Understanding Watercolor Paper: Choosing the Right Surface for Your Art

"A Guide to Hot Pressed, Cold Pressed, and Rough Papers – Which One is Best for Your Watercolor Journey?"

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Introduction: The Foundation of Every Watercolor Painting

When it comes to watercolor painting, paper is just as important as paints and brushes. Unlike other art forms, watercolor relies heavily on how the paper interacts with water, pigments, and techniques. Using the wrong type of paper can result in frustration—colors won’t blend well, textures might not suit the subject, and worst of all, the paper might buckle under excessive water.

Understanding the different types of watercolor paper—hot pressed, cold pressed, and rough—and their variations in GSM (grams per square meter) and LB (pound weight) can make a significant difference in your artwork.

In this blog, I’ll break down the types of watercolor papers, their best uses, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right one for your artistic needs.

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Understanding Paper Weights: GSM vs. LB

Before diving into types of watercolor paper, let’s talk about paper weight, as it directly impacts how much water the paper can handle.

• GSM (Grams per Square Meter) – Measures the paper's density. The higher the GSM, the thicker and more absorbent the paper.

• LB (Pound Weight) – Common in North America, this measures the weight of 500 sheets of a particular paper size.

Common Watercolor Paper Weights:

🟢 190 GSM (90 lb) – Light and best for sketches and practice. Warps with heavy washes.
🟢 300 GSM (140 lb) – The most popular weight, suitable for most watercolor techniques.
🟢 425 GSM+ (200 lb - 300 lb) – Heavyweight, perfect for professional work, wet-on-wet techniques, and multiple washes. No need for stretching.

💡 Tip: If you're using thinner paper (below 300 GSM), stretch it before painting to prevent warping.

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Types of Watercolor Paper: Hot Pressed, Cold Pressed, and Rough

1. Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper

🔥 The Smooth and Precise Choice

Hot pressed (HP) paper has a smooth, fine-grained surface because it is pressed through hot rollers during manufacturing. It has minimal texture, making it ideal for fine details and controlled washes.

✅ Best Uses:

✔️ Detailed botanical paintings
✔️ Illustrations with ink and watercolor
✔️ Portraits and hyperrealism
✔️ Watercolor combined with other media like colored pencils or markers

❌ Pros and Cons:

✅ Smooth surface allows for sharp lines and intricate details
✅ Paint stays on the surface longer, making it easier to lift mistakes
✅ Great for scanning or reproduction due to its even surface
❌ Less absorbent, so washes tend to dry faster
❌ Not ideal for wet-on-wet techniques due to quick drying
❌ Can feel slippery, making it difficult to control certain techniques

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2. Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper

🌊 The All-Rounder, Textured for Versatility

Cold pressed (CP) paper, also called NOT (Not Hot Pressed), has a medium texture—not too rough, not too smooth. It’s the most widely used watercolor paper due to its balance between texture and absorption.

✅ Best Uses:

✔️ Landscapes and florals
✔️ Portraits with soft details
✔️ Mixed techniques—combining wet-on-wet and dry brush
✔️ Great for beginners and professionals alike

❌ Pros and Cons:

✅ Holds multiple washes well without excessive warping
✅ Offers some texture that enhances the painting’s character
✅ Blends watercolors smoothly, making it great for layering
❌ Slightly more challenging for very fine details
❌ Can be inconsistent between brands in texture and absorption

💡 Tip: Cold pressed paper is ideal for watercolorists who like flexibility in their techniques.

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3. Rough Watercolor Paper

🏔️ The Bold, Textured Surface for Expressive Art

Rough watercolor paper has deep, pronounced textures that enhance expressive brushwork and dramatic effects. The grain allows pigments to settle in unique ways, making it perfect for bold, impressionistic paintings.

✅ Best Uses:

✔️ Landscapes with texture (mountains, rocky surfaces)
✔️ Loose, expressive watercolor styles
✔️ Dramatic shadows and highlights
✔️ Textured washes and granulation techniques

❌ Pros and Cons:

✅ Creates strong textural effects that enhance visual interest
✅ Perfect for expressive and bold brushwork
✅ Works well for granulating pigments, which settle into the texture
❌ Difficult for fine details due to the uneven surface
❌ Not ideal for mixed-media applications (ink or fine pen work)

💡 Tip: Use large brushes to take full advantage of the texture of rough paper.

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Choosing the Right Paper for Your Watercolor Style

📌 If You Love Detail: Choose hot pressed paper.
📌 If You Want Versatility: Cold pressed is the best all-around choice.
📌 If You Enjoy Textures & Boldness: Rough paper adds expressiveness to your work.

🎨 Beginners’ Recommendation: Start with 300 GSM cold pressed paper to explore different techniques before specializing.

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Final Thoughts: Paper Matters More Than You Think

Many aspiring watercolor artists struggle not because of their skills, but because of using the wrong paper. Choosing the right watercolor paper can drastically improve your experience and results.

By understanding the textures, weights, and properties of watercolor paper, you can enhance your creativity, achieve better control, and express your artistic vision with ease.

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