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Watercolor paper is an essential element in creating beautiful and lasting watercolor artworks. Well-selected watercolor paper will provide the perfect texture for your painting style, have excellent absorbency to showcase the best color variation, and have a solid structure to withstand color saturation without buckling. However, finding the right watercolor paper for your specific needs can be a challenging task, given the multitude of options available.
After extensive research, field testing, and comprehensive evaluations of various watercolor papers, we are prepared to guide you on your journey to find the best watercolor paper. This article is aimed at those who are passionate about watercolor painting, from novices to advanced artists, who are looking to enhance their artistic creation through superior-quality paper. By the end of this article, you’ll have an in-depth knowledge of the best watercolor papers available on the market today. Our goal isn’t to just tell you which brand is the best, but to empower you with the information needed to make a selection based on your artistic preferences and painting techniques.
Best Watercolor Paper
Deciding on watercolor paper is a crucial step in your art-making journey. It’s the surface onto which your creativity will truly shine. We understand the significance of choosing the best paper that aligns with your painting style, level of experience, and techniques. This guide aims to simplify your selection process by highlighting the best watercolor papers, based on our direct experiences and thorough testing.
Many factors, such as paper weight, texture, size, and price point, are integral to your decision. Additionally, the type of watercolor paper, whether hot-pressed, cold-pressed, or rough, significantly influences the final outcome of your artwork. We studied a wide range of papers, testing them with various painting techniques and watercolor types, and attempted to replicate the different methodologies that watercolor artists often utilize.
After putting these watercolor papers to the test, we’ve managed to create a list of the ones that we deem the best in the market. Through these findings, we can guide your purchase to ensure that you’re not only using the best materials for your art but that you have a better understanding of which paper will help you reach your full creative potential.
Canson Graduate Watercolor Pad, Foldover, 5.5×8.5 inch, 20 Sheets | Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Painting, Gouache, Mixed Media and Ink
If you’re looking for a watercolor pad that’s perfect for on-the-go painting, the Canson Graduate Watercolor Pad is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The foldover cover provides extra protection for your artwork.
- The paper is 140lb weight, which is heavy enough to prevent bleeding and buckling.
- The pad is acid-free, making it ideal for artists who want to preserve the quality of their work.
Cons
- The pad is only 5.5×8.5 inches, which may be too small for some artists.
- The pad only includes 20 sheets of paper, which may not be enough for some projects.
- The pad is relatively expensive compared to other watercolor pads on the market.
The Canson Graduate Watercolor Pad is a great choice for artists who want a high-quality watercolor pad that’s easy to carry with them. The foldover cover provides extra protection for your artwork, and the paper’s 140lb weight ensures that it won’t warp or buckle while you’re painting. Additionally, the pad’s acid-free properties make it a great choice for artists who want to preserve the quality of their work.
However, the pad’s small size and limited number of sheets may not be ideal for all artists. Additionally, the pad’s relatively high price point may be a turn-off for some budget-conscious artists.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality watercolor pad that’s easy to carry with you, the Canson Graduate Watercolor Pad is definitely worth considering.
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 versatile watercolor paper for your artwork, the 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 140 lb/300 GSM weight of the paper makes it sturdy enough to handle multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling.
- The cold press texture of the paper provides a unique and subtle pattern that enhances the appearance of your artwork.
- The paper is acid-free, ensuring that your artwork will last a lifetime without yellowing or fading.
Cons
- The paper is pre-cut into 5×7 inch sheets, which may not be the most convenient size for some artists.
- The paper may not be suitable for very wet or heavy washes, as it may warp or buckle if too much water is used.
- The paper may not be suitable for professional artists who require a higher quality paper for their work.
Overall, we found the 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk to be a great value for the price. The paper is sturdy enough to handle multiple layers of paint without warping, and the cold press texture provides a unique and subtle pattern that enhances the appearance of your artwork. Additionally, the paper is acid-free, ensuring that your artwork will last a lifetime without yellowing or fading.
If you’re a beginner or student artist looking for a versatile watercolor paper that won’t break the bank, the 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re a professional artist who requires a higher quality paper for your work, you may want to look for a different option.
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
If you’re looking for a watercolor paper that is perfect for beginners, the Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The paper is thick and sturdy, which makes it less likely to warp or buckle when wet paint is applied.
- The off-white color of the paper helps to create vibrant and true-to-life colors.
- The cold press finish gives the paper a slight texture, which can help to create interesting effects when painting.
Cons
- The paper is only 5 x 7 inches, which may not be large enough for some artists to create their desired pieces.
- The paper may not be suitable for more advanced artists who require a higher quality paper.
- The paper is only available in white, which may not be ideal for some artists.
Overall, the Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper is a great option for beginners who are looking for an affordable and high-quality watercolor paper. The paper’s thickness, off-white color, and cold press finish make it a great choice for creating vibrant and textured paintings.
The paper’s thickness is one of its most notable features, as it helps to prevent warping and buckling when wet paint is applied. This is especially important for beginners who may not have a lot of experience with watercolor painting and may be more likely to make mistakes that could cause the paper to warp.
Another great feature of this paper is its off-white color, which helps to create vibrant and true-to-life colors. This is because white paper can cause colors to appear washed out or dull, while off-white paper helps to bring out the true vibrancy of the colors.
Finally, the paper’s cold press finish gives it a slight texture, which can help to create interesting effects when painting. This texture can help to add depth and dimension to your paintings, making them more dynamic and visually appealing.
While the Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper is a great option for beginners, it may not be suitable for more advanced artists who require a higher quality paper. Additionally, the paper’s size may not be large enough for some artists to create their desired pieces. Finally, the paper is only available in white, which may not be ideal for some artists.
Overall, if you’re a beginner looking for an affordable and high-quality watercolor paper, the Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper is definitely worth considering.
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, 9×12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb/300g)
If you’re looking for a watercolor paper that is versatile, affordable, and produces professional results, the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad is a great choice.
Pros
- The paper is pre-creased, making it easy to fold into a hardbound sketchbook without the need for additional tools.
- It is suitable for a variety of techniques, including watercolor, acrylic, ink, colored pencil, graphite, and charcoal.
- The paper is acid-free, which means it won’t yellow over time.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the paper is not suitable for heavy washes or multiple layers of paint.
- The paper is not quite as heavy as advertised, which may be a concern for some users.
- The paper may buckle or warp if too much water is used.
The Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad is a great choice for beginners and professionals alike. The paper is pre-creased, which makes it easy to fold into a hardbound sketchbook without the need for additional tools. It is also suitable for a variety of techniques, including watercolor, acrylic, ink, colored pencil, graphite, and charcoal.
One of the best things about this paper is that it is acid-free, which means it won’t yellow over time. This is especially important for anyone who plans to sell their work or wants to keep their artwork for years to come.
However, some users have reported that the paper is not suitable for heavy washes or multiple layers of paint. Additionally, the paper is not quite as heavy as advertised, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, the paper may buckle or warp if too much water is used.
Overall, the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile watercolor paper. It may not be suitable for heavy washes or multiple layers of paint, but it is a great choice for anyone who wants to produce professional-quality artwork without breaking the bank.
Canson XL Watercolor Pads, 9 In. x 12 In., Pad Of 30 (100510941) (98773)
If you’re looking for a watercolor pad that can handle heavy washes and wet media without buckling or warping, the Canson XL Watercolor Pad is a great option.
Pros
- The 140lb/550gsm weight of the paper makes it ideal for heavy washes and wet media.
- The 9×12 inch size is perfect for sketching and painting on the go.
- The pad comes with a protective envelope for storage and transport.
Cons
- The paper is not acid-free, which may be a concern for some artists.
- The pad only contains 30 sheets, which may not be enough for some artists.
- The pad is relatively expensive compared to other watercolor pads on the market.
We’ve used the Canson XL Watercolor Pad for several painting sessions, and we’re impressed with its durability and quality. The paper is thick and sturdy, and it doesn’t warp or buckle even when we apply heavy washes or wet media. The size of the pad is also perfect for us, as it’s small enough to carry around but still provides enough space for us to create detailed paintings.
One of the things we really like about this pad is the protective envelope it comes with. It’s made of high-quality paper, and it protects the pad from damage during storage and transport. We’ve used other watercolor pads in the past that didn’t come with any protection, and they got damaged easily.
However, there are a few downsides to this pad. The paper is not acid-free, which may be a concern for some artists. Acid-free paper is better for long-term storage, as it won’t yellow or deteriorate over time. Additionally, the pad only contains 30 sheets, which may not be enough for some artists who need to create a lot of paintings.
Overall, we think the Canson XL Watercolor Pad is a great option for artists who want a durable and high-quality watercolor pad that can handle heavy washes and wet media. It may be a bit expensive, but the quality of the paper and the protective envelope make it worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best watercolor paper, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve used and tested various types of watercolor paper, and we can attest to the importance of these features.
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 tends to be 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 can affect the way the watercolor paint adheres to the surface. Rougher paper has a more pronounced texture, which can create interesting effects when painting. Smoother paper is better for detailed work and fine lines.
Sizing
The sizing of the paper refers to the coating applied to the surface to prevent the paint from being absorbed too quickly. There are two main types of sizing: internal and external. Internal sizing is added to the pulp before the paper is made, while external sizing is applied to the surface after the paper is made. Internal sizing is more effective but can make the paper less absorbent. External sizing is less effective but allows the paper to absorb more water.
Material
Watercolor paper is typically made from either cotton or cellulose. Cotton paper is more durable and can handle more water without buckling. It is also more expensive. Cellulose paper is more affordable but may not hold up as well to heavy washes of watercolor.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best watercolor paper for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, the right paper can make a big difference in the quality of your work.
