What’s the Best Watercolor Paper?

Choosing the wrong watercolor paper can make even the best paints and brushes feel frustrating to use. Colors dry dull, blending becomes a struggle, and the paper might buckle before you finish your first layer. If you're just starting out or upgrading your supplies, it can be hard to know which options are worth the price and which ones actually support your technique.

Good watercolor paper isn’t about spending the most money. It’s about finding the right surface for how you paint. From texture and thickness to how it handles water, each choice affects how your work looks and feels.

You’ll see how cold press, hot press, and rough papers compare in blending, pigment vibrancy, and texture, and which brands hold up well with real use.

What Makes Watercolor Paper ‘Good’?

The way watercolor paper is constructed affects how it absorbs water, holds pigment, and supports your painting techniques.

Watercolor painting should be fun! So, no need to scroll through dozens of options, we’re going to tell you which ones are the best!

If you’ve ever struggled with patchy blends or warping, the paper might be the problem, not your skills. Here's what actually makes watercolor paper worth using.

Paper Composition: Cotton vs Cellulose

Watercolor paper is usually made from either 100% cotton or wood pulp (also called cellulose). The difference in quality is noticeable as soon as you start painting.

• Cotton paper is stronger, more absorbent, and handles multiple layers of water and pigment without warping or breaking down. It allows for smoother blends, better lifting, and more control overall. This is the type of paper professionals use, especially for finished pieces.
• Cellulose paper is more affordable but less durable. It doesn’t absorb water evenly, which can lead to blotchy washes and less predictable results. It’s a decent option for quick studies or beginners just learning technique, but it won’t perform as well for wet-on-wet or layered work.

If you're serious about watercolor, upgrading to 100% cotton paper makes a big difference.

“As a watercolor instructor I ask my students to purchase the professional grade watercolor paper rather than student grade because the surface can really make a difference when painting with watercolor.” - Lorraine Watry.

Surface Texture: Hot Press, Cold Press, Rough

The texture of watercolor paper affects how paint moves, settles, and dries. There are three main types, each suited to different techniques and styles.

• Hot press paper is smooth with little to no texture. It’s great for detailed work, fine lines, and layered illustrations. Because it dries quickly and doesn’t absorb water as deeply, it’s not ideal for blending or wet-on-wet techniques.
• Cold press (also called “NOT” paper) has a light texture that gives a bit of grip. It’s the most popular type because it balances control and softness. Blending is easier, colors settle nicely, and it works well for both loose and detailed styles.
• Rough paper has a strong, visible texture. It creates dramatic, textured effects and is perfect for granulating pigments. It’s less suited for detail but ideal for expressive, loose painting.

Weight & Thickness

Watercolor paper is available in different weights, which affect how much water it can handle and whether it needs to be stretched or taped down. The weight is usually listed in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm).

• 90 lb / 190 gsm

Lightweight paper. Good for dry techniques or quick sketches, but it buckles easily with washes unless stretched.

• 140 lb / 300 gsm

Most common weight. A good balance between flexibility and strength. It may need to be taped or stretched depending on how much water you use.

• 300 lb / 640 gsm

Heavyweight paper. Very sturdy and can handle lots of water without warping. No stretching needed, but it’s more expensive.

If you often use wet techniques like glazing or wet-on-wet, thicker paper is more reliable and easier to work with.

Sizing: What It Is and Why It Matters

Sizing is a treatment applied to watercolor paper to control how much water and pigment it absorbs. Without sizing, the paper would act like a sponge, soaking up paint immediately and making it hard to blend or lift color.

There are two types of sizing:

• Internal sizing is mixed into the pulp during manufacturing. It gives the paper consistent absorbency throughout.
• External (or surface) sizing is applied after the sheet is formed. It affects how the surface reacts to water and paint.

Good sizing helps your watercolor brush glide smoothly and keeps the paint sitting on the surface long enough to manipulate. Poor or uneven sizing can lead to blotchy spots, over-absorption, or difficulty layering. High-quality paper is always well-sized for predictable, controlled painting.

Format: Pads, Blocks, Sheets, Rolls

Watercolor paper comes in several formats, each suited for different needs and workflows:

• Pads

Glued on one edge and easy to tear out. Convenient for practice or travel, but the paper may buckle unless taped down.

• Blocks

Glue on all four sides, holding the paper flat while you paint. Great for reducing warping without needing extra tape or stretching.

• Sheets

Large, single sheets (usually 22" x 30") that you can cut to your desired size. More economical in the long run and ideal for large-scale work or custom sizes.

• Rolls

Extra-large format used by professionals for oversized pieces or custom-cut panels. Requires space and preparation, but gives total flexibility.

Choosing the right format depends on how you paint, your setup, and how much control you want over the paper size and handling.

Watercolor paper behaves very differently from surfaces used in other mediums like oil painting.

Best Watercolor Papers to Try

With so many watercolor papers on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. Below are some of the most reliable options used by artists of all levels—each with its own strengths depending on your technique, budget, and goals.

“The master is the piece of paper ... listen to it. Watercolour is the boss.” - Joseph Zbukvic.

Arches Watercolor Paper

Arches is one of the most trusted names in watercolor paper, used by professionals for over a century. It’s made from 100% cotton, mold-made in France, and available in hot press, cold press, and rough textures.

• Excellent absorbency with strong surface sizing
• Handles multiple layers and heavy washes without warping
• Works well for techniques like wet-on-wet, glazing, and lifting
• Available in pads, blocks, sheets, and rolls

Best for: professional work and finished paintings

Legion Stonehenge Aqua

Legion’s Stonehenge Aqua is a 100% cotton paper that performs well beyond its price point. It offers a smooth painting experience with excellent color vibrancy and control.

• Available in hot press and cold press
• Strong surface sizing supports glazing and lifting
• Holds water and pigment evenly without excessive buckling

Best for: advanced practice or budget-conscious pros

Saunders Waterford

Made by St Cuthbert’s Mill in the UK, Saunders Waterford is a professional-grade cotton paper known for its beautiful texture and durability. It’s endorsed by the Royal Watercolour Society.

• 100% cotton, acid-free, archival quality
• Available in high white or natural white, with hot, cold, and rough textures
• Great surface for fine detail, layering, and controlled washes

Best for: serious hobbyists and pros

Fabriano Artistico

Fabriano Artistico is a 100% cotton paper made in Italy, known for its smooth handling and availability in bright white and traditional white. It’s sold in pads, blocks, and loose sheets, making it ideal for flexible setups.

• Excellent for layering, lifting, and detailed work
• Available in hot press, cold press, and rough
• Loose sheets are perfect for artists who need custom sizes

Best for: artists who want custom sizes

Canson XL

Canson XL is a cellulose-based paper that offers good value for beginners. It’s more absorbent than cotton paper but still capable of handling light washes and simple techniques.

• Available in cold press texture, usually in pads
• Holds up well for practice and classwork
• More prone to buckling with heavy water

Best for: beginners and quick studies

Strathmore Watercolor Journal

This watercolor journal is a portable option for painting on the go or testing new materials. The paper inside is decent quality for light washes, and the format makes it easy to keep your work in one place.

• 140 lb / 300 gsm paper, usually cold press
• Great for doodling, color swatching, and mixed media
• Comes in softcover and hardcover options

Best for: sketching, casual doodles

How to Choose the Right Paper for You

The best watercolor paper depends on how you paint and where you are in your learning. Here's how to narrow it down based on your skill level and preferred techniques.

Based on your skill level

Beginners

Start with cold-press paper made from cellulose or a cotton blend. It’s more affordable, forgiving, and good for practice.

Intermediates

Move to cotton-based cold-press or hot-press paper. This gives you better control, especially if you're experimenting with detail or glazing.

Pros

Use 100% cotton paper in your preferred texture and weight (usually 140 lb or 300 lb minimum). Blocks, sheets, or rolls offer the most flexibility and performance.

Based on your technique

Wet-on-wet

Choose cold-press or rough cotton paper in heavier weights (300 gsm or more). It holds water well without buckling.

Detailed work

Go with hot-press paper. The smooth surface is ideal for sharp edges, line work, and illustrations.

Textural effects

Use rough paper to enhance granulation, dry brush marks, or expressive strokes. The texture itself becomes part of the artwork.

Final thoughts

The paper you choose has a big impact on how your watercolors turn out. Texture, weight, sizing, and composition all play a role in how paint behaves, and even the best brushes and paints can fall short on the wrong surface.

A few extra tips:

• Some bright white papers use optical brighteners, which may fade over time.
• Mold-made papers can vary slightly between batches.
• Always store paper flat and dry to protect its surface.

If you're curious how professional watercolor looks on high-quality paper, take a look at Photo2Painting. Our artists turn your photos into custom watercolor paintings. You can scroll through examples to see the results for yourself.