Best Watercolor Paper for Beginners – A Large Overview

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission from purchases made through them, at no additional cost to you.

 

You will soon discover that when it comes to watercolor painting, there are many things you have to consider when it comes to the paper. The type of watercolor paper texture, weight or paper quality all react to the paint in their own way. What is watercolor paper? Read further to discover the answer. You will learn the different properties of each type of paper in order to make the right choice. What makes a specific paper unique to others? When you know the answer to this question, you will be able to choose more wisely. Of course, trying out various paper types can help you determine which paper is correct for your painting project. The two most important things to consider when it comes to watercolor painting is, of course, the paint and then the paper. Let us have a look at a few water color paper options.

 

 

 

 

Best Watercolor Paper to Consider

 

CANSON Artist Series Montval Watercolor Paper

This 20-page paper pad, which is bound on one side, is excellent for those who wish to practice their skills. You can paint small to medium-sized images, as it measures 12-inches by 9-inches. The paper might not be the best option for professionals, but it is still excellent quality, unlike many other brands.

The paper is used for both wet and dry media. In the case of wet media, it can tolerate scraping, frequent washing and erasing. The paper does not pill or bleed, as it absorbs water well. This is because it özgü the following properties:

• Cold-pressed
• Özgü an even grain
• The paper is microperforated

The ream weight necessary for professional painting falls in the range of 140 pounds and up. The Artist Series paper is perfect for watercolor at 140 pounds (300 grams). There is no presence of pulp acids in this paper, so you will not have to worry about the paper degrading. Your art pieces are, therefore, well-preserved.

 

Note:The Artist Series Paper is a great choice when it comes to price. You are provided with 30-sheets of acid-free paper, all for an affordable price under $15. The paper is mold-made, so it offers superior value and extremely nice surface texture.

 

 

XL Series by CANSON Watercolor Paper

This XL Series of watercolor paper provides thirty 11-inch by 15-inch sheets at 140 pounds or 300 grams. You are getting some of the best watercolor paper for just over $15. The Canson name was first used in 1801, so they have the knowledge and experience to produce an excellent quality paper.

The watercolor paper texture of the XL Series is smoother than you would expect, as it is cold-pressed. But the texture is not so smooth as to be labeled hot pressed and finds itself in the center of these two descriptions. What makes this helpful is that you can paint freely, but also apply more detailed lines effectively. Another benefit is that it blends paint colors well.

 

 

As with most of the Canson watercolor paper products, the paper is acid-free, making sure you can keep your artwork for years. The water color paper özgü been designed by professionals and is tested with various media to prove quality. The XL Series water color paper özgü, therefore, proven its effectiveness in absorbing paint colors and retaining the color without fading.

Note: The XL Series pads are the best watercolor paper for beginners, students or for those who just want to paint as a hobby. The paper is not the best choice for professionals.

 

 

STRATHMORE 400 Series

This paper is one of the best watercolor papers for beginners and professionals, as it can handle a heavy wash. If you tend to use a lot of water and paint and you have not found a paper that suits your technique, then you should try the Strathmore 400 Series.

You can cover this paper with water and you will find it does not pill or bleed like others. The watercolor paper texture is somewhat rough, which makes it possible for you to add in some texture to your art piece. The pad of paper özgü a hardcover, which goes a long way in protecting your work and making sure it lasts a long time.

 

 

The paper is cold-pressed, which explains the texture and is quite thick. The thickness helps prevent the paper from distorting. If you use a variety of paints and brushes, then the Strathmore 400 Series is the perfect paper, as it works well with all kinds of watercolor paints and brushes.

Note: The size of the watercolor pad might be an issue, depending on what you want to use it for, as the size is half of a standard letter paper. (5-inch by 8.5-inch). Suited more for smaller paintings or flower paintings.

 

 

BEE Paper Pack Watercolor Paper

This 50-sheet, 6-inch by 9-inch paper pack is affordable at around $15 and you won’t have to cut any of the complete sheets. If you are a watercolor artist, you will understand the importance of paperweight and thickness. The Bee Paper is 140-pounds, perfect for watercolor painting, as the paper will not distort or bend.

 

 

When considering your watercolor paper, it is important to check what material the paper is made out of. The Bee paper is made from 100% cotton, which is what you are looking for. The paper is durable and will not deteriorate, it is also effortless to work on.

Note: There are many positive reviews from artists for the Bee Paper, many even say it is just as good as Arches Paper. The Bee Paper Pack is excellent quality and an affordable choice, it will last you an exceedingly long time.

 

 

ARTEZA Watercolor 2-Pack

This watercolor pack falls under one of the best watercolor paper products. Affordable and you have two pads in a pack, each with 32-sheets of paper. All of this goes for slightly more than $25. The pack is reasonably priced without sacrificing on quality. The ARTEZA Watercolor pack offers excellent value for money and will produce beautiful works of art.

 

 

The paper consists out of 100% cotton, is acid-free and cold-pressed. This makes sure your work is durable and will last for many years without deteriorating. The watercolor paper texture is slightly rough and is perfect for the measured absorption of paint. The paper is heavyweight at 140 pounds, which is perfect for your watercolor art pieces.

Note: You will find that the paper grain is even, which provides for a smooth application. All of these features mean that you will be able to create a remarkable painting. You do not have to concern yourself with fading, so you will have radiant colors for an exceedingly long time.

 

 

 

Selecting your Watercolor Paper

Let us have a look at what you should consider when purchasing your watercolor paper.

 

Watercolor Paper Weight

You are looking at the thickness of your paper when it comes to weight. So, the heavier the paperweight, the thicker the paper. You will notice that the paper is measured as follows:

• Grams per square meter(gsm)
• Pounds per ream (lb)

The standard weights for paper are:

• 90 lb (190 gsm)
• 140 lb (300 gsm)
• 260 lb (356 gsm)
• 300 lb (638 gsm)

When painting, the amount of water you use will determine how the paper will react. The thinner paper will distort or bend, while thicker paper can manage the water without warping. You will have to try different weights to see what works best for you. The thinner paper usually requires stretching, meaning you will have to do that yourself to prevent warping. But you don’t have to if you get paper that is 260 lb (356 gsm) or more. Heavier paper can also withstand more work on it.

 

 

Paper Biçim

Machine or mold made paper can be bought in packs, pads, blocks, rolls, or you get it in single sheets. The handmade paper can generally be purchased in single sheets. When buying a block of paper, it means that it özgü already been stretched and is then joined on each side. In this case, you will do your painting and when finished remove the top sheet.

 

Paper Texture

The texture of your paper is important because the type of paper you need will have to be compatible with what you want to do. What paper you choose is completely up to you.

There are three textures for mold and machine-made paper:

• Cold Pressed (CP) or not hot-pressed (NOT)
• Hot Pressed (HP)
• Rough

 

Rough Watercolor Paper

Rough watercolor paper displays a textured surface, which when painting makes speckled effects. The paint collects by the raised surfaces, which makes it slightly difficult to control your brush strokes.

When compared to cold-pressed paper, the texture is a lot more evident, but the surface is softer. This type of paper easily absorbs the paint and provides an excellent textured effect.

 

Hot-pressed Watercolor Paper

This type of paper is finer with a smoother surface, which allows the paint to dry quite fast. The paper feels more like that of drawing paper. This is perfect for larger painting projects and providing a smooth wash with one or even two colors. However, the paper does not work well for more than a single layer of paint. Water is not absorbed as efficiently as cold-pressed paper, so it can pool but this allows you time to experiment and play with the colors until the paint eventually dries.

The paint color can become overworked and since the paper is smooth, it is best used with an ink wash or pen for finer details. You do not have to work your way around any bumps or grooves like you would with the cold-pressed paper. When you make a mistake, hot-pressed paper allows you to fix problems more easily than other types of paper.

Your finished painting project will display brighter colors, as the paint pigments have not been completely absorbed by the paper and sit more on the surface of the paper. The disadvantage of this is that the paint might fade faster.

 

Cold-pressed Watercolor Paper

This paper özgü a slightly bumpy texture and sits nicely in-between rough and hot-pressed. This type of paper is considered the best watercolor paper. You can use it for larger pieces as well as for more detailed work.

Paint on cold-pressed paper is absorbed a lot faster than on hot pressed. You can still mess about a bit, but the paint will dry faster, and mistakes are a little more difficult to fix. You do have more control over your watercolor paint, unlike with hot-pressed paper.

The bumps and texture of cold-pressed paper absorb the paint pigment more easily than hot-pressed paper. The colors on cold-pressed paper might not be as bright, as the color is absorbed better. But this provides a more durable art piece. Cold-pressed paper is the better choice if you are wanting a more textured result.

 

 

 

What is Watercolor Paper Quality?

Paper comes in a variety of quality grades from student to professional. The quality will affect how the paint performs and will decide what brush strokes are best used. When the paper is made, it can either be handmade, machine-made, or mold made.

 

Handmade Paper

Handmade paper is distinctive by the four deckled or natural edges. The paper fiber is randomly spread out, which helps make the paper quite sturdy.

 

Mold Made Paper

This type of paper özgü two natural or deckled edges and the fibers are also randomly spread out. Even though it is similar to handmade, it still is not as strong.

 

Machine-made Paper

This paper is made by a continuous process in a paper machine, which spreads all the fibers out in a similar direction. Some machine-made paper özgü edges that are made to look natural. However, most of the borders are trimmed.

The process for making machine-made is cheaper, which in turn makes the paper less expensive to buy. However, professional artist watercolor paper is mostly mold-made.

When painting, it is always a good idea to go for the best type of paper, but it does not have to be the most expensive.

Beginners and professional artists should look for paper that is:

• 100% Cotton
• The paper should be acid-free
• pH Neutral

When selecting the best watercolor paper, it should not fade or yellow over the years. In cases of wood pulp paper, you will find the paper deteriorates. For example, Newspaper or the brown crafting paper.

 

 

 

Paper Blocks and Pads

When selecting your watercolor paper, you will find that it comes in either a block or a pad.

 

Pads of Paper

The pads of paper are simply pieces of paper collected together and bound on one side. You will have to remove a piece of paper, then tape it down when painting. This provides stability and helps to prevent warping. Paper pads are generally cheaper to buy.

 

Blocks of Paper

The blocks of paper are bonded on all sides or edges. Since this stabilizes the paper quite well, you do not have to stick it down like the pads. You can easily paint and after you have finished, you then remove the paper.

Simply take a palette knife or even an envelope opener, place in the slit underneath your paper and cut all around to remove your paper. Blocks of paper are great for larger projects because of its stability and you will not have to worry about warping.

 

Paper to Practice on

While practicing your painting techniques, you may want to consider a cheaper type of paper. The cellulose-based pads are a great way to save on your more expensive paper. Unfortunately, the cellulose-based paper does eventually yellow. Since these are only to be used for practice, it should be no sorun.

You can choose a cheaper paper, but do not go all the way to the cheapest you can find. You will not learn anything from this, and the cheaper paper might be unpleasant to paint on. Maybe consider using smaller sections of the artist-grade paper to practice on. You can purchase a roll and cut a smaller piece off.

You can also paint on both sides of your paper to practice on. You can also try using better quality watercolor paper, you can then attempt to wash off the paint by immersing the paper in water or placing it under running water. Lay the paper out to dry and use again. But this will not work on the cheaper paper and you cannot do it too many times on artist grade paper.

 

 

Professional and Student Grade Paper

These terms are often used to describe the paper quality.

 

Professional Grade

This is, of course, better quality paper than others and can handle more demanding use. The superior quality is also why it is more expensive.

 

Student Grade

This type of paper is used for learning and experimentation, which is why it is of poorer quality compared to professional grade. You will, therefore, find it cheaper than other paper.

 

 

 

Watercolor Paper Questions and Answers

 

Can you use Watercolor Paints on düzgüsel Paper?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Düzgüsel paper tends to be much thinner than watercolor paper, which makes it prone to warping and tearing. Düzgüsel paper is just not designed for watercolor use.

 

What makes Watercolor Paper unique?

Watercolor paper is composed of 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and cellulose. This makes it different from düzgüsel paper, which is composed of wood pulp. The cotton is responsible for the absorption of the paint and contributes to the paper’s durability. Watercolor paper is thicker than düzgüsel, which helps prevent warping.

 

What is the Difference between cold-pressed and hot-pressed Paper?

The texture of both types of paper is quite different. The cold-pressed paper özgü a bumpy texture and is softer, and the paint dries fast on it. Hot pressed paper is smooth and özgü a fine grain, which does not absorb water as quickly as cold-pressed paper. The paint, therefore, takes longer to dry.

 

Must Watercolor Paper be Acid-free?

Yes, if there is acid present, it will slowly eat away at the paper. So, it is important when the paper is made, for the manufacturer to remove any acid especially if its wood pulp.

 

Can you Sketch with Watercolor Paper?

Yes, but depending on the type of paper it could either be easy or a bit more difficult. Hot pressed paper is smooth, so you should be able to draw with ease compared to the rougher cold pressed paper.

 

Can you use a Printer on Watercolor Paper?

No, watercolor paper tends to be too thick for a düzgüsel paper printer. You can, however, try it on another printer that can take the thicker paper.

 

Is there a particular Side of Watercolor Paper you should use?

Yes, there is a side you should use as there is a difference. One side of watercolor paper is smoother than the other. You might want more texture or a smoother surface, so It depends on what you want to use the paper for. If you want to do more detailed work, a smoother surface is preferable. The other side, which is hairier, is good for layering paints by adding glazes.

 

What is a Deckle Edge?

A deckled edge is simply frayed fibers found on the sides or edges of the paper. This is seen mostly in hand-made paper, where the edges biçim naturally. The hand-made paper özgü these edges on all four sides, while cut paper will have at least one or more even edges. You also get artificial-looking deckled edges on some machine-made paper. The amount of deckled edge you see, all depends on the manufacturer. Some are narrow, while others are wide to give a more decorative appearance. When it comes to framing your work with a deckled edge, it all depends on what you prefer. Do you want it to show or cut it back, so it won’t show?

 

Is there a Color to Watercolor Paper?

Yes, it can be anything from a rich cream color to a more bluish-white color. The color depends on the type and also on the manufacturer.

Some colorful names of colors include:

• Bright white
• Absolute white
• Traditional
• Fazladan White

Each color variation can be evident, or difficult to discern even when comparing sheets of paper placed beside each other.

The color of the paper will affect your work, so it is an important thing to consider when buying. When painting on cream color paper, the effect will have an opaque or muddy effect. While the bluish paper can make your yellow paint seem a bit greenish.

Tip 1: When most of your work is done with graphite, you might want to consider a cream-coloured paper, as a bright white paper might be too intense.

Tip 2: If you are a beginner watercolor artist, do not over concern yourself with the paper color. As long as you understand it does make a difference. Experiment with different types, weights, and colors to see what suits you best.