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Starting out with watercolors brings up so many questions that can make it intimidating for most people. One of the main one’s: What paper should I use?
This is one of the most common questions for good reason – choosing the right watercolor paper is of utmost importance when getting started. The wrong paper will leave you frustrated and defeated. I’ve been there many times and trust me, it ain’t fun.
So here’s our list of the top six best watercolor paper to use for beginners in 2022, and also any level (plus a bonus entry at the end)!
But first, you should know:
There are two types of watercolor paper – hot-pressed, and cold-pressed. This just means that, because of how they were made, they have different textures:
Cold-pressed = slightly rough, bumpy texture (think “when you’re cold you get goosebumps” to rememeber!)
Hot-pressed = smooth surface.
You’ll also see a weight shown on each paper pad. For example 140lb. This just means the thickness of the paper. 140lb is medium thickness.
Now that that’s out of the way, on to the list!
6. Amazon Basics Watercolor Book
Amazon Basics Watercolor Book | $10.71
A solid starting point for watercolor artists. 30 cold-pressed sheets with that nice textured, bumpy surface. A safe bet for anyone starting out. Can also be used with most mediums.
5. Strathmore Watercolor Paper
Strathmore Watercolor Paper | $10.39
Good, strong paper useful for watercolor artists of all levels. It allows for easy lifting of paint due to the quality of the paper. It also has a nice natural white color. Only 12 sheets unfortunately, but for the price it’s not a deal-breaker.
4. Canson Watercolor Paper
Canson Watercolor Paper | $14.00
20 sheets of high-quality cold-pressed watercolor paper that’s made in France! How awesome it that? The surface is strong enough to withstand a lot of torture, making it great for beginners too. Plus it’s suitable for any type of paint, markers, pencils, virtually all mediums.
3. Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper
Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper | $13.14
30 sheets of watercolor paper that are perfect for beginning and intermediate watercolor artists. This awesome paper can withstand wet and dry techniques, scraping, lifting, and is suitable for virtually a mediums.
2. Strathmore Ready Cut Watercolor Paper
Strathmore Ready Cut Watercolor Paper | $14.29
This paper is made from 100% cotton and is hot-pressed, giving it a smooth surface. The 25 sheets have great surface strength giving them amazing water retention, improved blending, easier lifting.
1. Arches Watercolour Paper
Arches Watercolour Paper | $21.70
The main name for quality in watercolor paper. These 12 sheets reflect light super-well, retaining the transparent quality of watercolours. The paper is made with long fibres, making it thick, stable and durable. A little higher in price, but so, so worth the quality you’ll receive, and the headaches you’ll save.
Honorable Mention - Arches Watercolour Paper 300lb
Arches Watercolour Paper 300lb | $44.97
I left this beast out of the list because of the price. But I just had to include it because of how gorgeous it is. All other papers listed are 140lb – this one is 300lb!
This means it’s more than twice as thick. 10 sheets for around $45 meaning $4.50 per sheet may seem a bit pricey, but if you really need quality then it’s a no-brainer.
I wouldn’t recommend this for beginners though, or anyone on a budget. Any of the six listed will be more than sufficient. But I thought I’d list this for something to look forward to in your future of watercolor, something you can treat yourself with once you’ve put in the hours and know you’re stuff.
You can read the start of the book here to see if its for you (just tap on the main photo when you’re on the page).
This book has an average rating of 4.9/5 on Amazon.com.
Read the reviews or get your own here.
Things to remember!
Of all the mediums I’ve worked with, I think watercolor has been the most intimidating and confusing. But also the most satisfying, once I got the supplies right.
I made the mistake of using mixed-media paper and it almost put me off watercolor altogether.
It has to be high-quality paper made specifically for watercolor!
Choose that, and you’re on the right path in your watercolor journey!
Explore, experiment, discover, practice, and most importantly, have fun!
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