Choosing the right paper for your watercolors can make all the difference in the final outcome of your painting. From texture to thickness, every aspect of the paper plays a vital role in the result of your work.
As a watercolor artist, you want your work to shine and stand out, but with so many paper options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. Fear not. In this ultimate guide, we will delve into the world of watercolor papers, examining different types, textures, finishes, and weights to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to choose the best paper. Dive in, explore, and choose the right paper for your watercolors.
Tabla de contenidos
- 1 Types of paper
- 2 Paper textures
- 3 Paper weight or thickness
- 4 Paper sizes or formats
- 5 The best professional brands to choose the right paper for watercolors
- 6 Factors to consider when choosing the right paper for watercolors
- 7 Choosing professional paper for your watercolors
- 8 Watercolor paper prices
- 9 How to test watercolor paper
- 10 Practical tips for the care and conservation of watercolor paper
- 11 How can watercolor paper be prevented from wrinkling or curling with water?
- 12 How to correct or erase a mistake on watercolor paper?
- 13 How to prepare watercolor paper before painting: stretching and gluing techniques
- 14 Frequently Asked Questions
- 15 Conclusion for choosing the right paper for your watercolors
Types of paper
The type of paper refers to the material it is made of. The most recommended papers for watercolors are cotton or cellulose, as they have greater resistance to water and pigments. Cotton papers are of higher quality and durability, but they are also more expensive. Cellulose papers are more economical and easier to find, but they may yellow or deteriorate over time.
Cotton watercolor paper is more recommended for professional or advanced artists, who are looking for high-quality and high-performance paper. Cellulose watercolor paper may be more suitable for beginner or amateur artists who are looking for more affordable and accessible paper.
Here are some recommendations for cotton and cellulose papers:
Arches Watercolor Pad, Rough Finish, 140 Pound, 10 x 14 Inch, Natural White, 12 Sheets
ARCHES Aquarellpapier. Watercolor Block, 100% Cotton, White, A4 x 12 sheets, 300 g/m2. Fine grain
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Journal, Cold Pressed 140lb, 5×7, White
Legion Saunders Waterford Watercolor Block, 140lb. Cold Press, 9 X 12 inches,
There are also papers with a mixture of cotton and cellulose:
Winsor & Newton Classic Watercolor Paper Pad, 9″ x 12″, Natural White
Paper textures
The texture of the paper is the result of the surface finish given during its manufacture. There are two main processes for producing watercolor paper: hot press and cold press. These processes determine the texture, absorption, and glossiness of the paper. Textures can be classified into three types: smooth, satin or granulated, and rough.
The smooth texture is the softest, without any grain and uniform, ideal for fine details, transparencies, and color gradients. It glides easily under the brush and allows for greater precision in color application. It has a lower capacity for water and pigment absorption and retention, which makes the paper dry faster and less prone to smudging or saturation.
Satin texture is the intermediate one with a slight relief, with a fine and regular grain, which provides brightness and contrast.
Rough texture, which has a coarse and irregular grain, marked and rough, is ideal for artworks with impetuous strokes and textured finishes, suitable for creating landscapes and backgrounds. Rough paper is also ideal for the splatter technique. It has greater water and pigment absorption and retention capacity, allowing for creating layered and transparent effects of brightness and luminosity.
Here are some recommendations for fine-grain and glossy finish papers:
Fabriano Studio Cold Press Watercolor Pad, 11 x 14, White
CANSON XL Watercolour 300gsm A4 Paper, Cold Pressed
Fabriano 1264 Watercolor Pad, 7 x 10, Bright White
Paper weight or thickness
The weight of paper is referred to as its “grammage” and is measured in grams per square meter. The higher the grammage, the thicker and more resistant the paper will be.
Watercolor papers usually have a grammage ranging from 190 to 600 grams per square meter. Papers with lower grammage are lighter and more flexible but also more prone to wrinkling or warping with water. Papers with higher grammage are more rigid and stable but also more difficult to cut or fold. The thickness of the paper affects how the paint is absorbed and mixed.
There are three main types of watercolor paper thickness: light or fine, medium, and heavy or thick.
Lightweight
Lightweight paper is ideal for small-scale watercolor projects. It is easy to work with and dries quickly. Lightweight paper is suitable for creating greeting cards and miniature art projects.
Grammage or weight of fine paper: 90 g/m² to 140 g/m².
Medium
Medium paper is the most commonly used by watercolor artists. It has good water absorption and is ideal for medium-sized projects. Medium paper is suitable for creating landscape and portrait paintings.
Grammage or weight of medium paper: 140 g/m² to 300 g/m².
Heavy
Heavy paper is ideal for large-scale watercolor projects. It has high water absorption and is suitable for wet-on-wet painting techniques. Heavy paper is ideal for creating abstract paintings and large artworks.
Grammage or weight of thick paper: 300 g/m² to 638 g/m².
Here are some recommendations for papers with different weights:
Legion Saunders Waterford Watercolor Block, 140lb. Cold Press, 9 X 12 inches,
Stationery Island Watercolor Paper 300 gr Watercolor Notebook Pad, Din A3 with (20 Sheets) for Children Adults Professional Painting, Drawing and Sketching
Int-rend Watercolor Paper DIN A3 300gr – 20 White Glued Painting Paper + Brush and Pencil for Watercolors – Block
Vaessen Creative Florence Watercolor Paper Textured Surface, 300 gsm, Intense White, A6, 20
Paper sizes or formats
There are different sizes or formats of watercolor paper, which can be adapted to the needs and preferences of each artist. Some of the most common ones are:
Loose sheets: these are the most versatile, as they can be cut or folded according to the size or shape needed. They are sold in different weights and textures, and can be found in sizes such as 50 x 70 cm, 70 x 100 cm, or 100 x 150 cm. They can be purchased individually or in packages of multiple sheets.
Fabriano 300gsm Watercolor Paper – 25 sheets of 70 cm x 50 cm 300gsm Watercolor Painting Paper
Blocs: are notebooks that contain several sheets of watercolor paper bound together on one or more sides. They come in different sizes, from postcard size to 40 x 60 cm, and with different weights and textures. They are practical to take anywhere and to work on a flat and stable surface.
Arches Watercolor Pad, Rough Finish, 140 Pound, 10 x 14 Inch, Natural White, 12 Sheets
Rolls: are rolls of watercolor paper that have a great length and width, usually about 10 meters by 1.10 or 1.50 meters. They are usually used for making large-scale works or for cutting the paper to size. They usually have a high weight and a fine or satin texture.
The choice of the size or format of the watercolor paper will depend on the type of work to be done, personal style, and the available budget. The important thing is that the paper is of good quality and suitable for the watercolor technique.
The best professional brands to choose the right paper for watercolors
There are many brands of watercolor paper available in the market, but some of the best brands include Arches, Fabriano, Winsor & Newton, Sennelier, Canson Montval, Guarro, Strathmore, Saunders Waterford, and Strathmore 400 Series. These brands offer a wide variety of types, textures, thicknesses, and sizes, and are available at different price points.
Here are my recommendations:
ARCHES Aquarellpapier. Watercolor Block, 100% Cotton, White, A4 x 12 sheets, 300 g/m2. Fine grain
Unbekannt Fabriano Watercolor Paper, cotton, white, 33 x 48 x 0.5 cm
Strathmore 483-7 Softcover Watercolor Art Journal, 7.75″ x 9.75″, White, 24 Sheets
Sennelier USKbook Watercolor Hardcover Notebook 300gsm 16x24cm Green
Moleskine – Art Collection Watercolor Notebook, Drawing with Hard Cover and Elastic Closure, Paper Suitable for Watercolors and Watercolor Pencils, Black, Large Size 21 x 29.7 cm, 96 Pages
Glued Pad, 23×31 cm, 12 Sheets, Canson Héritage 100% Cotton, Coarse Grain 300g
SAUNDERS WATERFORD SERIES, 4 Sides Glued Pad, 23x31cm, Fine Grain, 300g, 20 sheets, 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper, Extra White
Factors to consider when choosing the right paper for watercolors
To choose the right paper for your watercolors, there are several factors to consider, such as texture, thickness, type, price, and brand. It is important to consider the type of project being done and the desired effect before making a final decision. It is also important to consider the quality of the paper, as low-quality paper can affect the final result of the painting.
Before choosing the right paper for your watercolors, it is important to consider the following factors:
Painting style: your preferred painting style will influence the choice of the right paper. If you prefer artwork with fine details, smooth paper will be your best option. If you prefer artwork with bold strokes, rough paper will be your best option.
Durability: paper durability is an important consideration if you plan to exhibit or sell your artwork. Higher-weight paper is more durable and less prone to warping over time.
Quality: paper quality is an important factor to consider. High-quality papers have a lower acid content, which makes them more durable and resistant to fading.
Budget: budget is an important factor to consider. High-quality watercolor papers can be expensive, but they are also more durable and resistant to fading.
Choosing professional paper for your watercolors
Professional watercolor paper
Professional watercolor paper is a high-quality and high-performance paper characterized by the following properties:
• It is made with 100% cotton fibers, which are longer and stronger than cellulose fibers. The cotton gives the paper greater elasticity and flexibility, which prevents it from tearing or wrinkling with water.
• It has a high grammage, between 300 and 400 g/m², which gives the paper greater strength and stability. A high grammage paper can absorb more water and pigment without becoming saturated or blurred, allowing for the creation of layered and transparent effects with luminosity.
• It has a suitable texture for watercolor, which can be smooth, fine, or coarse, depending on the hot or cold pressing process. A smooth texture is smoother and more uniform, ideal for details and transparency, and has a slight relief that provides luminosity and expression. A coarse texture has a more pronounced relief that creates shadow and texture effects.
• It has a natural or dyed tone, depending on the treatment it receives. A natural tone is warmer and more welcoming, while a dyed tone can be cooler or more vibrant. The tone of the paper influences the contrast and harmony of the painting’s colors.
• It has archive quality, meaning it is acid-free, pH-neutral, and air-dried. These characteristics make the paper more durable and resistant to the passage of time, light, and biological agents.
There are many brands and types of professional watercolor paper on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most recognized brands are Arches, Fabriano, Canson, Winsor & Newton, and Sennelier. It is advisable to try different options and choose the paper that best suits the needs and preferences of each artist.
ARCHES Aquarellpapier. Watercolor Block, 100% Cotton, White, A4 x 12 sheets, 300 g/m2. Fine grain
Arches Watercolor Pad, Rough Finish, 140 Pound, 10 x 14 Inch, Natural White, 12 Sheets
Strathmore 483-7 Softcover Watercolor Art Journal, 7.75″ x 9.75″, White, 24 Sheets
SAUNDERS WATERFORD SERIES, 4 Sides Glued Pad, 23x31cm, Fine Grain, 300g, 20 sheets, 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper, Extra White
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Journal, Cold Pressed 140lb, 5×7, White
Watercolor paper prices
Watercolor paper prices can vary depending on the brand, quality, and size of the paper. Some examples of prices are:
- A Canson XL Aquarelle fine grain watercolor pad, size A3, with 30 sheets of 300 gsm costs $14.71.
- A Arches Watercolor Pad, Rough Finish, 140 Pound, 10 x 14 Inch, Natural White, 12 Sheets costs $25.69.
- A Fabriano Studio Cold Press Watercolor Pad, 11 x 14, White costs $30.26.
- A Legion Saunders Waterford Watercolor Block, 140lb. Cold Press, 9 X 12 inches $42.26.
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on availability, shipping, and offers. It is recommended to compare different options and choose the right paper for your watercolors.
How to test watercolor paper
Before buying watercolor paper, it’s important to test it out to make sure it suits your needs. To do this, you can do a small color test on a sheet of paper. The test will allow you to evaluate how the paper absorbs the paint, how the color adheres, and how it dries. You’ll also be able to see how the texture of the paper affects the final finish of the artwork.
Practical tips for the care and conservation of watercolor paper
Watercolor paper can also be damaged or torn with excess water or harsh corrections, so it is important to work with care and delicacy. Watercolor paper can also lose its whiteness or brightness over time or with exposure to light, so it should be properly protected.
• To protect watercolor paper from dirt or moisture, a layer of varnish or special fixative for watercolor can be applied. A product that is transparent, matte, and UV-resistant should be chosen, and the varnish or fixative should be applied with a soft brush or spray, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The artwork should be completely dry before varnishing or fixing.
• To preserve watercolor paper in good condition, the artwork should be stored in a dry, cool, and dark place. The artwork can be wrapped in tissue paper or parchment to prevent rubbing or sticking with other artwork.
• The artwork can also be framed with a protective glass or plastic that prevents direct contact with air or light. Avoid placing the artwork near sources of heat, moisture, or direct light, as they can alter the colors or damage the paper.
How can watercolor paper be prevented from wrinkling or curling with water?
If watercolor paper wrinkles or curls with water, it can be stretched either before or during the painting process.
To stretch the paper before painting, you can wet the paper on both sides and tape it to a rigid and waterproof surface, such as a wooden board or foam board. It should be allowed to dry completely before painting.
To stretch the paper during the painting process, you can dampen the back of the paper with a sponge or brush and apply heat with a hair dryer or an iron. Care should be taken not to burn or stain the paper.
Want to learn more about how to prepare paper before painting? Click HERE.
How to correct or erase a mistake on watercolor paper?
If you want to correct or erase some stroke or spot of watercolor, you can use a clean and damp brush to gently lift the pigment.
You can also use a special watercolor eraser or a palette knife to scrape the surface of the paper. Avoid rubbing or scratching the paper too much, as it can damage or lose its texture.
Faber- Castell Grey Kneaded Professional Artist Quality Erasers? Bulk Buy Quantity 4 Erasers Per Order
How to prepare watercolor paper before painting: stretching and gluing techniques
Watercolor paper also has its limitations and challenges that must be taken into account when painting. Watercolor paper can warp or shrink with water, so it must be prepared in advance or fixed to a rigid support.
Before painting, it is advisable to moisten the watercolor paper with a sponge or large brush and let it dry naturally or with a dryer. This helps to remove any sizing or starch that the paper may have and improve its adhesion and absorption.
Do you want to learn more about how to prepare paper before painting? Click HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is recommended to choose a good quality watercolor paper that is acid-free, has at least 50% cotton content, and has a medium texture, neither too smooth nor too rough. A smooth texture may be easier for details and transparency. The paper should also have a high weight, between 300 and 400 gsm, that is durable and stable, and a small size, which can be more practical and economical for practicing and experimenting.
These suggestions are indicative and not exclusive. The most important thing is to try different types of watercolor paper and find the one that best suits the preferences and needs of each artist.
It is suggested to choose a good quality watercolor paper that is acid-free, has at least 50% cotton content, and has a suitable texture for watercolor. It is recommended to select a watercolor paper with medium to high weight, between 200 and 400 g/m², that is sturdy and stable.
Low weight paper can warp or tear with water, which can ruin the portrait. High weight paper can absorb more water and pigment, which can enhance the intensity and contrast of the portrait.
It is suggested to choose a watercolor paper with a smooth or fine texture that allows for details and transparency in the face. A smooth texture can be softer and more uniform, ideal for realistic or delicate portraits. A fine texture may have a slight relief that adds luminosity and expression to the portrait.
It is recommended to choose a watercolor paper with a size appropriate for the type of portrait you want to create. A small size may be more comfortable and economical for practicing and experimenting, but it can also restrict the space and proportion of the face. A large size can be more impactful and challenging to create and display, but it may require more material and skill.
These suggestions are indicative and not exclusive. The most important thing is to try different types of watercolor paper and find the one that best suits the preferences and needs of each artist.
The difference between cotton and cellulose watercolor paper:
Cotton watercolor paper is made of cotton fibers, which are longer and stronger than cellulose fibers. It has a higher quality and durability compared to cellulose paper.
Cotton paper is more elastic and flexible, which prevents it from tearing or wrinkling with water. Additionally, it has a greater capacity to absorb and retain water and pigment than cellulose paper. Cotton paper allows for creating layered washes without losing color intensity or definition of brush strokes. It also offers a greater variety of textures and tones.
Cellulose watercolor paper, on the other hand, is made of wood pulp, which is shorter and weaker than cotton fibers. It is more rigid and fragile, which causes it to deteriorate or yellow over time. Cellulose paper tends to saturate or blur with excess water or pigment. It usually has a more uniform and artificial texture, and a bright white or artificial tone due to added bleachers.
These differences make cotton watercolor paper more recommended for professional or advanced artists seeking high-quality and performance paper, while cellulose paper may be more suitable for beginner or amateur artists who want more affordable and accessible paper.
The paper for watercolor is simply called: watercolor paper or paper for watercolor. It is a special type of paper used for painting with watercolors, a technique that involves applying pigments diluted in water onto an absorbent surface.
Conclusion for choosing the right paper for your watercolors
Choosing the right paper for your watercolors can make a difference in the quality and durability of your artwork. The texture and weight of the paper are important factors to consider when choosing the appropriate paper. Additionally, it is important to test the paper before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs. By considering painting style, durability, quality, and budget, you can choose the right paper for your watercolors. With the correct choice of paper, you can create stunning works of art that will last a lifetime.
