Arches Watercolor Review - First Impressions - Is it worth the money???? - Compared to Canson

If you use watercolors odds are you have heard of Arches watercolor paper. You may have even used it, but you've probably questioned if it's worth the high price! In this video, I share my first impressions as well as test it head to head with my favorite paper Canson 140lb.
Interested in trying either paper? You can purchase both from Amazon with my affiliate links.
Arches Watercolor
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Canson
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
If you want to see what else I have made you can visit my online store RebelUnicornCrafts.com or follow me on instagram @rebelunicorncrafts. Also, follow me on TikTok for more watercolor tutorials and tips @RebelUnicornCrafts

[@anaghasharma7433]

Woah! Arches is the clear winner. The colors look so vibrant on it. Thank you for this video.

[@marinasoares9045]

you inspired me to use my block! I also bought and use haha x

[@clarklight2918]

I have the fabiano 25% cotton and just got the arches, the difference is night and day....it's a literal make or break difference, it instantly makes me feel like I want to paint a lot more soon as the paint brush hits the Arches and see how the paints reacts on it...

[@nickyjooste411]

Very interesting. Those are stunning!

[@TreeLynnT]

Beautiful!!

[@madisonmurphy2076]

Exactly what I was looking for!

[@rosarebada4777]

Glad to see your comparisons! Did you find that Canson warps or buckles more compared to Arches?

[@RebelUnicornCrafts]

I am not sure this test was a good comparison of that since I was using such different sizes of paper. I might have to test that out too!

[@fablejones]

Arches is the BEST hands down! There is no better paper on the market.

[@natlisan]

Your results will always be better on a cotton paper! I've found that you can go with cheaper paints or brushes and still get descent results, but with paper it can really affect your painting process in that it can actually be more difficult to control the way the paint behaves on the paper. It does depend on your style or intentions with you work! If your goal is to achieve vibrant colours or glaze many layers then your 100% cotton papers will be the best option.

[@marytesta3003]

Cheap Joe's Kilamonjaro is really nice too.

[@hellovicki6779]

I find paper to be the most important element. Arches is the best in my view, I wish it was not so expensive though. Saunders Waterford is okay but not number 1. I do buy cheap Officeworks water colour paper that is 100% cotton for doodling mostly and the result between papers is significant in terms of art work. I have to adjust techniques according to paper. I have experimented adding home made sizing to cheaper papers with surprisingly good results. I made gelatin mixtures and gum arabic mixtures.

[@RebelUnicornCrafts]

Love that you're willing to experiment and having good results 🥳

[@visualdog]

I'm a graphic designer and I know why there is a difference between the price and the quality of paper with Arches compared to other paper. Arches is made of 100% COTTON. It is actually a type of fabric. Whereas all other paper is made from WOOD pulp. Most paper is made from wood pulp. The exceptions are Crane paper which is usually made from 100% cotton. Crane makes the paper for our dollar bills. That's why they last so long despite a lot of use- it's fabric not paper made from wood pulp.

[@susanbarackman-artist7670]

has anyone noticed that Arches watercolor papers -140 lb CP in pad form seem to have no sizing - ? my latest painting on them with any amount of loose watercolor on them they go limp and water goes through and shows up on the back.---though it did dry flatter than other wc papers.

[@Escherlife]

Sizing on watercolour paper ( the treatment on watercolour paper that makes the water sit on top and absorb slower) can actually dissipate over a long time ( many years) if left on a shelf. If this is paper that you just bought, I would be taking it back for a refund. It shouldn’t happen on new paper, and I’ve only ever encountered this problem with paper that sat unused for over a decade.

[@susanbarackman-artist7670]

@@Escherlife not sure where i bought it but i already used it

[@diannaa5631]

I only use cotton.ive learned it's worth it.

[@ladyhollman9534]

Canson owns Arches …. Okay, thanks. Buy either one , they’re for different audiences.😊

[@sandrajones3455]

Arches sold out to Canson and Canson distroyed it. The sizing is horrible and the paper piles horribly. Canson is not the best paper either.