Good watercolor paper delivers brilliant painting

What is Watercolor Paper?

Watercolor paper is made of cellulose, cotton, or a combination thereof. It is sized internally, externally, or both with gelatin, starch, or some other synthetic chemical to increase the wet strength and vibrancy of the watercolor on the paper surface.

Composition

High-quality artist papers comprise 100% cotton fibers, rendering them durable yet flexible. On the other hand, lower-cost papers are typically crafted from wood cellulose or a blend of cotton and other cellulose fibers. Papers made from 100% cotton have higher abrasion resistance and are better suited for scrubbing, scraping, taping, and masking techniques. With the recent advancement of manufacturing technology, our 100% cellulose papers also have high abrasion resistance.

Weight

Heavier-weight watercolor papers are more expensive but have better water absorption and reduce paper warping. Conversely, lighter-weight papers are more affordable but require stretching before use and may buckle or wrinkle when wet. You can tape the paper to a board while painting to minimize warping.

Texture

Hot-pressed papers feature a smooth surface that artists highly value for its suitability for intricate work, although some may find it too slick. This type of paper is particularly well-suited for lithoprinting and is favored by artists who work delicately and with subtle detail. Conversely, cold-pressed paper is the texture of choice for beginners and experienced painters due to its semi-rough surface, which is ideal for detailed work and smooth washes. Lastly, rough surface paper boasts a pronounced 'tooth, 'a term used to describe the texture of the paper. This tooth is superb for creating luminous washes and enhances granulating effects, which are the textured patterns that form when certain pigments settle into the paper. This makes it suitable for bolder and more expressive painting techniques rather than detailed work. They are suitable for sketching, pencil drawings, charcoal, graphite, chalk, crayons, ink, and more.