Watercolor papers are essential for painters and art enthusiasts. The unique texture and pattern of these papers help in producing exceptional watercolor artworks. However, selecting the ideal watercolor paper is vital for the quality and longevity of your creations. It’s important to find the right balance between absorbency, thickness, and surface texture. Regardless of your watercolor painting skills, the type of paper you choose can significantly influence your artwork.
The best watercolor paper should be sustainably made, acid-free, and designed to arrest paint diffusion. Texture-wise, it should give the right blend of resistance and flow. The wrong kind of paper will lead to premature fading, bleeding, and an overall amateur finish.
When buying watercolor paper, it’s essential to take note of the weight or thickness measured in pounds per ream (typically ranges from 90-300lb). The higher the number, the thicker the paper. Also, consider the surface texture (smooth, cold press, or rough) and the paper’s composition.
In this article, we take you through the process of choosing the best watercolor paper for all your artistic endeavors. Having diligently researched and tested a myriad of watercolor paper types, we have consolidated our findings to present you with the valuable information needed to make an educated choice. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with all the critical details on various watercolor papers and factors to consider when buying them.
Best Watercolor Papers
Choosing the right watercolor paper is indispensable in achieving absolute artistic satisfaction. The paper should be durable, offer excellent water-absorption properties, and possess a suitable texture for the specific watercolor effects you want. With numerous paper types in the market, reaching a decision on the type that keeps your artistic vigour alive can prove daunting. However, we have painstakingly tested and ranked the best watercolor papers which myth-bust the hype and deliver aesthetics.
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, 9×12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb/300g)
If you’re looking for a high-quality watercolor paper that won’t break the bank, the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The paper is strong and sturdy, with a weight of 140lb/300g, making it ideal for wet and mixed media.
- The texture of the paper is subtle, which allows the paint to sit on top of the paper rather than absorbing into it, resulting in vibrant colors and crisp lines.
- The pad comes with 24 sheets, which is perfect for those who want to experiment with different techniques and colors without committing to a larger pad or panel.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the paper can warp or buckle when it gets wet, which can be frustrating if you’re working on a larger piece.
- The paper is acid-free, but it’s not archival quality, which means that the colors may fade over time if the paper is exposed to light or moisture.
- The pad is only available in the 9×12 inch size, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Overall, we highly recommend the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad for anyone who is looking for a high-quality watercolor paper that is affordable and easy to use. The paper is strong and versatile, and it allows you to create beautiful and vibrant artwork without breaking the bank.
UCreate Watercolor Paper, Bulk, 90 Lb., White, 9″ x 12″, 250 Sheets
If you’re looking for an affordable watercolor paper option, UCreate Watercolor Paper might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The paper is acid-free, which means it won’t yellow over time.
- It comes in a large quantity of 250 sheets, making it a great value for the price.
- The weight of the paper is 90 lb, which is a good weight for watercolor painting.
Cons
- The paper might not hold up well for heavy washes or multiple layers of paint.
- The paper is not textured, which might not be suitable for some artists’ preferences.
- The paper might not be suitable for professional use.
UCreate Watercolor Paper is a great option for beginners or hobbyists who want to practice their watercolor painting skills. The paper is acid-free, which means it won’t yellow over time, making it a great investment for the future. Additionally, the paper comes in a large quantity of 250 sheets, making it a great value for the price.
However, the paper might not hold up well for heavy washes or multiple layers of paint, which might be a concern for some artists. Additionally, the paper is not textured, which might not be suitable for some artists’ preferences. Lastly, the paper might not be suitable for professional use.
Overall, UCreate Watercolor Paper is a great option for those who want to practice their watercolor painting skills without breaking the bank. It’s a reliable option that will provide you with a smooth surface to paint on, and the acid-free feature ensures that your artwork will last a long time.
UCreate Watercolor Paper, Bulk, 140 Lb., White, 9″ x 12″, 50 Sheets
If you’re looking for a watercolor paper that’s easy to cut and won’t buckle, then the UCreate Watercolor Paper might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The paper is pre-cut into 9×12 inch sheets, making it easy to use and transport.
- It won’t buckle or warp, even when wet, ensuring that your artwork stays true to form.
- The 140lb weight of the paper provides a nice balance between texture and durability.
Cons
- The paper is quite thin, which may not be ideal for some artists.
- The texture of the paper may not be suitable for those who prefer a smoother finish.
- The paper may not hold up as well over time, especially if it gets wet frequently.
We’ve used the UCreate Watercolor Paper for a few projects, and we’re impressed with how well it holds up, even when we’ve used wet brushes. The paper doesn’t buckle or warp, which is a huge plus, especially when you’re working on larger pieces.
One thing to keep in mind is that the paper is quite thin, which may not be ideal for some artists. However, we found that it worked well for us, and we were able to achieve the level of detail we wanted without any issues.
Another thing to consider is the texture of the paper. It’s not too rough, but it’s not completely smooth either. If you prefer a smoother finish, then this may not be the paper for you. However, if you’re looking for a paper that has a bit of texture to it, then you’ll be happy with the UCreate Watercolor Paper.
Overall, we think the UCreate Watercolor Paper is a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a watercolor paper that’s easy to use and won’t buckle or warp, even when wet. It’s affordable, durable, and provides a nice balance between texture and weight. So, if you’re in the market for a new watercolor paper, give the UCreate Watercolor Paper a try!
120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk, 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)
If you’re looking for a watercolor paper that is perfect for kids, students, or even professionals, then the 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The paper is pre-cut to 5 x 7 inches, making it perfect for gift cards or greeting cards.
- The paper is acid-free, which means that it won’t yellow over time.
- The paper is thick enough to handle multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling.
Cons
- The paper is not suitable for wet-on-wet techniques, as it may buckle or warp.
- The paper may not be suitable for very heavy washes or layers of paint.
- The paper may not be suitable for very detailed or intricate artwork.
We’ve used this paper for various watercolor projects, and we’ve found that it performs well for most techniques. The paper is thick enough to handle multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling, which is great for kids who tend to apply paint heavily.
One thing to note is that the paper is not suitable for wet-on-wet techniques, as it may buckle or warp. However, for most other techniques, the paper holds up well and produces great results.
Overall, if you’re looking for a watercolor paper that is affordable, high-quality, and perfect for kids or students, then the 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk is definitely worth considering.
Canson XL Watercolor Pads, 9 In. x 12 In., Pad Of 30 (100510941) (98773)
If you’re looking for a watercolor pad that offers a smooth and even texture for your watercolor paintings, the Canson XL Watercolor Pads might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The 140lb/550gsm weight of the paper provides excellent water absorption and is perfect for wet techniques.
- The textured surface of the paper allows for beautiful blending and creates a unique effect.
- The pad comes with 30 sheets, which is great for testing out new techniques or for quick sketches.
Cons
- The pad is only 9×12 inches, which might not be enough space for larger paintings.
- The paper is acid-free, but it’s not archival quality, so the colors might fade over time.
- The pad is quite expensive compared to other watercolor pads on the market.
We’ve been using the Canson XL Watercolor Pads for a while now, and we’re impressed with the quality of the paper. The texture of the paper is perfect for creating beautiful watercolor paintings, and the paper absorbs the water well without warping or buckling.
One of the things we love about this pad is that it comes with a mix of cold press and hot press paper. This allows us to experiment with different techniques and see which one works best for us. The cold press paper is great for creating texture and depth, while the hot press paper is perfect for precise details and clean lines.
Another great feature of this pad is that it comes with a convenient storage folio that holds all 30 sheets. This makes it easy to take the pad with us on the go and sketch or paint wherever we are.
Overall, we highly recommend the Canson XL Watercolor Pads to anyone who is looking for a high-quality watercolor pad that offers a smooth and even texture for their paintings.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best watercolor paper, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various types of watercolor papers, and we understand the importance of each factor in achieving the desired results.
Weight
The weight of the paper is an important factor to consider when choosing watercolor paper. The weight is measured in pounds per ream (500 sheets) or grams per square meter (gsm). Heavier paper is more durable and can handle more water without buckling or warping. However, heavier paper can also be more expensive. Lighter paper is more affordable but may not hold up as well to heavy washes of watercolor.
Texture
The texture of the paper is another important factor to consider. Rough paper has a more pronounced texture, which allows for more water absorption and creates a more dynamic painting. Smooth paper, on the other hand, is better for detailed work and fine lines. The texture of the paper can also affect how the paint sits on the surface and how it interacts with the water.
Material
Watercolor paper can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, cellulose, and rice. Cotton paper is the most durable and can handle the most water without buckling. Cellulose paper is more affordable but may not hold up as well to heavy washes of watercolor. Rice paper is the least durable but is great for creating delicate and ethereal paintings.
Size
The size of the paper is also an important factor to consider. Larger sheets of paper allow for more creativity and can be cut down to smaller sizes as needed. Smaller sheets of paper are more affordable but may limit the size of the painting.
In conclusion, when choosing the best watercolor paper, it is important to consider the weight, texture, material, and size of the paper. By taking these factors into account, artists can find the perfect paper to suit their needs and create stunning watercolor paintings.
