The Best Watercolor Paper

Are you new to painting in watercolor and you find yourself wondering about the best watercolor paper?

Do you get overwhelmed by the options at stores when buying art supplies? Are you unhappy with your current watercolor paper?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then today’s post is just for you. We’re talking all about watercolor paper and more specifically what type is best for you.

This post has been updated December 11, 2024 to reflect some new watercolor paper I’m enjoying.

I’m a self taught watercolor artist and have enjoyed watercolor for 8 years. During that time I have experimented with all kinds of paper and classes (both in person and online) and I found some papers that I LOVE and can’t wait to share why with you! This post is not sponsored so I can give you my unbiased opinion on each paper type. I have used affiliate links for the papers, though.

Paper type and quality is really important

Before we go any further, I wanted to share a little story. When Conor started kindergarten I decided to enroll in my first watercolor class at a local art center. I went to an art supply store with list in hand and I really didn’t know what to buy. It was overwhelming. There were so many types of paint and brushes, not to mention, a whole aisle of paper! I bought cheap brushes, cheap paper, and cheap paint. I didn’t know any better. Class started and I tried to paint on my cheap paper and all the bristles on my brushes fell off into my paint.

Tears welled up in my eyes and streamed down my face.

I wanted to pack up my art supplies and go home.

I don’t want that to happen to you! That awful feeling.

What is the best watercolor paper?

Well, there are many great watercolor papers, but it all depends on what type of painting style you want to pursue and how you want to use your watercolors – are you framing or selling originals? Do you like the look of textured paper? Are you working with botanical and fine illustrations? If you are specializing in botanicals, you want ultra smooth paper. Also, some paper is heavier weights than others and some contain cotton while others do not. Here is a selection of papers I use:

I do have some favorites which I’ll share with you below.

This post also contains affiliate links, if you purchase a product via the link I may receive a percentage of the sale. You can read my full disclosure policy here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my blog in this way.

What is Hot Press Watercolor Paper?

Hot Press paper is ultra smooth watercolor paper used for usually botanical illustration and very fine detail. The paper is very smooth and due to that is delicate. Adding lots of water will ruin the paper. Using a heavy eraser will also ruin the paper.

For Hot Press Watercolor Paper I like Arches Hot Press in a block. Arches paper is really lovely paper but is very expensive. Many artists use this paper. It can go for $40+. I find many newer artists or even people who have been painting for a while can get worried about “ruining the paper” especially when they’ve spent so much on it.

Here you can see a botanical illustration I did of pansies with Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper. This paper is 140 pounds.

Here you can see a close up look at this type of paper. It’s ultra smooth:

What is a block?

Some papers, like the hot press above, comes on blocks. It has binding all the way around so you don’t need to tape the paper down when painting. Arches does other blocks in Cold Press and Cold Press Rough and other manufacturers make blocks, as well.

What is the significance of paper weight with watercolor paper?

Watercolor paper comes in three weights 90 lb (which is lightweight), 140 lb (medium weight), and 300 lb (heavy). The heavier the weight the higher the price of the paper, usually. I haven’t used lightweight paper. I usually stick with the 140 lb – I find it sufficient with my painting style, although I do have 300 lb Arches paper which does NOT buckle even with loads of wet on wet paint method. It’s just that thick.

What does paper containing cotton mean?

Many professional grade watercolor papers contain cotton while others only have wood pulp. Paper that contains cotton will absorb the watercolor almost like a sponge so it penetrates the paper. If you scrub the brush on top of the paper it’s hard to lift it, but on papers that contain wood pulp the paint essentially sits on top. For example, the Canson XL Paper does not contain cotton so it’s easier to lift the colors but Fluid and Winsor & Newton Professional both are cotton papers. I detail all below.

What is Cold Press Paper?

Cold Press Paper is more textured than Hot Press and is used for a variety of paint styles. You can use some of Cold Press that has a light texture with botanical illustration. Many companies make different types of versions of paper with different binding options. When choosing paper it’s important to notice the weight of the paper. I always stick with 140 lb paper and prefer ultra white. Now I’ll detail various brands of Cold Press paper I use below.

Types of Cold Press Papers

Arches Cold Press Block

When I was talking art classes at community centers many people used Arches Cold Press Blocks. These come in various shapes and sizes. The block is great to work on and because it’s sealed down on all sides you can use lots and lots of watercolor without worrying about the paper buckling. The paper is expensive and a 9 x 12 pad is $58. Arches papers are produced in France. I find that there is a pronounced texture with this paper. Here you can see the paper:

A glimpse of the texture:

Arches Rough Cold Press Block

The Arches Rough Cold Press Block has even more texture, which can look wonderful on landscapes or still-life paintings.

Strathmore Cold Press Paper

The Strathmore Cold Press Paper is less textured when compared to Arches and I’ve loved using it for botanical illustrations, as well as, shells and coastal scenes.

This paper type is the same weight and is a lot cheaper in price. I like the 400 series. A 9 x 12 pad is $11. This paper is produced in the USA.

Fabriano Cold Press Watercolor Post Cards

I’m a big fan of these little post cards! Fabriano Cold Press Post Cards. They have a great weight to them and are textured but I find I can use lots of water if I tape down the edges. I love them for seascapes or small illustrations if practicing for something larger. They’re great for beginner painters just starting out. I like taking them on the go as well. Perfect to pop in your bag to paint Plein Air!

Each post card measures 4 x 6 and they retail at $11 for 20. Fabriano paper is made in Italy. Here’s a peek at the texture:

Canson XL Cold Press Watercolor Paper

This is the paper I use the most! I love that it doesn’t have much texture and that it’s so affordable in price. I buy a couple of pads at a time. Canson XL Cold Press paper retails at $11 for 30 sheets. I find that I’m not scared to paint on this paper because it is affordable. Canson is made in France.

Here you can see that the paper doesn’t have much texture:

A few reasons I enjoy working with this paper:

• affordability
• low texture
• bright white

I scan my artwork in to create prints, note cards and patterns. Sometimes when a paper is very textured it’s hard to remove the texture or doesn’t scan well.

Due to the affordability of this paper I find myself “playing more”, I feel free to try out new styles, new colors and to experiment! Here’s something I did just for fun:

Fluid Watercolor Cold Press Paper

The Fluid Cold Press Block is 140 lb 100% cotton archival paper. I’m sharing the 6″ x 6″ block as that’s what I’m experimenting with right now. Recently I’ve been doing gouache seascapes and watercolor pansies on this paper, using lots of water and layers. The paper is lovely and doesn’t buckle because of the cotton content and because it’s on a block (this is bound on two sides).

Currently the price on Amazon is $8.99 for a block of 15 pages. There’s a very light texture which has a nice tooth to the paper but doesn’t inhibit my scanning my paintings. Here you can see the paper:

Winsor & Newton Professional Paper

The Winsor & Newton Professional Cold Press Watercolor Paper is also 100% cotton and 140 lbs as the paper above. This is a professional quality paper and is lovely to work on. I’ve linked a 9″ x 12″ block of 20 sheets. It’s currently 10% off on Amazon so the price is $44.99.

Here is the paper below. You can see the light texture the paper has. I also really like the vibrant white the paper is:

Stonehenge Black Cold Press Paper

Stonehenge Black Cold Press Paper makes quite a statement. I think it would look gorgeous with hand lettering or pearlized paints. It also is fun with gouache. An 8 x 10 pad of 15 pages retails for $16. Stonehenge paper is made in the USA. I bought this for myself at Christmas-time for fun and to play with. I haven’t actually used it as much as I thought I would but you can see an example here:

Watercolor Sketch Pads

Keeping a sketch pad can be so rewarding. I actually have two kinds I like. You guys are going to laugh at me because it took me quite a while (a year) to open up and paint in the Canson Montval Sketchbook. For some reason, I was worrying about ruining it or making a mistake. Doesn’t that sound silly?

The paper is nice and thick and you can paint on both side or stick things onto the pages. I like that it has a hard cover and can be brought out in nature to work.

The other book I use more for online classes and sketches. I like the Canson Ring Bound Journal with soft cover. It retails at $7.50. I painted these eggs in Sharone Steven’s Skillshare Class:

Paintable Flat Card Kits

I recently just launched paintable flat cards which are perfect for beginners because it comes with a light outline and easy painting instructions. Learn more about the watercolor kits here.

Each set includes two of each design and envelopes along with instructions. Shop the paintable cards here.

Choosing the Best Watercolor Paper (Video)

I’m a visual learning and I like incorporating video into my posts. Here I sit down and share my paper and sketchbooks with you to discuss what I like and don’t about each type.

Selecting Watercolor Paper & Other Resources

I hope you found this blog post helpful! Let me know via email or in the comments below if you have specific questions.

Watercolor Tutorials:

• Must Have Watercolor Supplies
• Watercolor Seascapes
• How to Paint Fall Leaves
• How to Paint Birch Trees

Online Classes:

I’m a huge fan of Skillshare which offers wonderful classes (on some many subjects, not just watercolor) from the comfort of your own home. Use this link to get a free month of Skillshare from me!

Our Shop and Free Art Printables

Many of you know I run an online shop with my teenage son. We have art prints, note cards and notepads all with a portion of every sale going to World Wildlife Fund. Visit our online shop! I also have a bunch of free printables on my site.

A list of the Watercolor Papers Outlined Above

I thought it might be helpful to list all the watercolor papers in one place.

• Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper Block
• Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper Block
• Arches Cold Press Rough Watercolor Paper Block
• Strathmore Watercolor Paper 400 Series
• Fabriano Post Cards Cold Press
• Canson XL Watercolor Paper in Cold Press
• Stonehenge Black Watercolor Paper in Cold Press
• Canson Montval Watercolor Sketchbook
• Canson Ringbound Watercolor Sketchbook
• Fluid Watercolor Block
• Winsor & Newton Professional Block

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