To be successful in an internet purchase of art supplies, research the medium and make sure the paper you are ordering has a sufficiently high GSM (grams per square metre) to suit the type of painting you’re doing; make sure the brushes you’re buying are suitable for the paint you’re using; purchase lightfast pencils such as Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils; buy from a trusted supplier such as HaberCrafts for quality and delivery; and buy in a protective container such as a water resistant portfolio case.
Online shopping for creative tools is simply the most convenient and has an extensive range of products. But it is sometimes possible to order the wrong paper, the wrong brushes, or the wrong tools by not physically testing them before ordering.
This is the must-have checklist to help you through every step of art supplies shopping online. Learn to assess product specifications, choose appropriate media, preserve completed work and make the most of your budget without sacrificing quality.
What to Check Before Buying Paper Pads and Boards Online?
Paper is the foundation of almost every visual art project, but not all paper performs the same way. Choosing the wrong weight or texture can cause cockling, bleed-through, or tearing when working with wet mediums.
Paper Weight (GSM) and Media Compatibility
When browsing HaberCrafts Paper Pads & Boards, always inspect the GSM (Grams per Square Meter). Higher GSM values indicate thicker, more durable paper.
| Paper Type & GSM | Recommended Mediums | Key Benefits |
| 80 GSM (Standard) | Everyday sketching, drafting, printing | Lightweight, economical for rough practice |
| 160 GSM (Medium Card) | Colored pencils, fine liners, light washes | Sturdy structure, minimal show-through |
| Canvas Boards | Acrylics, oil paints, heavy gouache | Rigid surface, pre-primed, ready to paint |
| Tracing Paper & Acetate | Technical design, overlays, stencils | Smooth transparency, high clarity |
Texture and Surface Selection
- Hot-Pressed / Smooth Surfaces: Best for detailed pen drawings, graphic illustrations, and technical markers.
- Rough / Canvas Surfaces: Ideal for grabbing heavy paint layers, oil pastels, and soft charcoal.
How to Select Pens, Pencils, and Painting Brushes?
When choosing drawing tools online, you have to consider the pigment ratings, ink delivery systems and tip shapes.
Drawing and Coloring Tools
When ordering art supplies online, be sure to check pigmentation and lightfastness:
- Premium Pencils: High-end choices like the Caran d’Ache Luminance Colouring Pencil deliver smooth creaminess and high lightfastness for long-lasting artwork.
- Water Brush Pens: Watercolor painting with precision: Watercolor painting has become portable with the use of precision tools such as Aqua Flow Water Brush Pens which are built with water reservoirs.
- Sharpening Accessories: Use top-quality colored pencils and a good metal sharpener for colored pencils to avoid lead breakage when sharpening.
Paintbrushes and Palette Knives
Match your brush synthetic fibers or hair types to your paint consistency:
- Nylon & Synthetic Brushes: Best for acrylics and PVA glues due to easy cleaning and strong shape retention.
- Palette Knives: Essential for mixing heavy body paints, applying impasto textures, or scraping canvas surfaces clean.
Why Is Artwork Storage Crucial When Shopping Online?
It is just as important to protect the finished work as to create it. When you buy your primary art supplies, you’ll save on shipping costs and will have your workspace fully organized with storage equipment.
Protecting Artwork in Transit and Storage
A student or practicing artist’s Art Portfolio & carry cases bag is an essential investment.
- Be sure to find water-resistant options to keep sensitive paper and canvas safe from unexpected weather.
- Make sure there are internal straps to keep drawings flat and to prevent graphite or pastels from smudging.
Display and Framing Options
If you plan to exhibit work or set up a studio space:
- Display Pockets & Folders: Clear pocket folders (20 to 40 pockets) are used for easy movement, without direct contact, between pieces of artwork.
- Table & Drawing Board Clips: Clasp loose paper to your table or portable easel while drawing outdoors.
How to Get Best Value When Buying Art Supplies Online
If you can start to create a complete toolbox and stay within your budget while shopping online smartly..
Smart Shopping Flow:
Identify Project Requirements ──> Compare Specs (GSM/Materials) ──> Utilize Discounts ──> Consolidate Cart
- Consolidate Orders: Paper, pens, adhesives and carry cases in one order to get free shipping
- Leverage Promotional Codes: Check out introductory discount codes for new customers, like first-time buyers at HaberCrafts.
- Buy Versatile Staples: These are multi-purpose supplies such as PVA glue, heavy duty acetate sheets and MDF boards that are used for both fine art and craft applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if paper is thick enough for wet painting mediums?
Look for the GSM of the paper. For watercolor and acrylic painting use paper that is rated at 300 GSM or pre-primed sturdy canvas boards. Graphite and colored pencils work best on paper that ranges from 80 GSM to 160 GSM.
2. What is the advantage of using Aqua Flow Water Brush Pens over traditional brushes?
With water brush pens, the water barrel is built-in. This eliminates the need for separate water cups, prevents the accidental spill and allows for controlled water flow for outdoor/ travel sketching.
3. How do I protect delicate drawings from smudging when storing them?
Dry Media Artwork: Store in a water-resistant art portfolio case folder with inbuilt retention straps. Clear acetate sheets can also be placed between pages to prevent transfer of graphite and pastel.
4. Can I find high-quality art supplies online on a tight budget?
Yes. In addition to professional lines, you can find economical options online such as HaberCrafts. Keep in mind that there are discount codes, bundle offers and multi-packs of canvas boards or paper pads to keep the price down to a minimum.
Essential Shopping Action Plan
Audit your current materials, verify specifications like paper GSM and dimensions, and bundle your tools with portfolio storage into a single order at HaberCrafts to maximize discounts and free shipping thresholds.