Paper is made from fibers pressed into sheets. The more expensive paper will be 100% rag fibers, cotton or linen; less expensive are only part rag, and part chemically treated wood pulp.

There are three common types of pressed paper, hot-press, cold-press and rough.

Hot press paper has a smoother finish and comes in various weights. Smooth paper will allow fine detail work as well as softer blending, but doesn't have enough grain or 'tooth' to hold pastels, colored chalks or charcoal.

Cold-press/rough paper has a coarser finish (as implied by the name). Papers with more grain, or "tooth" will give you darker values because they will hold more graphite, and are ideal for pastel and charcoal drawings.

The paper's weight will generally determine its thickness and density. Using a heavier 90lb weight or more will usually allow more tolerance for repeated erasing and will accept some wash work without buckling the paper, depending on the weight.

Using an acid-free archival paper will ensure your drawings will withstand the test of time.

Do not use your good paper for sketching out your ideas. Use newsprint or lesser grade drawing pads for this. Reserve your good paper for your final drawings.