What is Sulphite Paper?

I’m currently teaching an online class all about making your own collage paper and the students have had a lot of questions about one of the papers I love to use for collage: sulphite paper. So what is sulphite paper and how did I start using it? Let me answer the second question first.

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How was I Introduced to Sulphite Paper?

Several years ago, a friend of mine gifted me a bunch of art supplies she no longer wanted. Among those supplies was an opened pack of sulphite paper. I had never heard of it and knew nothing about it. So, I did a bit of research online — information was pretty scant — and then I tried it out.

I discovered that it absorbed glue really well and I loved the way it collaged. For me, it felt like it was heavier than printer paper but thinner than cardstock. Bonus: sulphite paper often doesn’t have sizing or coating, so it’s pretty absorbent.

Here’s the rest of what you need to know…

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What is Sulphite Paper?

Sulphite paper (sometimes spelled “sulfite”) is made from wood pulp that’s been chemically processed using a sulphite solution. This method creates a smooth, bright white, medium-weight paper that’s strong and absorbent—but not too absorbent.

In the art world, sulphite paper is often sold as “drawing paper” or “white construction paper,” and it’s a favorite in schools for its affordability and durability. But don’t let the “school supply” label fool you. Sulphite paper is a fabulous art-making surface in its own right. And here’s the key detail: sulphite paper is not the same as construction paper.

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Sulphite vs. Construction Paper: What’s the Difference?

People often confuse the two, and it’s easy to see why—they’re essentially made the same way, but sulphite paper is a higher-quality product:

Sulphite Paper

• Made from wood pulp processed with sulphite chemicals.
• Smooth surface, good for printing, drawing, and light painting.
• Available in bright white and a variety of colors.
• Higher quality than traditional construction paper.
• Often labeled as archival, especially when it’s marketed to artists or schools for long-term projects.
• Brands like Pacon’s “Sulphite Drawing Paper” are acid-free and labeled archival, which is a big plus.

Traditional Construction Paper

• Also made from wood pulp, but:
• Rougher surface, more fibrous.
• Tends to be more acidic and fades or disintegrates over time.
• Cheaper, more fragile, and not archival—this is the kind you probably remember from elementary school art projects.
• Meant for short-term use or temporary displays.

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So, Is Sulphite Paper Construction Paper?

• No. Sulphite paper ≠ construction paper.
• Sulphite paper is smoother, acid-free, and can be archival.
• Construction paper is rougher, cheaper, and not archival.

I like to think of sulphite paper as construction paper’s sturdier, more professional cousin.

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Why I Use It

Sulphite paper is one of those “humble heroes” in my studio. In the photo I’m holding up a piece I painted black and then lettered on top of.

Here’s why it’s my go-to:

• Smooth but not slick: It has just enough tooth for pens and pencils, but it also takes ink and paint like a champ.
• Handles mixed media well: You can stencil, scrape, stamp, glue—it can take the abuse.
• Affordable: I buy it by the ream and never worry about wasting it. That freedom to play is everything.
• Collages Well: Its medium weight gives it enough body to stay flat and strong in collage without warping or curling, but it’s still flexible enough to manipulate easily. And it absorbs glue, so it really sticks.
• Cuts easily and holds its shape: Because it has a dense, uniform fiber structure, it’s a champ when it comes to cutting. Unlike rougher papers that tear or fray, sulphite paper has a smooth, consistent surface that allows for clean, crisp cuts—even with detailed shapes.

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Tips for Using Sulphite Paper

• It doesn’t love heavy wet media like watercolor washes—too much water will cause buckling.
• It shines with acrylics, inks, stamping, and dry media.
• I loooove it for gelatin printing and collage.
• Since it’s archival (depending on brand), you can confidently use it for long-lasting work.
• I’ve had good luck stitching it — as in the example in the photo above.

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Final Thoughts

Sulphite paper might not be flashy, but it’s a total workhorse in my creative practice. It’s the kind of paper that lets you experiment freely without worrying about cost.

If you haven’t tried sulphite paper yet, I highly recommend grabbing a ream. It might just become your favorite too!

Thanks for stopping by!