


Speedball’s paper history began in 2010 with the acquisition of the Bienfang® brand portfolio. Nearly, a decade later, Speedball became more than a supplier of quality artist paper with the acquisition of Global Art Materials. This exciting addition to its family of products brought Speedball into the world of paper manufacturing. From sketching and tracing to watercolor and journaling to surfaces for calligraphy, Speedball’s vast line of paper products is a gorgeous balance of performance and value.
Speedball manufactures papers for sketching, drawing, printmaking, watercolor, graphic arts, and journaling. With options to choose from like texture, format and weight, Speedball is sure to have a paper for any creative needs.Yes. We pride ourselves on having safe and non-toxic processes that keep our papers free from animal-derived ingredients.
Both cellulose and cotton are plant-based fibers used to make paper, but they offer distinct characteristics important for artists: Cellulose papers are made from processed wood pulp. They are generally more affordable and widely available. Modern cellulose papers are often treated to be acid-free, providing good longevity. They can offer a variety of textures and absorbency, making them a versatile choice for many dry mediums and lighter wet media. 100% Cotton papers, Often labeled as "rag" paper, are made from cotton linters (a byproduct of textile manufacturing) or cotton fabric. Cotton fibers are naturally longer, stronger, and inherently acid-free, making them extremely stable and durable. This superior strength and absorbency allow cotton papers to withstand heavy washes, scrubbing, and taping without buckling or tearing, making them the preferred choice for professional watercolorists, printmakers, and artists creating archival-quality work.