Cotton or Wood Pulp? Hot Press or Rough? Your Friendly Guide to Choosing the Right Watercolor Paper
Paper isn’t just a surface—it’s your silent partner in watercolor. The right sheet makes colors glow, blends flow, and mistakes fade into happy accidents. The wrong one? Buckles, bleeds, and frustration. Let’s find your perfect match.
Cotton vs. Wood Pulp: The Heart of the Matter
Cotton paper (like ours) is made from 100% cotton fibers. It’s durable, absorbent, and forgiving—ideal for layering, lifting, and wet-on-wet techniques. Wood pulp paper is cheaper but less resilient; it pills easily and warps under moisture.
For beginners? Cotton is worth every penny.
Weight Matters: Why 140lb Is Our Sweet Spot
“140lb” (or 300gsm) is thick enough to handle generous water without buckling—no stretching required. Lighter papers (90lb) often need taping down; heavier ones (300lb+) are luxurious but pricey.
Texture: Smooth, Medium, or Bold?
- Hot Press: Smooth—great for detail, lettering, or controlled washes
- Cold Press: Slightly textured—the most versatile choice
- Rough: Dramatic texture—for expressive, bold work
Our Paper Picks—All 140lb Cotton, All Ready to Paint
We only use premium cotton paper across our line:
- 15 Sheets 140LB Watercolor Pad – blank, cold press, perfect for free-form practice
- 12 Sheets 140LB Watercolor Coloring Bookmarks – tiny canvases for micro-moments of calm
- Themed Coloring Books (Landscape, Floral, Forest, Autumn, Ocean.) – guided creativity on premium paper
Great Paper Deserves Great Paint
Pair your cotton sheet with pigments that sing. Try the All-In-One Set of 48 for versatility, or the Foldable Watercolor Set Of 56 With Water Brush for travel-ready richness.
Remember: your paper isn’t just background. It’s part of the magic!
