When looking for paper to paint with watercolor, the first thing to consider is the type of paper.
Watercolor is a painting technique that uses pigments diluted in water to create transparent and luminescent effects on paper or another surface.
To identify the right paper, we need to check the weight, which, while important in other techniques, is crucial in watercolor, as it directly affects the outcome of the painting, much like in drawing.
Paper Weight for Watercolor Painting
The higher the weight, the more water the paper can handle without being damaged, which is a great advantage.
Layers in Watercolor
When working with multiple layers in watercolor, the paper absorbs water, so it’s important to let it dry each time it becomes too wet. You can paint over it again, with the added benefit of correcting any mistakes if necessary.
The minimum recommended weight is 300 grams per square meter. At this weight, the paper will not warp, and you’ll achieve a good final result. Ideally, the weight should be between 500 and 600 grams per square meter.
Types of Paper Grains for Watercolor Painting
Almost every brand offers four different types of paper grains: rough grain, cold-pressed grain, hot-pressed grain, and satin grain, with the rough grain having the most texture, and the satin grain being almost smooth. Some brands distinguish between satin paper and satin grain, where satin grain is finer than satin paper.
Examples of Use
- Rough Grain (Maximum Texture)
This grain may make it harder to use other techniques, such as pencil or ink, later on. - Cold-Pressed Grain (Pronounced Texture)
Less coarse, but enough texture to be noticeable in the final finish. - Hot-Pressed Grain (Low Texture)
It doesn’t affect the finish much, but the texture is still noticeable. - Satin Grain (No Texture)
Completely smooth. This is the most comfortable for finishes with other techniques.
Types of Pressing in Watercolor Paper
There are two types of pressing: hot pressing and cold pressing.
Hot Pressing
Hot pressing makes the paper texture more pronounced, causing it to be slightly rougher, thinner, and more compact. While it absorbs the same amount of water, the downside is that waves may form while working, and water might accumulate in places where you don’t want it. However, it will return to its original shape once it dries, as long as the weight is sufficient. This is why paper weight is so important.
Cold Pressing
Cold pressing doesn’t compress the paper as much and typically makes the texture finer, allowing the paper to better withstand water without forming waves.
Cotton Content in Watercolor Paper Composition
The higher the cotton content in watercolor paper, the longer it will take to dry. This can be an advantage because if the paper dries too quickly, it may create stains, and you won’t have as much time to correct mistakes. So, if you want to work more safely, look for paper with a high cotton content.
However, there is a downside: if the paper is heavily soaked, it might take longer to dry completely, which could slow down your process between layers.