How to Choose the Right Watercolour Paper and What the Differences Are.

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 When it comes to watercolour painting, the right type of paper is crucial. The appearance of your artwork might be significantly improved if you select the appropriate surface. But how can you select the best paper for you when there are so many options?

                                                                        


As a watercolour artist it is imperative that your chosen paper possesses certain qualities that will enhance your artwork. Your paper will need to be able to withstand multiple washes, be non-yellowing, sufficient in weight and consistent in its texture. When faced with such a massive amount of choice of papers, choosing just one can become a little overwhelming, especially for beginners. Here we have compiled a source of information for artists looking to learn a little more about watercolour papers to help them select the optimum surface.


Selecting Watercolour Paper                                                

Selecting a surface type is likely one of the first options you will confront when picking a watercolour paper. Watercolor papers typically have one of three surface types: Rough, Hot Pressed (HP), and Cold Pressed (NOT). The smoothest watercolour paper is hot pressed, which is excellent for painters who want to represent their themes in fine detail. Designers and illustrators use this paper because it has a flat finish that is suitable for reproduction. The medium-textured surface of cold-pressed paper is preferred by novices since it works with a wide range of methods and applications. As its name implies, rough is the most textured. paper for watercolorus. If you wish to maximize the granulation of your watercolour paints, the paper's deep pits are excellent. Loose watercolour painting techniques go nicely with this very textured material.


Weights, components, and manufacturing processes for watercolour paper

The weight of the paper you choose to paint on is one option available to you. The typical units for measuring paper are pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). Although less expensive, lightweight papers need to be stretched before use (you can find out more about paper stretching below). Heavyweight papers won't need to be stretched unless large amounts of water are being used, and they will hold up well to several washes. Any paper that is less than 200lb/425gsm generally needs to be stretched.

Additionally, you will need to decide what substance you want your paper to be constructed of. In general, one of two materials—cotton or wood pulp—is used to make watercolor sheets. Professional-grade 100% cotton papers are thought to provide the very best painting surface. Cotton provides unparalleled stability and guarantees the durability of your creation. Paper created from wood pulp, commonly referred to as woodfree, is made by chemically treating pulp and removing the lignin that gives wood its stiffness. This paper is a wonderful option for amateurs and beginners because it is an affordable substitute for cotton paper.

The term "mould made" refers to papers produced on a cylinder mould machine, which you may also observe when browsing through our selection. Artists like mould-made papers because of their larger weights, impressive watermarks, and improved surface durability. A wire belt may be used in the machine-made production of one continuous sheet of other papers. These sheets lack a deckled edge and are less sturdy than mould-made papers. Paper that is manufactured will also have a more consistent texture.


Paper Sizes

The majority of watercolour paper is sold in single standard sheets called full imperial sheets. They measure about 22 by 30 inches (56x76 cm). These are also cut down and sold in  half Imperial is 15×22 inches (56x38 cm) and quarter Imperial is 15×11 inches (38x28 cm)

Water colour pads and blocks include numerous watercolour paper sheets linked together, typically with a spiral or a gum strip. Pads are perfect for painting while on the go since they provide a terrific method to keep your watercolor paper portable and come in a variety of sizes.


Recommendations

Here some recommendations of the different types of watercolour paper available to buy. I have included some link to buy them, please note that these are affiliate links and where a purchase is made through one of these links I receive a small commission.

Individual Sheets 

Saunders Waterford is an excellent quality and my personal favorite brand of fine watercolour paper. It is traditionally produced using a cylinder mould machine. The Royal Watercolor Society has approved this outstanding watercolor paper, which is made in accordance with strict preservation standards using only 100% cotton, the best papermaking material. 









Watercolour Blocks

Archers watercolour paper blocks are made from 100% cotton and an ideal surface for watercolor painting, regardless of skill level. These can be pricey sheets, but they are well worth the money because of their sturdiness, uniformity, and refinement. The paper holds water effectively without puddling and has a surface with a delicate grain that aids in anchoring colours and capturing details. These clean sheets arrive glued in blocks so you don't have to stretch them before use, and colors look vibrant on them.



Watercolour Pads
Archers watercolour pads are the same high quality paper as the blocks, although instead of coming as a block of paper, they come in a pad where you can remove individual sheets as you need them. 
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