Testing Out 7 Different 100% Cotton Watercolour Papers

[@terryslaughter1409]

Fabrino and Saunders is my favorite, but I like Arches and it's easier to get. When there is a sale I'll buy a larger pad and have Office Depot cut it down and make it into a spiral notebook(for$5.00) I hate having loose sheets.

[@Decopainterandtea]

Oh great idea about making a spiral book.

[@LCLand]

I love Saunders too. Surprised it wasn’t included

[@AmberArtNYC]

That’s a brilliant idea! I didn’t know that was a possibility. 😃🎨 Thanks!

[@cindyhorton6980]

I didn't know Office Depot does that!! Good to know, thank you!

[@juliesczesny90]

Great idea!! Now I know what to do with all those giant roles I purchased, thank you.

[@kyliewroe8186]

I'm based in the UK and Jacksons art supplies (which is also mentioned in a few comments) are great for paper! They also seem to have decent prices and sales. They also offer reward points - it's a great incentive to purchase more! I've bought a lot of my supplies from them. Highly recommend.

[@nataliedubious5241]

Aussie peeps, baohong masters choice is the best value paper out there, the full, half and quarter sheet packs are super affordable and work really well!

[@sonja__k]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this extensive comparison. I've recently made my own test and know how time consuming this is (especially when filming and editing come on top). My favorite 100 % cotton paper presently is Hahnemühle's "The Collection" (it's the follow-up their Cezanne paper, which has unfortunately been discontinued last year). It's very comparable to Arches paper but feels and looks a bit smoother, takes colored pencils better (which I often use on top of my paintings) and takes granulation better than Arches (I find, on Arches granulation get's rather lost, especially with paints that are only slightly granulating). Apart from that it's always cheaper to by watercolor paper in larger sheet than in blocks. In Germany, large sheets (76 x 56 cm | about 30 x 22 inches) of high quality 100% cotton watercolor paper (i.e. Arches, Canson or Hahnemühle) costs aprox. 6 Euros (I compared prizes online in different shops). This would equal about 18 Euros for the 12 sheets on your Arches block (maybe 20 because the sheets would be slightly smaller, but that still is a good price). In Germany, never buy watercolor paper (or any other artist quality art material) on amazon, it's always much too expensive there.

[@LoriYoung]

Thank you for posting this. I love Fabriano and get it on sale at Blick's. My practice paper I happened upon at Walmart of all places but it's 100% cotton and from the Bee Paper Company. 50 sheets of 140lb 300g/m for $11- in the Phoenix area. It has a wonderful texture. I like Arches for paintings I know I will give away or sell. I just bought a new paper I haven't opened by Primrosia off Amazon. I love seeing all these comments with new ones from other areas. Thank you again for all your tutorials and just being you!!

[@McQuizzical]

Wonderful, Thank you Emma. Jacksons Art sell test papers for pennies. I imagine some other large art supply shops probably offer these too, so wotth looking into I think. Saunders Waterford would have been a good one to add to the mix as its meant to be a firm favourite up there with Arches, I've not tried it myself yet. Thank you again.

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Jackson's and Blicks are good sources for paper. I also like bee cotton paper. If you have a way to cut paper, getting large sheets of paper and cutting them yourself might be less expensive than pads or blocks. Also, block paper is not completely stretched and can have some warping.

[@lizzy9975]

I love Bee Company paper. It's so hard to come by!

[@deborahsimpson2937]

I think someone else has purchased the Bee Paper company recently and it is more expensive now.

[@suzy7301]

Where are you finding Bee Paper? I bought a whole bunch a couple of years ago and then I heard they went bankrupt, and I'm almost out. It's the best paper I've used.

[@dianethoroughman9541]

@@suzy7301 I bought it on Amazon.

[@suzy7301]

@@dianethoroughman9541 Oh shoot. It's not on Canadian Amazon. I was hoping it was on an art supply website. Thank you for replying, I appreciate it.

[@plokerstrom]

Edmonton Alberta-Delta Arts hands down the most affordable for majority of these paper pads she is discussing. Occasionally goes on sale, when they release their monthly newsletter. Also, they ship in Canada.

[@marie8642]

Excellent prices and service at Delta Art. ❤

[@elliott4570]

Emma, you and your videos are so helpful in every way! You are so creative and have given me courage to try new things that have had great results. Thanks for all you do!

[@ashvathelango4570]

I love Hanhemuhle expression 100 % cotton paper. size: 24 cm times 30 cm. The cost in France is 19 euros for 20 paper block , glued on sides with surface sizing. This is made in Germany and the quality is amazing. I purchased mine at 15euros. In UK also the price is good.

[@watercolorsinbloom]

That was my first block paper the Expressions one. I loved it and it was affordable but then I got a batch that had parts of the paper that resisted the watercolor and got frustrated with it.

[@lisaseckold9296]

I love Arches, and my second favorite at the moment is Winsor & Newton paper (100% cotton 300 gsm), sells in spiral bound notebooks in A3 and A4 sizes.

[@greekveteran2715]

Both are the 2 best watercolor papers!

[@francoisederocher]

I keep an eye for sales of Arches paper at Blick's and Cheap Joe, and then, I bite the bullet and buy enough for a year. The best deal is to buy a 10 pack of Imperial size sheets and cut them as you need ( and stretch them too). It is an investment, but not more than a good pair of shoes! I use cheaper brands for preliminary studies, but they don't give that feathery WOOSH of color that I love so much, and make people ask: How do you do that??

[@carolyndaughton3373]

Emma, this is a very helpful tutorial. I'm glad you didn't do a blind test. It's super helpful to watch the process of each as you went along. I have several of the brands of papers that you used, but I never made the time to test the differences. It's always so enjoyable to see you test out different materials. You're always fair in sharing your thoughts. Thank you for a very informative video.

[@Chloe-zr9lk]

My fellow Aussies! If you are looking for Arches paper a a lower price point, I would wait out until The Art Scene has their half year sale. If you are a student, you can get an extra 10% off :) They sell loads of other papers too. I personally paint on Windsor and Newton journals from Mighty Apes. They are also 100% cotton, and just lovely. The sell for $20 for A5 and $33 for A4. I usually wait for a sale and order enough for a couple of years. If you are looking for cheaper paper, student grade. I would recommend Eraldo Di Paolo from Riot Art and Craft. I use this for my Uni work. It is cellulose, but does the trick. I buy the A2 pad, and cut it to size. Specifically, the mixed media, A2 Field Pad 225gsm. It is currently 40%. at $36.59. Any other Aussies, please comment below what paper you get and where :) I am always looking for cheap, 100% cotton paper. Hope these recommendations helps.

[@Werumo]

There is a company called micador and the have cotton water colour paper called Rains watercolour paper i've also seen it in other places called Roymac Rains. They sell it in packs of 10 A4 pads with each pad having 12 sheets. I forgot how much i bought it for as i bought almost 2 years ago but currently it's $154 while a single pad is $18 you can order it from the micador website it usually the cheapest. They sell other size pads and sheets as well.

[@nancygonzalez9843]

I love Art Spectrum from local art supply, they have a $16 pad, hold a lot of water, I’m new to watercolours, MELBOURNE west / Footscray

[@susangrunbaum53]

THANK YOU Emma! What a great way to discover the qualities of each paper. It helped me make the choice and go for Canson Heritage specifically because I love the way the colors blend. It seems perfect for wet on wet loose florals. Thank you again!

[@michelleefird9024]

Thank you for taking your time to do this and share the results with us. You really helped me know which new papers I’d like to try and which ones not so much (I feel the same way about seeing patterns in my textures!).

[@debbiebanks6164]

So happy to hear that you are in Ontario, Canada. I'm in Mississauga and have become a big fan. You gave me a chuckle with your pronunciation of DeSerres. It's a French Canadian Company and pronounced de-Sairs (like stairs without the t). Love your work and tutorials.

[@aerialpunk]

Haha, I'm from Edmonton and I always thought it was De-Sairs, and when I heard "Desiree's" I was like "Have I been mispronouncing it this whole time?" Haha. Good to know I wasn't!

[@mussoorie100]

Committed to Kilmanjaro 300 pound bright white paper!! From Cheap Joes in the U.S. but as I'm in Canada (Ontario) the shipping can be YIKES, but before Covid I had a friend who "wintered" in Arizona and I would wait for "free shipping" and have it shipped to her Arizona place, then wait impatiently for spring, bit of a process but worth it.........I have one 16 x 10 inch block left, so need to think about what to try next - which is why I found your video on this subject very meaningful for me!!

[@diannmcmillen903]

Thank you so much for this video and putting the work into making it easy to find the specific paper within the video. I really enjoy watching you work. I'm a total beginner and am so frustrated knowing what brand/colors of paint and paper I should try.

[@snuuby5468]

I purchased my Arches paper 9 X 12 at Delta Art and Drafting Supplies in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The price for this paper is $ 15.00 CDN. They have sales every month so that price can be even lower. This store is on Google under Art Supply stores. They have a huge inventory and are the largest art store in Alberta.

[@lorrainecote5535]

Hello..I live just outside of Edmonton. Love this store.

[@snuuby5468]

It has been a while since I wrote that comment on Arches paper. Delta Art and Drafting Supplies is a great store. It seems to be the only Canadian online art supply outlet. Their prices are the best except for watercolour paint sets. Amazon is still cheaper than Delta. The new price on Arches paper on sale is $23.00 for a 9 x 12 pad.

[@lorrainecote5535]

Still a bit cheaper than I paid at Michaels the other day with 30% off

[@mariabuescher8369]

Thank you, Emma, for showing the different results. I've been looking for paper to do looser paintings and landscapes on. I typically use Strathmore 500, 100% cotton paper. I love the texture and lack of texture for pet portraits, which is what I primarily do. It's on the smoother side, and I've had clients say the finished product looks like a canvas. Thanks again.

[@cristinajones3549]

Hi Emma, thank you for putting so much time into this! I am always on a search for new 100% cotton paper, and I didn't know some of these brands. How do you feel about Bee watercolor paper? I think I've seen you use it, but I was interested on your thoughts about how it compares to the ones you tested here.

[@mylieweir]

This was soo helpful Emma. I have been around on your channel since November 2021 but have never seen this video. I live in Australia. And if you live on the Gold Coast there is a store in the pines and it has arches watercolour paper from $6.50 - $15.99 And also the Winsor and newton professional watercolours for $5 a tube. I am so lucky to live here for many reasons but if anyone needs any help if your on the gold coast go there because it’s life changing.

[@rach747]

Wow, that’s worth a drive to the GC! Do you remember what the name of the shop is please?

[@SarahNotSara]

I'm also in Australia and would love to know what the name of the store or the website is please!

[@melanieopperman6688]

Thanks for broadening our options.

[@mlastorga2678]

very useful. I suggest that when you make comparisons, you make a chart with the criteria and markup, that helps a lot visually

[@georginakaulback6572]

I too find that Arches is suitable for me. You did a great job of demonstrating! Thank you.

[@lindabloom6666]

This was soooo helpful. I've only been painting since March and am using the cheap Canson for practice and Arches for the "good ones" The cheap Canson is quite a fight.

[@belindawest3558]

I love bee paper and Jerry’s Artarama carries it cheap

[@karonsky1]

They sell Bee cotton paper?? I thought they were out of business? Thx

[@elisarolland8161]

Hi from Italy! Fabriano is expensive also in Italy and the 100% cotton it's not simple to found, it's hard to found a big arts shop near my little village so I often use Amazon...

[@marjo-riittareinikainen9740]

Fabriano is relatively sheap in Finland!

[@elisarolland8161]

@@marjo-riittareinikainen9740 You're lucky! ☺

[@lizzy9975]

That's crazy! It's Italian paper! 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@bb1117]

OMG that's crazy! I thought Fabriano would be super accessible in Italy. Also I thought it was so expensive here in Canada, because it has to be transported to another continent.

[@suzannestack7784]

Most of these are available at Delta Art in Edmonton plus many more. I find that the most affordable way to buy my WC papers is by the sheets. Often on sale for $7-9 per sheet.

[@Deankut]

Thank you so so much for all these videos! Your time & money spent are much appreciated! ❤️

[@geslinam9703]

I prefer blocks: Arches, Fabriano Artistico, Saunders Waterford, or Sennelier, all 100%. My preference is for Saunders right now, but Stonehenge isn’t bad for less serious work. Don’t care for any of the others you review here, though have not tried the Canson one. Strathmore sells 100% cotton paper, large single sheets (22” x 30”) that you have to buy in a pack of 10….they have so many beautiful finishes, esp Gemini and Imperial. Haven’t bought any in years, mostly because I have no place to store large sheets….but still thinking about picking some up. I purchase all over the place, watch for sales, but don’t really worry about it. I am very picky about paper, and don’t mind spending a lot of money on it. I think you are right about personal opinion. What works for your style might not work for mine.

[@katarinaholik]

In EU, Artemiranda has Arches and Baohong at great prices, with decent shipping prices.

[@natlisan]

Very informative review Emma! I'm a fan of Arches myself, but I must say that I've found a paper that beat it for me! My go to paper is Saunders Waterford by St Cuthberts Mill. The texture is a bit smoother on their CP paper & it cost a bit less, It's just not as readily available in Canada! (I purchase it from Above Ground Art Supplies in Toronto) I also noticed that Arches has an odor if you saturate the paper too much! The bottom line is that you can't go wrong with Arches it's still a beautiful paper that can standup to a TON of abuse.

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

4:20 that same size Arches, I paid $96, and that was the cheapest by about 20 bucks where I live in Australia

[@lizzy9975]

It sucks doesn't it!

[@nataliedubious5241]

Urrgh, Aussie prices on watercolour paper is criminal. Even worse, i tried ordering arches from the US and couldn't due to trade agreements 😤 I typically use baohong masters choice these days, pack of 20 1/4 sheets for ~$40 (seniors art or musgrave art on the goldcoast)i refuse to spend my entire art stuff budget for the fortnight for a pad of paper these days.

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Ouch 😫 that sounds expensive

[@corespond1274]

😲

[@Brvfan2012]

I bought Legion Stonehenge 100% Block 9x12 15 sheets from Amazon for $19 and some change. I’m in US. Seems to work well for me

[@melissabrownwalls3438]

Arches 9x12 at Hobby Lobby for $16.47 in US. On Amazon you can get 100% cotton deckled pages white or colored Khadi paper handmade in India. It is an interesting paper and I like to use it for certain paintings. Arches is #1.

[@arelidelong1188]

Hi Melissa, did Hobby Lobby had it in stock in the store, or did you order it on their website?

[@melissabrownwalls3438]

@@arelidelong1188 in the store

[@brigittebenson6166]

Thank you for sharing. I echo Diane Thoroughman about paper, I do buy sheets. I find that once you find a paper you like it's like a dance, you know it and the process is much easier. I believe all the papers you tested were cold press papers and I agree with you about the patterns.

[@martaraquelpaz]

I'm in Portugal and paper is expensive EVERYWHERE here. And if I buy it in Spain or somewhere else I'll have to pay shipping. So, there's no good option yet. That Arches pad (11x16) it's €59,00 - something like $87 canadian dollars! I've never even tried 100% cotton on that account. One day, though... :) Thanks for the video

[@kerstin7206]

Oh dear! I live in Germany, and here I'd pay about 28 € for this same Arches block at Gerstaecker, who claims to be Europe's largest online shop for art supplies. Of course, I mostly buy so many items at once that the shipping costs are reduced as much as possible.

[@regig.9493]

You could try and contact GERSTAECKER in Germany and ask if they deliver to Portugal. They tend to be the cheapest in Germany and also have their own brand Cotton paper that is good called CENTENAIRE.

[@martaraquelpaz]

@@regig.9493 Thank you so much. I'll SURELY do that :)

[@martaraquelpaz]

@@kerstin7206 Thank you. That's a good tip.

[@regig.9493]

Jackson's art might deliver to Portugal too. They do deliver to Germany.

[@monicablock7415]

Am able to get Arches, just tried Paul Reuben (I really like it), and Canson are readily available and not bad priced here in the U.S.

[@riteshkumar-nq8xs]

People are watching you from India as well. 😊

[@shellyparker8960]

Emma, thank you for this very in-depth and informative video. I am in Minnesota, USA and do most of my purchases from Blick Art and have always found them to be price competitive, especially with their price matching. Jerry's Artarama is usually my second choice and Amazon is always my last choice.

[@diannelutz3291]

i agree Shelly Minnesota Blick consumer here also.

[@kathyhackney7950]

I absolutely love Canson heritage hot press.. LOVE

[@sharonstatser3947]

I bought the Canson Heritage paper because of this video!! I’ll be using it soon (we are moving rn), and hopefully I can remember to update this post with my opinion.

[@Ms1lonewolf]

Thank you for sharing this paper video. The comparison was great because you can actually see how the paper is reacting to the paint. I agree with you about the texture of the paper. I like some texture but to much to were you see it through the paint. The best out of them all is still Arches. Too bad it's so expensive. I'll just stick with bee paper for now maybe I'll try that Fabian paper. I did just buy this Art-n-Fly premium watercolor pad 💯 percent cold press 15 sheet's 9by12in 140lb. It does really well except for the texture because it's very pronounced. The price was 16.00 for it and it's a partial block. It would be good for landscaping, mountain ranges and such, I guess. I like the Stonehenge legion paper I get it for a reasonable price here in Florida. It's on Amazon for 15 sheet's 9by12 block cold press 💯 percent cotton 140lb for 16.00 dollars. I stay with that until I can get bee paper again? You got ripped off on the Stonehenge legion paper you got man that's crazy. Just like Arches here. I went in Michaels and they wanted $80 for a block of arches paper but found on Amazon same thing for 18.00 dollars and that was a block so I got it! Thanks again the video was great!! 😎🇺🇸🌴 FLORIDA.

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

I purchased some time ago, at Hobby Lobby in Michigan, Arches 9 x 12, 12 sheets, for just under $15. Online it shows it is now $16.47. However, I read a FB post recently that they still purchased it at their store for under $15.

[@angelcalico8663]

Wow and thank you!! As a beginner I struggle with buying paper as it is so costly. Very informative; I love your commentary as well! 💜

[@sharongillis4531]

Thanks for a fantastic review Emma.👏l love using Baohong Academy paper.🙏😊

[@juliamacdonell6752]

Emma you can get Stonehenge papers reasonably priced at Curry's. I live in rural NS with only Michaels available to me and that's 65km away. They don't carry a lot of Watercolour supplies. I rely on shipping for nearly everything and Curry's Art Supplies have been very good to deal with.

[@nursen2106]

a teacher, here where I live, recommended for the advances Arches Grain Fin 300g (that means cold pressed), but his favorite is a bit pricier - saunders waterford. I guess, that should be more accessable in North America. have a look. maybe Saunders does cost a bit less, than Arches. For beginners as well he recommends only good paper and to stay away from cheap ones, because otherwise one wouldn't learn easily about water control and such and I guess, because it can be frustrating. so for beginners in his classes he recommends those 4 (only because Arches is more expensive then the others) all cold pressed and 300g/140: Fabriano Artistico, Lanaquarelle by Lana, Bockingford Block, Canson Fontenay one has to consider, these are a bit cheaper than arches here in middle of Europe - at least usually in shops. maybe worth looking at. but then he also recommends even lighter paper that is cheaper, but one needs to know how to glue it on plates with wallpaper paste (and how to remove it - not everybodies cup of tea I guess :-)) 180 g/200 g paper. also one called Ingres for 130g. all these are cheaper but one has to do something with them, to use them for most kinds of watercolour paintings. I think the last one has a rather hard surface and might be better for landscapes

[@KJayPlays]

Jackson’s art now sells Baohong paper. Both academy and professional,

[@lizzy9975]

Which I have bought from Aliexpress for some time now.

[@KJayPlays]

@@lizzy9975 That's super. I've considered it myself. But not everyone is comfortable with purchasing from there or from Wish.

[@lizzy9975]

@@KJayPlays I have never had a problem with AliExpress. And I've been buying from there for some years. I have a separate credit card solely for then and I use the initial of my first name and then my surname. My only gripe is I'm buying from Chinese manufacturers! Which I would prefer not to do. And I wouldn't touch Wish with a ten foot barge poll.

[@cccsssish]

That's really good to know, thanks!

[@cccsssish]

@@lizzy9975 Why wouldn't you buy from Wish? What's wrong with them?

[@angiehallhaviland]

Thank You for this. Love this and thinking I will do a similar tests on the papers I have. I have stepped away from watercolor for way too long and trying to get back into the flow of it. I have Arteza 100% cotton and can't remember how I really felt about it.... so curious to see how it does next to Arches and Canson Heritage. I have also heard great things and not so great things about the Bee Paper... but haven't tried it...so might. Thanks for the inspiration and getting me curious!!

[@gillianc8106]

Great comparison and attention to detail - thank you so much for this helpful video! I’m in the UK and my favourite all-cotton papers are Arches and Saunders Waterford - especially the 425g cold-pressed, which is lovely and thick with a great texture. It’s produced by St. Cuthbert’s Mill (they also do a decent cellulose paper called Bockingford) and I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts on that paper, should you manage to get hold of any. ☺️

[@thepochade5992]

12 x 16 inch 300gsm arches cold press paper gets up to $122.91!!! in Australia. Amazon au has it for $99.49. Even with the currency conversion we are being price gouged 😔

[@gail3167]

The Art Shop web address. Theartshop.com.au have it for 69.25. They are based in Melbourne. Still expensive. I have found their prices quite competitive for a lot of art supplies. Not everything so it pays to shop around.

[@thepochade5992]

@@gail3167 👍 online... the art store, seniors art supplies, eckersleys, craft online, the list goes on ... they all have large mark up's when it comes to watercolour paper's in pads and blocks. I like to buy by the sheet and tear it myself 😊

[@rayanneedwards8542]

Hanemuhle Cezanne Rough 140 lb watercolor paper is a dream to work with but it can be a bit spendy in the US. Thanks for a great review.

[@amandastratton8242]

Hi Emma I am using 'Bockingford' watercolor paper from 'Cass art' on line. It is made at St Cuthberts Mill England U.K. I find this a lovely paper to work on . There is hot and cold pressed available at reasonable prices I am from England UK It's well worth a look x

[@regig.9493]

I heard good things about Bockingford, but it is not a cotton paper but cellulose.

[@RaGazz4]

@@regig.9493 Bockingford is great, I recommend it! but of course it's cellulose not as 'forgiving' as 100% cotton paper. I had great results on it though! :)

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

Dear Emma you are the best! Thanks.

[@mjpete27]

I would be interested in a paper series where you choose sheets of paper and you can use any brand even ones you have used here. Perhaps trying house brands from like Blick and Cheap Joes, I like the Kilimanjaro papers Joes has and the Brockingford papers from England are nice their 200LB series is unique and not everyone has that weight! getting papers in sheets is also cheaper if you order from Blicks and buy 10 or more you can avoid that added $3.00 shipping fee! Nice comparison video and I enjoyed watching this video Thank You.

[@lizzy9975]

Emma, the academy, Bahong and Paul Rubens are all way cheaper on Aliexpress. As are the rubens HP watercolour books. What we need is a Paper shipping group. Because paper is as dear as poison in Australia. That Arches block would be at least Aud$100 here!

[@riyanafrobose2439]

I would love if shipping to NZ wasn’t the same as the cost of the paper!

[@angelaschultz3109]

So true … I live in regional Australia! 😳

[@RoyMcAvoy]

That's just crazy. That's even more expensive than in Malaysia.

[@lizzy9975]

@@RoyMcAvoy Shock me! How much is it in Malaysia.....

[@anitaanderson2326]

Just so you know Arches and Canson are now owned by the same company which could be the reason for the higher price of the better Canson pad.

[@jennw6809]

Great tests! With most cotton papers it's a LOT cheaper buying loose sheets and cutting it down. (Also blocks sometimes aren't the same as the loose sheets!) I dislike how Arches and Fabriano develop ripples and need to be stretched; I much prefer Lanaquarelle (I buy 10 sheet packs at Cheap Joe's) and Hahnemuhle the Collection (which is actually cheaper in pads and blocks than in loose sheets). As far as the cheapest cotton paper I've used, loose sheets of Legion Stonehenge are very affordable in the USA. It does need a bit more time to soak in water for wet on wet. It's quite useable if you adjust your technique. Good for people on a budget, or to make your own sketchbooks. The old Winsor & Newton that was really rough was great, but they have changed it now. :(

[@cindyculbertson5886]

Arches, I use to get when Michaels had their great coupons or Hobby Lobby with coupons. Sadly, they have both dropped their coupons. Hobby Lobby (U.S.) now is about 24.00 - 25.00 for only a 9x12 pad of 12 sheets. Michaels is about 30.00 but a 10x14 pad and with an occassional 20% off coupon is a bit better. Local art store is about 30.00 also for Arches. I bought Stonehenge on line for a block of 15 for $16.00. Good price, especially for a block, but I have yet to have anything turn out decent on it (partly me but I can do similar on other paper and it turns out better. Sometimes it is just the way you paint...)The others brands you used are not available locally in cotton. This was very informative, thank you for doing!

[@Melej1]

There are many positive reviews from artist for the Baohong Paper, especially the artist quality paper. Many even say it is just as good as Arches Paper. I don't know if it's true, so I made a order from Aliexpress. Can't wait to try it!

[@taintedharmony95]

It really is comparable to Arches. The one with the green cover is cold press paper.

[@huskytail]

It's not true. Baohong has not at all the sizing Arches or the other good watercolor paper have. I like the Baohong very much but we need to be realistic about it.

[@lockthewolf]

As a beginner of watercolor from China, I use Baohong paper a lot for exercise. It IS a well-known watercolor paper brand with good quality and reasonable price. People used to recommend it to me when I decided to learn to do watercolor paintings. And the very same people believes that Arches makes the best paper for watercolor. Based on my experience, I think Baohong paper gets a bit too fast to dry and is harder to blend color on it. It may just because I am still a first learner. But still, I was astonished about how expensive it could be on Amazon. It is way much cheaper here in China.

[@ferossan]

@@huskytail The "Artist Grade" (not the tested here) from Baohong is as good as Arches, really.

[@huskytail]

@@lockthewolf it's not because you are still learning. It does dry a little bit faster, and it's more difficult to mix and blend on the paper, and generally make the colors travel more. The lack of sizing makes the watercolor sink into the paper faster. Some papers without sizing can even bleed to the other side. And you'll notice with time it's very difficult to lift the watercolor, especially if you try lifting after it has dried. Don't get me wrong, I love Baohong, I bought two blocks from Aliexpress, and I like it very very much. It's an excellent paper if you know all of its properties and can work with them to enjoy your watercolors.

[@janlappalainen]

Baohong also has an artist grade paper, which I have ordered from aliexpress - and it wasn't much more expensive than the academy one. Still one block 12 x 9 inches, was around 35 dollars, and this was on discount. The Academy one is about the same price - so I guess a year after this video the prices have gone up quite a lot.

[@renatecormick7399]

Thanks Emma for a very informative video. I have learnt a lot from it and am now going to pay closer attention to the type of paper I buy as well as other supplies and as a result I hope to see a better outcome in my painting. Also, lots of interesting comments from such a wide range of people all over the world, thank you to all the artists who took the time to give their opinions, they are very valuable..

[@SharonH11100]

Great vid ~ love Arches ~ no bargains in California ~ we just eat it , dive in and paint! Thanks💁🏼‍♀️💕💕💕

[@LCLand]

Buy online. Blick

[@georgerobartes2008]

If you can get it give the Hahnemulle range a go . They have been making paper since 1548 , so not new to the business and is comparable to Arches , Saunders etc. I have used Wooly Hole handmade in the past and is pretty good for fast work being internally sized , but pretty inconsistent which actually produces a more spontaneous result . You're generally better off buying full Imperial sheets and cutting to suit .

[@tebb19]

I'm from Argentina. I use Arches HP and CP. I really don't recommend Canson Heritage. It is very expensive and tends to be flawed, and I've heard they would be discontinuing it in certain places. I had to complain to the local distributors because my sheets came with problems in the sizing, poorly distributed: the paint moved places on the sheet that were dry. A lot of money spent for nothing, especially in my country where we have excessive levels of monetary inflation. I recommend buying individual sheets of Arches paper if you want to save money.

[@miekemiddelhuis3782]

Really helpful review, plus everbody's tips. Thanks Emma!

[@Weissguys6]

Arches pads are $16.47 or close to that at Hobby Lobby. I just bought my first two pads and I’m so excited!! I’ve been using Legion Stonehenge since I started and now I understand some of my problems…..❤️

[@patlatour2465]

Painting the flowers are awesome ❤ nice exercise I usually use canson Xl 140 lb but my daughter loves the 100% cotton I just might have to try them now.

[@yoliazpiazu5108]

Thanx for this comparison 😉

[@AshB_Watercolors]

I have been using the academy paper just to do some drills on and I actually really like it… I love my arches and Stonehenge paper but figure I might try the artist grade version of the the baohong academy paper out….. I just watch everywhere I can buy for deals. I’m considering buying loose paper rolls and trying that out too. 😊

[@LeahMcKenzie-pc5oc]

Thank you Emma for the helpful information

[@ArtBrain]

I've been happy with the Strathmore Ready Cut 100% cotton and can sometimes find exceptional deals at art stores, randomly. Amazon is one of the worst places to get deals on paper.

[@ss85898]

Are you in the usa? Which store do you consistently see good price?

[@alisonhendry2928]

Tried that Stonehenge for A possible change to small pad for small works instead of cutting up full sheet of Arches... big mistake. Applied masking and it tore as I removed it. Applied washi tape,which we all know is gentle, and it tore. Sooo now that $20 block is scrap practice paper... so sad. Winsor Newton makes a glorious paper like Arches. Dying to try Saunders Waterford. And bockingford. All personal I think as fabriano artist is a fav with lots of big name artist and I do not like it... probably how I paint. Thanks for all of this very hard work and you spent a ton of money! Ouch. Nice to hear that accent too. ( Canadian in Texas here)

[@patticake5311]

Thanks for the cmparisons! Just an FYI for anyone who wants to know - Fabriano Artistico blocks are available at Blick and Jerry's, at least in the U.S.

[@susandollinger7965]

Thank you for this video. I don't love the Stonehenge for watercolor, but it is my number one go-to for oil pastels. I can pick up a pad at my local craftstore inexpensively in the U.S. The Stonehenge black watercolor for oil pastels is really nice.

[@venitha11]

Hi Emma. I live in South Africa. Arches is very expensive here due to shipping n exchange rate but I’ve tried other types n they don’t compare in quality. So unfortunately I have to pay a lot for it. U can actually buy a small appliance for the same price or less that’s how expensive it is😀

[@gopipavi9653]

Great choice of papers Emma... I suppose these are mostly available across all countries...some more that you could have tried are etchr, hahnemule, bockingford and Strathmore...

[@michemman]

Hello Emma, thanks for testing all of these, and making this video. I like both the Fabriano Artistico, and the Etchr sketch books. The Etchr has a wonderful feel and texture, very luxurious. I get them from the website, it is the one with a canvas colour front. I think there is a difference between the full sheets of Fabriano Artistico, compared to the sheets or blocks. Perhaps someone has tested these? In the Fabriano Artistico, I generally prefer larger sheet quality, I buy them when there is 20 percent off, from a few Sydney art shops. It is very cost effective this way. I didn't like the Academy block, perhaps I got a "glue dud", as it didn't slice through cleanly and easily and it stuck to the sheet below. For us here, Arches used to be one of the only papers we could get here, now it is out of our price range. We have cheaper Eastern paper, as it is closer to our country, via shorter, quicker shipping routes. In kindred spirit Eliza, Dulwich Hill, Australia xx

[@litaoktaviani7354]

I'm a begginer n live in indonesia. I used canson montval n XL most of the time, because those are the most affordable 😆 but from time to time i always questioning why my painting result were so ugly, eventhough i follow the tutorial carefully, then i saw some your videos n find out why. Most of the brand you mentioned here are so pricey in my country, except baohong. So thank you so much for the videos, you're good artist n teacher 💕

[@heddynae]

Good video, I was just hoping you’d test blindly… the name on the back so you didn’t know exactly which paper you were using till the end.. except by guessing 🙃

[@kunaljanvalkar2850]

It's hard to not recognise the paper once you have seen and felt it.

[@krisfrost2456]

I have the Paul Rubens 100% cotton and don’t like. It won’t stay wet. I buy pads and use padding compound to turn them into blocks. Easy to do, works great.

[@gorway7]

I love Fabriano and my other favorite Saunders Waterford, i can always get these at a reasonable price hear in the UK. I always buy full imperial - 5 sheets used to cost me about £17.50 but this year all art materials have gone up this past year, so now about £22 for 5 at Jacksons. We don't get coupon codes or big money off sales here but you may occasionally get 10% off deals at certain times of the year.

[@sunflowerarts5]

Hi Emma now Archies sketchbook is $114 yesterday I saw it in Michael’s in Canada. I live in Canada too, Cambridge Ontario. Thanks for your video it’s helping me definitely pick and chose which I always struggle while buying Sketch Books

[@nancywatson9084]

GREAT video! You did a super job of comparing the papers. It also helps me out to keep those properties in mind when I am using a different paper. Thanks, Emma!

[@danieledonaldson6574]

Desserres has Fabriano Artistico 10 sheets pack, 11 X 14 inches, 300 gsm for 16 $. I cut them in four, and use both sides :) for«studies». They also have 5 sheets pack of 16X20 for the same price. For me, affordable, and easy to get from my local store (no waiting, no mailing fee). I hope to try some from Papeterie St-Armand, located in Montréal, next time I'll go by ;).

[@bettyryan4310]

I also use Bee watercolor paper that I love. It is cheaper then Arches which is the only other paper I use. Good review.

[@MisterNiles]

I am a beginner. I'vepurchased one Arches pad... at Micheals, for a million dollars. It was very nice, but wasted on a beginner. A friend gave me a giant roll of Strathmore 400 . He's very nice. It's like, 60! A pain to cut down though. Mostly I've been using Grumbacher (Kohinoor) from Walmart and I like it. Great for learning. You've mentioned how expensive blocks are compared to pads. It's crazy. I started gluing my own blocks. All you need is some glue and some clamps I have discovered I definitely prefer blocks. Anyway, it's quick and easy and a budget way to get blocks. Off topic: Has anyone ever told you that you look like you could be the actor Zoey Deutch's sister? It's true. To my brain at least.

[@missdeesaccount]

Yes, I agree about Saunders. I mostly use Arches blocks. I know they're more expensive but I use my acrylics on paper so I go through a lot of paper. Can you talk about grounds, because I want to use watercolour on canvas so I'd love to learn about using non traditional surfaces for watercolour. Thank you for this comparison! One more is Hahnemuhle. I don't know much about that paper. I'm kind of drawn to deckle edged papers too. Thank you!

[@63Calypso]

I have ordered the Cansons Paper, for 7,99 !! € , at Amazon Germany....I guess, this is anbeatable ....at long last, all of your compared papers are so much cheaper, on Amazon Germany....😉 but my absolutely beloved Paper, is and remains, Arches 💯❤!

[@lindsayjayne2169]

Glad you gave the academy another go! Judging on your taste in paper (similar to mine) you'd probably also like the Winsor and Newton cp. I only buy it from my local art store when it's on sale thought, as it can be pricey, the journal is my favorite. I've found the best value of the Academy paper (Meeden on Amazon Canada) is the 7" x 10" for $19.99 and I cut them into two. Most of the other brands are wayy cheaper on Jackson's and they've got very affordable shipping prices as well. *Knock on wood* I've never had to pay dutie taxes ordering from here to Canada:)

[@Weissguys6]

Thank you for this tip!!

[@sueharki8280]

very well done.

[@karenrichardson6767]

For those in the USA Blick Premier paper is as good as Arches and way cheaper. check out the price for a block of Arches 9 x 12 with 20 sheets is 43.23 and Blick Premier is 34.93 for the same size. Large sheets are 2.00 cheaper for Blick Premier.

[@blablaland6049]

on the german amazon you can buy the canson paper for 13,48 euro to 20,90euro. the cheapest is cold pressed in the size 23,1x31cm, the expensive one is hot pressed and the size is 26x36cm.

[@mariabekhter3290]

Thank you so much Emma! The video is so informative, absolutely love it! I haven't tried 100% cotton paper yet, and I wanted to start with Fabriano, but quite unpleasantly surprised with color vibrancy on it. It seems like yellow pigment faded too much and sap green turned into a kind of neutralised blue-ish dull green. The same goes with glazing, Indian yellow (is it IY?) lost its strength. Or maybe it is just a camera affected look? Anyways, thanks again for this review. Thumbs up. 👍🏻❤️

[@Carla-pp4ru]

Haha when she said she paid $47 for the Canson Heritage pad I said "Oh my God!" out loud. I was expecting her to say like $30 at the most. Wow.

[@toobazafar6884]

I have used paul rubens paper... In my experience, it dries too fast and I don't get enough time to work wet on wet, it doesn't lift the color well (with brush) neither while the paper and the paint are wet nor after you let it dry completely and rewet the paper.. the paper basically get stained and is not reworkable... I have been using winsor newton cotman watercolors and this does not happen when I'm using heritage or arches paper, so I know its not the paint... hope this helps 😊

[@loveandlife4222]

I enjoyed this very much Emma! I’m wondering if there was a reason you didn’t add etchr to the comparisons? It’s one of my most favorite right behind arches. I’ve been trying to get a lot of good paper because hubby’s about to retire. I better get it now.