WACOM tip

[Bobbi]

Not sure if this has been discussed earlier, but I have found that by putting a piece of paper on top of my Wacom tablet, the pencil tool feels more natural and has the right feel when trying to draw. I have an older Wacom model (CTE-440), so I am not sure it will work on newer versions. But it is worth a try.

[markw]

Yes, you're right Bobbi I did the same thing about a year or so back on my tablet and have been surprised at how long it's lasted.
I used a smooth heavy black paper, bordering on thin card nearly. Cut it to the same size as the original Wacom sheet and used an aerosol adhesive to stick it to the old surface sheet as it was nearing the end of it's life. So I could still put on a new Wacom sheet if I wanted to if it didn't work out.
But as I say it's been on there about a year now. Yes it is wearing some but it's still usable for a few months more I think and it dose feel nice under the nib as you draw.
On a standard Wacom surface sheet I would normally use a felt nib but that was too abrasive on the paper. For the paper I found the standard pen nib works best.

[hildee]

I've had a piece of acetate on mine for many years now - the see-through plastic used on overhead projectors. Makes a lovely smooth surface.

Also try watercolour paper, of different grades. The paper texture makes an interesting brush stroke, but especially nice with the ink pen option in ArtRage.

[BushcraftOnFire]

I, too, have been using a piece of thin cardstock for about 3 or 4 years now. When I first got the tablet I didn't use it.. and I got a few scratches (very minor surface scratches). Being anal about not scratching up my tablet I laid the cardstock over the surface and the pen worked fine. Not sure if it has something to do with the cardstock.. but I have never had to replace my nib either.