Every artist wants a quality base for their work, but the variety of watercolour papers on the market can be overwhelming - the nuances of rough, cold and hot pressed papers, the different weights of the paper, pads and blocks... We invite you to explore the nuances of watercolour paper to make your choice easier!
Choosing the right watercolour paper doesn't have to be difficult. A basic principle that applies to many aspects of life also applies when choosing watercolour paper - the matching quality at the matching price. Choosing cheaper alternatives may compromise the quality of your work, as the paper may wrinkle from water, tear when rubbed or form many lumps. Investing in quality watercolour paper is the first step towards quality and longevity of your work. Of course, this doesn't mean you have to go for the most expensive options - there are plenty of choices with good value for money!
Types of surface
Watercolour paper generally comes in three types: Hot Pressed, known as HP, Cold Pressed, known as CP or NOT, and Rough.
Hot Pressed
Hot pressed paper has the smoothest surface - it is best suited to those who paint with precision and want to convey a lot of fine detail, and it also gives smooth transitions. The high temperature pressing technique makes the surface of the paper smooth. Colours are at their most vivid when using this paper, as the paper absorbs them least. The low absorbency means that the paint dries more slowly, making it easier to correct the work. Not suitable for painting with lots of water.
Cold Pressed
Cold pressed paper is medium-textured, the easiest to adapt to various watercolour techniques, and considered the most popular. Also known as CP, it is often marked NOT, which stands for Not Hot Pressed. When pressed at cold temperatures, it develops a rougher texture as it dries. This texture allows it to absorb more water than hot pressed paper, but the colours become more faded. The paint dries faster. The texture of the paper also contributes to the final look of the work once it has dried - the roughness of the surface adds extra charm to the work.
Rough
Rough, as the name suggests, is the most textured watercolour paper. The deep pores in the paper are perfect if you want to make the most of the granulation of the watercolour paint. During the drying process, the paper is pressed between sheets of textured felt, giving it a felt-like texture. As the paper absorbs a lot of water, the effect of granulation - the uneven application of colours - is improved. Not suitable for those who want precision, but ideal for expressive painting techniques.
Pads or blocks?
The main difference between a watercolour block and a pad is the way the paper is glued together.
Pads
Watercolour pads are glued on one side only, usually at the top. The sheets are intended to be removed before painting on them. When using pads, it is recommended to stretch the sheet after tearing it before using it, to prevent the paper from wrinkling and to keep it smooth when painting. This can be done by sticking the paper to a hard surface with special adhesive tape.
Blocks
The watercolour paper blocks are glued on all four sides, resulting in a solid block of paper. This is done so that the paper does not have to be stretched by hand and can be painted on the top sheet at once. Once the watercolour has dried, the paper is removed with a spatula, leaving the bottom sheets clean and the overpainted paper crease-free. The paper blocks are particularly convenient for painting outdoors, during plein air painting, as they do not require any additional preparation.
Paper weight
For watercolour painters, the weight of the paper becomes an issue when you don't want the paper to wrinkle when wet. Lightweight paper wrinkles very quickly, while heavier paper deforms less. Paper grams are measured in terms of weight per square metre, indicated in gsm or g/m2. This system always compares a sheet of the same size (1 m x 1 m). The more the paper weighs, the stronger and thicker it is. This also determines the price of the paper - the more grams, the higher the price.
300 g/m2
This is the minimum recommended paper weight for watercolour. 300 g/m2 is also the most popular paper weight. It is perfect for conventional watercolour techniques, with a moderate amount of water. However, for heavier strokes, stretching the paper is necessary, otherwise the paper will crease. Stretching is the process of pre-wetting the paper with water in order to stretch it. The wet paper is then glued to the board to shrink the surface when it dries. The surface, thus stretched, can then withstand large volumes of water without wrinkling.
640 g/m2
Many professional watercolour artists use the heaviest paper - 640 g/m2. Using this paper allows you to paint confidently, knowing that the paper will not crease. This paper has a very durable surface which is ideal for demanding watercolour techniques. This paper is particularly suitable for the Wet-on-Wet painting method. It is also very good for painting with supergranulating watercolours - the granulation effect is enhanced.
Discover!
Choosing the right paper is a personal journey of discovery. Advice and knowledge of the different nuances can help you choose, but it is practical experience that will give you the understanding of what paper best suits your needs. So don't be afraid to try different options and discover your personal touch that will best fulfil your artistic expression!
A wide selection of 100% cotton paper in the Art Spices shop!
We invite you to discover watercolour paper of the highest quality, unparalleled texture and durability for the most discerning ones.
