Clairefontaine paper and notebooks for drawing and writing: how to choose without getting it wrong

A thick drawing pad isn't necessarily suitable for watercolour, while a notebook that's pleasant for everyday use might prove ill-suited to felt-tip pens or repeated corrections. To choose Clairefontaine paper and notebooks for drawing and writing, it's best to look beyond the paper weight or the colour of the cover.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Confusing paper weight with versatility: 250 gsm paper is thick, but its texture and sizing also influence how it behaves with water and pigments.
• Choosing a format that's too small: an A6 notebook slips easily into a bag, but leaves little room for compositions and detailed sketches.
• Overlooking the binding and finish: glued binding, spiral binding or micro-perforations don't suit the same needs, especially when you want to work flat or archive your pages.
• Relying solely on marketing claims: the term "multi-technique" doesn't guarantee that the surface will perform the same way with ink, acrylic, pastel or pencil.

The criteria to check before you buy

1. Paper weight according to technique

Paper weight refers to the weight of a sheet per square metre. It's not enough on its own to judge paper quality, but it does give a good indication of its durability.

• 80 to 90 gsm: perfect for note-taking, quick sketches, pencil and writing. Clairefontaine's recycled Zap Book at 80 gsm is fine for everyday use, but it's best to avoid very wet applications.
• 120 gsm: more comfortable for drawing, charcoal, coloured pencils, pastels and repeated corrections. The 120 g drawing paper in the Cray'ON pad offers one slightly textured side and another that's perfectly smooth.
• 250 gsm: suitable for dry techniques and several wet media, depending on the sizing and the manufacturer's recommendations. The Paint'ON 250 g artist paper is available in black and several other shades.
• 300 gsm: the weight generally preferred for watercolour. A 300 g watercolour paper, like the Aquapad, absorbs water better than a thinner surface. For generous washes, fixing the paper to a board is still useful though.

2. Grain, colour and absorption

A medium or fine grain holds pigments better and adds texture to washes. Conversely, a smooth surface makes detail work, technical drawing and clean corrections easier. For dry techniques, also check whether the two sides of the paper have different finishes.

Black drawing paper is intended for a very specific use: it makes white pencils, metallic inks and light colours stand out. The Paint'ON black has a deep shade, a slightly rough grain and a cellulose composition. It works with pencil, technical pen, marker, Indian ink, gouache and acrylic. The result depends on the medium chosen and the amount applied, however.

For watercolour, the sizing deserves particular attention. Aquapad pads are described as double-sized, acid-free and with a medium-fine grain. This design allows them to better withstand water and colour layering. For heavy washes, it's still advisable to fix or stretch the sheet.

3. Format and binding

The choice between an A4, A5 or A6 sketchbook depends mainly on how you work:

• A6: quick sketches, lists and ideas to keep close at hand.
• A5: the best compromise between portability and drawing space.
• A4 or A4+: detailed studies, lessons, plans, tables and more ambitious compositions.
• A3+: watercolours, illustrations and work requiring a large surface area.

A spiral binding generally allows you to open the notebook completely flat. A glued binding makes it easy to remove sheets, while a pad with micro-perforated sheets lets you tear out and file pages easily. Loose-leaf A4 punched sheets are particularly handy in a ring binder or for organising documents by project.

Our selection according to your profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget

CLAIREFONTAINE Zap Book Glued A5, 160 sheets, 80 gsm, assorted, 1

Why this choice suits this profile: With its A5 format and 160 sheets, this notebook is ideal for pupils, students and hobbyists who switch between writing and sketching on a daily basis.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 80 gsm weight is clearly stated: there's no need to pay more for thick paper when you're mainly looking for a surface for note-taking and dry sketching.

Main advantage and key features

100% recycled paper, acid-free and pH neutral, with glued binding on the long side.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts

CLAIREFONTAINE Aquapad A5+, spiral pad, 25 sheets, 300 g

Why this choice suits this profile: This A5+ pad is aimed at those who want to work with watercolour and wet techniques in a format that remains easy to carry around.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 300 g weight and double sizing provide concrete benchmarks, far removed from a simple promise of water resistance.

Main advantage and key features

Medium-fine grain, acid-free paper, cellulose composition and spiral binding.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users

CLAIREFONTAINE PaintON Black, head-glued pad, 20 sheets, 250 gsm, A4

Why this choice suits this profile: Its A4 format and black paper are ideal for illustrators, teachers and creators who work with light or highly contrasting media.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its multi-technique use and paper weight are clearly specified: this isn't just a coloured paper reserved for writing.

Main advantage and key features

Cellulose with a slightly rough grain, stated ink absorption and the possibility of correction depending on the medium used.

Recommended for: Organisation, study and filing

CLAIREFONTAINE Rhodia BLACK, spiral-back pad, No. 20, 21 x 31.8 cm, small squares 5 x 5 mm, 80 sheets, 4-hole punched, 80 g

Why this choice suits this profile: This pad is suitable for students, professionals and anyone who regularly organises notes, plans or diagrams.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 5 x 5 mm grid, micro-perforations and four holes are precisely indicated to simplify use and filing.

Main advantage and key features

80 sheets of 80 gsm, rigid cardboard backing, vellum paper and stated PEFC certification.

Frequently asked questions

What paper weight should I choose for drawing and writing in the same notebook?

For mixed use, 80 to 120 gsm is a versatile range. 80 gsm is fine for notes and dry sketches. 120 gsm offers more durability for erasers, coloured pencils and some felt-tip pens. For washes or watercolour, choose a paper designed for wet techniques, generally from 250 or 300 gsm upwards.

Is a recycled Clairefontaine notebook suitable for drawing?

Yes, for sketching, pencil and note-taking. The Zap Book models use 100% recycled 80 gsm paper, acid-free and pH neutral. They are less suited to very wet applications, which risk soaking through the sheet or warping it.

How can I preserve my drawings and notes for longer?

Store your notebooks and pads flat, in a dry place, away from direct light and strong humidity fluctuations. For loose sheets, use a suitable ring binder. Mentions of acid-free, pH neutral or PEFC certification are useful indicators, but they don't replace good storage conditions.