The Ultimate Guide to Watercolour Paper: Choosing the Best for Your Artwork

Watercolour painting is a delicate and expressive art form that requires the right materials to achieve the best results. One of the most critical factors in watercolour painting is selecting the correct watercolour paper. The type of paper used can significantly impact the outcome of an artwork. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of watercolour paper, their characteristics, and how they affect various watercolour techniques.

Types of Watercolour Paper

Watercolour paper is available in different textures and compositions, each suited to various painting styles and techniques. The three main types of watercolour paper textures are:

Cold-Press Watercolour Paper

Also known as NOT (Not Hot Pressed) paper, cold-press watercolour paper has a slightly textured surface. It provides a good balance between absorbency and workability, making it the most popular choice among artists. Cold-press paper is ideal for detailed work and expressive brushstrokes, making it a versatile option for different styles of painting.

Best for:

• Beginners and professional artists

• Mixed techniques (wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry)

• Landscapes, portraits, and abstract painting

  
  

Hot-Press Watercolour Paper

Hot-press paper has a smooth, fine-grain surface, allowing for more detailed and precise work. Because it absorbs less water than cold-press paper, pigments tend to sit on the surface longer, making colours appear more vibrant. Hot-press paper is excellent for fine details, botanical illustrations, and ink-and-watercolour techniques.

Best for:

• Illustrations and detailed work

• Watercolour mixed with ink or pen

• Artists who prefer smooth blending and controlled washes

  
  

Rough Watercolour Paper

Rough paper has the most prominent texture of all watercolour papers. It is excellent for creating strong textures, making it perfect for loose and expressive styles of painting. Rough paper absorbs water quickly, which helps in creating unique, unpredictable effects.

Best for:

• Expressive and bold paintings

• Textured washes

• Large, loose compositions

  
  

What is Acid-Free Watercolour Paper?

Acid-free paper is designed to resist yellowing and deterioration over time. The regular paper contains acids that break down the fibres, causing artwork to fade and weaken. Acid-free watercolour paper is essential for professional artists who want their work to remain vibrant and intact for years.

Why Use Cotton Watercolour Paper?

Cotton watercolour paper is considered the best quality paper for watercolour painting. It is made from 100% cotton fibres, making it highly absorbent and durable. The cotton paper provides excellent colour vibrancy and allows for multiple layers of washes without warping.

Advantages of Cotton Watercolour Paper:

• High absorbency, allowing smooth washes

• Durable and long-lasting

• Colours remain vibrant

  
  

What is Cellulose Watercolour Paper?

Cellulose watercolour paper is made from wood pulp rather than cotton. It is a more affordable option, making it ideal for beginners and hobbyists. However, cellulose paper does not absorb water as well as cotton paper, which can result in less vibrant colours and buckling.

Advantages of Cellulose Paper:

• Budget-friendly

• Suitable for practice and beginners

• Works well for quick sketches and studies

  
  

Why is it Important to Use the Correct Paper for Watercolour Painting?

Choosing the right paper affects how water and pigment interact, impacting the final results. Using the wrong paper may lead to:

• Warping and buckling

• Poor absorption and muddy colours

• Difficulty in layering washes

Professional artists and serious hobbyists should invest in high-quality paper to ensure better control and longevity of their artwork.

What is Watercolour Paper Sizing?

Watercolour paper is treated with a sizing agent, which affects how it absorbs water and pigment. Sizing is a crucial factor in determining how paint interacts with the paper surface.

Types of Watercolour Paper Sizing:

• Internal Sizing – Added during the paper manufacturing process, ensuring even absorption throughout the sheet.

• External Sizing – Applied as a surface coating, controlling how much water is absorbed immediately upon contact.

Proper sizing prevents excessive soaking, maintaining colour vibrancy and crisp brushstrokes. Some artists remove or reduce sizing by pre-washing paper to increase absorbency for special techniques.

How Humidity Affects Watercolour Paper

Humidity plays a significant role in the performance of watercolour paper. In high-humidity environments, watercolour paper may:

• Absorb excess moisture, making it harder to control washes.

• Become wavy or buckle, even before applying paint.

• Cause uneven drying, leading to inconsistent textures and pigment distribution.

To protect your paper in humid conditions:

• Store paper in a dry, cool place.

• Use a dehumidifier in your studio.

• Pre-stretch your paper to prevent warping.

• Work with thicker paper (300gsm or more) for better stability.

Why is it Important to Use the Correct Paper for Watercolour Painting?

Choosing the right paper affects how water and pigment interact, impacting the final results. Using the wrong paper may lead to:

• Warping and buckling

• Poor absorption and muddy colours

• Difficulty in layering washes

Professional artists and serious hobbyists should invest in high-quality paper to ensure better control and longevity of their artwork.

Pros and Cons of Using High-Quality Watercolour Paper

Pros:

✅ Better absorption – Allows for smoother washes and richer colours.

✅ More durability – Handles multiple layers and scrubbing without damage.

✅ Professional finish – Enhances the overall appearance of the artwork.

✅ Long-lasting – Acid-free and archival quality ensures longevity.

Cons:

❌ Expensive – High-quality paper costs more than cellulose paper.

❌ Requires proper handling – More delicate and needs careful storage

❌ Less accessible for beginners – Might feel intimidating for new artists.

Different Types of Watercolour Paper for Different Techniques

• Wet-on-Wet Technique: Cold-press or rough paper is best for soft blends and fluid washes.

• Dry Brush Technique: Rough paper enhances texture and dry brush strokes.

• Layering & Glazing: Hot-press paper allows for fine details and smooth blending.

• Ink & Watercolour: Hot-press paper works best due to its smooth surface.

Popular Watercolour Paper Brands for Professional Artists

Professional artists require archival-quality paper to preserve their work. Some of the best brands include:

• Arches – 100% cotton, excellent absorbency, and durable.

• Fabriano Artistico – High-quality Italian paper with multiple texture options.

• Saunders Waterford – Premium British-made paper, known for its durability.

• Hahnemühle – German brand offering excellent surface sizing for precision.

• Baohong – High-quality yet affordable alternative for professionals.

Popular Watercolour Paper Brands for Beginners and Hobbyists

For those new to watercolour, these brands offer affordable yet good-quality paper:

• Canson XL Watercolor – Budget-friendly with decent performance.

• Strathmore 400 Series – Good texture and absorbency for beginners.

• Bee Paper Aquabee – Great for sketching and practice.

• Bockingford Watercolour Paper – Mid-range quality, perfect for learners.

• Arteza Watercolor Pads – Accessible and good for practice sessions.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right watercolour paper is essential for creating stunning paintings. Whether you prefer cotton or cellulose, cold-press or hot-press, understanding the different types of watercolour paper will help improve your artistic results. Investing in high-quality paper enhances colour vibrancy, durability, and overall painting experience.

For artists serious about their craft, selecting professional-grade paper is a must. Meanwhile, beginners can experiment with budget-friendly options before upgrading to premium brands. Whatever your level, the right watercolour paper can make all the difference in bringing your creative vision to life!