What is the Best Watercolour Paper to Use?
Painting on Arches cold pressed paper
With watercolour painting, opinion differs when it comes to which type of paper is best.
Generally, however, watercolourists tend to favour textured papers, as they are more absorbent and provide the artist with more control over the application and movement of the paint.
The two most popular types of paper for watercolour painting are cotton paper and rag paper. While the terms "rag" and "cotton" are often used interchangeably, there are slight differences between the two.
I’m going to get a bit technical here so bear with me.
Cotton papers are made from cotton linters, which are short strands of cotton that have been removed from raw cotton fibres during the ginning process.
Rag paper is more often made from 100% cotton fabric scraps, although it can also contain linen or other natural fibers. If you want your paper to be strong and durable, using rag fibers is a great choice. This is because they offer longer fibers that add extra strength to your paper. They are especially suitable for those who want high-quality and long-lasting paper.
Cotton papers, on the other hand, are usually softer and more absorbent than rag papers. This makes them great for creating delicate washes and fine details, as the paint will settle into the paper's texture and move more freely.
Painting on cold pressed paper
Louise looking at the watercolour paper on offer at an art shop..
When it comes to choosing the best paper for your watercolour painting, it really depends on what type of artwork you are trying to create. There are several factors to consider such as texture, absorbency, thickness, weight and size.
Paper Texture
The choice of watercolour paper texture depends on the artist's personal preference and the effect they want to achieve in their paintings.
Hot Pressed: This is a smooth paper with a fine surface texture. It's perfect for detailed and precise work, as the smooth surface allows for sharp lines and fine details. It is not as popular as cold pressed paper because it is a little more difficult to use. It’s not as thirsty and the paint and water doesn’t absorb as quickly.
Poppies on hot pressed paper
Cold Pressed: This is the most popular texture of watercolour paper, and it has a slightly rough surface that gives a more textured look to paintings. It's versatile and can be used for a variety of painting styles and techniques. I recommend this texture if you are beginning to paint in watercolour.
Cold pressed paper
Rough: This is the most textured watercolour paper, with a rough and uneven surface that can create interesting and unpredictable effects in paintings. It's often used for landscapes.
Rough paper
Soft-pressed: This sits in between hot-pressed and cold-pressed, and has a slightly textured surface. It's a good option for artists who want a little bit of texture, but not as much as cold-pressed paper.
Soft pressed paper
Soft pressed paper. Close up showing the texture
I made a video where I compared the differences between painting on hot pressed paper and cold pressed paper.
Ultimately, the best paper for you will depend on your own personal preference and style.
I personally recommend Arches brand 100% cotton paper for high-quality watercolour painting.
It offers a good balance of texture, absorbency and strength, so it can handle a variety of watercolour techniques and applications. I use both 300gsm (140lb) and 640gsm (300lb) cold pressed paper. I buy sheets of it in bulk and I store the sheets in my big paper cabinet. I also buy A3 size Arches pads to practice on.
Watercolour sheets purchased in bulk
Two other brands I have used are Saunders Waterford and Fabriano Artistico. They are both good quality papers.
Wood Pulp Paper
If you are a beginner painter you might be tempted to buy less expensive wood pulp paper.
I don’t recommend it. It is not suitable for painting in watercolour because it lacks the necessary absorbency and texture to hold watercolour pigments properly. You will probably find it difficult to paint on and then you might decide that painting in watercolour isn’t for you and that would be ‘tearable’! 😳
I have a video here where I did a comparison between cotton watercolour paper and wood pulp paper that you might find interesting.
With a good quality paper and proper preparation, you can create beautiful watercolour paintings that will last a lifetime.
And……that’s a wrap. 😄
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