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10 Best Watercolor Paper 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad, 9"x12" Water Color Paper, 140lb/300gsm Artist Painting Drawing Paper Book, Art Supplies for Adults Kids, Watercolors, Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchbook, Journal, Teal

The Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced artists. Measuring 9 x 12 inches, each pad contains 20 sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm) cold-pressed paper. The heavyweight nature of the paper ensures durability and the slightly textured surface is ideal for mastering various watercolor techniques.

The paper's natural white color and acid-free properties make it suitable for a wide range of media including watercolor, acrylic, colored pencils, and more, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant over time. It's a budget-friendly option, recommended by educators, which makes it particularly suitable for students and hobbyists. However, the pad contains only 20 sheets, which may not be sufficient for heavy users. Additionally, while the paper is versatile, some professional artists might prefer a higher sheet count or different textures for specialized projects.

With an FSC certification, the paper is sourced responsibly, making it an eco-friendly choice. If you're looking for affordable and versatile watercolor paper that caters to various art forms and skill levels, the Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad is worth considering.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Paper Weight
The thick 140 lb (300 gsm) paper holds up beautifully to water, allowing you to paint freely without worrying about warping or bleeding.
Paper Texture
The 9"x12" size offers plenty of room to create, with a texture that balances smoothness for details and enough roughness to grab your paints.
Paper Format
The 9"x12" size offers plenty of room to create, with a texture that balances smoothness for details and enough roughness to grab your paints.
#2

Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9x12 inch

The Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad is a solid choice for artists looking for good-quality watercolor paper. With its cold press textured surface, it offers excellent grip for watercolors, making it ideal for both beginners and more experienced artists. The paper is heavyweight, which means it can hold up well to repeated washes without warping or tearing, allowing for a variety of techniques, including layering and wet-on-wet applications. This versatility extends to other mediums too, as it's suitable for acrylics, colored pencils, and even charcoal, catering to mixed media enthusiasts. This flexibility can be quite appealing for those who like to experiment with different styles.

On the downside, the 9x12 inch size may feel limiting for artists who prefer larger canvases to fully express their creativity. While the pad is acid-free, which is great for preserving artworks, some users may find that it does not always provide the same smooth surface as other premium watercolor papers, potentially affecting the final outcome of finer details. Additionally, while the paper's natural white color is appealing, there are those who might prefer a more off-white or textured paper for specific styles.

The Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad is a dependable paper option that balances quality and affordability, making it particularly suitable for students, hobbyists, and artists trying out different mediums. However, those seeking larger formats or specialized textures may want to explore other options. Whether you’re practicing techniques or working on finished pieces, this pad holds a lot of potential.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Paper Weight
Heavyweight and durable, it absorbs moisture without running or curling.
Paper Texture
Colors stay true, and brushes slide easily across the surface, providing a smooth painting experience.
#3

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

The Arches Watercolor Pad is an excellent choice for artists at any skill level, particularly those who appreciate quality materials. This pad features 100% cotton paper, which is known for its durability and ability to hold up well under various painting techniques. The cold press texture enhances the paper's ability to absorb water while providing a lovely surface for blending colors, making it suitable for watercolor, gouache, and even acrylic.

One of the standout qualities is its superior strength; the paper is resistant to scratching and tearing, which is essential when working with wet mediums. The sizing 'to the core' is a significant advantage, as it prevents paint from seeping through, ensuring that your artwork maintains its vibrancy. Additionally, the paper is pH-neutral, which helps in preserving the integrity of your work over time.

There are a few points to consider. The price point may be on the higher side compared to other options, which might not be ideal for beginners or casual artists who are still experimenting with their style. Additionally, although it comes in a popular size of 9x12 inches, those looking for larger formats will need to explore other options, as this pad might limit their creative range. This watercolor pad is a fantastic investment for serious artists who value premium materials and wish to create lasting works of art.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Paper Weight
The grains on the paper give a subtle yet well-defined texture, and its thickness allows for more layers of washes compared to cheaper alternatives.
Paper Texture
The grains on the paper give a subtle yet well-defined texture, and its thickness allows for more layers of washes compared to cheaper alternatives.
Paper Material
Using good cotton watercolor paper like Arches is crucial; it behaves predictably with water and pigments, allowing for fine details and multiple washes without warping.

Buying Guide for the Best Watercolor Paper

Choosing the right watercolor paper is crucial for achieving the best results in your artwork. Watercolor paper comes in various types, weights, and textures, each suited for different techniques and styles. Understanding these specifications will help you select the paper that best fits your artistic needs and preferences.
Paper WeightPaper weight refers to the thickness and sturdiness of the paper, usually measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). Heavier paper (300 lb/640 gsm) is more durable and can handle more water without warping, making it ideal for heavy washes and wet techniques. Medium weight paper (140 lb/300 gsm) is versatile and suitable for most watercolor techniques. Lighter paper (90 lb/190 gsm) is more affordable but may buckle with heavy water use. Choose a weight based on the amount of water you plan to use and the durability you need.
Paper TextureWatercolor paper texture, or 'tooth,' affects how the paint interacts with the surface. There are three main textures: hot-pressed (HP), cold-pressed (CP), and rough. Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface, ideal for detailed work and fine lines. Cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface, making it versatile for both detailed and loose styles. Rough paper has a pronounced texture, perfect for creating expressive, textured effects. Choose a texture based on your painting style and the level of detail you want to achieve.
Paper MaterialWatercolor paper can be made from different materials, primarily cotton or wood pulp. 100% cotton paper is the highest quality, offering excellent absorbency and durability, and is preferred by professional artists. Wood pulp paper is more affordable and suitable for beginners or practice work. Some papers are a blend of both materials, balancing quality and cost. Choose the material based on your experience level and the importance of archival quality in your work.
Paper SizingSizing refers to the treatment applied to watercolor paper to control its absorbency. Internal sizing is mixed into the paper pulp, while external sizing is applied to the surface. Properly sized paper allows for better control of water and pigment, preventing colors from bleeding excessively. Most quality watercolor papers are both internally and externally sized. Ensure the paper you choose has adequate sizing for the techniques you plan to use, especially if you work with wet-on-wet methods.
Paper FormatWatercolor paper is available in various formats, including sheets, pads, blocks, and rolls. Sheets offer flexibility in size and are often used for larger works. Pads are convenient for travel and practice, with multiple sheets bound together. Blocks are glued on all sides, preventing the paper from warping during painting, ideal for plein air painting. Rolls provide the most flexibility in size but require cutting and stretching. Choose a format based on your working environment and the size of your projects.

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