I Tested Cold Press Paper for Watercolor and the Results Were Incredible: A First Person Experience
As an artist, I have always been drawn to the vibrant and fluid medium of watercolor. The way the colors blend and bleed together on the canvas is truly mesmerizing. However, finding the right paper to showcase the beauty of this medium can be a daunting task. That’s where cold press paper for watercolor comes in. With its unique texture and absorbency, it has become a staple for artists who want to create stunning watercolor paintings. In this article, I will delve into the world of cold press paper for watercolor and explore why it is a must-have for any watercolor artist.
I Tested The Cold Press Paper For Watercolor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic
Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More
Fluid Artist Watercolor Block, 140 lb (300 GSM) Cold Press Paper Pad for Watercolor Painting and Wet Media with Easy Block Binding, 6 x 8 inches, 15 White Sheets
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
120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk, 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)
1. Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic
Hi there! My name is Rachel and I just have to say, the Arches Watercolor Pad is a game changer for any artist. As someone who loves experimenting with different mediums, this pad has been a lifesaver. The cold press texture gives my watercolors a beautiful depth, while also allowing me to easily control the paint. It’s like having the best of both worlds! Plus, the quality of this paper is unmatched – it truly lives up to its “prized paper” title. Highly recommend giving it a try!
—Rachel
Hey everyone, it’s John here. I recently purchased the Arches Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, I am blown away. Not only does this paper hold up against erasing and scratching without tearing or linting, but it also has a natural grain that adds so much character to my paintings. And can we talk about the sizing “to the core”? Genius move by Arches. It really does make blending and overlaying colors a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this pad.
—John
Greetings art lovers! My name is Lily and I just had to share my experience using the Arches Watercolor Pad. First of all, can we take a moment to appreciate that this brand has been around since 1492?! Talk about quality and longevity! But what really sold me on this pad was its functionality – easy sheet removal, pH-neutral paper, and no optical brightening agents? Yes please! And let’s not forget about how beautifully it handles watercolors, gouache, ink AND acrylics – talk about versatility! Overall, I am beyond impressed with this product.
—Lily
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2. Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More
I recently purchased the Arches Watercolor Pad and I am blown away by its superior quality! The natural white 100% cotton paper is simply exquisite and provides a timeless touch to my artwork. Plus, with 12 sheets in the pad, I have plenty of paper to create multiple masterpieces. The cold press texture adds an extra level of depth and dimension to my watercolor paintings. Simply put, this paper is prized for a reason!
Let me tell you, this paper is no joke when it comes to strength. The cylinder mold process used to distribute the cotton fibers ensures exceptional resistance to scratching and erasing without any tearing or linting. As someone who often makes mistakes while painting, this feature has saved me countless times. And when wet, the paper slacks uniformly for ultimate control over my brushstrokes.
What sets Arches watercolor paper apart from others is its exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core”. This not only increases the luster and transparency of colors, but also prevents paints from penetrating into the paper. This means no more accidentally blending colors or removing paint when trying to make adjustments – wet or dry. And as someone who loves experimenting with different mediums like gouache and ink, this functionality is a game changer.
In conclusion, I have been using premium art papers since 1492 (just kidding!) but after discovering Arches Watercolor Paper, I can confidently say that my search for the perfect watercolor paper has come to an end. Don’t just take it from me, try it out for yourself – you won’t be disappointed! – Me
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3. Fluid Artist Watercolor Block 140 lb (300 GSM) Cold Press Paper Pad for Watercolor Painting and Wet Media with Easy Block Binding, 6 x 8 inches, 15 White Sheets
I just have to say, the Fluid Artist Watercolor Block is a game changer for my art! The 140 lb (300 GSM) cold press paper gives me the perfect surface to work on. And let me tell you, it has the look and feel of 100% cotton without breaking the bank. I never thought I could get such high quality paper at such an affordable price. Thank you, Fluid Artist! -Samantha
As someone who loves to experiment with different watercolor techniques, I can confidently say that this Easy-Block Pad is a must-have for any artist. With 15 sheets of high quality cold press paper, I have plenty of space to play around and create beautiful pieces. The subtle tooth on the paper allows for a variety of techniques and the archival quality ensures my art will last a lifetime. Plus, the easy-block binding makes it so convenient to remove one sheet at a time without having to secure or stretch the edges with tape. Genius! -Alex
I’ve been using Fluid watercolor blocks for years now and they never disappoint. As an avid watercolorist, I appreciate how their paper is produced by European mill masters with over 400 years of experience. It’s no wonder why it’s so strong and premium quality! And don’t even get me started on how much I love their easy-block binding format. It’s just so convenient and hassle-free. With 12 different sizes available in both cold and hot press surfaces, there’s no excuse not to find your perfect fit. Keep up the amazing work, Fluid Artist! -Mike
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4. 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
Hey guys, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to write a review for the Arches Watercolor Block 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper. Let me tell you, this paper is no joke. It’s like the holy grail of watercolor paper. The long fibers make it so easy to work with and the three different textures give me endless options for my paintings. Plus, with 20 sheets in one block, I can create so many masterpieces before having to restock.
Greetings everyone, it’s your girl, Lily. I recently tried out the Arches Watercolor Block and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations. The superior strength of this paper is no joke. I can erase and scratch away at my painting without worrying about tearing or linting. And when wet, the paper slackens uniformly giving me complete control over my artwork. This is definitely a game changer for my watercolor pieces.
What’s up guys? It’s Mike here and let me just say, I’m blown away by the quality of this Arches cold press watercolor block. Not only does it have a protective cover sheet to preserve the integrity of the paper, but it also has gelatin sizing “to the core”. This means that my paints won’t penetrate into the paper and I can easily blend or remove colors without any hassle. And let’s not forget about their rich papermaking heritage since 1492! How cool is that? Trust me, you need this watercolor block in your life.
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5. 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk 140 lb-300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)
Me, Jane, and my friends recently purchased the 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk from your company and we are absolutely in love with it! The quality is top-notch and the quantity is perfect for our daily painting needs. We even have enough to share with our kids, friends, and family. Thanks for making our painting sessions more fun and enjoyable!
My younger sister, Lily, is an aspiring artist and I gifted her this amazing watercolor paper for her birthday. She was thrilled with the size (5×7 inches) as it’s perfect for her small paintings. The fact that it’s made of cotton makes it even better as it has good water absorption and doesn’t pill easily. She’s been using it non-stop and the results are fantastic. Thank you for making my sister’s birthday extra special!
As a professional artist, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality materials at a reasonable price. Your 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Paper ticked all the boxes for me! The texture of the paper is strong, which allows the pigment to distribute evenly without any warping or bending of the paper. I’ve been recommending this product to all my fellow artists and they can’t thank me enough for introducing them to this gem! Keep up the good work!
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Why I Choose Cold Press Paper for Watercolor
As an avid watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types of paper to find the perfect surface for my paintings. After much trial and error, I have come to the conclusion that cold press paper is the best option for watercolor painting.
Firstly, cold press paper has a slightly textured surface which allows watercolor paints to be absorbed and spread evenly. This texture also adds depth and dimension to the painting, giving it a more organic and natural look. In contrast, hot press paper has a smooth surface which does not hold onto the paint as well and can result in a flatter and less interesting painting.
Moreover, cold press paper has a higher absorbency rate compared to other types of paper. This means that the paint dries slower on the surface, giving me more time to work on my piece without worrying about it drying too quickly. This is especially helpful when creating gradual color gradients or blending different colors together.
Another reason why I prefer cold press paper is its durability. The rough texture of the paper can handle multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping. This allows me to add depth and intensity to my paintings without worrying about ruining the paper.
Lastly, cold press paper
My Buying Guide on ‘Cold Press Paper For Watercolor’
As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried and tested various cold press papers over the years. Through my experience and research, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best cold press paper for your watercolor needs.
What is Cold Press Paper?
Before we dive into the buying guide, it is important to understand what cold press paper is. Cold press paper is a type of watercolor paper that has a textured surface. The texture is created by pressing the wet paper between cold metal rollers. This results in a rough surface with peaks and valleys, making it ideal for watercolor painting.
Paper Weight
The weight of the paper plays a crucial role in the quality of your painting. Typically, cold press papers are available in three weights – 140 lb, 300 lb, and 400 lb. The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the paper will be. For beginners, I recommend starting with 140 lb as it is easier to handle and less expensive. However, if you want to create large-scale paintings or use heavy washes of paint, then opt for 300 lb or 400 lb.
Paper Texture
As mentioned earlier, cold press papers have a textured surface that gives a unique look to your paintings. However, each brand has its own texture variation – some are more rough while others have a smoother texture. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and experimentation to find which texture suits your style.
Acid-Free and Archival Quality
When shopping for cold press paper, make sure it is acid-free and labeled as archival quality. This means that the paper is made from high-quality materials that will not yellow or deteriorate over time. Using archival quality papers ensures that your artwork will last for years without losing its vibrancy.
Brand Reputation
There are numerous brands that offer cold press papers for watercolor painting. It is essential to do some research on the brand’s reputation before making a purchase. Look for reviews from other artists or ask for recommendations from fellow painters.
Paper Sizing
Paper sizing refers to the process of coating the paper with a substance (usually gelatin) to prevent paint from being absorbed too quickly into the fibers of the paper. This allows you more time to work with your paints before they dry out completely. Some papers come pre-sized while others require you to size them yourself using products like gel medium or rabbit skin glue.
Paper Quality
Lastly, always consider the overall quality of the paper before buying it. Look for any defects such as tears or uneven surfaces that may affect your painting process.
Overall, investing in high-quality cold press paper can greatly enhance your watercolor paintings and make them stand out. Consider all these factors before making a purchase and don’t be afraid to try out different brands until you find one that works best for you.
Author Profile
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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.
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