10 Watercolor Paper Brands Put to the Test (Round 1)

[@WaterColorMisfit]

CHECK OUT MY BLOG POST FOR a list of all my favorite watercolor paper brands used in this series: watercolormisfit.com/what-watercolor-paper-should-i-use/

[@jeanettegillings7202]

I realised after I watched your (great) video that I was about a month behind! LOL.... so then I had to search out to find the final result... I've subscribed to your channel now and clicked the "bell" so I don't miss out! many thanks

[@Pinkstarpirate]

If canson paper makes it, but arches doesn't, that is a tragedy that makes this whole thing really wonky. Arches, by a landslide.

[@TheRealMythril]

I do think the Arches should advance due to its overall performance. It seemed to perform better than all of the other failed contenders.

[@PeterQuentercrimsonbamboo]

Hahnemühle has been making fine art papers for over 400 years, too - it has a quality reputation right up with Arches!

[@EM-ug8ud]

Cool to know! I haven’t seen their paper for sale locally. I think arches is the fanciest widely available paper so people are like... check!

[@PeterQuentercrimsonbamboo]

e m - Ah, yes, their fine art papers have, here in British Columbia, Canada, too, only recently been made available - they are pretty particular about who they accept to distribute their quality papers - By the way, Hahnemühle also was the first to develop coatings for using traditional fine art papers for digital printing, and they have thus been, since the 90's, among the top makers of digital fine art printing papers - Have a look on their website, too - interesting to read their history - still manufacturing at the very same small-village-location in Germany, and still using the same local spring water as when the company started several hundred years ago - ... hmmm... can you tell... I kind of really like their papers -:) But, of course, Arches and Fabriano and Saunders and Arnhem and RivesBFK and Whatman and and and ... they all have real fine papers making the choices often more a matter of budget than of major quality differences. -

[@BDMG]

Hahnemühle is a german brand which is actually around since 1584 (with different brand names since then). The brand is famous for its art papers, but for its printing papers as well. While very well known in Germany and Europe ever since, I believe they try to expand worldwide, especially into the US market only recently. Hahnemühle offers a wide range of wonderful watercolor papers.

[@boxroomart]

This is true! They've recently expanded to the UK (new offices and store etc) I've been lubjy enough to be able to rep them in the UK. Their products are easily as good as arches.

[@EllieHughes313]

I get the feeling only limited research on paper or paper making companies was done before making this video. Fabriano, arches and hahnemuhle are really amazing brands. Also I am looking forward to someone, somewhere, in any you tube video actually pronouncing Arches and Hahnemuhle correctly

[@1997superchickk]

I vote Arches because it was difficult for you to choose between that one and the winner. But I’ll also vote Winsor and Newton because it was a great quality paper and so it’ll be good to see how it compares with the more budget friendly ones.

[@redforrori]

+1 vote for this reply.

[@Eirenmist]

There's a lot of apples to oranges comparing going on in the experiment. Also, those of us who use cold press paper choose it because we can achieve great textures with it. Don't fault a paper for not doing something it was never meant to do. Also, as others have mentioned, comparing 100% cotton rag paper to wood pulp paper is not a valid comparison. The wood pulp paper would never be able to make it to the top of your pyramid so to kick Arches out in the beginning round and allow a paper that could never ultimately win is a bit naive. Sorry, but I have to be honest since you asked.

[@labaccident2010]

I’m in agreement, but also with the bee vs w&n, because cold pressed paper is supposed to have texture but the noted that as a bad thing in the little sidebars while painting. Why choose cold press if you don’t want texture?

[@jtpaar1732]

Since Arches was so close and since so many artists swear by it, I'd like to see it advance to the next round. Personally, I'm still trying to understand why people like Arches so much because the 140-lb pad paper I worked on did nothing but buckle!

[@GeorgeBanis]

It would be such a shame to knock Arches out at the first round. From your footage it looked like it was the best of the underdogs too!

[@GeorgeBanis]

@@ewelsa to be honest I quite enjoy the blindfold battle and seeing the differences without being completely biased. 😊 Looking forward to the next video in the series!

[@1970soja]

@@ewelsa hahnemühle produce many different papers. They have 100% cotton Paper to (Type Leonardo or Cézanne). But wich paper is it?

[@momgib2000]

Arches was so close.. . But I really like Canson L'Aquarelle Heritage. So Arches lol.

[@btwilks]

It's being reported on TV news this evening that if Arches doesn't progress, the sun won't rise tomorrow morning. So I guess we better go with Arches :-)

[@christinealtamirano9712]

Arches! Also, I really loved all the different little foxes! I appreciate that you changed the poses to keep it interesting but kept the same color palette and techniques to keep the competition fair! Another very enjoyable video. Thank you :)

[@courtney6222]

I really appreciate the way you designed your experiment by doing a blind study and painting the same illustration on both papers to reduce as much bias as possible. As a science nerd it makes me sad to see so many poorly designed art experiments on youtube, but yours was very well thought out, so thank you! This will help me make informed decisions on papers to buy in the future. :)

[@aricaice2591]

Arches! With how expensive that paper is, it better work!

[@samanthabudiselich7996]

Well.... Arches of course! ha ha

[@Draemina]

Arches should move forward. But this bracket system doesn’t make sense. Why risk a clearly quality paper like Arches not moving forward, even when it would obviously be better than Canson in the first round?

[@AmandaCoeStudio]

I got to know Hahnemuhle papers via printmaking and they always seem to surpass competitors across multiple disciplines. I've even used their inkjet paper because I love them so much. I've got my eye on their watercolor sketchbook right now!

[@boxroomart]

I'm with you on the Hahnemühle thing! I'm actually working with them in the UK now but before I was sent teeir products I was so sure I couldn't find anything better than arches. I was shocked, now I love my Hahnemühle stuff and wouldn't go back!

[@tracylj5128]

You battled my top two papers together with Arches and Hahnemühle. I love the Hahnemühle Cezanne paper, and it is my favorite paper to paint on. Arches being a close second. It is just a wonderful paper in my opinion. If I’m not using it, then I’m using Arches. Great video. Thanks for sharing. 👩‍🎤🎨💕

[@hemmerable]

I had to purchase canson heritage when my local was out of arches and ive been liking it. Just another one to consider down the road. Arches should advance of course since it's basically "the gold standard" of watercolor paper (here in the u.s. at least. I would not automatically assume that to be the case around the world)( just talking generalities here in the sporting sense. Based on accessibility and popularity in my region. Obvi style and personal pref is subjective lol)

[@Sandrinesgallery]

Arches should be saved. It's the best one of all those that didn't make the cut. Also, you should try the Canson Heritage if you get the chance. It's pricey, but VERY nice.

[@Athuwu]

i am new to watercolor and was considering making a video on this exact topic but looked it up to see how many else had done this. Youve done a great job - much better than i could have. now i know what to buy ^^

[@SheilaLandry]

Thank you for doing this FABULOUS series! What a great way to show us the differences in papers. I am going to share your video with my Facebook art group as I am sure that they will benefit as greatly as I am doing so from it. :) I think that the Arches paper in the last 'battle' should advance. Since it was such a close call, I feel that it has earned its place in the next round. As you were painting, that was the one that I found I couldn't decide - even before you said that you thought they were close as well. I'll be looking forward to seeing subsequent rounds. Great series topic!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

So glad you liked the series Shelia! And thanks for passing the video on! :D

[@SheilaLandry]

@@WaterColorMisfit You are really my 'favorite' watercolor teacher online. You have a way of presenting everything in a simple and calming manner, without overloading us with too much information too quickly. I do some 'realism' in watercolors, but I also love the whimsical style in which you create. I have learned so much from you. :)

[@creationslandscapedesigns]

my favorite watercolor paper to use, is the Arches cold-press. I have also tried the bee paper but in comparison do the arches, it couldn't even hold a candle.

[@riverbeee9643]

I love the double blind bracket! Super appreciated and can't wait for more!!

[@user-dax0122]

Definitely the Arches paper deserves to go through. It was much closer of the ‘underdogs’ to the ‘winner’ paper and you enjoyed the process and final product. Be interesting to see how these papers stand up to more water, washes and masking fluid.

[@anab3325]

Hi. What w&n paper did you use? From the video it doesn't look like the Cotman series. But their newest papers have two types : classic (50% cotton) and professional (100% cotton). And if you compared the classic with 100%cotton bee paper than it is a bit unfair (although I enjoy the classic myself). On another note I'm really enjoying the concept of this tournament, although I'm a bit unsure on why you're comparing pulp (xl) with premium cotton (arches and fabriano). Oh, by the way (sorry for being a pain) did you mean Saunders Waterford instead of Sanders? Because Saunders is definitely on par with both Arches and Fabriano. Sanders I've never heard of. Thank you for the video!

[@auntiebettyillustrationandart]

Hi Carrie, Which Hahnemuhle paper did you use? There are so many different Hahnemuhle watercolour papers. I would like to see the Arches move onto the next round.

[@fetabrown]

🔥Love this unique 'tournament' approach. Thank you for the video.

[@jen7662]

Wow! A lot of effort was put in to this video! Thank you!

[@born_again_studios]

I challenge you to bring in Stonehenge (yupo) paper into the battle. I know it's not one of the ones listed; but it's a new brand that's having flying reviews.

[@sylviemoser7045]

Just wanted to let you know that Hahnemuehle may be new to the American market but the company has been producing papers in Germany since 1584. They have a very long tradition and known for their quality.

[@rocki3dd]

I really enjoyed this style of testing out papers

[@AnnamoonFineArt]

Choose Arches. Hahnemühle is a very old Papermill here in Germany. You tested Cezanne this is the best from them. All the others are mostly with wood made and on those you hardly can create smooth washes and it is nearly unimpossible to work in layers. I have a lot of different papers from them from my beginner days. Now I use them in my art classes until they are empty. If I buy new paper now it willl always be Arches or Hahnemühle Cezanné.

[@sarahhall9719]

If archers was up against some of the early contenders it would have been a definite win. But against hahnemuhle it was very close. So I feel I have to go archers, and yet really when it was between bee paper and Windsor & newton I would have gone with w&n. So now I feel torn. Like everyone else it’s an interesting comparison to watch and I am happy to see the eventual outcome. And to be fair the artist stated very clearly this is her personal choice 🥰. Great work thank you

[@garyweybright3227]

Hello, I just agree with Ms Adams. Comparing wood pulp papers with cotton based papers is less valuable then comparing each separately with others of like makeup. LanaAquarelle is a wonderful cotton paper that holds up well against Arches. It didn’t make your group however. I would expand on this test by keeping the subjects all of the same make up and then you’ll have a much better comparison. That said, for some just starting out they might find this helpful to pick a paper to begin their art career. Thank you for making this video.

[@paulaverger4129]

Windsor Newton should be tried again. I know you would choose arches, but I think all of us arches paper users are going to be loyal to the brand. I tried Windsor Newton awhile back and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality. It’s texture is nice, it absorbs water well and I really enjoy painting on it, but I have to admit I have never tried H.(I won’t try to spell it. I hope you know which paper I mean)

[@montserratlavid3532]

Awesome battle! Can't wait to see the results.

[@phoxyii5831]

Looking for a good watercolor paper got me to your channel. I absolutely love that you paint foxes. 🥰🦊

[@creativesea.design]

Am I the only one confused that in some cases you got a specific paper (Canson XL and Montval for example - Canson makes many types of watercolor paper way better: Vidalon, Moulin du Roy, L'aquarelle Heritage are just the ones I know), but in others you only stated the company (Hahnemühle). It's also a bit weird to compare 100% cotton with 100% cellulose paper. It seems a great review series, but a bit more information about the papers chosen and other options would be great. To go forward: Arches!

[@zig_zagcrafts]

Hi Carrie, Thank you for the video! As a beginner it's really difficult to choose paper. I'm starting to see how different papers react when I paint and I can already see when I don't like the painting, or when I can't do certain things, that's due to the choice of paper. I'm starting to look for more quality paper. I live in France and some of these brands like Bee paper I can't find here, but it was really good to see the performance of the papers I can find in my local store. Thank you!

[@parsleybrain]

Thank you very much for the test and video. Hahnemühle actually is a very old German company. It was founded in 1584. I think they are new to your market. Can you please tell which Hahnemühle paper you used? I mean the name? Oh and I think Arches should advance, since it was such close call.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Thanks for the info! Yeah - they are pretty new here I think. It's still pretty hard to find there papers online here - but getting easier. :) The papers I liked from this study - plus links are listed on my blog :) Here's the link to make sure you get the right one :D watercolormisfit.com/watercolor-paper-made-of/

[@parsleybrain]

@@WaterColorMisfit Thanks a lot for the quick response. I visited your blog before I asked about the paper but couldn't find any informations on the used papers. Now I went again and again the same result even using your link. I can not find the mentioned list or links. I even used another browser with the same result. There is no list or added links on you blog.

[@miaochoa5438]

parsleybrain Keep scrolling down on the list she posted, it’s at the bottom of the page

[@parsleybrain]

@@miaochoa5438 Thanks for helping out, Mia, but I already did that several times using two browsers such as Firefox and Chrome. I can not see the list and the listed links. I can see where the list was intended to be but the list with its links is nowhere to see!

[@purpurblitz]

It's the Cézanne

[@joannaherbage9091]

Arches! And very cool idea for a video! Thanks so much for sharing ☺️

[@dulcamaramuck4518]

Hahnemühle is one of the oldest paper companies but they only began to go international some years ago., in germany hahnemühle is often all you get when shops carry watercolour stuff

[@sunshine_arts]

Great vid! In battle5 I thought the left fox looked smoother than the right, especially around the neck area. Imo Arches is overrated. I'm currently using hahnemuhle too and I'm VERY impressed by the vibrancy,flow, how it lifts off etc. Plus hahnemuhle has literally a crazy variety of papers to suit most artists needs. There's cellulose, cotton, bamboo paper, all with 2-3 choices of texture, surface sized, internal sized, papers for wet on wet etc.

[@rebeccaoliver-jones8478]

Which Hahnemuhle paper was it that you used for this? Was it the Cezanne? I saw another KZbinr directly compare it to Arches and they also found the smoothness and colour vibrancy to be better for the Hahnemuhle paper 😊

[@InvokeArtSense]

Arches is my choice. It really comes down to personal preferences and art style for paper.

[@mrspock2al]

This is more exciting than basketball tournaments! Go Arches!

[@dustbunnydraws3000]

Just saying Hahnemühle could mean many very different papers. Anyway I loved the foxes, super cute :)

[@christinealtamirano9712]

I've never heard of Hahnemuhle before so I don't know much about the paper but she says in the beginning that she bought 140 lb cold pressed of each brand. Is this what you mean? :)

[@dustbunnydraws3000]

@@christinealtamirano9712 Not really, Hahnmühle is a brand that makes many papers. They have alot of very different watercolor papers. I'm just confused as to which one she used.

[@angelairidescenceartglass6289]

Maria D same with Bee Paper...I know they have at least two types of 140lb cold press paper...one wood pulp paper, the other100% cotton...it makes a difference. Strathmore also has multiple grades of paper and varying rag contents.

[@rebeccagrazzini7886]

I'm surprised that you use cold press if you don't like texture. With your style, I always assumed you use the smoother hot press papers.

[@ooXChrissieXoo]

lol I just knew it with the comment when Arches didn't make it. My personal favorites are Hahnemuhle, Fabriano and Arches (not in any order). At the end of the day it's about what you like, and the style that inspired you to create. If you like botanical art, go find out what papers your favorite artist use, then you use other paper to compare to it, eventually you will either stick with the same paper or find your paper.

[@RuHa4]

I'd say go for Arches, but if the next battle is again between Hahnemuhle and Arches we haven't progressed much. You might consider pulling Arches and Hahnemuhle apart in round 2. Kind of like they do with tennis tournaments. The first ranked player goes at the top, the second ranked player at the bottom, so the two best players cannot compete against each other before the finals.

[@surfit.]

Another great in-depth comparison! Gotta be Arches since it had soooo many high recommendations.

[@ralphchristianson]

Arches, arches, arches, the link for voting did not work, but your visuals were well done...

[@cluelesspotterclod]

This is an awesome challenge.

[@crystalschranz3403]

When I have done my own paper tests, I was disappointed by how Arches compared to some other brands. Still a wonderful paper to work with... I really enjoy Fabriano and Daler Rowney. DR is difficulty to find in the US though, and you have to get the Langton Prestige. So nice...

[@musical_trashie0952]

This was so fun to watch!! Currently trying to find good watercolour papers so this is really good for my research :))

[@woodywood1951]

your videos are really "moving out of comfort zones" because of their content and also by their presentation style. I am making a "dependence" on your "youtube's one!"

[@ganarseunacre]

Great video. Thanks so much! With Arches you will always hit the target!

[@jeanettegillings7202]

I vote Arches. Great video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Thestripper1]

6:26 I think you actually said it right but you spelled it wrong. It is actually spelled "Saunders" so I would say it just as you did. It looks like a good alternative for the highly priced alternative with green cover. Thank you for a good review. Now, could you learn us how to make such smooth gradients please. Thanks again. (Hahnemüle is German, think inglorious basterds, not Hummelmule ;)

[@jgroves980]

I vote Arches... I'd also like to see you point out the papers that are 100% cotton, because that definitely makes a difference!

[@jp8649]

Have you tried Bockingford?? I absolutely adore it and rarely use anything else now for a lot of my work. The price point is great if you get it from Jackson's. Arches, of course, should move on imo.

[@risagoodman4847]

+1 on this paper and ordering fro, Jackson's

[@purpurblitz]

This is what we all have been waiting for! Thanks for all the work and effort you put into this! 😘

[@purpurblitz]

Basically the German brand hahnemühle is pretty popular over here whereas other paper is pretty expensive

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Over here it's pretty scare and Arches is cheaper :) Go figure :D

[@venuso6260]

Arches should move forward obviously but I would wanna see how Strathmore, a budget-friendlier paper, compares to the other papers!

[@desiree_delamater]

This was quality! I am surprised at the Bee paper. I use it quite often and it's ok, but not like.. a champion , but still pretty good in my book lol. Looking forward to see who the winner is.

[@desiree_delamater]

Also i want to see Arches go through to the next round!!

[@melanieholtz3206]

My vote is definitely for Arches!

[@kimburke3189]

Definitely Arches!

[@JennyJardin]

Comment one: Love this, but are you working on a slant or a flat surface?

[@angiegaul]

Arches should move forward. You liked it and it scored so closely with Hahnemuhle. Also, it seems to be the most widely used watercolor paper.

[@Lelisestudio]

Good morning, Carrie. I hate to bother you with questions. I saw your review of 10 watercolor papers. Really enjoyed. Very much. Thank you for sharing this. Your drawing is incredible. Well, I have used a lot of Saunders but I have seen that his score for him got low. You chose the Arches as your favorite. I've never really experienced Arches. Here in Brazil we can not find much good quality art material. So I recently learned that Arches was sold. Here in Brazil he is now called Heritage. But I'm going to Lyon next week and I'm ordering supplies. I tried some old Arches that were in my map library and WOW! A great role, but not if they are doing the Arches as they used to. Could you advise me? Back in France Arches underwent changes? Could you tell me? sorry for such a long message.

[@iapo007]

Arches definitely!

[@oceanebezault7982]

Arches was the best for me but you will have the same problem to decide what is the best between arches and hannemhüle.... So what do you think to add another brand ? Etival may be by Clairefontaine ?

[@Oberlinmom]

I agree with the majority of the comments I've seen, Arches.

[@Liezzah]

Hands down, definitely the "ARCHES". Great video :)

[@llen3906]

I would love to know which Hahnemuhle watercolor paper you are using? They make several different ones and Hahnemuhle is my favorite printing paper, so I can well imagine they would make great watercolor paper.

[@terriwatwood4077]

Loved the Arches paper .. I’m new at watercolors .. love your videos

[@azzuparis]

I really enjoyed this video 💕

[@LaLa_ArtGal]

Keep the Arches in! 😁🖌💖

[@Avinmor]

Arches for sure!

[@aetyrunner]

Maybe you should try with Canson Heritage. I have a Hahnemuhle watercolor book (200 grm) and I hope you won't have the same issue as I do (won't tell)

[@kathrynt98011]

Arches. Hands down. No question.

[@elflordsjourneys]

I have been using cheap paper for years and recently collected some of these same brands to try for myself.😀

[@AngelaLWeber]

Have you ever tried Daler-Rowney The Langton Prestige 100% Cotton? I use the cold press block and I like it better than Canson XL. But I don’t know how it stacks up to other brands. I’ve seen other paper comparison videos but no one ever has the Daler-Rowney paper in the test.

[@macCALICOmac]

Your foxes are so so cute!!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

THanks :D

[@jimweaver8018]

Arches gets my vote.

[@maritzacolon]

I choose Arches, hands down for water retention.

[@KITCHIESART]

Yeeeey...I have canson xl and hannemule😍😍😍

[@KatherineStarbird]

I've never seen brackets set up by seeding the lowest ranked against the lowest and the highest ranked against the other highest rated. What you end up with is very good papers being knocked out in the first round and lesser papers advancing. Put the four best (or most expensive) papers into separate brackets and then pair them with the four of lesser reputations (or price) and you'd have an interesting competition.

[@brookemcdonald6229]

I voted for Canson because it was close and I think it deserves another look.

[@susanandrews23]

Definitely, Arches should make the cut.

[@beachmama23]

Arches all the way 🙌🏻😉

[@06LadyLily]

Arches for sure, would love to see it go up against bee.

[@SJAC2]

Great video, loved it.

[@SuperExadidas]

Thank you for sharing this great testings, may I know how do you store your watercolor paper to avoid the expiration which looks like - a translucent look (almost see-through?

[@sari0009]

Arches to the next round. It just looks better.

[@1970soja]

Wich hahnemühle Paper is it? I would Love arches to be the one who moves forter.

[@cathymikequimbyquimby7315]

This was very informative. Thank you. Is Bee paper the same as Aquabee?

[@sewcrazy423]

Arches because dang!

[@lorijones9579]

Arches is eliminated while Bee paper moves on? That doesn't make sense.

[@EM-ug8ud]

1st. Arches, duh 😂 This is so cutely done like a tv show showdown. I wish someone would do this for watercolor journals !