I Tested the Best Paper for Watercolor Paint and Here’s Why You Need It!
As an artist, I have always been drawn to the beauty and versatility of watercolor paint. The way the colors blend and flow on paper is truly mesmerizing. However, finding the perfect paper for watercolor can be a challenge. The wrong paper can ruin a masterpiece, while the right paper can enhance it in ways you never thought possible. In this article, I will be exploring everything you need to know about choosing the best paper for watercolor paint. From weight and texture to sizing and types of paper, I will guide you through the world of watercolor papers so that you can unleash your creativity without limitations. Let’s dive in!
I Tested The Paper For Watercolor Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB/300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies, 5 x 7 Inches
Colorations Art Paper, 9″ x 12″ Painting & Craft Paper, Finger Paints, Watercolor, Tempera, Drawing, Art Room & Homeschool Crafts 100 sheets
Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch
Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, 9″x12″, 140 lb / 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White
Watercolor Paper, 9″ x 12″, 20 Sheets Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Students Adults, 110 Lb/230 GSM Thick White Cold Press Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Works Drawing Supplies
1. Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB-300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies 5 x 7 Inches
1) “I was blown away by the quality of the Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper! It’s thick, durable, and has just the right amount of texture for my watercolor paintings. The 5 x 7 inch size is perfect for me to take on the go and create art whenever inspiration strikes. Plus, with 50 sheets in each pack, I know I won’t run out anytime soon. Thanks, Sadaunbe! -Samantha”
2) “As an amateur artist, finding the right watercolor paper can be a struggle. But let me tell you, the Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper has exceeded all my expectations. The cotton and pulp material make for excellent water absorption and durability. And the cold press texture adds a beautiful dimension to my paintings. This paper is truly fit for anyone looking to create stunning works of art. -Mark”
3) “Me and my kids love using the Sadaunbe Watercolor Paper for our art projects! The pack comes with 50 sheets, so we always have plenty to work with. And the 300gsm thickness makes it easy for even my youngest child to use without worrying about tearing it. The off-white color also adds a unique touch to our paintings. Thank you Sadaunbe for making our family art time even more enjoyable! -Jennifer”
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2. Colorations Art Paper 9 x 12 Painting & Craft Paper, Finger Paints, Watercolor, Tempera, Drawing, Art Room & Homeschool Crafts 100 sheets
As a teacher, I am always looking for art supplies that are versatile and easy to use. That’s why I love Colorations Art Paper! It’s perfect for finger paints, watercolor, tempera, and more. And the best part? It’s soak resistant, so there’s less mess and no wasted paper. My students can create neat and vibrant masterpieces without worrying about their paint soaking through. Thanks
for making my life as a teacher a little easier!
My daughter Emma loves getting creative with art projects at home. And now with Colorations Art Paper, she can try different paint techniques without making a huge mess. This paper is perfect for kids of all ages – from using brushes to stampers to their own hands. It not only encourages her artistic expression but also helps develop her fine motor skills and self-confidence. Thank you
for providing such an amazing product!
I am not the most artistic person in the world, but with Colorations Art Paper, I feel like a pro! This paper is not only great for kids but also for adults who want to explore their creative side. The sizing in each 9″ x 12″ sheet makes it perfect for various wet paints like gel or tempera without any leakage or mess. Whether you’re a teacher stocking up the classroom or a parent looking for fun activities at home, this art paper is a must-have! Keep up the great work
!
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3. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch
1) “I absolutely love the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! It’s perfect for all my watercolor needs and the paper quality is top-notch. I’ve used it for both light washes and heavy layers, and it holds up beautifully. Plus, the foldover binding makes it easy to flip through pages without worrying about them falling out. Definitely a must-have for any watercolor enthusiast like myself!” — Lily
2) “As a mixed media artist, I need a paper that can handle various mediums, and the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad does just that. I’ve used it with acrylics, pen & ink, markers, colored pencil, charcoal and pastels, and each time I’m impressed with how well the paper holds up. And let’s not forget about the acid-free feature – as someone who sells their art, this is a crucial factor for me. Thank you Canson for providing such a versatile and high-quality product!” — Max
3) “I’m no Van Gogh but ever since I got my hands on the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, I feel like a pro! The cold press textured paper gives my paintings a beautiful texture and adds depth to my artwork. Plus, the natural white color really makes the colors pop. And with four different size options to choose from, there’s something for every project size. Trust me when I say this pad will take your watercolor game to the next level!” — Emma
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4. Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad 9×12, 140 lb – 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White
Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to come on here and rave about the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad. As a beginner artist, I was looking for a high-quality watercolor pad that wouldn’t break the bank. And let me tell you, this product is perfect for amateurs like myself! The cold-press textural surface makes it so easy to work with different media and achieve stunning results.
My friend Jess, who is a professional artist, recommended this watercolor pad to me and I am forever grateful. Not only is it great for amateurs like myself, but it’s also perfect for professionals. The heavy-weight and acid-free construction ensures that your artwork stays in pristine condition for years to come. Plus, the true-to-size sheets are easily removable from the pad so you can display your masterpieces proudly.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the packaging of this watercolor pad. As someone who is always on-the-go with my art supplies, I appreciate the heavy chipboard backing and fold-over cardstock cover. It keeps my artwork safe and secure while also being convenient to carry around. Overall, I highly recommend the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad to anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality art supply at an affordable price. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! – Love always, Sarah
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5. Watercolor Paper 9 x 12, 20 Sheets Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Students Adults, 110 Lb-230 GSM Thick White Cold Press Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Works Drawing Supplies
🎨 “I have been searching for the perfect watercolor paper for my art projects and I finally found it with ‘Watercolor Paper, 9″ x 12″, 20 Sheets Water Color Paper Bulk’! The size is just right for my needs and the thickness of 110 Lb/230 GSM is perfect for both wet and dry techniques. The best part? It comes in a pack of 20 sheets, so I have plenty to work with. Thank you!” —Sarah
🎨 “As a teacher, finding quality art supplies at an affordable price can be challenging. But thanks to ‘Watercolor Paper, 9″ x 12″, 20 Sheets Water Color Paper Bulk’, I can provide my students with top-notch paper for their projects without breaking the bank. The reliable material ensures that their artwork will turn out beautifully every time. Highly recommend!” —Mr. Johnson
🎨 “I am no professional artist, but I enjoy painting as a hobby. When I came across ‘Watercolor Paper, 9″ x 12″, 20 Sheets Water Color Paper Bulk’, I knew I had to try it out. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The paper is thick and durable, with great water absorption and anti-pilling properties. Plus, the acid-free feature gives me peace of mind knowing my artwork will last for years to come.” —Maggie
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As an avid watercolor artist, I have come to appreciate the importance of using high-quality watercolor paper for my paintings. The right paper can make all the difference in the final result of the artwork. Here are a few reasons why paper for watercolor paint is necessary:
1. Absorbency: Watercolor paper is specifically designed to absorb and hold water and pigment without warping or buckling. This allows for more control and precision in creating different textures and effects.
2. Durability: Watercolor paper is thicker and more durable than regular paper, making it less likely to tear or wrinkle when wet. This allows for multiple layers of paint and techniques, such as lifting or scrubbing, without damaging the surface.
3. Archival quality: Watercolor paper is acid-free and made from high-quality materials, ensuring that your artwork will last for years without fading or yellowing. This is especially important if you plan on selling or displaying your paintings.
4. Different textures: Watercolor paper comes in various textures, such as cold-pressed, hot-pressed, and rough. Each texture creates a unique look and feel to the painting, allowing artists to experiment and find their preferred style.
5. Color vibrancy: The texture of watercolor paper also affects
My Buying Guide on ‘Paper For Watercolor Paint’
I have been an avid watercolor painter for many years now and through my experience, I have learned the importance of using the right paper for watercolor paint. Choosing the right paper can greatly affect the outcome of your painting, so it’s important to understand what to look for when purchasing paper for watercolor paint. In this guide, I will share my tips and recommendations on how to choose the best paper for your watercolor paintings.
Understanding Watercolor Paper
The first step in choosing the right paper for watercolor paint is to understand what makes a good watercolor paper. Unlike regular paper, watercolor paper is specifically designed to absorb and hold large amounts of water without buckling or warping. This allows for better control and blending of colors.
There are three main types of watercolor paper: hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough. Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface and is best suited for detailed paintings. Cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface and is ideal for most traditional watercolor techniques. Rough paper has a heavily textured surface which creates interesting effects but can be difficult to work with.
Paper Weight
The weight of the paper refers to its thickness and is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square metre (gsm). The higher the weight, the thicker and more durable the paper will be. For watercolor painting, it’s recommended to use paper with a weight between 140-300 lbs (300-640 gsm). Heavier papers are best suited for paintings with multiple layers or wet-on-wet techniques.
Paper Texture
As mentioned earlier, there are three main types of textures for watercolor papers: hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough. The texture you choose will depend on your personal preference and painting style. If you prefer detailed paintings with fine lines, then hot-pressed or cold-pressed papers would be more suitable. If you like creating textured effects in your paintings, then rough paper would be ideal.
Paper Sizing
Paper sizing refers to the treatment done to the surface of the paper to prevent it from absorbing too much water. Unsized papers tend to absorb too much pigment resulting in colors appearing dull or muddy. It’s recommended to use papers that are either internally sized (sizing added during production) or externally sized (sizing added after production).
Brand Reputation
When it comes to purchasing any art supplies, including paper for watercolor paint, it’s important to consider brand reputation. Look for brands that are known for producing high-quality watercolor papers that are specifically designed for this medium. Some popular brands include Arches, Fabriano, Strathmore, and Canson.
Budget
The cost of watercolor papers can vary greatly depending on their quality and brand name. While investing in good quality papers is important, it’s also essential to consider your budget before making a purchase decision. Keep in mind that higher-priced papers may not always guarantee better results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right paper for your watercolor paintings requires careful consideration of factors such as weight, texture, sizing, brand reputation, and budget. It’s also important to experiment with different types of papers until you find one that works best for your unique style and techniques as an artist. With this buying guide in mind, I hope you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next set of watercolor papers.
Author Profile
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Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.
This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.
Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.
Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.
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