Top Choices for Watercolor Paper for Your Painting Projects

What to Look for in Watercolor Paper

When it comes to watercolor painting, the quality of the paper you use can make or break your artwork. Watercolor paper is designed to absorb and redistribute water, allowing you to create beautiful, richly pigmented paintings. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top choices for watercolor paper for your painting projects.

1. Arches Watercolor Paper

Before we dive into the top choices for watercolor paper, it's important to understand what to look for. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting watercolor paper:

• Weight: Watercolor paper comes in a variety of weight options, with the heavier weights being more durable and able to withstand multiple layers of paint.
• Texture: The texture of the paper can affect how the paint is absorbed and how it looks on the page.
• Acidity: Acid-free paper is recommended for watercolor painting, as acid can degrade the paper over time and cause discoloration.
• Sizing: Sizing is a material that is added to the paper during production to control how quickly the paper absorbs water.

Now that you know what to look for, let's dive into some top choices for watercolor paper.

2. Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper

Arches is a well-known brand in the world of watercolor paper, and for good reason. Their paper is 100% cotton and is available in a variety of weights and textures. The paper is acid-free and has been treated with sizing, making it an excellent choice for watercolor painting.

Link: Arches Paper

3. Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper

Winsor & Newton is another well-respected brand in the world of watercolor painting. Their professional grade watercolor paper is 100% cotton and is available in rough, cold-press, and hot-press textures. The paper is acid-free and has been treated with sizing.

Link: Winsor & Newton Paper

4. Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper

Fabriano is an Italian brand that has been producing paper since the 13th century. Their Artistico watercolor paper is 100% cotton and is available in a variety of weights and textures. The paper is acid-free and has been treated with sizing, making it an excellent choice for watercolor painting.

Link: Fabriano Paper

5. Canson Montval Watercolor Paper

Strathmore is a brand that offers a budget-friendly option for watercolor paper without compromising quality. Their 400 series watercolor paper is available in a variety of weights and textures and is acid-free. The paper has been treated with sizing, making it a great choice for watercolor painting.

Link: Strathmore Paper

Conclusion

Canson is a brand that has been around since the 16th century and is known for producing quality paper products. Their Montval watercolor paper is acid-free and has been treated with sizing. The paper is available in a variety of weights and textures and is a budget-friendly option for watercolor artists.

Link: Canson Paper

When it comes to watercolor painting, the paper you use can make all the difference. By selecting a high-quality watercolor paper that meets your needs, you can create beautiful, long-lasting paintings that you will be proud to display. Whether you choose Arches, Winsor & Newton, Fabriano, Strathmore, or Canson, any of these top choices for watercolor paper are sure to help you take your artwork to the next level.