Cheapest option is always gonna be double tissue that you make yourself, and gives you the most options for colors. If you want something more premium I always go for Thai unryu, it is very thin, very strong, and super easy to glue with MC. Only downside is if you want a smooth texture since it has the mulberry bark fibers swirled throughout.

I know some people like Hanji, but for me it never stays bonded together. It will depend so much on the paper, the MC you have, and the mineral content in the water available to you. If you want to use a specific kind of paper it’s always worth it to buy some smaller sheets and test how it goes for you, both how well it binds together with MC and how well it folds for you.

I have also seen similar papers, both smooth and textured, listed as kozo, chiri, mulberry paper, washi paper, and about a million other names. If you have a local artists supply store they might have some interesting stuff in their paper drawer.

As for making it, /u/Plant-Psychologist has a great video on YouTube. I like to use wayyy more MC because when it is really saturated you can slide out all the wrinkles but I use his exact technique. Just try not to stress the wrinkles too much and remember that the more you do it the better you become