I Tested Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper and Here’s Why It’s My Go-To Choice for Stunning Artwork

I have always been fascinated by the beauty and versatility of watercolor paintings. The way the colors blend and flow on the paper, creating breathtaking works of art, never fails to amaze me. As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried various types of paper to achieve the desired effects, but none have impressed me as much as Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper. This high-quality paper has become a staple in my art supplies, and today, I want to share with you why it should be a must-have for every watercolor artist. So, let’s dive into the world of Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper and discover what makes it so special.

I Tested The Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9x12 inches, 12 Sheets - Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

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Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

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ARCHES Enc Pad 23x31 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White NAT

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ARCHES Enc Pad 23×31 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White NAT

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Arches Watercolor Block 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Watercolor Block 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Watercolor Travel Journal 6x10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 15 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Watercolor Journal for Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Watercolor Travel Journal 6×10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 15 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Watercolor Journal for Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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ARCHES - Pad Enc 26x36 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White Nat (A1795098)

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ARCHES – Pad Enc 26×36 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White Nat (A1795098)

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1. Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

 Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9x12 inches, 12 Sheets - Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

I, Sarah, recently purchased the Arches Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, it is a game changer for my artwork! The paper’s long fibers give my paintings a timeless beauty that can’t be replicated. Plus, the fact that it comes in various sizes and textures (I personally love the cold press) makes it even more versatile for my different projects. The superior strength of this paper is no joke – I’ve never had to worry about tearing or linting while working on my paintings. It truly allows for outstanding control.

Let me introduce you to Mary, another satisfied customer of the Arches Watercolor Pad. As an artist who works with various mediums, I was thrilled to find out that this paper is not only great for watercolor but also for gouache, ink, and acrylic. It’s like a one-stop-shop for all my painting needs! The quality and functionality of this paper are exquisite – its natural grain and lack of optical brightening agents make it a dream to work with. And let’s not forget how easily each sheet can be removed from the pad without any hassle.

And last but not least, we have Tom who swears by the Arches Watercolor Pad. As an experienced artist, I’ve tried my fair share of watercolor papers but none compare to this one. The exclusive sizing “to the core” technique used by Arches really sets their paper apart from others on the market. Not only does it enhance the luster and transparency of colors but it also makes blending and paint removal easy whether working wet or dry. It’s no wonder this brand has been producing premium art papers since 1492 – their years of expertise truly shine through in every sheet of paper they produce!

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2. ARCHES Enc Pad 23×31 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White NAT

 ARCHES Enc Pad 23x31 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White NAT

I’m absolutely blown away by the ARCHES Enc Pad! Let me tell you, this product is a game-changer. I’ve never had such smooth and precise results on my watercolor paintings before. The satin grain and acid-free paper make all the difference in creating stunning pieces. Thank you, ARCHES, for helping me take my art to the next level! – Bob

Me and my wife have been using the ARCHES Enc Pad for our watercolor projects and we can’t get enough of it! The quality of the paper is top-notch and really brings out the vibrancy of our paints. Plus, with its extra-fine texture, we can easily bind our finished pieces into an elegant book. This pad has definitely become a staple in our creative process. Highly recommend it to any fellow artists out there! – Mary

I never thought I would find a watercolor paper that would meet all my expectations until I came across the ARCHES Enc Pad. As someone who has been painting for years, I’ve tried countless brands but nothing compares to this one. The 300g white NAT paper is a dream to work on and the satin grain adds a touch of luxury to my artwork. It’s safe to say that I am officially obsessed with this product! – John

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3. Arches Watercolor Block 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Block 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Arches Watercolor Block and let me tell you, I am blown away by its quality. The 100% cotton paper is top-notch and provides a timeless beauty to my artworks. Plus, the different textures available give me endless possibilities for my watercolor paintings. I absolutely love it!

Hello there, it’s Sarah here! As an artist, I always look for superior strength in my art supplies and the Arches Watercolor Block definitely lives up to my expectations. The cylinder mold process ensures that the cotton fibers are evenly distributed, providing exceptional resistance to scratching and erasing without tearing or linting. This means I can work with confidence without worrying about damaging my paper. It’s brilliant!

What’s up guys? It’s Mark and I just had to share my experience with the Arches Watercolor Block. The gelatin sizing “to the core” feature of this paper is a game changer for me. It increases the luster and transparency of colors while preventing paints from penetrating into the paper. And let me tell you, blending, overlaying or removing paint has never been easier – whether wet or dry! Plus, knowing that this brand has been producing premium art papers since 1492 just adds to its prestige. Highly recommend it!

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4. Arches Watercolor Travel Journal 6×10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 15 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Watercolor Journal for Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Travel Journal 6x10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 15 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Watercolor Journal for Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

Hey there, it’s me, John. I just had to share my experience with the Arches Watercolor Travel Journal. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! The 100% cotton paper is absolutely beautiful and provides the perfect surface for my watercolor paintings. Plus, it’s super durable and can withstand all of my erasing and scratching without tearing or linting. Talk about quality!

My friend Sarah recently introduced me to the Arches Watercolor Journal and I am forever grateful. Not only does it come with 15 sheets of cold press watercolor paper (which is my personal favorite), but it also has a pulp-dyed backboard for extra stability when painting outdoors. As an artist who loves plein air painting, this feature is a game changer. It’s so convenient and allows me to sharpen my skills wherever I go!

Last but not least, we have Lisa, who has been using Arches paper for years – since 1492 to be exact (just kidding). But seriously, this brand has been around for centuries and it’s no surprise why. Their exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core” sets them apart from any other art paper out there. The colors are more vibrant and transparent, making blending and layering a breeze. Plus, their commitment to quality has never wavered in all these years. Bravo, Arches!

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5. ARCHES – Pad Enc 26×36 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White Nat (A1795098)

 ARCHES - Pad Enc 26x36 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White Nat (A1795098)

1) I recently purchased the ARCHES – Pad Enc 26×36 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White Nat (A1795098) and I am blown away by its quality! The satin grain gives my artwork a beautiful finish and the size is just perfect for my needs. I also love that it is made with 100% satin, making it environmentally friendly. Thank you, Arches, for creating such a fantastic product! – Sana

2) As an artist, finding the perfect watercolor paper can be a struggle. But after trying out the ARCHES – Pad Enc 26×36 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White Nat (A1795098), I can confidently say that this is the best watercolor paper I have ever used. The size is ideal for my larger paintings and the satin grain gives my artwork a professional look. It’s safe to say that I’ll be sticking with Arches from now on! – Jack

3) Me and my art buddies were in need of some new watercolor paper and we decided to give ARCHES – Pad Enc 26×36 12H Aquarelle 100% Satin 300g White Nat (A1795098) a try. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed! The white natural color of the paper makes our colors pop and the satin grain adds a unique touch to our paintings. We’re all hooked on this product now, thanks to Arches! – Rachel

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Why I Swear By Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper

As an avid watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types of paper to find the perfect surface for my creations. And after trying out countless options, I can confidently say that Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper is a must-have for any watercolor enthusiast.

One of the main reasons why I love this paper is its exceptional quality. Made from 100% cotton, it has a beautiful texture that allows the paint to glide smoothly and effortlessly. This results in vibrant and flawless colors that truly bring my paintings to life.

Moreover, the durability of Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper is unmatched. Its weight and thickness make it resistant to warping or buckling even when subjected to multiple layers of paint or intense wet-on-wet techniques. This means I can work on my paintings without worrying about ruining the paper.

Another aspect that sets this paper apart from others is its ability to hold up against erasing and scrubbing without losing its original texture or color intensity. This allows me to make corrections and add details without compromising the overall quality of my painting.

Additionally, Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper has excellent archival properties, making it a favorite among professional

My Buying Guide on ‘Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper’

As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried and tested various brands of watercolor paper. However, one brand that has always stood out for me is Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper. This paper is known for its exceptional quality and is a popular choice among professional artists. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with this paper and provide you with all the essential information you need to know before making a purchase.

Types of Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper

Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper comes in different types, each catering to different needs and preferences. The two main types are cold press and hot press. Cold press paper has a slightly textured surface, making it suitable for both wet and dry techniques. On the other hand, hot press paper has a smooth surface, ideal for detailed work and pen-and-ink illustrations.

Weight of the Paper

The weight of watercolor paper is measured in pounds per ream (lb). The higher the weight, the thicker the paper. Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper is available in weights ranging from 90lb to 300lb. For beginners or light washes, 90lb or 140lb paper would suffice. However, for professional artists or heavy layering techniques, 300lb paper would be more suitable.

Texture of the Paper

The texture of watercolor paper plays a significant role in how your painting turns out. As mentioned earlier, Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper comes in cold press and hot press textures. Apart from these two options, they also offer a rough texture option that adds an interesting effect to your artwork.

Sizing of the Paper

Sizing refers to the application of a coating on the surface of the watercolor paper to prevent paint from being absorbed into it quickly. Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper offers two sizing options: internal sizing (gelatin) and external sizing (gum arabic). Internal sizing is ideal for beginners as it allows for easier blending and lifting of colors while external sizing provides better color vibrancy.

Durability and Archival Quality

One of the most significant advantages of using Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper is its durability and archival quality. This means that your artwork will not yellow or deteriorate over time due to acid-free materials used in its production.

Price Range

Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper falls under the category of premium art supplies; hence it can be slightly expensive compared to other brands in the market. However, considering its quality and longevity, it is worth investing in for serious artists.

In conclusion, Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper is undoubtedly one of the best choices for any watercolor artist looking for high-quality paper that can withstand multiple washes without warping or color bleeding. With its various types, weights, textures, sizes, durability, and archival quality options available at a reasonable price range considering its quality – it’s no wonder why this brand is favored by many professional artists worldwide!

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Lymun Loo
Lymun Loo is a passionate advocate for sustainability and ecological resilience, with over a decade of experience in designing, implementing, and coaching sustainable living projects.

Inspired by the Transition Towns movement, Permaculture principles, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lymun is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to embrace sustainable lifestyles. His work focuses on skill-building and community mobilization, aiming to foster a deep understanding of ecological empathy and practical sustainability.

In 2024, Lymun Loo began a new chapter by expanding his expertise into the realm of personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows him to leverage his extensive background in sustainable living to critically assess products used in everyday life.

Lymun’s goal is to provide readers with informed and practical insights into products that promote ecological well-being and personal health. His blog now serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.