5 best watercolor paper

Watercolor paper is a specialized type of paper designed for use with watercolor painting techniques.It plays a crucial role in the outcome of a watercolor artwork due to its unique characteristics. Here's what you should know about watercolor paper:

  1. Weight and Thickness: Watercolor paper comes in various weights or thicknesses, typically measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). Common weights include 90 lbs (190 gsm), 140 lbs (300 gsm), and 300 lbs (640 gsm). Heavier paper is more durable and can withstand wetter painting techniques without warping or buckling.

  2. Texture: Watercolor paper can have different surface textures, which affect the appearance of the finished painting. The three primary textures are:

    • Hot-Pressed (HP): Smooth and ideal for fine detail work and illustrations.
    • Cold-Pressed (CP) or Not (NP): The most popular choice, featuring a textured surface that adds depth and character to watercolor paintings. Cold-pressed paper is versatile and suits a wide range of styles.
    • Rough: The most textured option, providing a more expressive and organic feel to artwork. Rough paper is often preferred for landscapes and loose, free-flowing painting styles.

  3. Sizing: Watercolor paper is usually treated with sizing agents to control how the paper absorbs water and pigment. Sizing prevents the paper from absorbing water too quickly, allowing artists more control over their brushstrokes and washes.

  4. Color: Watercolor paper is available in both white and off-white or cream colors. The choice of color can influence the overall appearance and mood of the painting. White paper tends to produce brighter and more vibrant colors, while off-white paper can create a warmer and more traditional look.

  5. Acidity and Archival Quality: High-quality watercolor paper is acid-free and often labeled as "archival quality." Acid-free paper is essential for preserving the longevity of the artwork, preventing yellowing and deterioration over time.

  6. Stretching: Stretching watercolor paper involves wetting and taping it to a rigid support to prevent it from buckling or warping when it gets wet during the painting process. Heavier-weight papers are less prone to warping and may not require stretching for certain techniques.

  7. Block or Loose Sheets: Watercolor paper can be purchased in bound blocks or as loose sheets. Blocks are convenient because they are already stretched and bound on all sides, eliminating the need for additional stretching.

  8. Uses: Watercolor paper is specifically designed for water-based painting techniques, including watercolor painting, gouache, and ink washes. Its ability to handle the absorption and flow of water and pigment makes it suitable for creating vibrant and translucent artworks.

  9. Availability: Watercolor paper is widely available at art supply stores and online retailers. It comes in various sizes and formats, including pads, sheets, rolls, and blocks, to accommodate different preferences and project requirements.

In summary, watercolor paper is a crucial component of the watercolor painting process. Its weight, texture, sizing, and other characteristics greatly influence the outcome of the artwork. Artists choose watercolor paper based on their preferred painting style, techniques, and desired results, ensuring that it complements their creative vision.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best watercolor paper on the market
  

UCreate Watercolor Paper, White, Package, 140 lb., 9" x 12", 50 Sheets

Pacon Corp.

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

"This thick 140 lb. watercolor paper in economical packages is perfect for student grade artwork. These sturdy sheets have a uniform texture and whiteness, and are ideal for wet and mixed media. This 9-inch by 12-inch pad includes 50 sheets and is perfect for groups or classroom activities. Acid-free and recyclable. UCreate Watercolor Paper is used in Fresh Artists programs which benefit children in under resourced schools."

  • Thick 140 lb. watercolor paper
  • Sturdy loose pages are perfect for wet media
  • Great for large groups or classrooms at the beginner to intermediate levels
  • Works well with wet and mixed media techniques
  • Acid-free and recyclable

User questions & answers

Question: Does this work well for fingerpainting
Answer: The envelope is a cream-white color. If you are able to zoom on image 3 you can see some of it behind the red card.
Question: Would this paper soak in alcohol ink? I needed to soak, but not to stain on the back
Answer: No they are not blank.
Question: How does this hold up to wet-on-wet painting technique
Answer: No. It’s cute, but not super fancy.
Question: What is the fiber content
Answer: Attach your photo in the conversation.

Product features

UCreate Art Papers & Pads

UCreate Art Papers offers the perfect solution for beginning to intermediate artists. These versatile drawing and sketch pads come in a variety of age-appropriate styles and paper grades. Each UCreate pad features a heavy chipboard back and sturdy binding so you know they’ll last.

UCreate Mixed Media Paper

UCreate Mixed Media paper is a high-quality, heavyweight White sulphite paper that’s perfect for a variety of applications from pencil and charcoal to marker and oil pastels. Teachers also love it for wet media like watercolors. Mixed Media paper comes in a variety of sizes including pads, reams and rolls, so there’s a size right for every project.

UCreate Poster Boards

This classic poster board is perfect for poster and sign making, stenciling and arts and crafts too. This versatile product is thick enough to handle any media from markers to paints. It comes in standard to premium quality and is available in a variety of sizes and colors so you’re sure to find the right board for your project. Also check out additional specialty boards like chalkboard, metallic and gold glitter border.

UCreate Foam Boards

UCreate Foam Boards are made with polystyrene extruded foam, laminated between two sheets of paper to form a lightweight, but strong, rigid surface. Ideal for crafts, school projects, framing, mounting, displays, posters and exhibits. Easy-to-cut sheets have a smooth surface and accept a wide range of media, including paints. Sheets are 3/16" thick.

We are now Dixon Ticonderoga Company.

Pacon and Dixon Ticonderoga have joined forces because we believe in helping every artist, student and teacher achieve their full potential. We do this because we believe creativity can change the world. This is why we produce the world’s best pencil, the finest art papers, premium art supplies, craft essentials and more…to give everyone the tools and confidence to put pencil to paper, make that first brush stroke or share their ideas. Dixon Ticonderoga Company. The Catalyst of Creativity.

Canson 100510941 XL Series Watercolor Pad, 1 Pack, Multicolor

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Canson XL 9x12 Watercolor Pads feature a cold press, textured paper that works beautifully for a variety of techniques. Recommended for use with watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, marker, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, and pastel. The durable surface withstands repeated washes. These pads contain 30 sheets of 140 lb /300 gram acid free paper.

  • Cold press textured paper.
  • Recommended for use with watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, marker, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, and pastel.
  • Durable surface withstands repeated washes.
  • Acid free. Natural white color and texture
  • Also available in 11" x 14", 12" x 18", and 18" x 24".

User questions & answers

Question: Would this paper be good to use to print an image on, then colorize the printed image with watercolor pencils and water applied with brushes
Answer: Yes
Question: can you just put it on the easel? Or you need to put a piece of paper on the drawing board
Answer: I used it for my best friend of 30 years. It could be used for a 5 year old. I would say better for adults but greeting cards don't have age limits.
Question: What is the content of the paper? It isn't stated in the description, but I would like to know if it's 100% cotton or not
Answer: No, it was in one of Amazon's typical white pkgs that you can't see what is in it
Question: Is this really good for water coloring
Answer: The music did not work.

Product features

Details

Pads: 9"x12", 11"x14", 12"x18", 18"x24"

Weight: 140lb (300g)

Cold press surface, 30 sheets, acid free, natural white

Features

Heavyweight sheets that are ideal for beginning and intermediate watercolor artists. The durable cold press surface withstands repeated washes and is suitable for a variety of wet and dry techniques.

Recommended Techniques

Great for watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, marker, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, pastel

Strathmore 440-1 Strath W.Color 400 9X1212SHT 130 lbspirl, Multicolor

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Strathmore's intermediate grade watercolor paper is popular with watercolorists of all levels because of the fine and even washes that can be achieved. It also has a strong surface that will allow for lifting and scraping applications. The natural white color and traditional cold press surface make it an ideal sheet for mastering watercolor techniques or for finished artwork.

  • Popular with watercolorists of all levels
  • Fine and even washes can be achieved while using these sheets
  • Strong surface that will allow lifting and scraping applications
  • Natural white color and traditional cold press surf
  • Great sheet for mastering watercolor techniques or for finished artwork

User questions & answers

Question: are the pages perforated
Answer: The inside message says: "You're not old as long as you can remember where your nuts are. Happy Birthday"
Question: whats the % of cotton content
Answer: It was. I think I got it the next day
Question: which is the difference between this and 300 series
Answer: Anyone can personalize any card or envelope.
Question: How does this compare to the Strathmore series 500 watercolor paper
Answer: Yes plenty of space for writing

Canson XL Series Watercolor Textured Paper, Use with Paint Pencil Ink Charcoal Pastel and Acrylic, Side Wire Bound, 140 Pound, 9 x 12 Inch, 30 Sheets

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Size: 9 x 12 inch, Style: Side Wire. CANSON XL series watercolor pads are constructed of a cold Press textured paper for a variety of techniques. The durable surface stands up to repeated washes. XL series watercolor is ideal for watercolor and suitable for use with pencil, colored pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, pastel, and acrylic. This side wire pad is 9 x 12 inch of 140 pound/300 gram, acid free paper.

  • Constructed of a cold press textured paper for a variety of techniques
  • Durable surface stands up to repeated washes
  • Ideal for watercolor and suitable for use with pencil, colored pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, pastel, and acrylic
  • This side wire pad is 9 x 12 inches
  • 140 pound/300 gram acid free paper

User questions & answers

Question: Would this paper be good to use to print an image on, then colorize the printed image with watercolor pencils and water applied with brushes
Answer: Hello,it's about 5.83x8.27Inch
Question: can you just put it on the easel? Or you need to put a piece of paper on the drawing board
Answer: Hello, thanks for your message, you can buy 3pcs in one order now, thanks!
Question: What is the content of the paper? It isn't stated in the description, but I would like to know if it's 100% cotton or not
Answer: A4 is about 8.5" x 11" or so. The A5 is about 5.5" x 8.5" (as if you took a piece of printer/notebook paper and folded the shorter sides together)
Question: Is this really good for water coloring
Answer: About 1/2 of them are lined pages and the other 1/2 is lightly dotted like a bullet journal. I ordered 2 and got one that was 1/2 and 1/2 with a few planning pages in the front (gave this to my son, senior in HS). Second one had ALL lined pages. I use it for my teacher planner (made a grid with regular pens that don't erase, then use the erasable one to fill in the lessons) and household planner.

Product features

Details

Pads: 9"x12", 11"x14", 12"x18", 18"x24"

Weight: 140lb (300g)

Cold press surface, 30 sheets, acid free, natural white

Features

Heavyweight sheets that are ideal for beginning and intermediate watercolor artists. The durable cold press surface withstands repeated washes and is suitable for a variety of wet and dry techniques.

Recommended Techniques

Great for watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, marker, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, pastel

Strathmore 140-208 Ready Cut Watercolor, Cold Press, 8" x 10", White, 10 Sheets

Based on 351 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Strathmore 500 Series Ready Cut Watercolor Cold Press Papers are standard sized sheets for ready-made frames and mats perfect for your watercolor creations. Saving you time and money and making framing easier and less expensive, these standard size sheets are ideal for intermediate to advanced watercolorists. The Strathmore 500 Series Ready Cut Watercolor Cold Press Papers utilize a harder size and surface strength to provide greater water hold-out, improved color lifting, and blending. This paper is 100% Cotton, acid free, and archival.

  • Standard size sheets for ready-made frames.
  • Excellent surface strength for greater water hold out, improved color lifting, and blending.
  • 140 lb. / 300 gsm
  • 100% cotton
  • Acid Free

User questions & answers

Question: What is the texture of the 8×10 cold press
Answer: Not spiral, I’m not sure of verbiage but bound like a book
Question: Is this paper white or cream like most of the other Strathmore papers
Answer: 8 1/8 INCHES HIGH, 6 INCHES WIDE
Question: Is this paper laser jet friendly
Answer: I believe it is 6mm.
Question: What is the paper size? It says 8x10 on the description but 5x7 on the picture. Which is right
Answer: Yes, it does. As long as you buy the pad , not the loose paper, you will be able to tuck it in the back of your Filofax.

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