Selecting the Right Watercolor Paper

If you are looking to take up watercolor, you may need some help selecting the correct paper for your first painting. The type of watercolor paper is typically selected based upon its texture and thickness. Watercolor paper is chosen based on the final look you are trying to attain. The standard watercolor paper surface options are hot press, cold press, and rough.

Hot Press:
This paper works well for multiple washes and blending. Artists choosing this style are typically looking for a more detailed approach, where precision is key. This paper is fine-grained and smooth. Errors are somewhat easier to lift than their rougher cousins.

Cold Press:
Cold press paper is a good choice for landscapes and abstracts where a variety of textures are required. This paper has a medium amount of roughness, somewhere between the hot press and rough paper textures.

Rough Paper:
Rough paper is typically used for a looser approach, where precision and detail are not as important. Dry brushing is easy and effective on cold or rough papers.

These types of papers come in varying thicknesses. Watercolor paper is rated in pounds (lbs.), which are related to the pounds per ream (500 sheets) of paper. The typical weights are 90 lb., 140 lb., and 300 lb. As the weight increases, so does the price. One advantage of the 300 lb. paper is that you won't have to stretch your paper, due to its inherent stiffness. Just clip this type of paper to a board and that should be sufficient. It also takes more abuse due to sanding and scrubbing. 300 lb. paper does not require any kind of support, other than a surface to lay it on.

Some suppliers of watercolor paper are d'Arches, Strathmore, Winsor & Newton, Saunders Waterford, Bockingford, and Fabriano. Each brand is a little different in texture, thickness, and quality. Make certain that any paper you buy is acid- free and lignin free. Most watercolor papers meet these criteria, but you will want to ask just to make sure.

Bockingford paper does not absorb pigments like other papers, allowing the artist to make corrections through lifting. This paper does not work well with glazing one color over another, so only direct painting is recommended.

Beginners might want to consider frame size when they cut and size their paper. Standard frames at places such as Aaron Brothers are much cheaper than custom frames. If you can adjust your paper to fit standard frame sizes without compromising your design, it will save you a lot of money! If you plan on making your own frames, this will not pose a problem.