About Watercolor Paper
To paint with watercolors, one needs watercolor paper. Preferably the best watercolor paper. I remember when I was a small child and I was given a set of watercolors as a gift. I never knew what to do with them because they’d soak through paper and not stick to canvas. It wasn’t until I was a big smart grownup that I began studying Art. As it turns out, watercolor paints require watercolor paper.
So what is watercolor paper? It’s a special kind of paper that has been prepared In such a way that makes painting with watercolors an awesome experience. That is if you get the right paper. In fact, the paper you choose can make or break your whole flow, so choose wisely. Experiment, and find the one that suits you best.
Properties of Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper has several properties that distinguish it from your run of the mill paper. It’s important to know these things because it would help you make your own decisions on which supplies to choose. Those are…
Thickness
also known as weight. Your typical watercolor paper is labeled 140lb, but you may also find lighter papers at 90 lbs and super thick paper at 300lbs. These weights are based on the weight of a specific amount of sheets stacked on top of one another at the manufacturers.
The thinner 90 lb paper is great for drawing and light watercolor but will warp with any heavy application. The 140lb is a bit better, but will require stretching to keep from buckling on heavy applications. 300 lb paper is very thick and can be painted on without stretching. These different paper weights also feel different to paint on and produce different results so its a good idea to experiment and see which suits you best.
Sizing
A gelatin additive that controls the paper’s absorbency and dictates how the paint will sit on the paper. Each manufacturer sizes their sheets differently, with higher quality brands doing a better job of it. Sheets are either sized internally or externally. Internal sizing refers to the gelatin being added during the manufacturing process while external sizing is done after, with the finished paper being dipped into the sizing.
Material
Watercolor paper is usually made of either wood pulp or cotton. Wood pulp paper is more affordable, but less durable. Durability matters because you want your paper to hold well throughout the painting process. Cotton paper is the good stuff, and touted by some artists as the only paper that should be used when painting in watercolors. There’s a good reason for that, as the quality of paper effects the painting process immensely, from the experience of making it, to the final result.
That is not to say that wood pulp paper should not be used at all. There is a lot of practice to be done and getting some more affordable paper will help practice mixing colors or trying out some techniques without using up precious cotton paper.
Acid Free
Wood pulp is naturally acidic, so additives need to be mixed into the formula to make it PH neutral. As a rule, any acidic surface is bad for your art. The surface will eat away at itself and anything touching it over time. An example of this is if you have your watercolor paper laying on some exposed wood for a while or you’ve been touching it a lot, then you go to paint on it and realize all your colors are acting very strange on the paper and ruining your painting. It also causes the paper, and therefore the painting, to yellow over time if your paper is acidic.
Cotton is naturally acid free and requires no additives to make it such. Luckily, most artist’s papers are acid free, but it’s good to know this and check before you purchase a supply.
Press or Texture
The “press” of the paper refers to its texture quality. There are traditionally 3 different presses- Hot press is a smooth texture similar to drawing paper. This allows for smoother strokes and less texture to show through on the paint. This helps when doing very detailed work too. Cold press is the most commonly used paper with a medium tooth that allows for both detailed work and beautiful textures. The third is just called Rough. Rough watercolor paper has a strong texture and is best suited for work that is heavy on textures.
Form Factor
Watercolor paper comes in 3 forms: sheets, pads, and blocks. Watercolor sheets are often very large, typically measuring 20-30” across. Watercolor paintings are usually much smaller than that. The sheets can be cut into any size and format the artist needs. Watercolor pads are just pads of paper. These papers and the cut sheets would need to be stretched properly before painting to avoid buckling. This leads us to watercolor blocks, my personal favorite. A block is just like a pad, but the sheets have been glued on all sides. This keeps the paper tight and eliminates the need for stretching.
List of Best Watercolor Paper
Arches
Arches Watercolor Paper stands at the pinnacle of professional art papers, revered for its superior quality. Crafted in France with a tradition stretching back to 1492, Arches paper is made from 100% cotton, providing strength, durability, and a beautifully absorbent surface. Its natural texture and ability to resist scrubbing and erasing make it the preferred choice for watercolor artists worldwide.
Fabriano
Fabriano, with its rich heritage dating back to the 13th century, is synonymous with world-class art papers. Made in Italy, Fabriano’s watercolor papers are prized for their exceptional quality and environmental sustainability. The papers, crafted with a blend of cotton and high-quality cellulose, offer artists a smooth, durable surface for creating vibrant and detailed artworks.
Canson XL Mixed Media Pads
Canson XL Mixed Media Pads offer a versatile and economical option for artists who dabble in various mediums. With a heavyweight paper that can handle watercolor, acrylic, pen, and pencil, these pads are an excellent choice for students and professionals alike. The pads’ durability and fine texture make them particularly suited for mixed media explorations.
Stillman and Birn Sketchbooks
Stillman and Birn Sketchbooks elevate the sketchbook to a professional-quality art medium. Offering a variety of paper types, including options well-suited for watercolor, these sketchbooks cater to artists who demand durability and performance. Their commitment to archival quality ensures that your creations withstand the test of time.
Strathmore
Strathmore Watercolor Papers are known for their excellence and versatility, catering to a wide range of artists’ needs. From beginner to professional, Strathmore provides high-quality papers that ensure pleasing texture, absorbency, and durability. Their commitment to artist-grade papers makes them a staple in the art community.
Winsor & Newton
Winsor & Newton, a brand synonymous with art excellence, extends its quality to watercolor papers designed to meet the expectations of discerning artists. Their papers are engineered to enhance the performance of Winsor & Newton watercolor paints, offering a perfect blend of durability and absorbency for artists who demand the best.
Fluid
Fluid Watercolor Papers offer the ideal balance between quality and affordability. Made with 100% cotton and available in both cold and hot press, these papers provide artists with a high-grade surface for watercolor work. Their easy-block format means no stretching is required, making them a convenient choice for artists at all levels.
Bonus: Introducing Watercolor Ground!
Now, as promised, here’s a bonus tip in the form of watercolor ground. Watercolor ground is an acrylic based primer similar to the gesso primer used for acrylic painting, but with the proper level of absorbancy for watercolor painting. Essentially the artist can prime any surface they would like with watercolor ground and start painting on it as if it were watercolor paper.
Paper is great and all but when you’ve finished your painting, you have to find a way to display it, which typically requires a frame with glass. Sometimes this isn’t how you want to display your painting or maybe you want your painting on a canvas or board or something else entirely. That’s where watercolor ground comes in. It doesn’t feel just like paper and has some unique qualities that make the painting process different. For some its better and for some its not as good. I highly recommend you try it out for yourself. And without further adieu, here’s a list of my favorite watercolor grounds available.
Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground
Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground is a game-changer for artists looking to expand the range of surfaces they can paint on with watercolors. This innovative product allows for the application of watercolor paints on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood, and metal, not traditionally suited for watercolor. It dries to a light-absorbent, soft, and textured surface that mimics the properties of high-quality watercolor paper, enabling beautiful washes, glazing, and lifting. Available in different finishes, such as transparent and various colors, Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground opens up new creative possibilities for watercolor artists.
Qor Watercolor Ground
QoR Watercolor Ground, from Golden Artist Colors, brings a modern approach to traditional watercolor techniques. Designed to transform nearly any surface into a watercolor-friendly one, QoR Watercolor Ground makes it possible to explore watercolors on canvas, wood, metal, and even plastic. It provides a smooth, absorbent surface that replicates the feel and behavior of cold-press watercolor paper, allowing for stunning washes, gradients, and effects. This ground dries to a lightfast, flexible surface, ensuring the longevity of your artwork across various mediums.
Schmincke Watercolor Ground
QoR Watercolor Ground, from Golden Artist Colors, brings a modern approach to traditional watercolor techniques. Designed to transform nearly any surface into a watercolor-friendly one, QoR Watercolor Ground makes it possible to explore watercolors on canvas, wood, metal, and even plastic. It provides a smooth, absorbent surface that replicates the feel and behavior of cold-press watercolor paper, allowing for stunning washes, gradients, and effects. This ground dries to a lightfast, flexible surface, ensuring the longevity of your artwork across various mediums.
Conclusion
the journey to finding your ideal watercolor paper may involve a bit of experimentation, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor that can elevate your art to new heights. Remember, the right paper not only enhances your painting experience but also ensures the longevity and vibrancy of your work. So, take your time, try out different options, and find the paper that not only meets your budget but also complements your artistic style and preferences. Happy painting!
If you’re still shopping for watercolor supplies and would like to see my top picks for watercolor paper, brushes and more, check out the additional posts below.
