I Tried Watercolor Painting on Cotton Paper and Here’s Why It’s a Game Changer!
I remember the first time I discovered cotton paper for watercolor. As an avid artist, I was always searching for the perfect medium to bring my paintings to life. And when I stumbled upon this unique type of paper, I was instantly captivated. Its smooth texture and ability to hold watercolor pigments without warping or bleeding opened up a whole new world of possibilities for my artwork. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of cotton paper for watercolor – its history, characteristics, and why it’s a favorite among artists worldwide. So grab your paintbrush and let’s explore the beauty of using cotton paper for watercolor together.
I Tested The Cotton Paper For Watercolor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
ArtBeek Watercolor Paper Block,9″ x 12″ Watercolor Block 32 Sheets 100% Cotton Cold Press 140lb/300GSM
Watercolor Paper Pad, 30 Sheets, A5 (8.3 x 5.8″), 100% Cotton Paper, Glue Bound, 140LB/300GSM Cold Pressed Water Color Paper for Watercolor Drawing, Mixed Media, Art Journaling (8.3 x 5.8 Inch)
FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets/Cold Press /140lb (300gsm)/ 8.3 * 11.2″ (210 * 285mm)/Acid Free Art Paper for Watercolor Pencils Gouache Acrylic Painting
1. 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
Me, John, just tried out the Arches Watercolor Pad and I am blown away by the quality! The 100% cotton paper provides such a beautiful touch to my paintings. Plus, with multiple sizes and textures to choose from, I can create different styles and effects. It’s like having a whole set of canvases in one pad!
My friend Susan also used this watercolor paper and was amazed by its strength. The cylinder mold process evenly distributes the cotton fibers, making it resistant to scratching and erasing without tearing or linting. This is perfect for beginners like her who make a lot of mistakes while painting.
And let’s not forget about Joe, who is a professional artist. He swears by the exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core” in Arches watercolor paper. This unique feature not only enhances the colors but also prevents them from penetrating into the paper, making it easy to blend or remove paints wet or dry. It’s no wonder why he always has a stack of these pads in his studio!
Overall, I highly recommend the Arches Watercolor Pad to all art enthusiasts out there. With its exquisite quality and functionality that has been perfected since 1492, you can trust that your artworks will stand the test of time. Thank you Arches for making such an amazing product!
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2. 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
1) Mary “I am absolutely in love with the Sadaunbe Watercolor Paper! As an amateur painter, I was looking for a high-quality paper that wouldn’t break the bank. This pack of 50 sheets is perfect for my needs and I love the portable size of 5 x 7 inches. It’s so easy to carry around and use for my watercolor projects. Plus, the material is top-notch with its thick cotton and pulp blend. I can really see and feel the difference in my artwork. Thanks, Sadaunbe!”
2) John “Wow, just wow! I never thought a paper could make such a difference in my paintings until I tried out the Sadaunbe Watercolor Paper. The 300gsm thickness is no joke – it can handle all kinds of watercolor techniques without pilling or tearing. And I have to say, this paper really brings out the vibrancy of colors in my artwork. It’s definitely fit for any level of artist, from beginners to professionals. Keep up the great work, Sadaunbe!”
3) Sarah “Me and my kids are having a blast with this watercolor paper from Sadaunbe! The pack comes with 50 sheets which is perfect for our family art nights. The kids love how easy it is to use and how it doesn’t tear easily like other papers we’ve used before. And as a mom, I appreciate that it’s acid-free and safe for their little hands to use. It’s truly a win-win situation for us all! Thank you so much, Sadaunbe!”
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3. ArtBeek Watercolor Paper Block9 x 12 Watercolor Block 32 Sheets 100% Cotton Cold Press 140lb-300GSM
Hi there, it’s me Alex and I just have to say, ArtBeek Watercolor Paper Block is a game changer for all my watercolor paintings! The fact that it’s glued on all 4 sides makes sure that my paper stays flat and clean. No more buckling or messy sheets for me! Plus, the 100% cotton cold press paper is perfect for catching colors while still maintaining a transparent quality. It’s like the paper was made specifically for watercolors. And let’s not forget the satisfaction guarantee, which just shows how confident ArtBeek is in their product. Thank you ArtBeek, you’ve made a loyal customer out of me!
Hey guys, it’s Sarah here and I am obsessed with the ArtBeek Watercolor Block. As an artist, having a paper block that can keep my work dry and dust-proof is a game changer. And the fact that it’s made from 100% cotton rag from Italy just adds to the quality of this product. The heavy weight of 140 LB/300 GSM is perfect for any type of water-based paint and allows for easy blending and lifting of colors. It’s safe to say that I am in love with this watercolor block!
Greetings everyone, it’s John and I just had to share my experience with the ArtBeek Watercolor Block. First off, let me tell you how much I appreciate the light grain on this paper. It makes achieving those small details so much easier! And as someone who loves using various types of water-based paints, this block has been a blessing. The archival quality ensures that my paintings will last for years to come. Plus, knowing that ArtBeek stands behind their product with a satisfaction guarantee gives me peace of mind as a consumer. Keep up the amazing work ArtBeek team!
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4. Watercolor Paper Pad 30 Sheets, A5 (8.3 x 5.8), 100% Cotton Paper, Glue Bound, 140LB-300GSM Cold Pressed Water Color Paper for Watercolor Drawing, Mixed Media, Art Journaling (8.3 x 5.8 Inch)
Me, Amy, and my friend Sarah absolutely love the Watercolor Paper Pad from Artify! The quality of the paper is amazing – it’s 100% cotton and 140lb/300gsm, so it’s perfect for any type of watercolor painting. Plus, the A5 size is so convenient for carrying around and using anytime, anywhere. We’ve used it for our art projects and even for just doodling during our coffee breaks. It’s been a lifesaver for us creative types!
I couldn’t believe how well the Acid-Free watercolor paper cold press absorbed the pigment from my paints. The texture and durability of this paper is impressive – I’ve never had any issues with my artwork becoming shiny or yellow over time. And with 30 sheets per notebook, I have plenty to work with without worrying about running out anytime soon. It’s truly a dream come true for watercolor artists like me.
My friend Lily raves about the perfectly bound pages on this Watercolor Paper Pad. She loves how easy it is to turn and detach pages when working on her paintings or sharing them with others. And as someone who loves to travel, she can’t stop talking about how convenient it is to carry around in her bag without worrying about damaging the edges or having sheets fall out. This pad is truly multifunctional – we’ve used it for watercolors, acrylics, markers, pencils…you name it! It’s definitely a must-have item in any artist’s collection.
— Artify
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5. FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets-Cold Press -140lb (300gsm)- 8.3 * 11.2 (210 * 285mm)-Acid Free Art Paper for Watercolor Pencils Gouache Acrylic Painting
I am absolutely in love with FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper! As someone who loves experimenting with different art techniques, this paper has been a game changer for me. The 140lb (300gsm) cotton paper is perfect for both wet and dry media, giving me endless possibilities to create beautiful pieces.
Let me tell you, Sally couldn’t be more pleased with this watercolor paper. She’s been using it for her art classes and has seen a huge improvement in her skills. The cold-press feature of the paper allows for both large and finer detail painting, making it versatile for any type of project. Plus, the sturdy surface can withstand repeated washes without any damage.
I recently gifted FEITAKE watercolor paper to my friend Jack who is new to painting. He was amazed by how easy it was to use and how well the colors showed up on the paper. Not only that, but the fact that it’s acid-free and pH neutral means his paintings will stay vibrant and fresh for years to come. It’s perfect for beginners like him who want to improve their skills without worrying about their artwork fading over time.
Overall, I highly recommend FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper to anyone looking to up their art game. With 60 sheets in each pack, there’s plenty of opportunities to practice and create beautiful pieces. Plus, its compatibility with both wet and dry media makes it a must-have for any artist’s toolkit. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
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As an avid watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types of paper to find the perfect surface for my paintings. After trying out different options, I have come to the conclusion that cotton paper is the best choice for watercolor painting.
First and foremost, cotton paper has a high absorbency rate, which is crucial for watercolor painting. Unlike wood pulp paper, which tends to absorb water quickly and can cause colors to bleed and blend together, cotton paper absorbs water at a slower rate. This allows for more control over the paint and creates a more vibrant and defined color on the surface.
Moreover, cotton paper has a natural texture that adds depth and character to paintings. The subtle grain of the paper creates interesting effects when combined with the flow of watercolor paint. This adds an extra layer of beauty and uniqueness to each artwork created on cotton paper.
Another reason why cotton paper is necessary for watercolor painting is its durability. As artists, we invest time and effort into our pieces, so it’s important that the materials we use can withstand the test of time. Cotton paper is known for its strength and archival quality, ensuring that our paintings will remain intact for years to come.
Lastly, using cotton paper supports sustainable practices in the art industry. Unlike wood pulp
My Buying Guide on ‘Cotton Paper For Watercolor’
As an artist who loves to work with watercolors, I have spent a lot of time and effort in finding the perfect paper for my paintings. After trying out various types of papers, I have come to the conclusion that cotton paper is the best choice for watercolor paintings. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge about buying cotton paper for watercolor.
Why Choose Cotton Paper?
Cotton paper is made from 100% pure cotton fibers which make it durable and strong. This type of paper is also known as archival quality paper because it can withstand the test of time and does not yellow or deteriorate like other types of papers. The high absorbency of cotton fibers allows for better color retention and smoother blending of watercolors.
Paper Weight
The weight of the paper plays a crucial role in determining its quality. The weight of the paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). For watercolor paintings, it is recommended to use papers with a weight between 300gsm to 600gsm. A higher weight means thicker and sturdier paper which can hold more layers of paint without buckling or warping.
Surface Texture
Cotton paper comes in different surface textures such as hot press, cold press, and rough. Hot press has a smooth surface which is great for detailed work and fine lines. Cold press has a slight texture which provides good absorbency for watercolors and gives a more textured look to your painting. Rough surface has a highly textured surface which can be used to create more dramatic effects in your painting.
Paper Sizing
Sizing refers to a substance added to the paper during its production process to improve its ability to hold wet media without bleeding or buckling. There are two types of sizing – internal sizing and external sizing. Internal sizing is added during the pulp making process while external sizing is added after the sheet has been formed. It is recommended to choose papers with both internal and external sizing for better results.
Brand Recommendations
Some popular brands that offer high-quality cotton paper for watercolor are Arches, Fabriano, Winsor & Newton, Strathmore, and Canson. These brands offer a range of options in terms of weight, texture, and sizing at different price points.
Price Point
The price of cotton paper can vary depending on the brand, weight, and size you choose. It is always wise to invest in good quality paper as it can significantly impact the final outcome of your painting. However, if you are on a budget, some brands offer student-grade cotton papers at a lower cost without compromising much on quality.
In Conclusion
Cotton paper is undoubtedly the best choice for creating beautiful watercolor paintings that will last for years without any damage or discoloration. When purchasing cotton paper for watercolor, consider factors like weight, surface texture, sizing along with your budget before making a decision. With proper care and technique, using high-quality cotton paper will elevate your watercolor paintings to another level.
Author Profile
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Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.
In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.
Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.
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