What is "Canson paper"?
- Họa Phẩm 62
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Today let us discuss about what Canson paper really is. This article serves only to inform readers as well as sheds some light on the controversial Canson paper topic (specifically in Vietnam).
What is Canson paper? Is it a type of fine art paper?
No, Canson is not a “type” of fine art paper but a brand specializing in paper manufacturing. Canson does offer a wide variety of fine art paper but not all fine art paper is Canson paper
So who is Canson ?
Canson is a renowned French manufacturer founded in 1557 with a paper legacy over the last 450 years rooted in innovation and creativity. They have been creating a diverse range of mixed-media paper suitable for both beginner and professionals artists.
Does that mean that most art paper offered on the market right now is not “true” Canson paper?
Yes and no.
Canson paper has been on the market of Vietnam for ages; Although, since the beginning of its appearance, there was a shortage of supply as well as a misunderstanding of what Canson paper really is. Therefore, the old Vietnamese masters might have been confused many other types of fine art paper with Canson paper and it has been “stuck” ever since.
In truth, most fine art paper from different brands nowadays has the quality and properties of comparable standards with Canson. However, lots of those paper has also been mistakenly called Canson paper.
What about the infamous Canson “horizontal lines” grain paper? Is it really Canson paper?
The short answer is No.
The type of paper with “horizontal lines” grain offered by Canson has only made its appearance in Vietnam recently.
These “horizontal lines” grain paper is mostly referred to a type of paper that has great quality for sketching with low budget, which is suitable for educational purposes.
See more "horizontal lines" grain paper availble at our store
The reason why most “horizontal lines” grain paper has been called Canson “horizontal lines” grain paper is controversial.
As mentioned above, the name Canson paper has been used as a substitution for fine art paper and it has been stuck ever since. Perhaps, the name Canson has been mistaken used for years; or perhaps, it is more convinent to use the term “Canson paper” to differentiate fine art paper with other kinds of paper.
So what if I actually want to purchase “true” Canson paper? How do I know that the paper I buy is really from Canson?
For a long time, those who have wanted to purchase actual Canson paper often used the term “French Canson” as the Canson paper is made in France; Even then, “French Canson” paper was not available or mistakenly known as other type of paper that was not from Canson.
Now, with the improvement in the diversity of paper market, one can easily find “true” Canson paper anywhere!
Most large (A0-A2) separate sheets of Canson paper nowadays have their name “Canson” imprinted on either their front or back sides.
For smaller size paper and sketchbooks, just look for the Canson brand logo on their packagings. In addition, make sure to buy your Canson paper from trusty-worthy retails and ask them if the paper is really from the brand Canson.
See more Canson product we have here!
Thank you for reading! We hope that you can better understand and make the right choices when purchasing paper for your needs in the future!
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