Watercoloring as a hobby or professionally is fun and utilizes a lot of tools. Paints and brushes are not the only tools that determine the outcome of your artwork. The watercolor paper also plays a huge role in the resulting outcome of your artwork. If you have low-quality paper, it will show in your art. Navigating the treacherous world of watercolor papers is not easy as there are numerous options to choose from. When choosing watercolor paper it is critical that you do your research, so you are fully aware of what to look out for/ what makes a paper ideal for water coloring.
We have eliminated the most challenging part of choosing watercolor paper and have created a comprehensive list of some of the best watercolor papers available in the market that will showcase the paint pigments with utter brilliance.
1. Canson Arches Cold Press Watercolor Pad
Intro
Canson has been in business for well over 500 years which should be a great indicator of their mastery of craft. The Arches cold press watercolor pads are revered by both experienced and novice artists just because of the transformation that artwork gets when it is done on this paper. Made from 100% cotton, the Arches paper is of high quality and carries excellent absorbency. This paper has stood the test of time and can last for a long time before any artwork conservation is necessary.
Pros
- The paper has been buffered for mildew resistance and is both p-H neutral and acid-free.
- You can choose between hot, cold, and rough watercolor paper textures as well as different paper weights.
It is suitable for blending and wet techniques.
Cons
- Some users have complained of receiving fuzzy paper riddled with machine markings which interfere with the artwork.
2. Watercolor Block, Cold Press 9” X 12 “
Intro
Another option from Arches, the watercolor block cold press is made on a cylinder-mold machine with a natural gelatin sizing and natural cotton fibers. It is one of the most durable watercolor papers as it can withstand a lot of washing and scrubbing. A professional grade paper, the watercolor block by Arches is not ideal for beginners as the cost attached to it is not something that you would want to put in if you are only starting to learn the ropes. Nevertheless, professional watercolorists will appreciate this paper as you can immediately see the difference in the depth and color of their art pieces.
Pros
- It can be used for more than watercolor painting. Other art techniques that can be applied on the paper include acrylic, airbrushing and gouache.
- Since it is 100% cotton, the paper is highly absorbent, but for good measure, it will not hurt if you have a drier or sponge close by as you work.
Cons
- It is costly.
- It requires a sharp knife to separate the sheets on the block. If you are not cautious when separating the sheets, you could end up ripping your work.
3. Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper
Intro
Not everyone can afford to start their journey into watercoloring with premium quality paper such as the Arches. Which is why the Strathmore 300 series watercolor paper has been included in our list. This beginner grade level is ideal for hobbyists to mid-level watercolor artists. The paper offers excellent beginner grade performance as it can withstand being reworked and heavily washed.
Pros
- It is affordable and great for beginner level artists looking to perfect their skills or people who engage in water coloring as a hobby.
- The wire bonding ensures that the paper is not contaminated by impurities that can be found in bindings; therefore, your artwork will retain its actual color.
- The tooth and roughness of the paper make it great for color mixing.
You can also draw on the paper using a pen and not have to worry about puncturing the paper.
Cons
- It is only available in one weight, i.e., 300 gsm.
- The archival and absorbency capacity while present is not the best.
4. Winsor & Newton Cotman Cold Press Spiral Water Colour Paper Pad
Intro
If on a budget but you still want high-quality watercolor paper, then this wood free, cold press paper by Winsor and Cotman makes perfect sense. The package contains ten sheets of 9 by 12 inches paper, and the papers weigh about 200 pounds. The fact that it is a cold press paper means that it grips color pigment exceptionally well and can hold water without buckling.
Pros
- It does not deteriorate easily as the paper is acid-free.
- The paper is sturdy, and you are unlikely to experience any wear and tear regardless of whether you sponge, erase, or remove the art masking fluid from your paper surface.
- It is affordable and ideal for both experienced and novice artists.
Cons
- The paper requires flattening before use as it tends to curl up while you paint.
5. Strathmore 140-205 Pro-Art Watercolor Paper Pack
Intro:
Pre-cut into 5? by 7? paper sizes, these professional grade watercolor papers by Strathmore are ideal for intermediate to advanced watercolor artists. The papers are made from 100% cotton and have a stronger surface perfect for color blending and lifting.
Pros
- The package also has precut frames that you can use to frame your artwork once you have completed it.
- It is acid-free and does not suffer from deterioration which makes it great for archival.
- It is excellent for use with any other wet media and not just watercolors.
Cons
- The papers are not bound together with any binding which means that you will need to figure out how to organize them for storage or future use.
Final Thoughts
The paper type, surface, weight, and quality are some of the things that you need to familiarize yourself with before purchasing watercolor paper. Depending on the technique and paint applied on the paper, each paper will react differently, and it is therefore advisable that you at least have a general idea of what you intend to achieve. If need be, test the different watercolor papers before committing to a final brand. The above-recommended papers are a great starting point to get you to the final decision.