh.. i try to stay away from newsprint.. drawings on newsprint arent taken seriously, and the paper deteriorates in about 3 years or so..

[I.was.ink]

You know what's perfect for smooth newsprint?

Conte pencils

China markers are somewhat similar, and are a lot cheaper!:)

I got my newsprint at Kelly paper 1000 sheets for 50 smackers.

-Iwasink-

[winjer]

oops nm

[gekitsu]

hehe, seems like we germans have one advantage over you americans :)

newsprint as a drawing paper is quite unpopular, even in school, they give us "quality" paper to draw on. well, not real quality paper but heavier stuff...

so, end of my story and newsprint: there is a small local newspaper here and they give away rest rolls for free. i got one of those some time ago. it's huge, it's rolled and lasts forever. and it is free :)

from comparison with other newspapers, i'd say it is smooth. hb pencils are quite the hardest graphites that take on it without too much hassle. contes are better :)

[drdarrow]

Originally posted by Main Loop
i try to stay away from newsprint.. drawings on newsprint arent taken seriously, and the paper deteriorates in about 3 years or so..

2 rebuttals:

I am hoping my students are not taking the newsprint seriously because it is SO inexpensive. When they regard their paper as having little value, it frees them to take risks. As for buyers not taking them seriously, I just couldn't say. I have no experience other than selling my 2 an 5 minute sketches to appreciative collectors for $10 - $20 (as is) and I would much rather have these classroom studies in the hands of someone who appreciates them than in a stack or a roll in my garage.

As to the quality and deterioration, I would only argue on behalf of the quality of the surface. It is unequaled in any other paper I have tried, and the reason eludes me. The paper will tan with age, yes, and if left in sunlight will dry and become brittle, but can be mounted with a dry mounting process or "Yes! - Stick-flat glue" and a roller to a sturdy surface which will hold it together "forever."

I have newsprint drawings in my collection from 1977 (over 26 years ago) that are still intact and barely yellowed because they have been in a dark box all thes years.

When I sell my sketches, I give details on how to care for them, and warn that they will yellow. They still sell.

I do understand your point, however: Buyers would prefer a drawing on an archival paper over one on a paper that will show age.

But then, a Picasso on a McDonald's napkin would be more desirable than one of mine on the finest paper in the world.

[Andante]

yeah, nice archival paper would be great, but when you're doing thousands and thousands of gesture drawings, it does add up. very quickly too.

it's true that if you feel too precious about your paper, or your exercises, you end up never taking risks.

[bwkeough]

I also bought an "end roll" of newsprint from my hometown news paper, something like 3 feet wide and 200 feet long for $5.00 or less. It lasted me through 4 years of art school and it has a much better feel than the more fibrous art pads and was more resistant to erasing.

[drdarrow]

Originally posted by bwkeough
I bought an "end roll" of newsprint

Good thinking... but I am wondering what you did for "sheets" -- did you take the roll to school with you, or snip it at home? Build a custom drawing board with a roll hanging above it (like they do with Christmas Wrap at Robinsons)? Did you have a take up reel at the bottom end of the drawing board? ;)