Multimedia surfaces, need some info.

[Dirige]

I need some help, I want to use acrylics, watercolor and ink but I can't find a good surface to use.
Is there any sort of paper or board that I could use, or do I need a canvas?

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Have you considered heavy weight (300 lb or more) watercolor paper? Its usually sold in large single sheets, 22" x 30", and comes in a variety of presses so you can get more or less surface texture depending on your preference.

There are also watercolor "panels" or "boards", but have no personal experience using them, and the sizes are fixed.

[Dirige]

Hmm.. Well, I plan on using gouache watercolor along with acrylics, so there won't be TOO much water involved.
For inks, I plan on using a brush pen and maybe sumi-e inks.

Do you think bristol board would work? I'm looking for something that will look nice and smooth, but will also be affordable. Heavier watercolor paper is pretty expensive.

Thank you for your response, I appreciate it. Hope to get some more tips.

[Aphotic Phoenix]

I've painted with gouache on bristol board, and it's not particularly fun. It just doesn't hold paint properly, and it can be frustrating to get the right coverage. That doesn't mean it can't be done...do some sample attempts on it first?

[Dirige]

Damn.. Figured as much, well..
I guess I may have to consider 300lb hot press watercolor paper if there is nothing else.

[Grief]

if youre using ink and brush watercolor paper is good, but if you were talking about pen and ink then watercolor paper can be frusterating.

since the paper is so fiberous you'll sometimes have your pen nibs and tips tear the pulp which is not pleasant.

i use canvas for ink washes and acrylics and pen & ink, but admittedly i do not use wet mediums in a 'painterly' fashion so my experience with using it on canvas may not yeild the results you'd find satisfactory.

4 ply illustration board is good for watercolor, i prefer cold press to have more tooth as a glossy surface doesnt absorb the mediums as well. museum and matt board can be gesso'ed and painted on or left blank for a different affect. if you apply wet mediums to strathmore bristol 100lb it'll buckle on you, i'd suggest it more for dry materials.

[Dirige]

Yeah, bristol is out of the question now I can see. I need a smooth surface that can hold ink, acrylic and gouache watercolor well.
As for inks, I plan on using a brush pen.

[rpace]

I used to paint on hot-press watercolor blocks back when I used acrylics and other wet media when not using illustration board -- Bainbridge 80 was my board of choice.

~R

[Elwell]

I need a smooth surface that can hold ink, acrylic and gouache watercolor well.

Double thick cold press illustration board would fit all your criteria.

[Dirige]

Thanks for the info folks, I appreciate it.