Piirustuspaperi

Piirustuspaperi is the Finnish term for drawing paper, a category of paper designed specifically for freehand sketching, technical drawing and various dry and wet media. The name combines piirustus (drawing) and paperi (paper). It encompasses a range of weights, textures and manufacturing processes to suit artistic and practical needs.

Characteristics important to piirustuspaperi include weight (measured in grams per square meter), surface texture or "tooth" (smooth, medium, rough), and sizing, which affects absorbency. Heavier papers (180–300 g/m² and above) are preferred for wet media and mixed techniques; lighter sheets (80–150 g/m²) are common for pencil, charcoal and practice sketches. Acid-free and archival papers, often made from cotton or alpha-cellulose, are used to ensure longevity.

Types of drawing paper include cartridge or sketching paper for general use, bristol board with a smooth or vellum finish for ink and technical work, and heavyweight rag papers for archival-quality pieces. Paper manufacturing ranges from machine-made rolls to higher-quality mould-made sheets, with variations in fiber content and sizing. Tooth and grain influence mark-making behavior and erasing ability.

Uses extend from art education and illustration to architectural and engineering drawings. Environmental considerations increasingly influence choices, with recycled-content papers and certifications such as FSC indicating sustainable sourcing. Selection of piirustuspaperi depends on intended medium, desired texture and longevity requirements.