Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Watercolor Paper

Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Watercolor Paper

While watercolor paper is just a canvas for your art, it is the very thing that will make your watercolor work come to life. The type of paper you use can have a big effect on how your drawing turns out, changing the texture, the vibrancy of the colors, and how long it lasts. This complete guide will go into great detail about watercolor paper, giving you useful information to help you pick the right paper for your art projects.

Learning the Basics of Watercolor Paper

1. Weight Is Important: Pounds and Inches
Different kinds of watercolor paper are grouped by how much they weigh, in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). The weight tells you how thick and sturdy the paper is. Most watercolor paper is between 90lb and 300lb in weight. For practice and studies, lighter weights work best, while heavy weights are best for finished works of art. People who are just starting out often find that 140lb (300gsm) paper is flexible and easy to work with.

2. Texture gives depth: Rough, Cold Press, and Hot Press
There are three main types of watercolor paper: rough, hot press, and cold press.

Cold press: This is what most people choose. It has a surface texture that is neither too smooth nor too rough, so it can be used for a wide range of drawing styles.
Hot Press: The surface of hot press paper is smoother, which makes it easier to paint small details and precise lines. Artists who are working on complicated pieces often like it.
Rough: As the name suggests, rough paper has a rougher feel to it. You can use it to give your drawings expressive and textured effects.
The style of your art and your personal taste will help you choose the right material. You will get a better sense of the results you can get by playing around with different textures.

Things to Think About When Picking Out Watercolor Paper

1. Paper Size: How to Keep It From Buckling and Warping
The process of controlling how absorbent paper is called “paper sizing.” Paper that hasn’t been sized tends to soak up water quickly, which makes it twist and buckle. On the other hand, sized paper makes a more stable surface. Papers can be sized on the inside, the outside, or both. Papers that are labeled “acid-free” or “archival” will last longer and not turn yellow.

2. Color of the paper: opt for white or off-white shades
There are different shades of watercolor paper, such as bright white, off-white, and even-toned. The color of the paper you use can change how your watercolor paints look. Off-white or cream-colored paper gives your art a warmer tone, while bright white paper makes colors look more lively. When you choose the color of your paper, think about the mood and setting you want to create.

3. Surface Sizing: Making Colors Brighter
Surface sizing is an extra coating that is put on some watercolor papers to make the colors look brighter and make it easier for the paints to move across the surface. Papers with surface sizing keep water from getting into the fibers, which makes the colors brighter and more saturated. This is especially helpful if you like working with bright colors.

4. Archival Quality: Making Sure It Lasts
By buying watercolor paper that is made to last, you can be sure that your art will not fade or break down over time. Archival papers are made from high-quality materials that don’t have any acids or other impurities that could damage them. For results that last, look for papers that say “archival” or “museum-grade” on them.

Well-known brands of watercolor paper

1. Arches watercolor paper has been a favorite for a long time.
Arches is a well-known brand of watercolor paper that is known for making high-quality sheets made from 100% cotton. Their papers come in a range of weights and patterns so that artists can find one that suits their needs. People love Arches watercolor paper because it lasts a long time, keeps its colors, and works consistently well.

2. Strathmore watercolor paper is high-quality and doesn’t cost a lot.
Strathmore has a variety of watercolor papers for artists of all kinds. Their papers are often cheaper, but they still have good quality. Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper is a popular choice among both new and experienced artists because it comes in a range of textures and weights.

3. Fabriano watercolor paper: both old and new
It has been a long time since Fabriano made high-quality art papers. Their watercolor papers are made from a mix of cotton and cellulose fibers, which makes them both durable and affordable. A lot of people like Fabriano papers because they have uniform size and texture.

Advice on How to Test and Try Things Out

1. Sample packs: Trying before you buy
A lot of types of watercolor paper sell sample packs with small sheets of paper with different weights and textures. By buying a sample pack, you can try out different types of paper before committing to a full pad. This is a great way to find the paper that fits your style and tastes.

2. Testing Methods: Let Your Mind Wander
Once you have a shortlist of possible papers, test them in small ways to see how they work with different painting methods. To find out how each paper reacts, wash it wet on wet, brush it dry, and lift it. This hands-on method will help you understand the paper’s features better.

3. Think about your artistic style: making your choice fit your style
The watercolor paper you choose should depend on the style of art you like. If you like to work with great accuracy and detail, hot press paper might be better for you. If you like free and expressive styles, rough or cold press paper may help your drawings have more texture and feel more natural.

Taking Your Watercolor Journey to the Next Level

Picking the right watercolor paper is one of the most important things you can do as an artist. It’s not enough to just find a surface for your art; you need to find a partner that works well with your skills and helps you express yourself creatively. Try new things, look into new things, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your artistic comfort zone. If you use the right paper, your imagination will reach new heights, and your watercolor dreams will come to life with color and truth. Have fun painting!