In the watercolor painting community, there’s a well-accepted belief: “You can make cheap paint look impressive on good paper, but the finest paint won’t even perform well on poor-quality paper,” and this is indeed true. Unfortunately, when it comes to selecting watercolor paper, many artists opt for the most convenient option, like an affordable sketchbook or the first pad they come across.
Choosing high-quality watercolor paper is just as essential as picking out top-notch brushes or paints for your artwork, however, it can be quite a challenge when you don’t know what you’re looking for, that’s why in this guide we’re going to talk about everything watercolor paper-related. From the textures, materials, colors, and weights, to the different brands, prices, and performances we’ll cover it all so you can make an informed decision and choose the best watercolor paper for your needs. We’ll also present you with what we know are the best watercolor paper options available in the market today from the best brands for all budgets. Let’s get started!
Types of Watercolor Paper
There are three types of watercolor paper, cold-pressed, hot-pressed and rough watercolor paper, each one will have a different effect on your art, not only regarding the texture but the way the paint spreads and the techniques you can use on them.
Hot-pressed
Hot-pressed watercolor paper is paper that has been passed through a hot roller resulting in a smooth, even surface. This paper is great for illustrators, artists who work with realism, calligraphers and graphic designers, and botanical painters.
Due to its smooth texture some of the techniques that work the best on hot pressed paper are wet-on-dry, glazing, dry brushing, and fine detail work.
This paper can’t handle as many washes as cold-pressed paper, and since it dries much faster than cold-pressed and rough paper is not ideal for Wet-On-Wet techniques, however, that also depends on the paper’s weight and quality, and the proficiency of the artist.
Cold-pressed (NOT)
Cold-pressed paper is paper that as its name indicates has been pressed into cold cylinders during the making process, leaving a slight texture behind that falls in the middle of the hot-pressed paper’s smoothness and roughness of rough watercolor paper. This paper is also called NOT, indicating that it is NOT being hot pressed, so you might find it labeled that way.
This paper is an all-rounder, great for beginners and professionals alike, this paper is not only used by watercolor artists but by mixed media artists as well due to the high resistance of the paper.
This paper is perfect for learning as it takes every watercolor technique perfectly well, however, you might opt for more or less textured paper as you experiment and gain experience, opting for hot-pressed paper or rough paper as you develop a style or a personal preference with time.
Cold-pressed paper is also much more forgiving than hot-pressed, allowing you to lift paint and correct mistakes without damaging your paper, so it is definitely the best alternative for students and beginners.
Rough
Rough watercolor paper is paper that is left to dry as it is in the mold, obtaining a rough, unique texture that is highly appreciated for creating certain effects and how it looks with certain techniques.
This paper is used by experienced watercolor artists, abstract artists, and landscape painters.
This paper works amazingly with highly granulating paints as it enhances the granulating effects, and dry brushing techniques, and the paper’s texture is emphasized and creates nice atmospheric effects with wet-on-wet techniques since the paint and water that pools in the paper crevices create beautiful interesting effects.
What is Watercolor Paper Made Of?
Watercolor paper can be made of cotton, wood pulp, or a blend of both of them alongside additional sizing components. Fabrianno show the process in more detail here: Fabriano Mould Made Paper Production
Cotton
Watercolor paper made of cotton is the most common paper used by professionals, it is of the best quality, can hold large amounts of water, and resists multiple washes without warping or deteriorating. It is also much more expensive and less common than cellulose-made watercolor paper.
Cellulose
Cellulose or wood-pulp watercolor paper is the most common paper found in art stores and online, it’s the one you find in most sketchbooks. Perfect for studying, practicing, and learning on it, it’s weaker and more prone to yellowing over time, it doesn’t withstand as much water as 100% cotton paper but it’s much more affordable and accessible.
There are also blends of cotton and cellulose paper making it more durable and better for wet techniques, however, those are slightly more expensive and not as common as 100% cellulose paper.
Sizing Agents
Watercolor paper is also made with sizing agents, which can be introduced during or after the making process to make the paper less absorbent and more suitable for watercolor techniques. One of the most common sizing agents is gelatin which can be applied directly to the pulp or to the paper after it has dried.
Other Additives
To increase the longevity of the paper and protect it against acid damage, buffering agents like calcium carbonate are often added. These agents neutralize acids that can cause the paper to degrade over time.
Some manufacturers add optical brighteners to make the paper appear whiter. However, these brighteners may not be archival, meaning they can yellow over time.
Weight and Why It Matters
The weight of watercolor paper, measured in pounds per ream or grams per square meter, indicates its thickness and durability.
- Heavier Papers (e.g., 300 gsm/140 lb or more) can absorb more water without warping or buckling. This characteristic is essential for techniques that involve heavy washes or multiple layers of paint. Heavier papers can handle more water and are less likely to need stretching before use.
- Lighter Papers (e.g., 190 gsm/90 lb) are more prone to warping when wet and are better suited for light washes or techniques that require less water. Lighter papers often require stretching beforehand to avoid buckling.
Top Picks for the Best Watercolor Paper of the Year
- Best Watercolor Paper Overall — Arches Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper Pad
- Best Watercolor Paper for Professionals — Winsor & Newton Watercolor Paper
- Best Watercolor Paper for Wet-on-Wet — Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper
- Best Budget-Friendly Watercolor Paper — Strathmore 400 Watercolor Paper Pad
- Best Watercolor Paper for Plein Air Painting — Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Block
- Best Watercolor Paper for Beginners — Canson XL Watercolor Paper
#1. Best Watercolor Paper Overall — Arches Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper Pad
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About Arches Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper Pad
Arches is a premium watercolor paper brand that is highly regarded in the art community for its quality, and durability and has been the choice of professional artists for centuries. Arches paper is made of 100%, acid-free, cotton offering superior absorbency and durability it’s known for enhancing the pigment’s brightness and vividness and is ideal for working with wet on wet, dry brushing, glazing, and layering techniques. You can correct mistakes and lift pigments as the paper is quite forgiving, it comes in different sizes and formats, and in all of the three textures.
On the downside, this paper is quite expensive, however is well worth the price and should be considered more of an investment than an expense.
What makes it great:
- Quality and Durability: Archival Grade, Acid-Free paper.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Weight: 300 g/m2.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Texture: Fine Grain, Cold Pressed, slightly rough.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Color: White.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Size and Format: 12 Sheets of 10 x 14 Inches, Portrait, Watercolor Pad.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Price: $26.91
- Our Score: 8/10
Pros
- High-quality texture
- Durable, long-lasting
- Excellent color retention
Cons
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- Pricey
- Limited size options
- Heavy for some
2. Best Watercolor Paper for Professionals — Winsor & Newton Watercolor Paper
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About Winsor & Newton Watercolor Paper
Winsor & Newton is another excellent choice for professionals, distinguished by its 100% cotton composition, this mould-made paper comes in both cold and hot press textures.
This paper is both internally and externally sized, offering excellent absorbency and pigment dispersion and handling several watercolor techniques like wet-on-wet, and wet-on-dry, as well as lifting and scrubbing without an issue.
Its bright natural white color and resistance to optical brighteners further ensure that artworks created on this paper maintain their integrity and vibrancy over time, making it the ideal choice for artists looking to have their work exhibited or sold.
What makes them great:
- Quality and Durability: Archival Grade, Acid-Free paper.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Weight: 300 g/m2.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Texture: Fine Grain, Cold Pressed, smooth texture.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Color: White.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Size and Format: 12 Sheets of 9 x 12 Inches, Portrait, Watercolor Pad.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Price: $16.00
- Our Score: 8/10
Pros
- Professional grade
- Great absorbency
- Consistent texture
Cons
- Costly
- May warp slightly
- Limited availability
3. Best Watercolor Paper for Wet-on-Wet — Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper
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About Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper
If you’re looking for a watercolor paper that is high quality, archival, and that handles wet on wet techniques like a pro then this is the paper for you. Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper is a premium, professional-grade paper with 100% cotton composition, acid-free, cold pressed, and 300 gsm or 140 lbs thick. The paper’s performance is notable for its ability to handle multiple layers and reworking without pilling, making it ideal for both wet-into-wet and glazing techniques.
Despite its high quality, some users have mentioned a learning curve, particularly regarding its absorbency and unique textural feel, which may require adjustment in technique for optimal results. Additionally, the price of this watercolor paper corresponds to its quality, being on the very expensive side.
What makes them great:
- Quality and Durability: Artist Grade, Acid-Free paper.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Weight: 300 g/m2.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Texture: Fine Grain, Cold Pressed, slightly rough.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Color: Off-White.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Size and Format: 20 Sheets of 7 x 10 Inches, Landscape, Watercolor Pad.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Price: $27.78
- Our Score: 8/10
Pros
- Excellent for wet-on-wet
- High-quality cotton
- Retains vibrancy well
Cons
- Pricier option
- Can dry slowly
- Heavier paper weight
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4. Best Budget-Friendly Watercolor Paper — Strathmore 400 Watercolor Paper Pad
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About Strathmore 400 Watercolor Paper Pad
The Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper is a popular choice among beginners, students, and artists on a budget because even though it’s a cellulose-made paper, it performs amazingly well. It is available in cold-press, which provides a medium texture suitable for a variety of watercolor techniques, allowing for both fine detail and broad washes.
While it’s made for watercolors, the paper is well suited for mixed media techniques as well, and since it’s acid-free it ensures your artwork will not yellow nor degrade over time. On the downside, the paper tears if overworked and might not handle heavy wet techniques as well as more expensive papers.
What makes it great:
- Quality and Durability: Artist Grade, Acid-Free paper.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Weight: 300 g/m2.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Texture: Fine Grain, Cold Pressed, slightly rough.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Color: White.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Size and Format: 15 Sheets of 9 x 11 Inches, Portrait, Watercolor Block.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Price: $17.14
- Our Score: 8/10
Pros
- Affordable
- Easily accessible
- Good for practice
Cons
- Lower durability
- Not for heavy washes
- Lesser quality feel
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5. Best Watercolor Paper for Plein Air Painting — Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Block
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About Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Block
Produced by Legion Paper, this watercolor paper is well-regarded within the community for its exceptional quality and performance. Stonehenge Aqua is made of 100% corron, it’s of archival quality, and acid-free which makes it resist yellowing and degradation over time.
This paper comes in two main textures: cold press and hot press. Cold press offers a medium texture that’s ideal for a wide range of watercolor techniques, while hot press provides a smooth surface perfect for detailed work and illustrations
Since the paper is glued on all four sides, it provides a stable and flat surface to paint on without the need for a separate board, this makes it easier to carry and set up your painting station anywhere outdoors.
What makes them great:
- Quality and Durability: Artist Grade, Acid-Free paper.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Weight: 300 g/m2.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Texture: Fine Grain, Cold Pressed, slightly rough.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Color: White.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Size and Format: 15 Sheets of 9 x 12 Inches, Portrait, Watercolor Block.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Price: $22.02
- Our Score: 8/10
Pros
- Portable for outdoors
- High-quality performance
- Good water absorbency
Cons
- More expensive
- Limited sizes
- Can buckle slightly
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6. Best Watercolor Paper for Beginners — Canson XL Watercolor Paper
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About Canson XL Watercolor Paper
Canson XL is a well-known watercolor paper brand that has been a constant presence in the watercolor world. Primarily aimed at students and beginners, this paper is sturdy, holds colors well without them flowing uncontrollably, and is designed to withstand a variety of art techniques. This paper is also incredibly affordable and the perfect choice for beginners who are just starting their watercolor journey.
While it may not be the best choice for more advanced painting techniques that require heavy water applications, it is heavy enough to take a fair spray of water without buckling too much.
Its texture makes it also a great mixed-media paper, performing well with alcohol markers, watercolor pencils, and water-based markers.
What makes them great:
- Quality and Durability: Student Grade, Acid-Free paper.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Weight: 300 g/m2.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Texture: Fine Grain, Cold Pressed, slightly rough.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Color: White.
- Our Score: 7/10
- Size and Format: 30 Sheets of 9 x 12 Inches, Portrait, Watercolor Pad.
- Our Score: 9/10
- Price: $9.53
- Our Score: 8/10
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Economical
- Good texture
Cons
- Less durable
- Not for advanced techniques
- Quality varies
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Factors to Consider When Buying Watercolor Paper
Quality and Durability
The best way to know if a paper is high quality is by checking the material it is made of, if it’s not 100% cotton, then you’re probably not getting the best of the best. Make sure to check the paper is acid-free too, this will ensure your art won’t yellow or fade over time and won’t deteriorate as easily as with other papers.
Still, among 100% cotton papers, there are some that are better than others, and here is where brand names enter the game. The only way to fully know if a paper is going to perform as well as it advertises is to see it for yourself or have other artists experience it, and in that matte,r, brand-name papers have the advantage, so look for reviews online, check videos and ask your fellow artists, professors, and favorite YouTubers for their recommendations regarding qualit
Weight
The weight of your paper will determine the techniques you can use with it, if you’re going for light washes, urban sketching, floral painting, lettering, calligraphy, etc, then going for lighter paper (190 gsm/90 lb and more) might be the best for you, this paper is cheaper, less bulky and more aesthetically pleasing than heavier paper. However, if you plan on using wet-on-wet techniques, doing multiple washes, or using heavy mixed media techniques, then going for heavier paper (300 gsm/140 lb and more) is the only way to go. This paper is bulkier and more expensive and if you go for the heavier alternatives, not as pretty-looking as lighter paper, but it’ll hold up like a champ and take every wash and lift you throw at it.
Texture
Texture is more of a personal choice, however, it also has to do with the level of experience you have and the techniques you plan to use. If you’re a beginner, please go for cold-pressed paper, getting hot-pressed paper will not only frustrate you but will also hurt your pockets as this paper is less forgiving, less resistant, and more absorbent.
If you’ve got some experience and you want to try something new, then remember that the heavy texture of rough paper will likely dull your paintings so don’t be surprised if that happens and try to get used to it if you like the texture enough. The smooth texture of hot-pressed paper will have the exact opposite effect and will brighten up your paintings, which might sometimes result in eye discomfort and constant adjusting (based on experience) so take your time experimenting and don’t get discouraged.
Color
Watercolor paper comes in different colors, and although we’re not talking about bright bold rainbow colors, the colors watercolor paper comes in can affect how your artwork looks, feels, and even how long it lasts. Watercolor papers come in various shades, from natural and warm tones to bright white, with brighter papers making colors appear more vibrant and lively, while natural-toned papers may give a more muted or warm feel to your artwork.
If you’re working on a piece where color accuracy is critical, the whiteness of your paper can play a significant role, additionally, the archival quality of the paper can be influenced by its color. Papers that are acid-free and free of optical brighteners are less likely to yellow over time, preserving the integrity and vibrancy of your artwork for longer periods.
Formats and Sizes
Watercolor paper comes in different formats, among them, we have sheets, pads, rolls, and blocks.
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- Sheets are large individual pieces of watercolor paper, usually sold in sizes of 22” x 30”. They’re great for cutting to your preferred size and are great for large projects. They’re sold flat so they need special storage and although usually, they’re of the best quality, they’re not ideal for beginners since they need stretching, or for artists with limited space since they need to be stored flat.
- Pads are the format we’re all used to, they consist of multiple watercolor paper sheets bound on one side. They come in various sizes and qualities and they’re the most easy to find online and in your local art store. They’re very convenient for carrying around and tearing a sheet is easier due to the side binding, but they do require preparation like stretching.
- Rolls are long, continuous pieces of watercolor paper that you can cut to any size you need. They’re perfect for very large projects or for artists who use a lot of paper and prefer to determine their own paper sizes.
- Blocks are stacks of watercolor paper that are glued together on all four sides. This binding prevents the paper from warping when wet, making it easier for beginners and professionals to work straight away with both dry and wet techniques; however, it might be tricky and even dangerous to remove the top sheet from the block without damaging your fingers or the paper underneath.
Price
Watercolor paper prices can vary given the differences in materials, sizing, texture, and formats, we can find very affordable options as well as very, very expensive ones. You should first consider your budget, as good watercolor paper is a must in watercolor painting and can make it shine even with less pro paint. Always consider the alternatives, sometimes getting a roll can be more expensive upfront but more affordable in the long run, or get a sheet or a block to test the brand and performance of the paper since they’re fairly inexpensive before getting a roll or a block.
If you’re on a budget, try to go for the acid-free cellulose alternatives, or for the ones that contain a percentage of cotton as they will perform better and be more resistant than pure cellulose paper. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest alternative, the cheapest watercolor papers can be too thin, poorly textured, or not absorbent enough, leading to frustrating experiences with warping, tearing, or dull colors.
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