The Artway A3 Cartridge Paper is A3 drawing paper that combines a mid-white surface with archival, acid-free construction. Reliable tooth and generous sheet count make it practical for students and hobbyists who need consistent results. Is it the best choice for artists who want versatile sketching stock that can also tolerate light washes?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Surface Texture: Medium tooth provides grip for pencils, pens, markers and pastels
- • Best for: Students, hobbyists and illustrators wanting versatile drawing stock
- • Not ideal for: Heavy wet techniques and saturated watercolour washes
Mid-white cartridge paper designed for precise mark-making with dry media. Suitable for sketches, ink work and pastel studies.
Reliable Surface for Dry Media – with 170gsm mid-white cartridge paper
170gsm weight yields a firm sheet with enough tooth to catch graphite, ink and marker pigments while resisting easy tear. The surface texture balances grip and smoothness so strokes register predictably.
Consistent surface response helps produce cleaner lines and controlled shading, useful for technical drawings and finished sketches.
Accepts Light Washes and Inks – with tooth that handles soft media
Cartridge composition takes pastels and charcoal well and will accept light watercolour washes and inks, though heavier wet work can cause slight buckling. Loose-sheet format lets individual pieces be worked flat or mounted for minimal warping.
Useful for mixed-media studies and quick watercolour sketches where occasional washes are needed, while avoiding heavy wet techniques.
Archival Longevity – thanks to acid-free, oxygenated whitening
An oxygenated process is used to whiten the fibres instead of bleaching, producing acid-free paper that resists yellowing over time. Archival-grade stock helps preserve colour and tone in stored works.
Finished pieces held in albums or frames retain their appearance for longer, making the sheets suitable for portfolio pieces and keepsakes.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Artway A3 Cartridge Paper
- 170gsm weight – reduces show-through and keeps sheets rigid during drawing
- 200 loose A3 sheets – provides an extended supply for classes and long projects
- Acid-free archival – prevents yellowing so finished pieces stay colour-accurate over years
- Accepts light washes – supports occasional watercolour and ink without losing detail
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Paper Type: Cartridge paper
- Size: A3
- Sheets per Pack: 200 loose sheets
- Weight: 170gsm
- Colour: Mid-white / White
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use watercolour on this paper?
A: Light watercolour washes and inks are supported, but heavier wet techniques may cause slight buckling.
Q: Is the paper archival?
A: Yes, the paper is acid-free and uses an oxygenated whitening process designed to prevent yellowing over time.
Q: Which media work best on this paper?
A: Pencil, pen, markers, pastels and charcoal perform well; inks and light washes are also suitable for mixed-media work.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for students, hobbyists and illustrators who need dependable A3 cartridge paper for sketches and mixed-media studies. Combination of 170gsm weight, mid-white surface and acid-free processing gives a balance of texture and longevity. Generous 200-sheet packs make it a practical choice for frequent use and offer strong long-term value for active artists.
