Watercolour paper

Watercolour paper is a thick paper that can take plenty of water, so you can build up colour in layers, lift it off or let it flow freely. Here you'll find watercolour blocks, pads, sketchbooks and watercolour books, rolls and large 56 × 76 cm sheets. Most papers weigh 300 g/m², while lighter blocks from 185 g/m² are good for sketching and practice. Choose from Arches, Canson, Saunders Waterford, Clairefontaine, Hahnemühle, Daler Rowney, Baohong and Meeden papers in white and toned colours.

Cold-pressed, hot-pressed or rough watercolour paper?

• Cold-pressed (NOT) – a fine grain that holds both water and pigment. A versatile choice for landscapes, washes and first attempts.
• Hot-pressed – a smooth surface for detailed painting, botanical illustration and combining with pen or pencil.
• Rough – a pronounced grain with hollows where the pigment settles. For loose painting with broad strokes and for granulating colours.

Which weight and material of watercolour paper should you choose?

If you paint with a lot of water, go for 300 g/m² – when you work wet, it cockles less than lighter paper. Blocks glued on all four sides, such as Arches or Saunders Waterford, keep the sheet taut until it dries, so you don't need to stretch the paper on a board. 100% cotton paper, such as Arches or Hahnemühle Watercolour Book, absorbs water evenly and stands up to repeated lifting. Cellulose paper, such as Clairefontaine Goldline Aquapad, is enough for sketches, studies and practice.

Block, pad, sketchbook or sheets?

Take a block or pad with you for painting en plein air and for practice, while a sketchbook or watercolour book makes a good travel journal. From large 56 × 76 cm sheets and Arches rolls, you can cut whatever size you need, even for a larger painting. Black and toned watercolour paper works well for white highlights and opaque paints. To go with the paper, choose watercolour paints and brushes and palettes.