How to Choose Watercolor Paper

Watercolor papers are not just ordinary papers. They have special paper sizing to handle the demands of wet media. The paper sizing prevents watercolor pigment from sinking into the surface- making the colors vibrant. There are many grades of watercolor paper as well. Cheap watercolor paper tends to warp, bleed, or fail to bring out the true potential of your paints. On the other hand, good watercolor paper allows you to build layers and work confidently without worrying about buckling, deteriorating, and peeling the paper surface.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor Paper

Lightweight vs. Heavyweight Paper:

  • Lightweight watercolor papers are affordable. They are suitable for quick studies and great for beginners. But, they are prone to buckling.
  • Heavyweight watercolor papers are more expensive. They can hold more moisture better, making the paints dry slower on the paper. This gives artists more time to do blending or detailed work.

The texture of the paper:

  • Hot-Pressed Paper (Smooth): This paper is pressed to create a smooth, almost glossy surface. It’s ideal for detailed work, where fine lines, precise edges, or layered effects are essential. Hot-pressed paper is often favored by botanical and realism artists who want clarity in each brushstroke. It is suitable for fine details, delicate work, and ink or pen layering.
  • Cold-Pressed Paper (Textured): Known for its slightly textured, bumpy surface, cold-pressed paper offers a versatile option suitable for most watercolor techniques. The texture enhances natural washes, blending colors beautifully, making it popular with beginners and seasoned artists. Cold-pressed paper is excellent for most techniques, particularly washes, and layering.
  • Rough Paper: It’s perfect for artists experimenting with textured effects and bold washes, lending itself to landscapes or expressive, loose styles.

Paper Composition: Cellulose vs. Cotton

  •  Cellulose Paper: Cellulose paper is often more affordable and suitable for practice or quick studies. While it absorbs water, it doesn’t handle extensive layering or reworking. It is cost-effective, great for practice, but less durable.
  • 100% Cotton Paper: The gold standard for serious watercolor artists, cotton paper is highly absorbent, durable, and resistant to wear from heavy water use. It allows colors to spread and blend smoothly, making it ideal for detailed, layered, or wet-on-wet techniques. Cotton paper is generally more expensive.

Tips for Selecting Paper by Skill Level

 Selecting the right watercolor paper depends on where you are in your artistic journey.

  • Beginners: For those new to watercolor, cold-pressed mixed or cellulose paper 200gsm is a good starting point. It’s affordable and versatile, and it can handle a range of fundamental techniques without a considerable investment. 300gsm will lessen the buckling and warping.
  • Intermediate Artists: Once you’re comfortable with basic techniques, consider upgrading to 25% cotton cold-pressed paper. Cotton offers excellent durability and improved absorbency, allowing you to experiment with layering, wet-on-wet techniques, and bolder washes without worrying about the paper’s limits.
  • Professional Artists: High-quality 100% cotton paper in various weights and textures, such as 200gsm or higher. They provide superior absorbency and color retention, so you can rely on your paper to support detailed work, expressive washes, or complex techniques.

Storing Watercolor Paper: Preventing Warping and Yellowing

To prevent warping, keep your paper flat and store it in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight or sources of moisture. If you’re storing large sheets, lay them flat or place them between two pieces of acid-free board. This keeps the edges and corners from bending and helps avoid any moisture buildup, which can cause warping and yellowing.

Prepping Your Paper: Stretching Techniques to Prevent Buckling

When working with wet techniques, especially on lighter-weight paper like 200gsm, stretching your paper beforehand can help prevent buckling. Stretching involves soaking the paper in water for 3 to 5 minutes, taping it to a solid surface, and letting it dry completely before you start painting.

Protecting and Displaying Your Finished Watercolor Artwork

Consider framing your artwork with acid-free matting and backing materials to protect it from direct contact with the glass, which can cause condensation and damage.

For added protection, always use UV-protective glass or acrylic when framing to shield the colors from fading over time.

Conclusion:

Don’t be afraid to try out different brands, as each brand has its unique grains and unique wash effects.

NEC blue 1