Watercolor Basics: All About That Paper
Watercolor paper can be daunting when you're first starting out. Maybe you've dabbled with watercolors in a regular sketchbook, and were horrified at the results. The paper buckles, the water pools, you can't blend colors- its nothing like the watercolors you see online. Don't let discouragement take over, I'm here to help! In this post, I'll break down the defining features of papers used for watercolor, explain some helpful terms that will enable you to confidently shop for paper, and share some of my favorite brands and how I use them.
If you're unfamiliar with any term used in this post, I recommend my post earlier in this series covering commonly used terms.
The best way to find out what you like is to try lots of different papers- every artist has their own preferences.
Ways to test multiple papers:
Many types of paper suitable for watercolors, and many weights
Types
Watercolor Paper
Mixed Media Paper
Bristol Board
Illustration Board
Watercolor Board
Paper for Watercolor Should Be:
Buckle resistant
Absorbent (with the exception of synthetic papers like Yupo and Mitz TerraSkin)
Reworkable
Able to withstand water (should NOT take on the texture of toilet paper when wet)
Within watercolor paper, there are multiple weights
90lb- Student weight- can be run through a toner printer if you wanted to print out lineart, digi stamps, or inks. Very prone to buckling, even if stretched. About the weight of cardstock.
140lb- Still needs to be stretched. Thin enough to run through a printer for bluelines, heavy enough that after stretching, buckling should be minimal.
300lb- Does not need to be stretched, should not buckle
Handmade Vs Mouldmade
Handmade is excellent for sensitive studies, working large, and working from reference. The surface texture is fairly irregular, and there may be irregularities in paper color as well. This post explains the process of making handmade watercolor paper.
Mouldmade is excellent for detailed illustration work and comics, as it can hold detail a bit better than the rough surface of handmade watercolor paper.
Cottonrag Vs Cellulose (woodpulp)
Higher end papers are made from cotton rag. Colors appear more vibrant, and these papers can withstand more reworking than cellulose papers.
Handmade paper tends to be made of cotton rag, unless it is a recycled handmade paper.
Cellulose papers have their value though- they're great for mixed media, inexpensive, widely available. I use Canson XL with my alcohol markers, and Canson Montval for 7" Kara pages.
Sheets, Pads, Blocks
Sheets- Large individual pieces of watercolor paper. May need to be torn or trimmed to fit your needs
Pads- Tapebound or spiral bound, include sketchbooks. Tapebound pads feature easy to remove pieces in pre-determined sizes, and are ideal for comic work, as you can easily run these through a printer for bluelines.
Blocks- Paper is gummed on multiple sides to hold it taught. Should not need stretching, as the block stretches the paper while you work. Paper needs to be removed from block after dry.
Some brands are available in multiple formats.
Surface Finishes
ColdPress-Some surface texture, varies by brand.
Hot Press- Smooth surface texture, like illustration board
Rough Press- Rougher than cold press, almost like a sandpaper.
This ArtistsNetwork article is very insightful and will better explain the three surfaces types, as well as best-use scenerios.
So what do I recommend?
For Comic Pages: Canson Montval, 140lb tape bound
Why?
Canson Montval is affordable, ubiquitous, and comes in the right size for comic pages, no trimming needed. It is thin enough to run through my printer for bluelines, tough enough to handle some techniques. It is cellulous based, so there are limitations to what I can do with this paper, and paints end up looking muddy if the humidity is high, which is why I switch to nicer papers for higher end illustrations.
For Standalone Illustrations: Canson Moulin du Roy, Arches
Why?
Both mould made papers are cottonrag based, and can take a lot of paint and a lot of water. Paint stays brilliant on paper surface even after dry, and both papers can handle a lot of working. Both brands are thin enough to run through my printer, available in a variety of sizes, and I can opt to work on blocks (Arches).
For studies:
Fabriano Artistico, block, bright white
Why?
This lovely block of high quality watercolor paper is ideal for painting portrait studies. When you're finished, it's easier to remove the paper from this block than from Arches watercolor blocks.
Shizen Handmade watercolor paper
Why?
This beautiful handmade paper has a lot of texture and a lot of character, making it fun to paint floral studies on. Paints look brilliant.
Strathmore Visual Journal Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Why?
This inexpensive, spiral bound watercolor journal is perfect for loose studies and practicing techniques. You're going to go through a lot of watercolor paper while you're learning, so it's fine to have an inexpensive watercolor journal for practice. Make sure you keep a bulldog clip on hand, as you'll want to clip down the free side of your paper to keep your surface flat as the paper absorbs water.
Winsor and Newton Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Why?
This toothy paper is great for watercolors or pastels. Colors look brilliant. This heavier 140lb paper is not prone to buckling so long as you tape down the edges.
For convention commissions:
Fluid
Why?
This cellulose paper comes on blocks, which means I don't need to take time to stretch my mini watercolors before painting. The paper itself is tough, and can handle watercolor, gouache, or alcohol markers. Fluid is inexpensive and fairly easy to find in a variety of sizes.
For YouTube Demonstrations:
Fluid 100
Why?
Canson XL
Why?
Canson XL watercolor paper is very affordable and heavy enough that it doesn't require much stretching for smaller pieces. It's excellent for mixed media applications like alcohol marker and watercolor.
For Travel
Global Art Materials Handbooks
Why?
These inexpensive, sturdy little books are cheaper than watercolor Moleskins, but feature many of the same qualities, and a few improvements. They come in a wider variety of sizes, and although the paper will cockle while wet, it's not unmanageable.
If you're unfamiliar with any term used in this post, I recommend my post earlier in this series covering commonly used terms.
The best way to find out what you like is to try lots of different papers- every artist has their own preferences.
Ways to test multiple papers:
- Can buy sample packs (Paper and Ink Arts, Cheap Joes)
- Can exchange sheets with friends.
- Can buy smaller pads to use for studies
- Can buy a single sheet, tear it to size
Many types of paper suitable for watercolors, and many weights
Types
Watercolor Paper
Mixed Media Paper
Bristol Board
Illustration Board
Watercolor Board
 |
| Lucky Cat painted with Grumbacher opaque watercolors on Strathmore's Visual Mixed Media Journal |
Paper for Watercolor Should Be:
Buckle resistant
Absorbent (with the exception of synthetic papers like Yupo and Mitz TerraSkin)
Reworkable
Able to withstand water (should NOT take on the texture of toilet paper when wet)
 |
| July ArtSnacks Challenge on Yupo |
Within watercolor paper, there are multiple weights
90lb- Student weight- can be run through a toner printer if you wanted to print out lineart, digi stamps, or inks. Very prone to buckling, even if stretched. About the weight of cardstock.
140lb- Still needs to be stretched. Thin enough to run through a printer for bluelines, heavy enough that after stretching, buckling should be minimal.
300lb- Does not need to be stretched, should not buckle
Handmade Vs Mouldmade
 |
| Scan of Shizen Handemade watercolor paper to show texture |
Handmade is excellent for sensitive studies, working large, and working from reference. The surface texture is fairly irregular, and there may be irregularities in paper color as well. This post explains the process of making handmade watercolor paper.
 |
| Scan of Moulin du Roy, a mouldmade paper |
Mouldmade is excellent for detailed illustration work and comics, as it can hold detail a bit better than the rough surface of handmade watercolor paper.
Cottonrag Vs Cellulose (woodpulp)
 |
| This watercolor illustration was painted on Arches cold press watercolor paper. |
Higher end papers are made from cotton rag. Colors appear more vibrant, and these papers can withstand more reworking than cellulose papers.
 |
| This page from Chapter 5 of 7" Kara was painted on Canson Montval watercolor paper |
Handmade paper tends to be made of cotton rag, unless it is a recycled handmade paper.
Cellulose papers have their value though- they're great for mixed media, inexpensive, widely available. I use Canson XL with my alcohol markers, and Canson Montval for 7" Kara pages.
 |
| This mixed media (alcohol marker and watercolor) illustration was rendered on Fluid watercolor paper. |
Sheets, Pads, Blocks
Sheets- Large individual pieces of watercolor paper. May need to be torn or trimmed to fit your needs
Pads- Tapebound or spiral bound, include sketchbooks. Tapebound pads feature easy to remove pieces in pre-determined sizes, and are ideal for comic work, as you can easily run these through a printer for bluelines.
Blocks- Paper is gummed on multiple sides to hold it taught. Should not need stretching, as the block stretches the paper while you work. Paper needs to be removed from block after dry.
Some brands are available in multiple formats.
Surface Finishes
ColdPress-Some surface texture, varies by brand.
Hot Press- Smooth surface texture, like illustration board
Rough Press- Rougher than cold press, almost like a sandpaper.
This ArtistsNetwork article is very insightful and will better explain the three surfaces types, as well as best-use scenerios.
 |
| Kara inked and painted on Arches Rough Press watercolor block |
 |
| Meldina (Kara's mother) painted on Arches cold press |
So what do I recommend?
 |
| Page from7" Kara, Chapter 5, painted on Canson Montval watercolor paper |
For Comic Pages: Canson Montval, 140lb tape bound
Why?
Canson Montval is affordable, ubiquitous, and comes in the right size for comic pages, no trimming needed. It is thin enough to run through my printer for bluelines, tough enough to handle some techniques. It is cellulous based, so there are limitations to what I can do with this paper, and paints end up looking muddy if the humidity is high, which is why I switch to nicer papers for higher end illustrations.
 |
| Illustration painted on Arches Cold press |
For Standalone Illustrations: Canson Moulin du Roy, Arches
Why?
Both mould made papers are cottonrag based, and can take a lot of paint and a lot of water. Paint stays brilliant on paper surface even after dry, and both papers can handle a lot of working. Both brands are thin enough to run through my printer, available in a variety of sizes, and I can opt to work on blocks (Arches).
 |
| Flower study painted on Shizen handmade watercolor paper |
 |
| Kara illustration painted on Winsor and Newton cold press watercolor paper |
 |
| Study completed on Fabriano Artistico paper |
For studies:
Fabriano Artistico, block, bright white
Why?
This lovely block of high quality watercolor paper is ideal for painting portrait studies. When you're finished, it's easier to remove the paper from this block than from Arches watercolor blocks.
Shizen Handmade watercolor paper
Why?
This beautiful handmade paper has a lot of texture and a lot of character, making it fun to paint floral studies on. Paints look brilliant.
Strathmore Visual Journal Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Why?
This inexpensive, spiral bound watercolor journal is perfect for loose studies and practicing techniques. You're going to go through a lot of watercolor paper while you're learning, so it's fine to have an inexpensive watercolor journal for practice. Make sure you keep a bulldog clip on hand, as you'll want to clip down the free side of your paper to keep your surface flat as the paper absorbs water.
Winsor and Newton Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Why?
This toothy paper is great for watercolors or pastels. Colors look brilliant. This heavier 140lb paper is not prone to buckling so long as you tape down the edges.
 |
| Pet commission completed on Fluid watercolor paper |
For convention commissions:
Fluid
Why?
This cellulose paper comes on blocks, which means I don't need to take time to stretch my mini watercolors before painting. The paper itself is tough, and can handle watercolor, gouache, or alcohol markers. Fluid is inexpensive and fairly easy to find in a variety of sizes.
 |
| Illustration completed on Fluid 100 watercolor paper |
 |
| Alcohol marker and cut paper illustration completed on Canson XL watercolor paper |
For YouTube Demonstrations:
Fluid 100
Why?
Canson XL
Why?
Canson XL watercolor paper is very affordable and heavy enough that it doesn't require much stretching for smaller pieces. It's excellent for mixed media applications like alcohol marker and watercolor.
 |
| Watercolor sketches completed in a Handbook |
For Travel
Global Art Materials Handbooks
Why?
These inexpensive, sturdy little books are cheaper than watercolor Moleskins, but feature many of the same qualities, and a few improvements. They come in a wider variety of sizes, and although the paper will cockle while wet, it's not unmanageable.
Moleskine
Why?
Handbook can be hard to find sometimes, and you may have an easier time finding Moleskines while you travel. Although these sketchbooks are much touted, I feel it's much ado about nothing really, and if you can get a Handbook, I recommend that over Moleskine.
Second Opinions
Watercolor Paper Comparison- Arches, Fabriano, and Canson- Beginners Which Paper to Choose?
Getting Started: Watercolor Paper and Pan Paints
Watercolor Papers
Paper Matters! Choosing the Right Watercolor Paper
A Guide to Watercolour Paper
Favorite Watercolor Papers- What I recommend & Use
How to Pick Great Watercolor Paper
My Favorite Watercolor Paper, Brushes, And Paint
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Other than my Patreon Patrons kind support and encouragement, this blog sees no outside sponsorship or compensation. All opinions are my own, and are based on years of experience.
If you found this post while looking for watercolor paper digital resources, like scans, please check out my Gumroad shop for large format, 600 DPI texture scans. Purchasing from my Gumroad helps support this blog and allows me to continue writing posts like this.
Why?
Handbook can be hard to find sometimes, and you may have an easier time finding Moleskines while you travel. Although these sketchbooks are much touted, I feel it's much ado about nothing really, and if you can get a Handbook, I recommend that over Moleskine.
Second Opinions
Watercolor Paper Comparison- Arches, Fabriano, and Canson- Beginners Which Paper to Choose?
Getting Started: Watercolor Paper and Pan Paints
Watercolor Papers
Paper Matters! Choosing the Right Watercolor Paper
A Guide to Watercolour Paper
Favorite Watercolor Papers- What I recommend & Use
How to Pick Great Watercolor Paper
My Favorite Watercolor Paper, Brushes, And Paint
Other than my Patreon Patrons kind support and encouragement, this blog sees no outside sponsorship or compensation. All opinions are my own, and are based on years of experience.
If you found this post while looking for watercolor paper digital resources, like scans, please check out my Gumroad shop for large format, 600 DPI texture scans. Purchasing from my Gumroad helps support this blog and allows me to continue writing posts like this.
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