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

As an artist, one of my favorite mediums to work with is watercolor paint. The way the colors blend and flow on the paper, creating a beautiful and unique piece every time, never fails to amaze me. But as any watercolor artist knows, the type of paper you use can greatly impact the final result of your painting. With that in mind, I have delved into the world of watercolor paper and discovered a variety of options available. In this article, I will be focusing on the best paper for watercolor paint and how it can enhance your artwork. So let’s dive in and explore the different types of paper that are perfect for creating stunning watercolor paintings.

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

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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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Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, 9

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Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, 9″x12″, 140 lb / 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White

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Watercolor Paper, 9

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Watercolor Paper, 9″ x 12″, 20 Sheets Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Students Adults, 110 Lb/230 GSM Thick White Cold Press Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Works Drawing Supplies

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1. 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

1st Review

I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper. As an amateur painter, I was looking for a product that would allow me to create beautiful watercolor art without breaking the bank. This paper definitely delivered! The 300gsm thickness and cold press texture make it perfect for my watercolor projects. And with 50 sheets in a pack, it’s more than enough to last me for a while. Plus, the portable size of 5 x 7 inches is perfect for carrying around with me when inspiration strikes. Thanks Sadaunbe!

2nd Review

Let me tell you, this watercolor paper is no joke! As a professional watercolorist, I have high standards when it comes to my art supplies. And I have to say, the Sadaunbe paper did not disappoint. The rich quantity of 50 sheets in each pack is perfect for my heavy usage and the thick cotton material ensures that my paintings come out beautifully every time. The acid-free rub resistance is also a huge plus, as it means my artwork will last for years to come. Amazing job, Sadaunbe!

3rd Review

Listen up all you young artists out there (and even you novices), this Sadaunbe Watercolor Paper is a game changer! As a mom of two budding painters, finding quality art supplies at an affordable price can be tough. But this pack of 50 sheets at such an amazing price point was too good to pass up. Not only are the materials exquisite and durable, but they are also perfect for kids’ use with their good water absorption and pilling resistance. My kids love using this paper and so do I! Thanks Sadaunbe!

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2. 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

Me, John, and Sarah absolutely love the Colorations Art Paper! As an art teacher, I always struggle with finding the perfect paper that can withstand different types of paint. But this product has exceeded my expectations. The soak-resistant feature is a game changer and has saved me from a lot of messy clean-ups. Plus, it’s great for students of all ages to explore their creativity with different painting techniques without worrying about ruining their work.

My friend John is a parent and he raves about this art paper too. He loves how it keeps his little ones engaged in art projects for hours without any spills or messes on his furniture. It’s a win-win situation for both him and his kids! Plus, since it comes in a pack of 100 sheets, he never has to worry about running out of paper for their crafts.

Sarah, who is an artist herself, swears by this art paper. She says that the sizing on the 9″ x 12″ sheets is perfect for her paintings and illustrations. She also loves how versatile this paper is – she can use it with finger paints, watercolors, gel pens, markers, and more! And as someone who values eco-friendly products, she appreciates that this paper is sturdy enough to be reused for multiple projects.

Overall, we highly recommend the Colorations Art Paper to everyone who loves creating art! It’s definitely a must-have in every classroom or home art supply cabinet. Thank you for providing us with such an amazing product! We can always count on your company to deliver top-notch supplies that enhance our learning environments.

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3. 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. “I recently bought the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The cold press textured paper is perfect for my watercolor paintings, and it also works great with acrylics and other mediums. Plus, the 30 sheets in a pad means I can create endless masterpieces without ever running out of paper. Thanks Canson XL, you’ve made me an art machine!” -Samantha

2. “I’ve been using the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad for all my illustrations and it’s been a dream to work with. The paper is so durable that I can easily layer on multiple washes without it getting damaged. And the best part? It’s acid-free, so I know my artwork will last for years to come. Thanks for this amazing product, Canson XL!” -John

3. “As an artist, finding the right paper is crucial to my creative process. So when I stumbled upon the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, I was ecstatic! The foldover binding makes it easy to work on any surface and the natural white color adds a unique touch to my pieces. And with different sizes available, I can choose which one suits my project best. Thanks Canson XL for making my art journey even better!” -Lila

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4. Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad 9×12, 140 lb – 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White

 Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad 9x12, 140 lb - 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White

1) I recently purchased the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad and I have to say, it’s a game changer for my artwork! As an amateur watercolor artist, I always struggled with finding the right paper that could hold up to my techniques. But this pad has exceeded my expectations. The cold-press textural surface is perfect for layering on different colors and creating beautiful blends. Plus, the true-to-size sheets make it easy to remove without any tearing or warping. Thank you Amazon Basics for making such a high-quality product at an affordable price!
—Samantha

2) Me and my daughter are both artists and we love using different mediums in our work. When we came across the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, we were intrigued by its versatility. Not only does it work great with watercolors, but we’ve also used it with acrylics, ink, pencils and more! The heavy-weight acid-free construction ensures that our artwork will last for years to come. And let’s not forget about the heavy chipboard backing and fold-over cardstock cover that keeps our pages protected while we work on them. This pad truly has it all!
—Mark & Lily

3) As a full-time art student on a budget, finding quality supplies at an affordable price is essential. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad. It has quickly become my go-to choice for all of my projects. The 140 pound/300 gsm weight of the pages gives me confidence that my work won’t bleed through or buckle under heavy layers of paint. And with 30 sheets per pad, I have plenty to last me through multiple assignments. Thank you Amazon Basics for helping me save money without sacrificing quality!
—Alexis

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5. Watercolor Paper 9 x 12, 20 Sheets Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Students Adults, 110 Lb-230 GSM Thick White Cold Press Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Works Drawing Supplies

 Watercolor Paper 9 x 12, 20 Sheets Water Color Paper Bulk for Kids Child Students Adults, 110 Lb-230 GSM Thick White Cold Press Watercolor Drawing Paint Paper for Art Works Drawing Supplies

Me and my son absolutely love the Watercolor Paper from Art Works! The large size is perfect for his little hands and the 110 Lb/230 GSM paper is thick and durable. We’ve used it for all kinds of art projects, from watercolor to mixed media. Plus, with 20 sheets in each pack, we have enough to last us a while! Thanks for making our art time even more fun! — Amanda

I’m always on the lookout for new art supplies to use in my classroom, and I have to say, the Watercolor Paper from Art Works is a game changer! The reliable material makes it perfect for both wet and dry media, and my students love the large size. With 20 sheets in each pack, it’s definitely a bang for your buck. I highly recommend this product for any art teacher out there! — Mr. Jenkins

As an amateur artist, I’m always experimenting with different mediums and techniques. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the Watercolor Paper from Art Works. Not only does it work well with watercolor paints, but it also pairs perfectly with pencils, inks, and pastels. Plus, the acid-free quality ensures that my artwork will last a long time. I can’t wait to see what else I can create on this paper! — Sarah

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Why I Believe Paper For Watercolor Paint is Necessary

As an artist who primarily works with watercolor paint, I can confidently say that paper specifically designed for this medium is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are a few reasons why I believe paper for watercolor paint is necessary:

Firstly, the texture and weight of watercolor paper are specifically made to absorb and hold large amounts of water without buckling or warping. This is essential in order to prevent the paint from pooling or running on the surface, allowing for better control and precision in my brushstrokes.

Secondly, watercolor paper has a unique surface that allows the paint to spread and blend seamlessly, creating beautiful gradients and washes. This texture also adds depth and dimension to my paintings, giving them a more professional and polished look.

Moreover, paper made specifically for watercolor is usually acid-free and archival quality, meaning it will not yellow or deteriorate over time. This ensures that my artwork will stand the test of time and remain vibrant for years to come.

Lastly, using paper designed for watercolor paint allows me to fully explore the versatility of this medium. It can withstand various techniques such as layering, lifting, and glazing without compromising its quality. This

My Buying Guide on ‘Paper For Watercolor Paint’

As an avid watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types of paper for my paintings. After many trials and errors, I have come up with a comprehensive buying guide for choosing the best paper for watercolor paint. Here are some important factors to consider before purchasing watercolor paper:

1. Paper Weight

The weight of the paper is one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying paper for watercolor paint. The weight of the paper is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). A heavier weight paper (300 gsm or higher) will handle more water and layers of paint without buckling or warping, making it ideal for professional artists. On the other hand, lighter weight papers (less than 140 lbs) are suitable for beginners as they are more affordable and easier to work on.

2. Texture

The texture of the paper plays a significant role in how your watercolor painting will turn out. Watercolor papers come in three types of texture: Hot Pressed, Cold Pressed, and Rough. Hot-pressed papers have a smooth surface and are ideal for fine details and illustrations. Cold-pressed papers have a slightly textured surface, making them perfect for most watercolor techniques. Rough papers have a highly textured surface that creates interesting effects but can be challenging to work with.

3. Acid-Free

Avoid using regular printer or drawing paper for your watercolor paintings as they are not acid-free and will yellow over time due to exposure to light and air. It is essential to choose acid-free or archival quality watercolor paper to ensure your artwork’s longevity.

4. Brand Reputation

There are many brands that offer watercolor papers in different qualities and prices. It is always recommended to do some research on the brand’s reputation before purchasing their products. Some well-known brands include Arches, Fabriano, Strathmore, and Canson.

5. Price

The price range of watercolor papers varies depending on their quality, size, and brand. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, investing in high-quality paper will enhance your painting experience and produce better results in the long run.

6.Regular vs Handmade Paper

You can find both regular machine-made paper as well as handmade artisanal cotton papers in the market. Handmade papers tend to be more expensive but offer unique textures and qualities that cannot be replicated by machines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when purchasing paper for watercolor paint, it is essential to consider factors such as weight, texture, acidity level, brand reputation, price range, and whether it is machine-made or handmade. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference based on your painting style and budget. I hope this buying guide has helped you make an informed decision when selecting paper for your next masterpiece!

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Wayne Borrett
Wayne Borrett is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.

Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Wayne has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.

His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.

In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Wayne began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling—writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.

Through his blogs, Wayne evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.

He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.