The Best Watercolor Paper
Watercolor has endured as a favored medium for centuries due to its versatility and speed. Whether you're just getting started or you're an old hand at skilled brushwork, you'll need a suitable canvas to get started. Watercolor paper is thicker than your standard fare, with a textured surface to help you along the way and prevent runs as you work. We've gathered some of the best we could find below, so get your brushes ready and take a look.
What to Look For
Watercolor papers differ in a few crucial aspects, and choosing the right style could make all the difference to your painting experience. To start, be sure to take note of the paper’s weight, as this is extremely important. For example, beginners might prefer a thicker paper that is more forgiving to work with. If you want to paint on the move, you might opt for a sketchbook design with binding and protective covers, whereas at-home artists could save by bulk-buying individual sheets. With all this in mind and more, our favorite paper overall was the 300 Series pad from Strathmore. This thick, cold-pressed paper is incredibly rewarding to work with, and the hefty pad will keep sketches and finished artworks safe inside. If you’re looking for a little more bang for your buck, the 250-sheet set from UCreate offers incredible value at the expense of a portable pad. Read on below to get the scoop on the rest of our top picks.
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad
Quality over quantity
This pack of watercolor sheets from Strathmore is sure to set the stage for any painterly adventure. Each extra-large sheet is comprised of thick 190 gsm paper, offering plenty of depth to apply layers of paint and mitigating the risk of bleeding as you work. This premium paper is cold-pressed to perfection, meaning it will hold pigment better than most. As a result, you won’t have to worry about the colors running. Instead, you can focus on capturing the light and shade of every detail.
Pros:
- Heavy chipboard backing protects the contents of the pad
- Tape-bound and wire-bound options are available
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Beginners might be put off by the price per sheet
UCreate White Watercolor Paper
Plain and simple
Making great art is a process of trial and error at the best of times. With this great value set from UCreate, you’ll have plenty of space to experiment without worrying about wasting pages. This no-frills package comes with just the paper, making it an ideal addition for studios or group art projects.
Pros:
- Acid-free and recyclable
- Large 9″ x 12″ sheets can be cut down to size for smaller compositions
- Suitable for mixed media techniques
Cons:
- No binding or cover for safekeeping
Leather Village Virgin Cotton Handmade Watercolor Paper
Blast from the past
Working with great materials can make all the difference if you’re looking for added inspiration to elevate your paintings to the next level. This premium paper is handmade using traditional techniques from the finest virgin cotton pulp. The result is an exquisite surface that’s malleable and delicate under the brush. And, with a thickness of 200 gsm, it’s more durable and absorbent than most.
Pros:
- Choose between several tones
- pH neutral composition for enduring color
- Various sizes are available as well
Cons:
- The frayed edges can make it tricky to frame without alteration
Canson Artist Series Watercolor Pad
If you have a soft spot for al fresco composition or you just can’t bear to leave the house without a sketchpad at the ready, this miniature watercolor pad could be the companion you’ve been searching for. The handy spiral binding can be opened at the ready in a matter of seconds, allowing you to sketch the scene before you without delay. This paper doesn’t skimp on quality, either, with a cold-press mold-made construction suitable for all wet mediums.
Pros:
- Durable surface will withstand scraping and erasing
- Removable sheet of tips and techniques
- 5.5″ x 8.5″ size will fit snugly inside backpacks, even small ones
Cons:
- Not as absorbent as some cold-press papers
Funto Blank Watercolor Paper Postcards
Sharing is caring
Give the gift of art with this creative postcard kit from Funto. With the 50 blank postcard templates inside this kit, you can share your vision of holiday destinations or your own inspired designs with friends and family across the globe. It’s a great way for beginners to flaunt their first designs, too, thanks to the extra-thick 300 gsm paper that can withstand multiple washes without curling or peeling.
Pros:
- Envelopes are also included
- Distinctive rounded corners
- Compact box for storage as you travel
Cons:
- Highly textured surface can be difficult to sketch on with pencil
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “gsm” stand for?
Gsm is a standard measurement of paper weight that stands for “grams per square meter.” The higher the number, the heavier the paper. High gsm watercolor papers will typically be thicker and denser to protect against bleed and curling, and they usually feature a more textured surface.
Can I use other mediums on watercolor paper?
Despite its name, watercolor paper isn’t limited to this medium alone. Its absorbent properties make it a great choice for any water-based medium. However, it might not work so well for certain mediums such as pencil or charcoal due to its highly textured surface.
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