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Colored Watercolor Paper: It's Not Every Paper will Do Blog

May 26, 2022

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What is the best paper for watercolor? It's a good question, but the answer to this is both straightforward (watercolor painting paper) and a bit complex (there are different types and it all depends on what your preferences and the purpose of your purchase).

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, do not fret. Here's a brief overview of the various types available there so that you can pick the appropriate material for your work.

What's the Difference Between Watercolor Paper and Paper?

There are good reasons why you shouldn't use just any paper for painting watercolor.

Types of Paper to use for Watercolor Art

There are four things you should consider when choosing the appropriate paper to paint with watercolor: quality, pressure, and weight. Not all kinds of paper for watercolor work effectively for every technique, so be sure to make sure you take your time when making a selection so that you don't get the wrong paper for the job.

Quality

The quality, or grade of your watercolor paper is a reflection of what it is composed of as well as the processes used for making it. Higher grade watercolor paper comes from better materials and production processes and is a better choice for most watercolor paintings in addition to sketches and other practicing work.

The watercolor paper is divided into two types students and professional.

  • Professional qualityis usually made of 100% cotton and that's important since cotton watercolor paper is much less likely to degrade on contact with moisture than watercolor paper that is made from other substances. Professional cotton paper, sometimes referred to as "cotton paper" also known as "rag paper," is typically made by hand in a mold instead of manufactured by machines. It's rough in texture, which is great for absorption and pH neutral as well as acid-free. This means that it doesn't need to be worried about it yellowing over time.

Pressure

The pressure is responsible for the texture or the surface on the sheet. The watercolor paints stick differently to different types of textures Therefore, you should select a pressure that is compatible with the methods and the type of pigments you're planning to use.

There are three types of pressure Each of them results in distinct textures:

  • Hot pressed:Produces the smoothest appearance. It's useful for fine detailing working with watercolor pens as well as ink. It's generally not used as a general paintbrush.
  • Cold-pressedGood for mixed medium work as well as wet-on-wet. It's medium rough in texture that makes fine detailing slightly difficult, yet gives it excellent absorbency. Also, it's great for those who are just beginning.
  • RoughThis paper is one of the best dense kind of paper for watercolor, which allows for pigments to sink deepest in the fibres. It's better as opposed to cold-pressed, and it is the most absorbent of all watercolor paper varieties.

Weight

Another aspect to take into account when selecting watercolor paper is its weight. This is the thickness of the material, which directly correlates to the absorbency of it and its ease of use.

Watercolor paper is available in three weight stocks. (For information, print paper is only 24 pounds per block.)

  • Light:90 pound blocks that aren't commonly used for general watercolor painting but can be used to create prints.
  • Medium140 pounds blocks, which is is the weight that most people use. Should be stretched prior use in order to avoid becoming shaky while painting.
  • High:300 pound blocks and most thick of them. Painters may prefer using heavier weights, particularly people who are working in extremely humid conditions.

If you opt for medium weight paper, wet the paper and allow it to dry before applying the paint. This stretching technique leads to less expansion upon a second application of moisture and an overall smoother surface.

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Selecting the best watercolor paper

You've mastered all the factors that go into the creation of paper. But how do you decide which one is the most suitable for your specific needs? If you want to cut the guesswork out of the equation and select the most frequently used variety, pick up some professional grade, cold pressed, medium weight paper, that can be found in every art supply shop.

When you are more experienced and start to learn new techniques, try various types of papers and determine what type you like using.

What can I do If I don't have Watercolor Paper?

You already know that printing paper isn't suitable for watercolors. However, you have other options available to you. Naturally, watercolor paper is optimal for this, however in a binding it is possible to paint using a standard sketchbook, and mixed media. It is also possible to paint on Bristol board, which is created by layering different layers of art paper in order to create a thick and solid surface. It can also be used as canvas (more about it here).

Of course, if you're painting with the intention to preserve or exhibit and display, you'll want to stick with actual watercolor paper. Alternatives may work out just okay for practice, but it can also save cost if you're looking to purchase the finest watercolor paper but don't want to use it each when you paint.

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