Today I am going to get all nerdy about paper!! I would love to help simplify your watercolor learning process and paper is one of the easiest places to get stuck trying to learn all the terms. I will break down the different terms and the reasons for each different kind of paper.
But first, why is it so important to get good watercolor paper??
Content
The good stuff is 100% cotton, and so it naturally absorbs water better than papers that are only partly cotton and partly wood pulp. Wood just doesn't absorb water!
So 100% cotton papers like Arches, Fabriano, Stonehenge Aqua and others, absorb the water that you brush on, more evenly and stay moist longer, allowing you more time to complete the wash without those telltale brush strokes that come from the paper drying a bit while you refill your brush.
All the opinions in this post are my personal opinions, from my own personal trial-and-error experience! This page also contains affiliate links (read full disclosure here.)
Weight
The weight of the paper also matters. 90lb papers are the thinnest, considered student grade. Middle of the road is 140 lb, with most papers also coming in a thick version, 300 lb. There are a few companies that make even thicker paper, but it is more rare and not really necessary. I almost exclusively use 140 lb.
This home portrait on 140 lb Hot pressed Arches
Texture
Watercolor papers come with different surfaces textures: hot press, cold press, and rough. Each have a different use and purpose. The hot press papers are smooth, they have been "hot-pressed" with giant irons. I use hot press for my home portraits, for the smoothness that gives crisp lines, but it is a difficult paper surface to use. I recommend starting with cold press, as it is a more forgiving paper and yet can still give you opportunity for detailed work. There is also rough paper, which is brilliant for drybrush effects.
This Idaho scene, Lake Cascade, 7x7" painted on cold pressed 140 lb Arches paper
Block or Sheets?
This is simply about how the paper is delivered to you:
1. in loose sheets (size 22x34 inches) which you can cut down to the sizes you prefer.
2. in a block, in smaller sizes, with glue holding all four edges of the paper together in layers. 3. in a pad, glued only at the top, like we most commonly see paper notepads.
Brand
Now is where there is a lot of varied opinions! Arches is the most commonly used paper here in the US, but there are other companies with a growing following. I recommend starting with a Arches 140 lb cold press in a 9x12 pad, and after practicing for awhile (use the back side of the paper, too!) consider buying a single sheet of various brands, especially ones like Fabriano, Stonehenge Aqua, or Boahong.
I know this can all be quite overwhelming! So many terms and variations! I would love to help simplify your watercolor learning process....let me know in the comments if there are any other questions you have on beginning watercolor!
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