Watercolor Paper: Everything You Need To Know

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Why is painting on quality watercolor paper so important? What makes watercolor paper different from other papers used for art-making purposes? What are the different types available and which is the best for you?


Watercolor paper is different from other kinds of paper because it is made to handle water-soluble mediums. 

It has been manufactured and prepared to withstand a good amount of water, and to allow watercolor paint to do it's thing. 

Quality watercolor paper is made of 100% cotton, is thick enough not to buckle and warp too much as you're painting, and has good sizing (more on this later). 

Without good paper you'll not only have trouble achieving the beautiful watercolor effects you're after, but it can also prevent you from developing your skills further. 

Many skilled watercolor artists prioritize investing on paper over brushes and paint, because they know how much of an impact it'll have on their process and end results.


In this blog post, I'll explain the three main types of watercolor paper-Cold Press, Hot Press, and Rough- so you can make an informed choice when you buy your next sheets, block, pad or sketchbook. 
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Be aware that textures vary from brand to brand. As with all other art supplies, it will come down to exploring different options to find which paper suits your own process and style best. 

​The 3 Types of Watercolor Paper

1. Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper
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Cold pressed paper is often the go-to choice for watercolor artists because it provides a moderate amount of texture. This makes it very versatile and useful for a wide range of subjects, techniques and styles. 

Cold pressed paper is more absorbent than hot press paper due to its moderately textured surface, which allows paint and water to settle into the small bumps and grooves.

Colors appear lighter or paler after paint has dried, even on high-quality paper, and often needs to be intensified or darkened with further layering. 


Best For: 

Because of its versatility, cold pressed paper is great for a wide range of art styles, from abstract and loose, to realistic and detailed. Its medium texture adds character and beauty to your artwork, without taking away the opportunity to create detail necessary for realism. 

It's a favorite among artists who enjoy creating landscapes and urban scenes, still life, animals and even portraits. 
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Recommendations:

• Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)
• Fabriano Artistico Cold Press Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)​​
• Canson Heritage Cold Press Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)​​​​

Arches 10x14" 100% Cotton Cold Press 140 lbs Watercolor Paper

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Fabriano Artistico 12x16" 100% Cotton Cold Press 140 lbs Watercolor Paper

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2. Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper

Hot pressed paper offers a smooth, almost slick surface due to the heated pressing process it undergoes as its being made.

Because of its lack of texture, paint and water "sit" on the surface longer, and are more slowly absorbed. This means you'll have more working time available before things start to dry. *Have in mind that your working environment has a huge impact on drying times, too.

Its smoothness allows for sharp lines and high-levels of detail that require precision and control.

A lot of artists report arriving at brighter colors more easily when working on hot pressed watercolor paper. 


Best For: 

Hot pressed paper is perfect for artists who develop lots of fine, crisp detail that require greater control, such as that needed in botanical art. Many artists enjoy using hot pressed paper when they are painting things like skin or silk because it lends itself to a very smooth finish. 

It's also a good choice for mixed-media work where you're bringing in drawing tools such as colored pencils or fineliners, as the sharp tip won't skip over texture and won't become damaged.
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Recommendations:

• Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)
• Strathmore 500 Series Hot Press Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)
• Fabriano Artistico Extra White Hot Press Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)​​​​

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Arches Hot Press 10x14" 100% Cotton 140 lb Watercolor Paper

Strathmore Ready Cut 5x7" 100% Cotton 140 lb Watercolor Paper

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​​​3. Rough Watercolor Paper
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Rough watercolor paper is the most textured and most absorbent of all paper types. Its rough, uneven surface leads to interesting effects as the paint pools and settles into the crevices, which helps enhance granulating paint colors' unique qualities. 

This texture can give paintings a highly tactile quality, which can add depth and interest.
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Best For:

Rough paper is ideal for artists with loose, experimental and/or expressive styles that don't require fine detail. It's especially popular for creating bold landscapes and abstract works, where the interaction between paint and paper is part of the creative process.

Recommendations:

• Arches Rough Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)
• Canson Heritage Rough Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)
• Fabriano Artistico Rough Watercolor Paper (100% Cotton, Acid-Free)

Arches Rough 10x14" 140 lb 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper

Canson Heritage Rough 10.2x14.2" 140 lb Watercolor Paper

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​The Importance of Paper Weight, Material, and Sizing

Paper Weight 

Paper thickness or weight is important because it impacts how much it will buckle and warp as we're painting, as well as how quickly our paint dries. 

Watercolor paper is available in different weights, typically measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm).

Here are the common weights you'll find in art supply stores:

Thin- 190gsm / 90 lb
Medium- 300 gsm / 140 lb
Thick- 356 gsm / 260 lb
Board -  640 gsm /300 lb

Heavier papers don’t require stretching and can handle more water without warping, while lighter papers need to be stretched before painting to prevent buckling.

*I always recommend buying 300 gsm / 140 lbs., as thicker papers can be quite expensive. With the techniques that I use, I rarely have to stretch my paper. 


Material 

For the best results, always choose watercolor paper that is 100% cotton, acid-free, and pH neutral.

Cotton fibers are longer and stronger, which means the paper can withstand more washes and scrubbing without deteriorating.

Acid-free paper ensures that your artwork won't yellow or degrade over time, preserving the vibrancy and integrity of your work.



Paper Sizing

Sizing is a treatment applied to watercolor paper to control the absorption of water. It ensures that the paint doesn’t sink into the paper immediately, allowing for smoother application, easier blending and vibrant color. 

For a deeper dive into this topic, check out my blog post on Understanding Watercolor Paper Sizing: A Beginner’s Guide.


There are other variables that can affect the quality of your paper such as: its manufacturing process, shipping, packaging, storage (in art supply stores and in your home studio), and time. ​


​Choosing the right watercolor paper is crucial for achieving the best results in your artwork. Whether you prefer the versatile Cold Press, smooth Hot Press, or the textured Rough, understanding the characteristics of each will help you select the paper that best suits your artistic style and the techniques you wish to explore. 

Remember to consider paper weight, material, and sizing when making your choice, as these factors play a significant role in the performance and longevity of your work.

Happy painting!

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