Derwent Inktense and Lightfast Paper
Derwent paper has been specifically chosen as the best paper to enhance the unique properties of the Derwent Lightfast and Inktense ranges. Interested in trying out our Derwent Paper range but you have some questions?
Read our FAQs below to find out more information on the Derwent range of new paper.
General Paper Questions
- Why is the paper non-white?
- How is the paper made?
- What is the paper made of?
- Why is 100% cotton important?
- Is it made in the UK?
- Is the paper acid-free?
- What is archival-quality paper?
- What weight is the paper?
Why is the paper non-white?
It is a natural off-white colour as it doesn’t contain whitening agents or optical brightening agents, which allows for long lasting colour.
How is the paper made?
The paper is made in a traditional method using a cylinder mould machine. It is gelatin and surface sized to provide strength, resistance to moisture, feathering and bleed-through.
What is the paper made of?
100% cotton fibres, which adds strength, resilience and preserves colour. It is ideal for multiple layering, without tearing the paper, as the surface is robust and absorbent.
Why is 100% cotton important?
It is a higher quality grade of paper that isn’t made from waste by-products (which may include plastics).
Is it made in the UK?
Yes, our Lightfast and Inktense paper are made in Britain.
Is the paper acid-free?
Yes, it is naturally acid-free. No added buffering agents are used which contain calcium carbonate. This is important as it stops the paper yellowing over time.
What is archival-quality paper?
Archival paper is permanent, durable acid–free paper used for archival purposes such as artwork you would wish to keep for long periods of time. Derwent's NEW paper is cotton made as it does not contain wood pulp and does not contain any groundwood, unbleached wood or metallic content and is free from Optical Brighteners.
What weight is the paper?
Both the Inktense and Lightfast paper is 300gsm/140lbs. The pads contain 20 sheets glued on the short edge.
Lightfast Paper
- Why use Lightfast Paper ?
- What is hot-pressed?
- Is it lightfast?
- Can I use the Lightfast paper with other coloured pencils?
Why use Lightfast Paper ?
Derwent Lightfast paper optimises the premium performance of the Derwent Lightfast pencil range.
What is hot-pressed?
The hot press manufacturing process creates a smooth surface, perfect for line drawings and suitable for use with Lightfast.
Is it lightfast?
Yes, the Lightfast paper is lightfast and is archival. Using Lightfast pencils on Lightfast Paper means it will retain its lightfast properties under museum conditions.
Can I use the Lightfast paper with other coloured pencils?
Yes, Lightfast paper is designed for all oil or wax-based coloured pencils.
Inktense Paper
- Why should I use Inktense Paper?
- Why does the Inktense paper bring out the vibrancy of Inktense better than other papers?
- What is cold-pressed?
- Does the paper buckle when adding water?
- Can I use Inktense Paper with other paints?
Why should I use Inktense Paper?
Exceptional watercolour paper maximises colour vibrancy and withstands multiple layering of Derwent Inktense.
Why does the Inktense paper bring out the vibrancy of Inktense better than other papers?
The Inktense paper does not include any artificial whitening agents or Optical Brighteners (OBA’s), so this ensures Inktense remains vibrant. The cold press texture allows the Inktense to settle into the texture of the paper in layers, perfect for its unique qualities as a product. The high cotton content enables multiple layering, building up vibrant layers of Inktense, pushing the qualities to their very best
What is cold-pressed?
The cold press manufacturing process creates a lightly textured surface, which is perfect for water-based drawing/painting and suitable for use with Inktense. Cold pressed paper allows for washes of colour as well as fine detail, as the texture is in between Rough and Smooth.
Does the paper buckle when adding water?
Yes, the paper can buckle slightly when using water as it is not on a block. We always advise stretching for heavy washes; however, when using light washes on 300gsm, taping should be sufficient.
Can I use Inktense Paper with other paints?
Yes, it is compatible and suitable for use with water-based paints (including Inktense Paint Pan Sets, Graphitint Paint and Metallic Paint).
Ready to shop for Derwent Paper products?