Hot and Cold Press Watercolor Paper - Which is Better?

[@mikuenjoyerXD]

To remember the difference between hot press and cold press I imagine that the cold press has goosebumps because it's cold

[@misashitao3595]

That is so useful!!!!!! I always forget which one is bumpy and what is not.😂

[@alejandrinario4834]

Whoa, that was smart 😊

[@Eclip_11]

neat

[@YourMajesty143]

I go the opposite route, I think of "hot press" as an iron that smooths out the surface, the same way you'd iron a shirt. That's essentially what an iron does, it presses heat unto something until it's smooth. Hence, a "hot press". In fact, when you go to a salon to get your hair straightened with a flat iron, you ask for a "silk press".

[@julienotsmith7068]

Your animals are always so cute. I don’t know how you make them so expressive with such minimalism, but it’s impressive.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Aw thanks 😊 so much

[@Metal_Mouth]

Surprised you didn't mention granulation on this video. Granulation looks so much better in cold pressed than hot pressed, because the bumps give the pigment a place to settle, while hot press can look patchy bc of this. And cold press is amazing for dry brush techniques. I love both types but if I want my paintings to be more expressive, more painterly, with very prominent texture- cold press can take you very far in that regard. for more illustrative work where I'm planning on using other medias(like ink or colored pencils) and then scanning it, I use hot press.

[@adriang1921]

Is cold press paper good for watercolor pencils?

[@galianafp]

She forgot to mention rough ones

[@YourMajesty143]

Yeah, but she specifically avoids granulating pigments and prefers a more flat graphic look to her illustrative work. Her style relies on a lot of layering and glazing to create dimension & interest, so that it's not looking so flat that it visually appears dull.

[@YourMajesty143]

@@galianafp - No, she didn't forget. She said in the beginning of the video that she's specifically excluding it, bc illustrators only use 2 types of watercolor paper -- Rough is not one of them.

[@YourMajesty143]

If you asked teen version of me which I preferred, I'd say the hot press illustration bc it's so bright & vivid. But as I'm getting older, I'm learning to love more pastel tints & muted colors like dusky blues, earthy reds, dusty pinks, grey lavenders, mint greens, buttery naples yellow, coral-y browns, lunar greys -- you get the drift. I've never liked how textured Arches paper is, but surprisingly I preferred that result. Your illustration on it looks so much more soothing and welcoming to the eyes. Maybe it's bc we now live in a world that's constantly bombarding us with images. To grab our attention, alot of them tend to be loud & bright. It can be overwhelming, so I think alot of us are now gravitating towards more softer and subtle hues. Tbh both works are far more relaxing than anything out there in the real world, but if I had to pick one, then yes it'd be the cold press version.

[@colorfulmessart3953]

I prefer hot pressed paper or very minimal textured cold pressed because it makes it easier to make smoother skin for portraits. The look of cold pressed paper cant be beat though.

[@snorkchop8134]

What kind of paper do you prefer? I'm looking for cold press but I can't find any paper with minimal texture.

[@BrendaFOBRocks]

i started on hot press for illustrations, but i slowly started using more cold pressed and im obsessed. i think its the more forgivable paper, i dont have to stress so much about the edges of my watercolor puddles and i can work in more layers

[@loganplonski922]

I usually gravitate towards cold press paper, even though I have more of a simple/cartoony style. I just love the texture. Thanks for a great video. :)

[@susanhjerpe9135]

I can't really decide which I prefer ! I've been painting for about six years now, tho not every day, and I haven,t really even figured out what my "style " is either. But I LOVE the picture you just painted it's adorable!!!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

THanks :D

[@Angelic222_]

THIS VIDEO MADE ME REALIZE IVE BEEN WORKING WITH HOT PRESS PAPER WHEN I THOUGHT IT WAS COLD PRESS PAPER THE ENTIRE TIME AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO FEEL

[@spikeyconstantine]

Same here 😂

[@sarjam8385]

Which paper is for watercolour painting?? Hot pressed or cold pressed???

[@fitrihanifahzain7383]

@@sarjam8385 both are for watercolor painting

[@samrobinson8435]

I’ve always preferred cold press but this video made some great points for hot press and now I’m thinking I should give it another shot!

[@gee355Art]

Thank you! I’ve never really liked hot press paper but your video has given me a better understanding of it and how to use it. I’m usually a very rough cold press kinda guy but I might give hot press another go 😀

[@SathishKumar-pw9fu]

I like HP but CP has it own advantages.... However HP is more versatile it suits for Color pencils too

[@mikecabral1579]

Cold Press for me. I don’t like the hard edges and I’m always lifting because I’m a beginner with limited skills. I like loose painting and layers. Pen and wash is what I enjoy the most and yes it’s hard on nibs however, I also like a worn nib effect most of the time. Thank you I enjoy your work very much.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

You are so welcome! :D

[@CraftingMyWorld]

Thanks for the comparison - very interesting & helpful. I am primarily a cardmaker so I like the Hot Press paper for stamping my images (which are mostly animals) for colouring as it is really difficult to get a good impression on Cold Pressed paper. That being said, I prefer the texture of the watercolour paper for colouring my animals as I add a lot of layers & find that the animals look alot better as a result. To try and compensate, I quite often stamp my images on the Cold Pressed paper and any parts of the outline that didn't stamp properly, I use a Copic multiliner black pen to complete the outlines.

[@iremakyuz4134]

I am a new in watercoloring. But it became my passion. As far as i experienced hot pressed paper needs someone who is very professional, it is not in cooperation with the artist. But while using cold pressed paper it is making you feel wooow i am gifted i am so talented. Cold pressed papers are really making the artist feel comfortable to draw. But anyway my dream preferans could be like a paper having the textures like hot press but acting like a cold pressed paper. Thank you so much for the video.

[@silverwillow9348]

This is the most beautiful, informative, and calming video on watercolor that I have ever watched. Thank you.

[@annab.5052]

Great video! For detailed illustrations featuring pen and ink work, I use hot press (cold press paper can ruin a pen's nib pretty fast). I use cold press paper if I expect to do big washes requiring lots of water. Cold press grabs the water and allows me to work on a painted area longer. Hot Press paper does not grab water; the water moves more and dries faster than on cold press (thus causing lots of unwanted blooms). Cold press paper also allows the best effects when using granulated watercolors -- the paint settles in the bumps and gives a nice grainy (texture) effect. I have also done illustrative work (knowing I will be using less water) on bristle board -- hot press paper can still warp, bristle does not. I use the mantra "Less (water) is hot, More (Water) is cold."

[@icegypsy99]

Thanks. This was super helpful. I'm a beginner, and plan to invest in some cotton paper soon. I wasn't sure which way to go. Honestly had no idea how important the paper was for watercolor artists. Coming from oil / acrylic where it's more about the paint. I have been getting really frustrated and now realizing it has to do with my cheap crappy paper. On to more reviews before I click "buy". Thanks again 💖

[@susanmeadows3706]

Like you, I enjoy painting on both hot and cold press. Loose florals that I do, I prefer the cold press and for my realistic work I prefer hot press. Thanks for the video!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

You are welcome :D

[@LeighSmith_leigh_darling]

I almost always use cold press. I actually find that the detail work that I do comes out better on cold press. That is probably because I use a wide array of teeny tiny brushes 😂 I do want to become more comfortable with hot press because I love the look of colored pencil and watercolor together but that is probably going to be a skill that's a long time coming

[@labaccident2010]

I actually like both. Sometimes, I switch between papers depending on my mood. My first piece of cotton paper was a large sheet of hot pressed arches, and I absolutely loved it. I didn’t like cold pressed cotton paper at first, because of that. They just both require different tricks to work with.

[@itsmeliza5711]

Thank u soooo much for making this video, I’ve been struggling to choose between hot and cold pressed paper for loose flower painting. I think it is better to work on hot press paper. This video help me so much 🥰😘

[@liliawebb9377]

Hey Carrie - - -I like hot press for portraiture because of the smooth even quality I get. Loved your review and picked up some new or forgotten info along the way. Thanks for doing these! - - -Loved seeing Pepper again! Reminds me of your first videos with Teddie and watching her grow and become a dignified lady dog under your tutelage. Hope you are enjoying life and all it has to offer. I'm off to paint a family doggie who recently passed do to old age. Our son had lots of photos and I chose a cute one where he was asking her about the chewed corner of his book and she was giving him the look of innocence and how it must have been some other dog who came through the doggy door who did it. It's being done in oils and the book has such small print on it, I kept thinking of how much easier it could have been done in watercolor and ink to achieve that part. However it also has a crocheted ripple afghan on the couch where she is laying that has to have the quality of softness much more easily rendered in oils. Awe the challenges. I wish you the best in your continued endeavors in art and teaching and the computer savvy of your dear husband. You make a great team! As always, keep up the great work!

[@PMacMoraes]

Both paintings are so incredibly cute! I tend to use hot press paper, most likely because I don't like how artificial the texture of the cold press paper I have available in my country is. But yes, hot press is a lot more unforgivable of mistakes than cold press.

[@faggatree]

What was the paints used in this? Such nice colors 😍

[@sharonolsen6579]

As far as durability .. lifting .. etc .. the degree of sizing is also a factor. This varies between brands and is not necessarily linked only to hot or cold pressed papers. I have found that there is a learning curve with any type of paper.. You can't rely solely on hot or cold pressed as an indicator of how it will behave when painted upon . I have used both .. hot and cold.. from different makers .. I have my preferences based on how I work. Each person will have their own preferences. A heavily sized paper will be easy to lift and correct 'mistakes' but may have drawbacks in other areas. My best suggestion is to practice on ANY new type of paper before starting something you are going to care about. Figure out the properties and characteristics of that particular paper first.. : ] Edit: Just as a point of interest (possibly) if you run a piece of cold pressed watercolor paper through a die cut machine ( no dies.. just on its own) it gets flattened out and thus becomes more like hot pressed in texture. Also, if you iron it with a household dry iron.. again.. it will flatten the bumps out.. becoming smoother to the touch. It will change how it behaves when you paint ..

[@mrbahilo1]

I like cold press paper for painting and drawing but I like the hot press for ink work. Appreciate the comparisons of paper.

[@LunarWind99]

Your videos are always so professional! Great work!! :D

[@WaterColorMisfit]

THanks :D

[@dawn6906]

I’m obsessed with the water glasses. What kind of glasses are they? Thanks

[@fayyazb]

Awesome! Explained so well. Very insightful! Would love to see the tools you use for art and your Studio set-up, so please do share soon! Thank you. All the best!

[@rinneiiru]

I prefer cold press. Idk, it just feels more comfortable? Sometimes hot press feels comfortable than some cold press too. I think it's the brand that I prefer?

[@suegwilliam2832]

Thank you so much for this information. I am very new to watercolouring and Im enjoying it very much. Since the novelty is NOT wearing off (ha ha) I am curious about tools and techniques. Thanks again

[@vegasrenie]

I like both, but I prefer hot press when I am using my water soluble pencils or blocks. Every now and then I will touch up something that I have made, which means that cold press just doesn’t work for either medium. Of course, your mileage may vary, but hot press for pencils and pens is definitely better. However, there is nothing that beats the look of watercolor on cold press which is why I really love it so much!

[@agsilval]

When you compare watercolor papers, could it be possible to compare the Magnani line? I have no access to Arches where I live, but I do have to Magnani (specially the 1404 Toscana series) but I haven't find any paper comparison online that includes it. Thanks!! I love your videos!

[@siskaputriutami287]

Woooa, nice information!!! xDD In my experience, I usually like to use watercolor + another media (pencil color, ink, etc) i prefer hotpressed more because lining with pen in hotpressed paper easier than coldpressed paper, but hotpressed paper sometime make the color looks patchy because the pigment granulation and it creates blooms more easily which is not good if we want smooth flat wash, cold pressed really did a good job for smooth gradient color, but if i use cold pressed paper i will line my drawing with watercolor instead of lining with ink, and me too i love working with both paper depends on media we want to use 😊😊😊

[@mrwhiteout1]

Informative, I use hot press because the natural feel. I practiced and worked with cold press and it didn't feel right. I think most artists pick by the way way things feel. But this has made think more about cold press. I'll have to try different brands of cold press to find what suits me. Love the video.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

THanks :) And yeah - different brands have different feels! So test some out! :D

[@gorway7]

I think a lot depends on personal painting style and subject type. I like the ability to create texture and sparkle that cold press and rough papers can give you. Granulation, dry brush and scraping techniques are harder to achieve with HP. I paint landscapes so depicting distant trees, rocky crags, dry stone walls or old stone buildings are much easier on CP

[@76kitt]

What tape are you using for stretching? I usually do wet and use "paper" tape(brown). I usually use cold press. Arches or Strathmore. I can draw and paint more easily on cold press.

[@muniracaceres1072]

thanks, i'm a begginer but considering that i'm learning to ilustrate my designs and will need to scan this, i think i coul use practice on hot press paper.

[@mrgamegirl2011]

Your illustrations are really beautiful

[@thatnamjinchild7390]

i didn't know my new paper was hot pressed and i totally screwed up my painting since i'm a beginner 😭 your video is really informative, thank you

[@dragonflytee]

I prefer CP because I actually like the texture and the look of it. HP is great for when I want to use a lot of pen work but Arches Hp is the only hot press I’ve tried with good results. The colors are so flat and matte with other brands whereas I find a lot of CP options out there. Lately I’ve been using Winsor Newton CP and even the rough!

[@diane2941]

this was very helpful. Thanks!

[@oliviaamandasito4895]

100% agree with you! Personally, I prefer hot press because I tend to digitize my artwork and cold press paper really hard to work with in digital (my personal opinion). And I love how smooth the final artwork looks like in hot press paper. And I like to finish my artwork with outline and make my artwork as neat as possible, and hot press is easier for me to work with. :)

[@Sarah-ie7xt]

Thanks this was super helpful! I also love your illustration! I will never understand how you can use so many colours but have your picture look so cohesive.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Thanks :D

[@JenniferKellogg4700]

Awesome! I’m a beginner thanks so much for explaining this.

[@crystaltorres4306]

I've used the both but I really like using cold press because of it's texture.

[@klausbantzer4077]

I could not find the mixed media paper review you mentioned, would you plz link it here?

[@calliestalnaker6573]

I saw an advertisement for your watercolor course on KZbin! Awesome!!

[@marcoss6212]

Maybe a little weird, but how about a warm press paper to try to get the advantages of both? My style, cold press is fine, I like the toned down colors a little bit, easier to convey the sad feeling if it is the case plus textures adds another dimension and a more antique look to it, less synthetic to me, but what do I know, personal opinion :).

[@alvirosy]

Best explanation video ever. Thanks! 😊🌷

[@cluelesspotterclod]

As far as how they look I like both. . I have not used hotpress yet so can't really say which I prefer.

[@sanchezperez820]

I prefer cold press because I find that it can handle more layers?

[@jtpaar1732]

I recently started a project using Arches cold press and couldn't believe how warped and utterly distorted my paper became even though I had it taped down & only used light washes. Although I like how the paint reacted on Arches, I was not impressed with their paper. I restarted my project on Fabriano Artistico hot press paper and find it frustrating to paint the way I prefer....washes and lots of glazing. The water soaks right into the paper, so you have to wet it again and generally, it dries before you get to the end of the section you were working on. Blending and lifting = mess. However, the Fabriano paper 'magically' dries flat no matter how much water has soaked into it. So....I will keep the Fabiano hot press for acrylic & pencil work and keep on searching for a watercolor paper that is suitable for my style of painting. I will likely give Arches another try, but thus far, I can't say I'm a fan or understand the rave reviews.

[@glorioskiola]

Cold press has so many advantages over hot press. But colors look more vibrant on hot press. I use mostly cold press (Arches) because I do lots of wet in wet washes.

[@ooXChrissieXoo]

What I use more depends on my mood. Having to use both, I really think cold pressed paper is easier to use, and easy to do blending without shifting the layer underneath. With hot pressed paper, the paints shift more when you do layering. It's also easier to get the water bloom error on hot pressed paper. You really have to train yourself to stop when it looks good.

[@anjavoigt3489]

this was really informative. thanks a lot!

[@surfit.]

I use cold press for watercoloring. It soaks up the paint faster than the hot press, making it easier to control the value. Cold press made the paint flow like a river on an angle or it just sat there like a puddle. I started another pencil art using the cold press paper which I usually use hot. Still in the sketching step, I tested a shaded area, rough-looking--I like it. So, I guess I prefer cold over hot, just like my Frappuccino. (correction: Cold press made should be 'hot press'.

[@aetherkat]

What a helpful video! I love your new(ish) format, too.

[@wiekevanderploeg8979]

I love your paintings in this video, and I am looking for some good quality neon paints! What are the paints that you are using here? They look so vibrant!

[@theresa_lili]

Cold Press. I love the texture.

[@dianeo]

I prefer hot press because of the reasons you mentioned: The ability to add ink details plus the vibrancy of the colors. I do wish it had the sturdiness of cold press paper though.

[@tabbystangledart]

It really depends on what I'm doing. I prefer hot press when I'm actually painting an illustration that I've drawn (usually a page from one of my adult coloring books). I prefer cold press when I'm doing something more abstract.

[@putkeciput48]

Hello. I am Indonesian. I want to ask. if for gouache is better to use cold press or hot press?

[@empress_craft]

For those who love all the pluses of Cold Press, but want the texture of Hot Press for photographing: my best friend is a professional botanical artist who uses Cold Press! She simply burnishes the surface before she paints, between layers, and after she is finished. It gives the paper a plate surface, but gives you the durability and workability of cold press :)

[@theaceofspades56]

I'm a details kind of guy, so I definitely prefer hot over cold. I also love how hot makes my cartoon style sing with the vibrance in color. Cold press is great though when doing night or dreary day scenes.

[@dean_69_420]

for me, cold press is easier to work with since it tends to warp less and allow for more layers, but my style is much better suited for smooth surfaces. I honestly still love working with hot press, especially since I always use line art.

[@batoolkhazali5170]

The information was really helpful. Thank you 💜 Being an amateur and not good at realistic art, I'm happy I got cold press paper. But I'm hesitating to use it because I don't want to waste it. I have a question, can neon colors be mixed from non-neon? And how to get nice pastels?

[@batoolkhazali5170]

Also, I would like to ask what is the best masking fluid for beginners? I'm thinking of buying one from Amazon, but i don't want to buy something bad, expensive or get wasted. P. S. I already watched your video on the topic, and it was helpful as always 💜 🤗

[@ForeverLumoz]

Thanks a lot for this video, I'm always interested in learning more about watercolor. So far, I'm still a rookie, but I prefer coldpressed paper as of now.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

So glad you liked the video! :)

[@ForeverLumoz]

@@WaterColorMisfit love your videos ❤️

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Thanks :)

[@sab1779]

May I ask what brush are you using? Anyways im a newbie and this video really helps me, thank you so much! I think cold pressed paper is good, I'll buy a cold pressed watercolor paper nextime ^^ Oh and your art it's amazing 😭❤️

[@SuperExadidas]

Thanks, very good information. Hope you can review Hahnemuhle in the near future.

[@binglepadilla9751]

Hello. The link for your class here does not work anymore?

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

Superbly made video. You have equal talent as a filmmaker. Do you work with a production company or style director?

[@YourMajesty143]

Her husband is an editor, I think.

[@byul7506]

i like both but i think cold pressed is easier to work with but i just love the smooth texture from hot pressed paper

[@nannynunu]

What kind of tape is used to hold the paper down while painting??

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

you are wonderful, thanks, thanks

[@ginistewart9636]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@Riccardo-mn1yl]

I'm slowly getting closer to cold pressed, I started with hot pressed and... It wasn't pretty 😂. Great video tho, it was super interesting! 😄

[@auntiebettyillustrationandart]

Definitely prefer hot pressed paper, but it depends on the job. :)

[@catherinelevison3310]

I prefer hot press. I like all the cool effects watercolor is capable of however I need to fine line at some point so for that reason I enjoy the smooth texture of hot press. I find that bumpy paper distorts my lines.

[@joannaherbage9091]

As always, thanks for the great video ❤️

[@marygard4608]

I prefer cold press for the reason I choose watercolor paint. It's better to create the dreamlike effects.

[@sarjam8385]

Which paper is for watercolour painting?? Hot pressed or cold pressed???

[@crafty_j957]

I prefer coldpress, but that's because I love all that texture

[@mudrarakshasa]

I prefer cold press 300 gsm 25% cotton.. I use Winsor n newton and Indian gouache called boustrophedon.. paper is brustro too..

[@BlueTeaArt]

Hello this was an enlightening video great job

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Thanks :)

[@hangphan9774]

Which watercolor did you use

[@hamerray]

Another thing about hot press paper compared to cold press paper even with Arches Is that the hot press paper it’s not as thick and not as heavy and more flimsier.

[@NONAME-pd1pe]

cold pressed for impressionists that uses loose and visible brush strokes hot pressed for photorealism and detailed illustrations

[@blackpanda7298]

what colour and brand green is that?

[@yunyunus66]

I prefer hot pressed because I allows me to work a lot faster.

[@patstokes3615]

10:11 left hand side is Archer paper and it is so superior from the right side and that isn't because of Tooth it is because it is pure cotton which the right side has wood pulp. The cheaper paper look like a runny mess with hard edges.

[@equesdeventusoccasus]

Usually, I prefer cold press paper. I am a multimedia artist, and colored pencils tend to do better on paper with a decent tooth. If I am using pen for my detailing, I would probably go with hot press.

[@sharonolsen6579]

Have you ever looked close at the paper .. really close? Me: YES ! : ]

[@thosearepinklemons]

I prefer cold press, and honestly its just for the aesthetic quality of the tooth. It looks classy lol

[@nuchtchas]

I have always felt like the only artist who used hot press. I like cold press for specific things. Most of my art is very controlled and I like a smooth surface for that, also, I like doing blooms in my backgrounds and find hot press lets the water stay on the surface more for that. But when I want soft and flowery with minimal lines, I want cold press. I do agree beginners should start with cold though, and paper quality is so important. You don't have to spend a fortune but some of the stuff you find in say Michael's, cough artist loft cough, is just awful. It can't even handle a making liquid without tearing. I was gifted some and I use the pages as a blotter, it's not good for anything really.

[@patsmith8236]

My feeling is that it depends totally on the finished project. I feel that a land scape looks better with hot press because it looks more like the landscape itself. A landscape is rough soooo... I also like it because to me it looks like a water color painting, But that's me, I have been called crazy by many really good people, on many different topics. Pgh pat

[@natford8271]

It is good to know that you use a waterbrush!

[@BusinessIntelNL]

First of all a great insightful video, thanks. Sadly you didn’t mention the third main type, rough (according to arches) others use denominations like GT,GF, GS.

[@jennief2108]

like cold press