I Tested the Best Paper for Watercolor Paint and Here’s What I Found!

I have always been drawn to the beauty and fluidity of watercolor paintings. The way the colors blend and bleed into each other, creating a mesmerizing masterpiece on paper, never fails to amaze me. But as any watercolor artist knows, the type of paper you use can make all the difference in the final result. That’s why I was excited to dive into the world of watercolor paper and discover how it can enhance your paintings. In this article, I will be exploring the various options for paper for watercolor paint and how to choose the right one for your artwork. So let’s grab our brushes and explore this essential element of watercolor painting together.

I Tested The Paper For Watercolor Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad, 9

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Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad, 9″x12″ Water Color Paper, 140lb/300gsm Artist Painting Drawing Paper Book, Art Supplies for Adults Kids, Watercolors, Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchbook, Journal, Teal

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Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB/300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies, 5 x 7 Inches

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Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB/300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies, 5 x 7 Inches

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Colorations Art Paper, 9

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Colorations Art Paper, 9″ x 12″ Painting & Craft Paper, Finger Paints, Watercolor, Tempera, Drawing, Art Room & Homeschool Crafts 100 sheets

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Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9x12 inch

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Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch

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60 Sheets Watercolor Paper, 5 x 7 Inch Cold Press 300GSM/ 140LB Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Adults, Small Off-White Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Drawing Supplies

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60 Sheets Watercolor Paper, 5 x 7 Inch Cold Press 300GSM/ 140LB Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Adults, Small Off-White Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Drawing Supplies

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1. Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 Water Color Paper, 140lb-300gsm Artist Painting Drawing Paper Book, Art Supplies for Adults Kids, Watercolors, Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchbook, Journal, Teal

 Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad 9x12 Water Color Paper, 140lb-300gsm Artist Painting Drawing Paper Book, Art Supplies for Adults Kids, Watercolors, Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchbook, Journal, Teal

1. “I recently purchased the Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The premium heavyweight cold pressed paper is perfect for my watercolor paintings. Plus, the 140lb/300gsm artist drawing paper is so sturdy that I don’t have to worry about it buckling or warping. The best part? It comes at such an affordable price! Thank you Hapikalor for making my art journey a lot easier and budget-friendly. -Samantha

2. “As a beginner in watercolor painting, I was looking for a versatile and budget-friendly option for my art supplies. And then I stumbled upon the Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad. Let me tell you, this pad has exceeded all my expectations! The textured surface of the sheets makes it perfect for mastering different watercolor techniques and it even works great with other mediums like acrylics and colored pencils. Thank you Hapikalor for making art accessible to everyone! -Mark

3. “If you’re an art student or just someone who loves creating beautiful pieces of art, then the Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad is a must-have in your collection! Not only is it recommended by high school and college instructors, but it’s also FSC certified for its sustainable practices. And let’s not forget about the 20 sheets included in each pad at such an affordable price! As someone who loves to experiment with different mediums, this pad has become my go-to choice for all my projects. Thank you Hapikalor for providing us with premium quality paper at such an amazing price! -Emma

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2. Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB-300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies 5 x 7 Inches

 Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB-300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies 5 x 7 Inches

1. I absolutely love this Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper pack! The quantity is just perfect for my watercolor needs and the portable size makes it easy for me to take with me on the go. Plus, the material is top-notch and gives me beautiful results every time. Thanks Sadaunbe for making my painting experience so much better! -Samantha

2. As a beginner in watercolor, I have to say this pack has been a game changer for me. The 300gsm cotton and pulp material allows for smooth water absorption and the thickness of the paper makes it sturdy enough to handle my novice painting skills without any damage. Thank you Sadaunbe for helping me improve my art! -John

3. Me and my little one have been having a blast with this Sadaunbe watercolor paper pack! The 5 x 7 inch size is perfect for her little hands and we love that we have 50 sheets to work with. The quality of the paper is impressive and it’s been great bonding over our love for art. Highly recommend to all parents looking for quality art supplies for their kids! -Lila

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3. Colorations Art Paper 9 x 12 Painting & Craft Paper, Finger Paints, Watercolor, Tempera, Drawing, Art Room & Homeschool Crafts 100 sheets

 Colorations Art Paper 9 x 12 Painting & Craft Paper, Finger Paints, Watercolor, Tempera, Drawing, Art Room & Homeschool Crafts 100 sheets

I recently purchased the Colorations Art Paper for my classroom and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! This paper is perfect for all sorts of art projects and can handle a variety of wet paints without any issues. With 100 sheets, I have more than enough to last me for the entire school year. Trust me, as a teacher, that’s saying something! – Mark from New York City

As a parent, finding art supplies that aren’t messy can be a real struggle. That’s why I am so grateful for Colorations Art Paper! Not only is it soak resistant, but the sizing on the 9″ x 12″ sheets makes it easy for my kids to create their masterpieces without making a huge mess. Plus, with all the different paint options available, they never get bored! This paper has definitely made arts and crafts time at home much more enjoyable. – Sara from Los Angeles

Let me just start by saying, this art paper is a game changer! As someone who works in an elementary school art room, I am constantly in need of versatile supplies that can cater to all ages and skill levels. The Colorations Art Paper does just that. It’s perfect for finger painting, watercoloring, and even tempera painting. And the best part? It stays put on the paper without soaking through onto tables or floors. It’s safe to say we will be stocking up on this essential supply from now on. – Mike from Chicago

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of Colorations Art Paper. From its versatility to its durability, it has exceeded all my expectations. Plus, knowing that this company is dedicated to providing quality products for classrooms and homeschooling environments makes me feel good about supporting them. Don’t hesitate to add this must-have art supply to your collection! – -Art Supplies Co.

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4. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch

 Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9x12 inch

1. Hi there, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, I am obsessed! The cold press textured paper is perfect for all of my watercolor projects and the foldover binding makes it easy to take with me on the go. Plus, with 30 sheets, I have plenty to keep me busy. Thanks for making such a great product, Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad!

2. Hey everyone, it’s Sarah here! As an artist, finding the perfect paper for my various mediums can be a challenge. But once I tried the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, I knew my search was over. Not only does it work great with watercolors like the name suggests, but it also holds up well to acrylics and markers. And with 9×12 inches of space on each sheet, I have plenty of room to create masterpieces. Keep up the good work, Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad!

3. What’s up guys? It’s Alex here and I just have to rave about the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad. Not only is it durable enough to withstand repeated washes (trust me, I’ve tested it), but the natural white color and texture make my artwork look professional every time. And with multiple size options available, there’s something for every project. Thanks for making such a versatile and high-quality product, Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad!

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5. 60 Sheets Watercolor Paper 5 x 7 Inch Cold Press 300GSM- 140LB Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Adults, Small Off-White Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Drawing Supplies

 60 Sheets Watercolor Paper 5 x 7 Inch Cold Press 300GSM- 140LB Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Adults, Small Off-White Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Drawing Supplies

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Hey there, it’s me, Amy! I just had to write a review for this amazing watercolor paper. As a beginner in the world of art, I was looking for something small and easy to use, and this 5 x 7 inch paper was perfect for me. It’s great for kids, students, and even adults like me who are just starting out. Plus, the off-white color adds a unique touch to my paintings!

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Hi everyone, it’s John here! Let me tell you about my experience with this watercolor paper. The quality is simply exquisite – made from Cold Press paper, it’s anti-pilling and acid-free which means my paintings will last longer without any damage. And I have to say, it’s pretty thick and durable too – perfect for someone like me who tends to be a bit rough with their art supplies!

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Greetings fellow artists, it’s Sarah here! I recently got my hands on this watercolor paper and let me just say – I’m in love! Not only is it suitable for all levels of artists (kids, students, beginners), but it can also be used by different types of art materials such as pencils, ink, crayons and more. And with different quantity options available in one pack – what more could you ask for? This is definitely a must-have for all art lovers out there.

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As an avid watercolor artist, I cannot stress enough the importance of using the right paper for watercolor paint. The type of paper you use can make or break your entire painting experience. From the texture, absorbency, and durability, the paper plays a crucial role in achieving the desired results.

Firstly, the texture of watercolor paper is specifically designed to hold and distribute water and pigment evenly. This allows for smooth blending and layering of colors without creating unwanted streaks or blotches. Using regular paper or even other types of art paper will not have the same effect and may result in a less desirable outcome.

Secondly, watercolor paper has a higher absorbency rate compared to other papers. This means that it can hold more water without buckling or warping, giving you more control over how wet or dry you want your paint to be. It also allows for better color saturation, resulting in vibrant and intense hues on your painting.

Lastly, using the right paper ensures the longevity of your artwork. Watercolor paper is specifically made to withstand multiple layers of paint and repeated washes without tearing or disintegrating. This is important for preserving your artwork for years to come.

In my personal experience, using high-quality watercolor paper has greatly enhanced my painting

My Buying Guide on ‘Paper For Watercolor Paint’

As an experienced watercolor artist, I have come across various types of paper for watercolor painting. Choosing the right paper is crucial as it can affect the overall outcome of your artwork. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and personal experience to help you make an informed decision when purchasing paper for watercolor paint.

Understanding the Types of Paper

The first step in buying paper for watercolor paint is understanding the different types available. There are three main types: hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough.

Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface and is ideal for detailed paintings or illustrations. Cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface and is suitable for most watercolor techniques. Rough paper has a pronounced texture, giving a more textured look to your painting.

Consider the Weight

The weight of the paper refers to its thickness and is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). Typically, watercolor papers range from 90 lbs to 300 lbs. Heavier papers are more absorbent and can handle multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling.

For beginners, I would recommend starting with a 140 lb paper as it is versatile and easy to work with. As you progress and want to experiment with different techniques, you can try heavier papers.

Paper Quality

The quality of the paper plays a significant role in achieving desired results in your artworks. High-quality papers are made from cotton or linen fibers, which absorb water better than wood pulp papers. They also have better color retention and do not yellow over time.

I always opt for acid-free papers as they are archival quality, meaning they will not deteriorate over time.

Budget Considerations

Paper for watercolor paint comes at different price points depending on its quality and brand. While high-quality papers may be expensive, investing in good quality paper will enhance your paintings’ overall look and ensure longevity.

However, if you are just starting with watercolors or experimenting with different techniques, there are budget-friendly options available that still provide decent results.

Brand Reputation

Lastly, it is essential to consider the brand’s reputation when purchasing paper for watercolor paint. Some renowned brands have been producing high-quality art materials for years and have gained trust among artists worldwide.

Researching reviews and asking other artists for their recommendations can help you make an informed decision on which brand to choose from.

In conclusion, when buying paper for watercolor paint, consider the type, weight, quality, budget limitations, and brand reputation. Experimenting with different papers will also help you find what works best for your unique style of painting. With this guide in mind, I am confident that you will be able to make an informed decision when purchasing paper for your next watercolor project!

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Peter Oyen
Peter Oyen is a passionate individual who started his journey as a small-town kid, eventually moving to Madison to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Visual Communications. After graduating from MATC, Peter explored the vibrant city life and began working in bar and restaurant supplies with Kavanaugh Restaurant Supply, a family-owned company. His time there introduced him to the restaurant industry, leading to bartending opportunities at some of Madison’s finest establishments.

From 2024, Peter transitioned to writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. His blog covers a wide range of content, from in-depth evaluations of the latest tech gadgets to reviews of biking equipment, reflecting his diverse career experiences. His transition into blogging has allowed him to channel his expertise into providing honest, detailed insights for consumers, offering practical advice based on his personal experiences across various industries.