How To Choose The Right Watercolor Paper
Choosing the right watercolour paper can be a bit of a head-scratcher.
I’ve grappled with this issue too and found out the hard way that paper quality really does affect how your paint looks and lasts.
No worries though! This guide will help you pick the best paper for your art. I’ll share some handy tips on textures, weights, and more.
Fancy giving your watercolour game a boost?
Key Takeaways
- Paper quality affects how paint looks and lasts. Artist-grade paper is 100% cotton and better than student-grade paper.
- Watercolour paper comes in three textures: cold press (medium), hot press (smooth), and rough (bumpy).
- Paper weight matters. Light is 90lb, medium is 140lb, and heavy is 300lb. Heavier paper warps less when wet.
- Paper formats include sheets, blocks, pads, and rolls. Full imperial size is 76cm x 56cm.
- Acid-free and archival-quality paper stops yellowing and lasts longer. Brands like Arches and Fabriano Artistico offer these options.
Table of Contents
Understanding Watercolour Paper Qualities
The quality of your watercolour paper plays a crucial role in how your artwork turns out.
It directly impacts how the paint absorbs, how your brush moves, and how long the piece will last.
Choosing the right paper ensures that your paintings will stand the test of time, holding up against layers of pigment and water without buckling or fading.
Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, understanding the difference between artist-grade and student-grade paper is essential.
Artist-grade papers, made from 100% cotton, provide superior absorbency, strength, and archival quality, ensuring your art remains vibrant and durable.
In contrast, student-grade papers, typically made from wood pulp, are more affordable but may not offer the same longevity or performance.
Let’s take a deeper looking into the characteristics of each type of paper:
Artist-Grade vs Student-Grade Paper
I’ll explain the difference between artist-grade and student-grade watercolour paper. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Artist-Grade Paper | Student-Grade Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% cotton | Cellulose/wood pulp blend |
| Manufacturing | Mould-made | Machine-made |
| Quality | Acid-free, archival | Prone to yellowing |
| Absorbency | High | Lower |
| Example | Saunders Waterford | Winsor & Newton Student Grade |
Artist-grade paper offers better quality and longevity. It’s ideal for serious artists and pros. Student-grade paper suits beginners or practice work.
The choice depends on skill level and project needs.
Acid-Free and Archival Quality
Moving on from artist-grade and student-grade papers, let’s talk about acid-free and archival quality.
These traits are vital for long-lasting artwork. Acid-free paper stops your art from turning yellow or brittle over time.
I’ve seen old paintings on acidic paper, and they look awful. Archival quality means the paper will last for many years without fading or breaking down.
Fabriano Artistico and Arches are top brands that offer 100% cotton, acid-free papers. They’re great for making art that will stand the test of time.
Types of Watercolour Paper Textures
Watercolour paper comes in three main texture types. Each type has its own feel and look, which can change how your art turns out.
1. Cold Press
I love cold press watercolour paper. It’s my go-to choice for most projects. This paper has a medium texture that grabs paint well.
It keeps colours bright and lively. Cold press is great for beginners because it’s forgiving.
You can fix mistakes more easily on this surface.
Many top brands offer cold press options. Bockingford makes a good one for new artists. Winsor & Newton Professional cold press comes in 140lb and 300lb weights.
These papers let me create beautiful art with ease.
2. Hot Press
Moving from Cold Press, let’s talk about Hot Press paper. This smooth paper is great for detailed work. I use it for drawing flowers and faces.
Hot Press paper feels flat and slick. It’s perfect for fine lines and sharp edges.
Top brands like Saunders Waterford and Arches make excellent Hot Press paper. Dennis Hecht, a known artist, looked for super smooth glued block paper.
Winsor & Newton Professional also makes Hot Press paper in Italy. These papers let me create crisp, clear art with ease.
3. Rough
I love rough watercolour paper. It has the most texture of all types. This makes pigments settle in a unique way.
The bumpy surface is great for loose painting styles. I can create bold, expressive works with ease.
Arches and Bockingford offer excellent rough papers. Arches uses 100% cotton, while Bockingford is mould-made.
Both give artists top-quality options for their art. These papers let me play with light and shadow in my paintings.
Choosing the Right Paper Weight
When working with watercolor, the weight of your paper plays a critical role in how your paint behaves and the overall quality of your artwork.
The right paper weight ensures that your painting can handle multiple layers of pigment without warping or buckling.
Lighter papers may buckle easily, whereas heavier, more robust papers provide a sturdy surface that can absorb water without compromising the texture.
Typically, watercolor papers range from 190 to 800 gsm (grams per square meter), with 300 gsm being a popular choice for professional work.
Understanding the paper’s weight will help you select the best fit for your painting style and the techniques you intend to use, ensuring a smoother, more successful painting experience.
Light, Medium, and Heavy Weights
I love using different weights of watercolour paper. Let’s explore the light, medium, and heavy options.
- Light paper weighs 90lb or 190gsm. It’s thin and best for quick sketches.
- Medium paper is 140lb or 300gsm. This weight works well for most projects and takes about 8 minutes to soak.
- Heavy paper comes in at 300lb or 640gsm. It’s very stable and feels substantial in your hands.
- Heavier papers warp less when wet. They can handle more water and paint layers.
- The Millford paper is a special 140lb option. It’s made to resist water better than standard papers.
- Light paper is cheaper but may buckle with lots of water. It’s good for practice or travel.
- Medium paper is the most common choice. It balances cost and quality for many artists.
- Heavy paper rarely needs stretching. It’s great for wet techniques and large paintings.
Paper Formats to Consider
Watercolour paper comes in different formats. You can pick from sheets, blocks, pads, or rolls based on your needs.
Sheets, Blocks, Pads, and Rolls
Watercolour paper comes in various formats to suit different needs. I’ll share some common types you might find useful.
- Sheets: These are single pieces of paper. Full imperial size is 76 cm x 56 cm. Half imperial is 38 cm x 56 cm. Quarter imperial is 28 cm x 38 cm.
- Blocks: These are pads of paper glued on all sides. You paint on the top sheet, then peel it off when done.
- Pads: These are stacks of loose sheets bound on one side. They’re easy to carry and use for quick sketches or studies.
- Rolls: These are long sheets of paper rolled up. One Arches roll equals 24 full imperial sheets.
- Cotton paper: This high-quality paper is made from cotton fibres. It’s strong and absorbs water well.
- Handmade paper: This paper is crafted by hand. It often has unique textures and edges.
- Archival paper: This paper is acid-free. It won’t yellow or break down over time.
- Black watercolour paper: This dark paper creates striking effects with light-coloured paints.
Concluding Thoughts on How To Choose The Right Watercolor Paper
Selecting the appropriate watercolour paper is essential for creating outstanding artwork. I’ve provided guidance on paper varieties, weights, and textures.
You can now select paper that suits your artistic approach and financial considerations.
Experimenting with various papers will help you discover your preferred choice and witness your art flourish.
FAQs About How To Choose The Right Watercolor Paper
1. What types of watercolour paper are best for beginners?
For new artists, cold press watercolour paper is a good choice. It’s easy to use and works well with many techniques. Paper pads of 300 gsm weight are great to start with.
2. How does paper weight affect watercolour painting?
Paper weight matters a lot. Heavier papers, like 300 gsm, hold more water without buckling. This allows for better washes and layering. Lighter papers may need stretching before use.
3. What’s the difference between student and professional grade paper?
Professional grade paper is often made of cotton and lasts longer. It’s more costly but gives better results. Student grade paper is cheaper and good for practice. The quality affects how paint looks and behaves.
4. Should I use hot press or cold press paper?
This depends on what you want to do. Hot press is smooth and good for detailed work. Cold press has texture and is great for most techniques. Try both to see what you like best.
5. How do I know if paper is archival quality?
Archival paper is acid-free and made to last. It’s often called “rag paper” and is made from cotton. This type of paper won’t yellow or break down over time. It’s best for artwork you want to keep.
6. Can I use watercolour paper for other media?
Yes, watercolour paper works well with other water-based paints like gouache and acrylic. Some artists even use it for drawing. The paper’s strength and texture make it versatile for many art forms.
References:
- https://www.printful.com/glossary/archival-quality
- How do I flatten a buckled painting? (2016, July 15). Strathmoreart. https://www.strathmoreartist.com/faq-full/what-is-the-difference-between-acid-free-archival#:~:text=Acid%2Dfree%20papers%20are%20made,or%20formed%20through%20natural%20aging.
- Blumenthal, B. (2023, May 15). Black watercolor paper and how to use — Brett Blumenthal Studio. Brett Blumenthal Studio. https://www.brettblumenthalstudio.com/blog/black-watercolor-paper-review
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