'Paper' preferences...help!!!

[silvermyst]

Hi all!

Could I get some advice on the best kind of paper/board to use for bigger illustrations & portrait work?
I discovered that cheap poster boards surface 'barbs up' with erasing, and also actually LIFTS with frisket...and is NOT acceptable for even PRACTICE work.

I hear about 'ILLUSTRATION BOARD'...is this good surface for erasing/frisket work? I think i need something durable but there's so much variety out there and it gets confusing
any thoughts WHATSOEvER about any papers would be great...
Thanks,Lisa
How about hot press 300lb cotton watercolor paper?

[vilner]

Illustration board is an ideal surface for airbrush work, I use Cresent 5218and 9208. Bristol Board works well to-there are different weights. It has a smooth surface and the heavier weights are similar to illustration board. I like using bristol board pads for practice and it is what I most often spray on as I have limited time to work on airbrush projects at home. I wouldn't recommend leaving frisket on any surface for more than a few days as the longer it stays on the more likely it will damage the surface. I use a lot of paper for masking and it avoids that hard edge you get from frisket. try going to a real art store instead of AC moores and similar stores for better products. I hope this helps.
John