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10 Tips for Selecting Watercolor Paper
- Choose 100% Cotton Whenever Possible
Cotton paper absorbs water evenly, resists pilling, and allows richer washes. It’s the standard for professional-quality work and for any process that includes layering or lifting.
- Check the Weight: 140 lb (300 gsm) Is Minimum
Lighter papers buckle easily. If you use heavy washes, wet-on-wet techniques, or lots of glazing, aim for 300 lb (640 gsm) to avoid stretching.
- Decide on Texture: Hot Press, Cold Press, or Rough
- Hot press: smooth, great for detail, lettering, botanical illustration.
- Cold press: versatile, subtle texture, excellent for most painters.
- Rough: dramatic texture, expressive work, granulation effects.
Texture influences not only the look but also how pigments settle.
- Test the Sizing
Sizing determines how pigments sit or sink. Too much sizing ? paint sits on top and streaks. Too little ? paper sucks up pigment instantly. A quick test: wet a small area—water should stay pooled rather than immediately absorbing.
- Prefer Acid-Free, Archival Stock
If longevity matters (e.g., fine art, portfolios, or prints), use acid-free and pH-neutral paper to avoid yellowing or deterioration.
- Consider the Format: Sheets, Blocks, Pads, or Rolls
- Blocks reduce buckling without stretching.
- Sheets offer the highest quality and size flexibility.
- Pads are economical for practice or studies.
- Rolls allow large-scale work.
- Note the Manufacturer’s Reputation
Brands like Arches, Fabriano Artistico, Saunders Waterford, and Hahnemühle maintain consistent standards.
- Look for Deckle Edges or Mould-Made Papers (if desired)
Mould-made or handmade papers tend to have stronger fibers, beautiful edges, and better wet handling. Great for presentation pieces or premium work.
- Check How It Handles Lifting, Scrubbing, and Masking Fluid
Not all papers tolerate corrections. If you (or your students/clients) do much lifting, scrubbing, or masking, test for fiber strength and surface resilience.
- Match the Paper to Your Technique and Purpose
Use the paper to support the intention:
- Expressive, watery, unpredictable work ? more textured, heavier paper.
- Precision and control ? hot press or firm cold press.
- Travel sketching ? durable blocks or pads.