I’m looking for very large paper (around 60x48) to use with pen and acrylic paint. I currently use Strathmore Drawing Medium Weight but want something higher quality in bigger sizes. I don’t like heavy texture (like most watercolor papers) because I need the pen to move smoothly across the surface. What papers do you recommend, and where can I buy them? Also, are rolls an option, and how do artists typically frame such large pieces?
Great question!. This comes up often for artists moving into larger formats or mixing dry and wet media. Here are some options and considerations:
LARGE SHEETS
Legion’s largest sheet sizes typically come in 44x60 or 40x60.
For smooth drawing + light acrylic use, we recommend:
Coventry Rag Vellum (44x60): archival, cotton, durable surface that handles pen beautifully with light washes of paint.
Lanaquarelle Hot Press (40x60): a watercolor paper but in hot press finish, which is very smooth. Ideal if you want the strength of a watercolor sheet without the cold press texture.
ROLLS
For oversized work, rolls give you the most freedom.
Lenox 100 rolls are available in 60"x20yd and 72"x20yd. 100% cotton, archival, slight vellum texture. Excellent for pen & ink with the strength to handle acrylic layers.
Rolls let you cut the exact dimensions you need (yes, 20 yards is 720 inches—plenty of material).
UNDERSTANDING TEXTURE
Don’t assume all watercolor paper is rough. Cold press = textured. Hot press = smooth. Hot press is great for ink lines, colored pencil, graphite, and detailed work.
Cotton papers (like Lenox, Coventry, Stonehenge, RIves BFK, Somerset, etc.) are naturally lignin/acid free and stronger than wood pulp drawing papers, so they perform better with mixed techniques.
FRAMING LARGE WORK
Artists working at scale often use Rising Museum Board as the foundation. It is available in board sizes up to 60"x104"
In framing, you can:
Float mount (artwork sits on top of the board).
Mat mount with bevel (artwork surrounded by an angled mat edge).
Always ask for museum-grade materials, especially Rising Museum Board.
COST ESTIMATES AND SOURCES
Lenox 100 rolls (72") retail around $340–$360.
Available through our reseller network. Visit https:www.legionpaper.com/lenox-100 to find the best reseller for you. .
For testing, request samples first. Visit our samples page so you can compare texture and feel before investing.
LARGE SHEETS
Legion’s largest sheet sizes typically come in 44x60 or 40x60.
For smooth drawing + light acrylic use, we recommend:
Coventry Rag Vellum (44x60): archival, cotton, durable surface that handles pen beautifully with light washes of paint.
Lanaquarelle Hot Press (40x60): a watercolor paper but in hot press finish, which is very smooth. Ideal if you want the strength of a watercolor sheet without the cold press texture.
ROLLS
For oversized work, rolls give you the most freedom.
Lenox 100 rolls are available in 60"x20yd and 72"x20yd.
100% cotton, archival, slight vellum texture.
Excellent for pen & ink with the strength to handle acrylic layers.
Rolls let you cut the exact dimensions you need (yes, 20 yards is 720 inches—plenty of material).
UNDERSTANDING TEXTURE
Don’t assume all watercolor paper is rough. Cold press = textured. Hot press = smooth. Hot press is great for ink lines, colored pencil, graphite, and detailed work.
Cotton papers (like Lenox, Coventry, Stonehenge, RIves BFK, Somerset, etc.) are naturally lignin/acid free and stronger than wood pulp drawing papers, so they perform better with mixed techniques.
FRAMING LARGE WORK
Artists working at scale often use Rising Museum Board as the foundation. It is available in board sizes up to 60"x104"
In framing, you can:
Float mount (artwork sits on top of the board).
Mat mount with bevel (artwork surrounded by an angled mat edge).
Always ask for museum-grade materials, especially Rising Museum Board.
COST ESTIMATES AND SOURCES
Lenox 100 rolls (72") retail around $340–$360.
Available through our reseller network. Visit https:www.legionpaper.com/lenox-100 to find the best reseller for you.
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For testing, request samples first. Visit our samples page so you can compare texture and feel before investing.