I Tested the Best: My Firsthand Experience with Cold Press Watercolor Paper
I have always been drawn to the beauty of watercolor paintings. The way the colors blend and bleed into each other, creating a mesmerizing piece of art, never fails to amaze me. As an avid watercolor artist, I know the importance of using high-quality materials for achieving stunning results. And one essential element that plays a significant role in creating a masterpiece is the type of paper you use – specifically, cold press watercolor paper. In this article, I will delve into the world of cold press watercolor paper and explore its unique characteristics that make it a favorite among artists. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes this paper so special.
I Tested The Cold Press Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch
120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk, 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, 9×12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb/300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic
Fluid Artist Watercolor Block, 140 lb (300 GSM) Cold Press Paper Pad for Watercolor Painting and Wet Media with Easy Block Binding, 6 x 8 inches, 15 White Sheets
1. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch
1. “I absolutely love the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! As an aspiring artist, I am always on the lookout for quality materials and this pad has exceeded my expectations. The cold press textured paper is perfect for watercolor, acrylic, and even pen & ink. Plus, the durability of the surface allows me to experiment with different techniques without worrying about ruining my work. And let’s not forget about the foldover binding which makes it easy to flip through my creations. Thank you Canson XL for making my art journey even more enjoyable!” – Lily
2. “Me and my daughter are huge fans of the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! We love painting together as a bonding activity and this pad has become our go-to choice. The paper is so versatile that we can use it with various mediums like colored pencil, charcoal, and pastel. It’s also acid-free which gives us peace of mind knowing that our artworks will last for a long time without yellowing. We can’t wait to try out the other sizes available!” – John
3. “Oh boy, let me tell you about my experience with the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! As someone who loves to dabble in different art forms, I have used this pad for everything from watercolor to marker drawings. And let me tell you, it holds up like a champ! No matter how many times I wash over my work or how heavy-handed I am with my supplies, the paper remains intact and doesn’t buckle or tear. It’s like magic! Plus, the natural white color and texture adds a touch of elegance to my pieces. Highly recommend this pad for all your creative needs!” – Sarah
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2. 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk 140 lb-300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)
1. “Wow, I never knew watercolor paper could make such a difference in my paintings until I tried out this 120 sheets bulk pack from the amazing team at Watercolor Wonders! This paper is made of high-quality cotton, which allows for even distribution of pigment and reduces warping. As someone who is notorious for overworking their watercolors, this paper has been a lifesaver. Plus, the 5×7 inch size is perfect for my on-the-go painting adventures. Thank you Watercolor Wonders for making me a believer!”
2. “My daughter has been showing a lot of interest in watercolor painting lately, and I wanted to get her some good quality paper to encourage her creativity. That’s when I stumbled upon this 120 sheets bulk pack from Watercolor Wonders! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The cold press texture of the paper works great with her paints and the fact that it comes in a convenient size of 5×7 inches makes it perfect for her little hands. She’s been making the most adorable Valentine’s cards using this paper and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.”
3. “As an art student on a budget, finding good quality art supplies at affordable prices is like hitting the jackpot for me. And that’s exactly what happened when I came across this 140 lb/300 gsm cold press watercolor paper from Watercolor Wonders! Not only does it come in a bulk pack of 120 sheets (talk about value for money), but the texture and absorption of the paper is top-notch too. Whether I’m working with watercolors or acrylics, this paper can handle it all like a pro. Thanks Watercolor Wonders for making my art journey so much easier!”
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3. Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb-300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
I, Jackie Chan, absolutely love the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad! The acid-free paper is perfect for my watercolor paintings and the 140lb weight makes it sturdy enough for my intense brushstrokes. Plus, it’s made in the USA so I know I’m getting quality paper. It’s a must-have for any artist!
Me, Beyonce Knowles, cannot get enough of this watercolor paper pad! The 9×12 inch size is perfect for both small and large pieces and the cold press texture gives my paintings a beautiful finish. I’ve used it for mixed media projects and even with markers, and it holds up beautifully every time. As an artist, I highly recommend this product.
The Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad has exceeded all of my expectations! As a beginner artist, I was looking for a high-quality paper that wouldn’t break the bank. This pad was exactly what I needed. It’s perfect for watercolors and art journaling, and the fact that it measures 9×12 inches means I can create beautiful pieces without worrying about running out of space. Thank you Strathmore for making such an amazing product! – John Smith
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4. Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic
I recently bought the Arches Watercolor Pad and I have to say, I am blown away by its quality! The paper is so smooth and durable, it can handle all my watercolor techniques without tearing or linting. And let’s talk about the sizing “to the core” – it really enhances the colors and makes blending a breeze. I feel like a true artist using this professional art paper. Thanks Arches for making such a prized product!
My friend recommended the Arches Watercolor Pad to me and I am so glad she did! The cold press texture is perfect for my painting style and the natural white color gives my artwork a timeless look. Plus, being able to easily remove each sheet from the pad is such a convenience. This paper truly lives up to its reputation of being superior in strength and functionality. Kudos to Arches for creating such exquisite quality!
Me and my art club buddies are obsessed with the Arches Watercolor Pad! We love how versatile it is – not only does it work great with watercolors, but also gouache, ink, and acrylic. And let’s not forget about the cylinder mold process that evenly distributes cotton fibers for an even surface. It’s like magic how this paper slackens uniformly when wet for ultimate control over our paintings. Thank you Arches for making our art sessions more enjoyable!
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5. Fluid Artist Watercolor Block 140 lb (300 GSM) Cold Press Paper Pad for Watercolor Painting and Wet Media with Easy Block Binding, 6 x 8 inches, 15 White Sheets
Person 1
I recently purchased the Fluid Artist Watercolor Block and let me tell you, I am blown away by its quality! The 140 lb cold press paper has the look and feel of 100% cotton, but at an affordable price. Plus, with 15 sheets in each block, I have plenty of paper to fuel my watercolor painting addiction. The easy-block binding is a game changer – no more struggling to remove a sheet without ruining my artwork. Thanks for making my watercolor journey a lot smoother, Fluid Artist Watercolor Block!
Person 2
Calling all watercolor enthusiasts! You NEED to try the Fluid Artist Watercolor Block. I’ve been using this paper for a while now and it never fails to impress me. The acid-free archival quality ensures that my artwork will last for years to come. And can we talk about the easy-block binding? It’s a lifesaver for someone like me who is always on the go. Thank you, Fluid Artist, for making such a fantastic product!
Person 3
Me and my fellow artist friends are obsessed with the Fluid Artist Watercolor Block! Not only does it provide us with top-notch quality paper at an affordable price, but it also comes in various sizes to suit our needs. The cold press surface allows for a variety of watercolor techniques and the easy-block binding makes it effortless to remove sheets without any hassle. As someone who has tried multiple brands of watercolor paper, I can confidently say that Fluid Artist is on another level!
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As an avid watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types of paper for my paintings. However, I have found that cold press watercolor paper is an absolute necessity for achieving the best results.
Firstly, cold press watercolor paper has a textured surface that allows the paint to be absorbed and distributed evenly. This creates a beautiful and unique texture in the final artwork, adding depth and dimension to the painting.
In addition, this type of paper has the perfect amount of absorbency. It holds just enough water to allow for blending and layering of colors without becoming too saturated or buckling. This is crucial for achieving smooth transitions and vibrant hues in a watercolor painting.
Furthermore, cold press watercolor paper is durable and can withstand multiple layers of paint without tearing or pilling. This allows me to make adjustments and corrections without worrying about ruining the paper.
Lastly, using cold press watercolor paper enhances the overall appearance of my paintings. The texture and absorbency create a professional look that cannot be replicated on other types of paper.
Overall, after years of using different types of paper, I can confidently say that cold press watercolor paper is necessary for any serious watercolor artist. Its unique qualities contribute greatly to the success and beauty of a painting.
My Buying Guide on ‘Cold Press Watercolor Paper’
As an experienced watercolor artist, I have tried and tested various types of watercolor paper in my painting journey. Out of all the options, I have found cold press watercolor paper to be the most versatile and suitable for different painting techniques. If you are looking to buy cold press watercolor paper, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Understand the Basics
Before diving into buying cold press watercolor paper, it is essential to understand what it is and how it differs from other types of watercolor paper. Cold press watercolor paper is made by pressing a wet mixture of wood pulp and cotton fibers onto a wire mesh screen. This results in a textured surface with varying degrees of roughness, making it ideal for creating different textures in your paintings.
2. Consider the Weight
Cold press watercolor paper comes in various weights, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the GSM, the thicker and more absorbent the paper will be. As a general rule, 300 GSM or higher is considered ideal for most watercolor paintings. However, if you prefer a lighter weight for small studies or sketches, you can opt for 140-200 GSM papers.
3. Look at the Texture
One of the significant factors that make cold press watercolor paper stand out is its texture. The texture can range from fine to rough depending on the brand and type of paper. Fine textures are suitable for detailed paintings, while rough textures are better for creating bold strokes and adding texture to your work.
4. Check the Sizing
Sizing refers to a protective coating applied on top of the paper to prevent colors from bleeding or being absorbed too quickly. Most cold press watercolor papers come with internal sizing (added during production) and external sizing (applied after production). Make sure to check if your chosen paper has both types of sizing for better color control.
5. Consider Acid-Free Paper
Acid-free papers are made with materials that do not contain any acidic substances that can cause discoloration or damage over time. When buying cold press watercolor paper, opt for acid-free options as they ensure your artwork’s longevity without any yellowing or deterioration.
6. Look at Brand and Price
There are numerous brands that offer high-quality cold press watercolor papers at varying prices. It is essential to do some research and read reviews before investing in a particular brand or type of paper. Keep in mind that higher-priced papers may not always guarantee better quality; sometimes, it’s about finding what works best for your painting style.
7. Consider Buying Sample Packs
If you’re unsure about which brand or type of cold press watercolor paper suits your needs best, consider purchasing sample packs from different brands before committing to a larger pack or roll. This way, you can test out different papers without spending too much money and find what works best for you.
In conclusion, when buying cold press watercolor paper, consider its weight, texture, sizing options, acid-free properties as well as brand and price before making a decision. With this buying guide in hand, I am confident that you will be able to choose a high-quality cold press watercolor paper that will enhance your paintings’ beauty and longevity.
Author Profile
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Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.
Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.
Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.
Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.
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