How to Choose Watercolour Paper — A Complete Guide
The paper you choose has just as much impact on your watercolour painting as the colours themselves. The wrong paper can cause buckling, colour bleeding, and frustration. The right paper delivers beautiful textures, excellent colour retention, and a genuinely enjoyable painting experience.
Three Types of Texture
Cold Press (CP) — Textured
The most popular type and the best choice for most painters. It has a medium texture that holds pigment well and allows for smooth blending. Ideal for:
- Landscapes and nature scenes
- Wet-on-wet technique
- Beginners who want a forgiving surface
Hot Press (HP) — Smooth
A very smooth paper that works beautifully for detailed, precise work:
- Portrait painting
- Florals and organic forms
- Illustration and fine detail
- Pen and ink combined with watercolour
⚠️ Note: Colours dry faster and blending is more challenging on a smooth surface.
Rough — Coarse
A heavily textured surface that creates dramatic effects. Water pools in the valleys of the paper, producing unique textures. Ideal for:
- Expressive styles
- Bold, sweeping brushstrokes
- Dry brush technique
Weight Matters
Paper weight is measured in grams per square metre (gsm):
| Weight | Best For | Needs Stretching? |
|---|---|---|
| 190 gsm | Practice, sketching | Yes — buckles significantly |
| 300 gsm | Most common, great quality | Usually not necessary |
| 640 gsm | Professional work | No — almost board-like |
💡 Tip: 300 gsm cold press is the best all-round standard. If in doubt, go with that.
Material — Cotton or Cellulose?
100% Cotton
A professional-grade paper that absorbs colour evenly, allows for a longer working time (colours dry more slowly), and delivers the best results. More expensive than cellulose alternatives. Brands such as Arches, Fabriano Artistico, and Saunders Waterford are well known for their 100% cotton papers.
Cellulose (Wood Pulp)
More affordable and great for practice. Colours tend to sit on the surface and dry faster, and lifting colour back out is more difficult. Well suited to beginners and sketching.
What Paper Do We Stock?
At Föndurlist we carry a wide selection of watercolour paper from leading manufacturers. Browse our full range or visit our watercolour guide for personalised advice on watercolour supplies.