7 Best Drawing Clips for Securing Paper for Artists

Whether working from a dedicated studio or a temporary setup at the kitchen table, keeping paper stable is essential for focused, frustration-free creativity. A shifting sheet can ruin a carefully drafted line or cause unwanted smudging, turning a relaxing hobby into a chore. Selecting the right clip ensures your focus stays on the artwork rather than managing the workspace.

ACCO Large Bulldog Clips: A Timeless Studio Staple

These heavy-duty steel clips are the standard for a reason, providing a grip that resists even the most vigorous eraser work. Their spring mechanism is exceptionally tight, making them ideal for securing thick watercolor pads or multiple sheets of newsprint to a drawing board.

Because of their significant clamping force, these clips are best suited for sturdy wooden boards rather than thin, portable sketchbooks. They are a reliable choice for homeowners who keep a permanent art station in a spare room or basement workshop.

Bottom line: If longevity and a rock-solid hold are the priority, invest in a box of these classics. They are a permanent fixture for any serious artist’s inventory.

Pony Spring Clamps: For Heavy-Duty Easel Work

Pony spring clamps act more like miniature woodworking tools than office supplies. Their pivoting jaws allow them to sit flush against the back of an easel, providing a secure anchor that won’t budge regardless of the project’s size or weight.

These are particularly useful for large-scale charcoal drawings where the artist may be standing and leaning against the work. The specialized design accommodates varying thicknesses, making them versatile enough to handle everything from stretched canvas to mounted illustration board.

Bottom line: Reach for these when projects move off the desk and onto upright easels. They offer the industrial-strength security required for vertical drawing surfaces.

U.S. Art Supply Steel Binder Clips: Budget-Friendly

For those stocking a home office or a shared family craft space, these standard binder clips offer the best balance of cost and utility. They are easy to find in bulk, making them an excellent choice for households with children or multiple budding artists.

While they lack the extreme tension of specialized studio clips, they work perfectly for standard sketching paper and light-duty drawing projects. Their folding silver handles are helpful for storage, as they can be flattened once the paper is secured to keep the workspace profile low.

Bottom line: These are the practical, thrifty solution for everyday sketching. They get the job done without overcomplicating the budget.

Pro-Art T-Clips: For Stretching Watercolor Paper

Water-based media requires specialized handling because paper expands and warps when wet. Pro-Art T-Clips are designed specifically to hold paper taut against a wooden board, preventing the rippling that often ruins a finished painting.

The T-shape design allows them to secure the corners of a heavy paper sheet without obscuring the painting area. They are indispensable for artists who prefer traditional wet-on-wet techniques and need to maintain a flat surface during the drying process.

Bottom line: If watercolor or gouache is a regular focus, these specialized clips prevent common paper-warping frustrations. They are a worthwhile investment for the dedicated painter.

Mr. Pen Metal Clips: A Great All-Purpose Value Pack

Variety packs are often the smartest choice for households where the workspace needs to adapt to different projects. Mr. Pen provides an assortment of sizes, ensuring that whether a thin sketchpad or a thick board is in use, there is an appropriate clip available.

These clips are constructed with a durable finish that resists rust and wear over time, even in humid climates. Having a mix of sizes in a desk drawer means never having to hunt for the right tool when inspiration strikes.

Bottom line: This is the most versatile option for a multi-purpose home art station. The range of sizes covers almost any project requirement.

Officemate Binder Clips: Best for Sketchbook Pages

Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective, especially when managing delicate sketchbook paper. Officemate clips provide just enough tension to keep pages from flipping while drawing, without the risk of tearing the paper or leaving deep indentations.

They are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for artists who keep their supplies in a portable tote bag or a small storage bin. Their low profile ensures they won’t get in the way of a drawing hand, even when working near the edges of the page.

Bottom line: Choose these for light-duty sketching and maintaining neat page organization. They are the ideal choice for artists who prioritize portability.

Bessey Nylon Spring Clamps: No-Marring Grip Option

Expensive drawing boards or finished frames can be easily damaged by the sharp metal teeth of standard office clips. Bessey nylon clamps feature soft pads that provide a firm grip while protecting sensitive surfaces from scratches or indentations.

These are the preferred choice for homeowners who use high-quality finished wood boards or work on top of valued furniture pieces. The nylon construction is incredibly durable, ensuring they withstand years of use without becoming brittle or losing their grip.

Bottom line: If surface protection is the top concern, these soft-touch clamps are the superior option. They offer peace of mind that metal clips simply cannot match.

How to Choose the Right Clip for Your Drawing Board

Selecting the correct clip depends primarily on the thickness of the material and the nature of the drawing surface. A thin clipboard needs a low-profile clip, while a heavy drafting table can handle the weight of larger, industrial-style clamps.

• For thin sketchbooks: Opt for lightweight binder clips.
• For heavy watercolor paper: Choose high-tension Bulldog or T-clips.
• For wood surfaces: Look for nylon-tipped clamps to prevent scarring.

Bottom line: Evaluate the thickness of the paper and the fragility of the desk surface before purchasing. A matched tool makes the creative process significantly smoother.

Metal vs. Plastic Clips: Which Is Best for You?

Metal clips are renowned for their strength and longevity, typically lasting a lifetime if they don’t get lost. They are the standard for heavy-duty anchoring but can be prone to rusting if left in damp environments like an unheated garage or a basement studio.

Plastic or nylon clips are softer and safer for delicate surfaces, but they may lack the extreme clamping force of their metal counterparts. They are best for light, frequent use and for artists who move their setup between different areas of the house.

Bottom line: Choose metal for sheer strength and plastic for material safety. Each has a place depending on how the workspace is structured.

Preventing Dents and Marks on Your Artwork

Even the best clips can leave marks if used carelessly, especially on softer papers like Bristol board or textured watercolor sheets. Always clip the paper to the board rather than pinning just the paper to itself, which helps distribute the pressure.

If working near the edge, place a small scrap of cardboard or thick cardstock between the clip’s jaw and the artwork. This simple buffer acts as a shock absorber, preventing deep ridges or tears while keeping the sheet perfectly secure.

Bottom line: A small piece of scrap paper is the best secret tool for preventing damage. Protect the work surface and the art with this quick, simple adjustment.

Selecting the right clip is a small investment that pays off in a more organized, professional, and enjoyable artistic experience. By matching the strength and material of the clip to the needs of the project, you remove physical distractions and keep your focus where it belongs: on the creative process.