Watercolor Paper Types, Comparing & Choosing

Another frequently asked question and an episode you awesome Minders have asked for. Watercolor paper comes in several types and weights. Hot press, cold press, rough, 140 lb., 300 lb., blocks, sheets and pads. Which is right for you? Here is some basic info to help you choose.
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100% cotton papers I've used and can recommend:
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Hahnemuehle (Leonardo, Cezanne, Turner) - amzn.to/2FjFmZ9
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Stonehenge Aqua - amzn.to/2oOijeK
Canson Moulin Du Roy - amzn.to/2G3kFOs
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Lanaquarelle (French) - amzn.to/2D4g0bX
Langton Prestige (UK) - amzn.to/2Flm0yS
Shizen (Indian) - amzn.to/2FZbcYk
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[@ernestorivera5450]

This man deserves a Grammy. He explained exactly what I wanted to know about each type of paper...

[@IMAGINENGINE]

A Grammy?

[@MDCampbell]

Something maybe worth mentioning is personal work versus professional work. For me, all my personal work is usually done on cold press because I love the effects I can get and the ability to experiment more with the hills/valleys of the paper. However, for my professional work, it's always hot press because I need to be able to scan the final work without worrying about the paper texture. Those hills/valleys of cold press can create some undesired effects when scanned. Yes, there are times when I'm looking for that effect, but honestly, 98% of the scans I create are done with hot press paper. A wonderful exploration of papers and you are, hands-down, the Yoda of all things watercolor! In fact, we just started using watercolor in the classroom and I've been showing your videos to my students. You've probably gotten a few more subscribers, because I tell them to go home and watch The Mind of Watercolor because, "this man _knows_ watercolor, back to front!" Cheers, my friend and thank you! :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Great point Mark! Scanning is something pros have to constantly think about. I've been very frustrated because a scan looked way too textured vs what my eye saw on the original. I used to do some colored pencil over airbrush illustration where this was routinely true. Aaargh! Sometimes, depending on the painting, a scan that picks up a little texture is ok and maybe even warranted but its more often over enhanced than not. I can see where your whimsical/cartoon illustration in particular would especially benefit and even require Hot Press. Thanks for the gracious plugs with your students, you're too kind my friend!

[@lurklingX]

oh wow, i didn't even think about CP being worse for scanning! thanks for that note.

[@marymo83]

This KZbin channel is the gift that keeps giving, and your comment is just the info I needed on the topic! :)

[@AdventurousGeek]

Self taught artist here! Your videos are literally like going to art school. You have made me advance in my art so much. Thank you!!

[@nicolle2126]

Just in case anyone else is confused, 300lbs is roughly 600gsm and 140lbs is 300gsm. It took a while before I realized that he was talking with different units

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, thanks for the conversion! 👍

[@waynel2162]

Thanks, Nicole. It's because the European Standard is [obviously ] applicable in your area and it uses weight in grams per square metre [GSM], as the method of grading. Elsewhere the pound weight per roll [ i think it is ] is used to classify the paper.

[@capbin146]

Wayne L I think it is the weight of a ream which is 500 sheets. Off to google it, or calculate it more fun but google will be easier.

[@tamarahill6719]

Nicolle I

[@nicolle2126]

Wayne L I've actually found the opposite true where gsm is more common compared to lbs in paper weights. Gsm is the ISO standard so most other countries use it

[@luckyhiker3434]

You are the “The Straight-Shooter” when it comes to just about any kind of information! In case you do not understand, that’s a good thing.

[@saintmoz]

I find it extremely relaxing to break down a full sheet of paper by hand, it’s a zen experience.

[@condorreades2148]

Great help. Thank you. I mostly use cold press but have never been quite sure when I’d be better off with hot press. This explained a lot.

[@disench]

You should write a book with all the knowledge you sharing. Thank you.

[@kaleigriffin6165]

Thank you so much for this video! I feel like I have learned more in this 10 minute video than I did in my college watercolor class lol

[@helgakarpinski5507]

Your helpful info is much appreciated, Steve, as is your great good humor :)

[@carollegros8671]

So helpful Thank you. Yes as a beginner I use cold press. Love Winston and Newton cotton paper

[@puffyjo]

That was a great lesson on paper. Now I understand way better. I am using cheap paper right now to practice on for now , for me its what I have plus is less intimidating to use . if i mess up then i can chuck it and don't care. If it does turn out , I'll keep it and try again with better materials when I get them . in the meantime I have a strict budget so its better to draw and paint something than nothing at all, but now I know why my cheap paper acts the way it does and I can correct it by adding to it with WC till looks the way I want it too. so far so good . yes i know I'm catching up on all the videos I missed . hugs and thank you.

[@myffanwy2]

That was great, Steve! Thanks so much! Sometimes it's difficult to get a teacher...say, of a weekend course...to start with the basics, and knowing them makes all the difference!!!

[@kimleon-guerrero9980]

Thanks Steve, this should clear things up for those that had questions. Have a blessed and happy Easter and to your family as well. 💞💫

[@annelouise4639]

Thank you, Steve! Timely advice for me. 👍😊

[@benjamina6915]

Thanks for this video and all the others. Often they're so helpful. I've been watching your videos for about 2 years now and never noticed those texts at the end of them..... awesome :)

[@kathycampbell4095]

Thank you, Steve, for yet another well-laid-out video, full of useful information. A watercolour guru, you are. :)

[@allennewkirk7686]

Very helpful guide. Thanks for everything you do to help watercolorists! It is much appreciated!,,

[@Vgladstone1]

Yes very clear! Thanks so much!

[@Mamaosa63]

Thank you so much for this special tutorial, it help me to clarify this paper dilemma.

Thank you, this video was really helpful! I’m a beginner and have just been using cold press but I’ve accidentally bought hot press paper and wasn’t sure what it’s advantages were. I’ll experiment with some new techniques on it!

[@raed3063]

Thank you Steve! As I’m fairly new to watercolor painting, you have taken the mystery out of choosing the right paper for my particular needs. 🙇🏽‍♀️

[@shiryonbadam]

Thank you, you helped me understand the differences. Excellent explanation.

[@sunnyd1928]

Excellent video! Short, to the point, clear descriptions, main notes to screenshot at the end of each section to reference for future shopping, you covered everything. Thank you ❤

[@pkidawmbt]

Solid stuff. Just switched over to using Arches from various wood pulp papers and definitely feel the difference in the way the paint moves on them. Working my way up to maybe getting a block later this year to do a painting for my mother. Your videos and those of some others here on KZbin have been invaluable.

[@juststartingover2735]

Exactly the info I needed today. Thank you. Enjoying your videos!

[@susanjaneritter]

I always learn something when watching your videos...and even when the subject matter isn't "up my alley" I still enjoy what you say and how you say it! Hope you and your family had a lovely Easter...really appreciate the Bible verses that you add at the end of your videos.

[@ariweaver1543]

This explanation was a wonderful combination of thorough and concise! Thank you very much for explaining the differences so well. I thought I understood them, and I had the broad strokes correct, but the way you laid them out sequentially, and added your own personal recommendations for their various uses was extremely helpful! Thank you again! :)

[@magnolia2]

I literally had this question this morning. I decided to look it up & you popped up! 👌🏽😁✨

[@Charbythedesert]

Thanks for another helpful video.

[@annbornstein45]

Thank you. Most instructive 👍

[@Mr.S65]

Thank you for sharing an easy way to differentiate papers used for watercolors. You were brief and concise.

[@Ajax98]

Thank you! This video was perfect for me! I have been looking for a good descriptor between the types, and weights of paper, and this was exactly it! And also for the paper that I am interested in! Thanks a tonne!

[@MissMelindas]

Super helpful information. You’re a great teacher.

[@Kotorichan]

You've covered this topic several times and I learn something new with each one! Thank you again for sharing (I for one, prefer gummed pads since I live in a hot and humid place and it's easier to prevent the slight buckling you may get in these conditions)

[@nadeerare]

Very helpful and informative, thanks! Ive been using watercolor for a while but i usually use cp papers so im not as familiar with hp and rough. Thanks to this i get the general idea of hp and rough

[@mariewintzer2245]

This was very helpful, thank you!

[@beverleymurdock2336]

Thanks for the great education, Steve! I've dabbled in various media all my life, but now that I'm retired from teaching, I've been working on improving in one area at a time. I'm filling the various missing bits of information so that I have a complete picture if what it means to be a watercolor artist. You are a very good teacher -- methodical and complete in your explanations and examples.

[@jayboehm3382]

Concise and useful! Thanks, Steve.

[@lolanp36]

I LOVE your videos. And thanks for helping me learn the basics of commenting thru youtube

[@julianne_lee_create]

This was so helpful! Thank you!!!

[@liezelhaupt7172]

Thanks, very helpful!

[@asheranna]

Unrelated but I love your shirt! I’ve noticed you have a good bit of Star Wars shirts and so do I!

[@mindofwatercolor]

😊

[@mskmakes2516]

Great video! Thank you! 💝

[@michaelwardrip1894]

Huge help thanks!

[@thais3140]

Thank you so much!!! You are an amazing teacher! All your videos are awsome! Every time i need to know something, i´m sure you have a video to help me!

[@melenahoward]

You make the best videos. Interesting, fun, informative and useful.

[@samzarazararam]

Sir you explained everything that I need. Thank you!

[@allarahmcmullin3917]

Thank you 🙏 Very helpful.

[@Taitcreates639]

Thank you. very informative.

[@sharondeyoung4636]

Good video...very definitive. I understand the differences better now. Thanks.

[@franjames4086]

Great video - very informative and all I wanted to know!

[@kennethallen8742]

thanks for your input- very useful

[@maryriley6163]

That was a big help, thank you.

[@henryg3871]

OUTSTANDING EXPLANATION AND VIDEO. this is exactly the information I needed. Your included examples helped me understand your explanations. Thank you so much.

[@dragonflysagatiaej4833]

Thank you SO MUCH!

[@kimmyk8930]

So happy I found your channel, please keep them coming your video's are great

[@moonspiritartbycindyhill1084]

I love using Bockingford hotpress watercolour paper . For my paintings

[@Nicawe]

Super helpful as always, thank you so much!!

[@johnharkness6304]

Very useful video, thanks a mill👍

[@herrenfam]

Thanks for another informative video for those of us starting out. You have a way of teaching something “simple” in such a robust way that I feel like I have a real handle on this. And you never make myself feel like I should’ve figured it out for myself before now. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has now saved some $$$ because I was going to try rough paper before; now I’m not! Just to let those Minders out there know, brick-and-mortar Blick Art Supplies is having a 55% off sale on their Arches paper. I think the sale runs for another 1-2 weeks

[@SunMaximus]

Great video!!! Thanks!!!

[@otodidact6134]

Excellent video, like all of your other ones, thank you, very very helpful.

[@kennelexplicit]

Great video! 👍 Thanks! 🙏

[@sheelkhirbat9857]

Wonderful information, so very useful for the beginners like me . Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!

[@bethmiller4266]

💕💕💕💕I needed this !

[@annediserafino2470]

THANKS SO MUCH!

[@lardesouza]

Dang. Just the best info. You've really got me itching to make some time for painting again :)

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thanks. Your explanations about the different papers is what new watercolorists really need to know! It can be so confusing when starting out. Thanks again. May God bless you and have a Happy Easter!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Happy Easter!

[@connieebinger6343]

Great explanation! Learned some new things like brightness of color, why rough paper, and the reason I searched on this question, 'when would I want to use 300 lb over 140#. Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

There is no specific situation where you should use it over 140lb. It's a preference. It doesn't buckle and is very sturdy but it's more expensive and much thirstier so it takes more water to soak it but it stays wet longer and the drying shift (fading) is a little more dramatic I think. Pros and cons.

[@jillgustavis]

Just caught this video, I loved your recap! I just wanted to share that I love making my small 5x8in (A5ish) sketchbooks out of 90lb watercolor paper (cotton). I most enjoy Fabriano and Arches as both brands offer 90lb in their natural white line (although Fabriano is definitely more off-white). I know Saunders Waterford also offers a 90lb, but I haven't sewn one up with that yet. The pages at this small size (bound portrait) usually only buckle if I soak them completely, but I don't normally paint in my sketchbook with big washes so it hasn't been a problem. I've also found that since I can pick up a sheet for $4-6ea, I can turn out a sketchbook of 18 spreads (2 full sheets) for about $10. I then keep this bound insert in a leather journal cover. The low cost has been a great incentive to actually use my sketchbook to practice and explore more, still getting those quality cotton effects, but not being afraid to waste expensive cotton paper. I'd definitely recommend 90lb cotton paper for a someone who paints high volume of smaller works, or works where you're not wetting large areas of paper at once (like dry brush work).

[@susanhamilton1822]

I am so glad I have found my paper of choice and don't have to go through this worry and bother. Arches! :) It took me awhile to get through my block head though. lol

[@elizabeth371000]

This was very informitive Steve ,love your videos..happy easter from canada.

[@dochayesnm]

Thanks, Steve!

[@irmavangog8301]

Thank you, so helpfull!!

[@JamieDiamondHelms]

Thank you!

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

a great video, explains so well, things i did not know, thank you 👍🏼

[@iamiabaimai]

Thank you I found your channel! Answers al my question! Spot on for a beginner with lots of questions like me! Thank you!

[@-skalli-]

This was so helpful, thank you so much :)

[@softmongreal2522]

thank you so much for this! 💖

[@sumbae7668]

When I first got the Arches hotpressed I hated it so so much😅 I just couldn't work with it. But after a while I learned to work with it and now it's one of my favourites. The colours are the most intense/vibrant on Arches hotpress. It's super hard to work with but so beautiful. Your tips made me not give up on trying the paper even though I hated it in the beginning😄 Thank you💖

[@lynnfloeter2751]

This presentation was excellent for describing the different papers. As a beginner, I appreciate the information.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nancynewlin]

I recently purchased some Strathmore 500 hot press paper and, after painting on cold press for more than a year, became almost instantly frustrated when I tried putting down some washes. Now I know why!! Thanks, Steve, for all the informative videos about supplies that you have made over the years. And, looking at this very early video, I see how much your presentation style and video qualities have evolved and improved. Keep on doin’ what you’ve been doin’.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thank you Nancy!

[@craigpotter4056]

Thanks I needed that hot press cold press explained! I like it rough!

[@embergrit2305]

Thank you!!!!

[@PSArtGallery]

Very helpful

[@lorrieg4498]

Yup, good stuff.

[@maudale]

thank you very much

[@carollangman1163]

Great video again steve very informative...i love Arches cold press...i ve tried others but always come back to it..Happy Easter from the UK

[@zaarttsfanarts2307]

THANK YOU

[@astridgarcia888]

Thank you for another helpful video ! Happy Easter to all of you !

[@mindofwatercolor]

Happy Easter!

[@mbader9273]

Thank you. That was helpful.

[@personwhodraws325]

Thank you

[@isanmak]

Good recommendation s👍

[@fangchick93]

100% cotton all the way

[@ugtitto2654]

I love rough paper for loose painting, but I only use Cold Press for subtractive painting when I need to use scraping or scratching technique to paint things like dandelion puffballs, grass, rain, rocky textures, highlights on the water ripples, and such like.

[@TheHushedsilence]

98lb watercolor paper is awesome for inktober. Literally only use I've ever been able to say I'm happy with it

[@karenowens9717]

WOW! Great video and as always information I can and will use. I love your videos, and this type of video is when I listen to it more than once and I make notes to keep. Thanks! I have watched your video on your color choices and I just wondered if they remain your color choices. I love those colors. It was a video from last, I think.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Pretty much the same. I enjoy trying lots of colors. The 8 favorites I made a video on aren't so much choices as favorites I keep coming back to and extremely versatile. That has not changed, though I tend to experiment with new palettes a lot.

[@monicabilicic9479]

😂ur funny. Love Arches green n u known I didn't know if it was cold or hot until now. Thanks

[@dougarnold7955]

I've always liked rough, I typically prefer to be expressive. Rough is great for mixed media too, say watercolor underpainting and oil pastel on top. Honestly if I do get back into painting regularly again I might experiment more with hot press but in the past my intuitive response to it is a little bit frustrated...I love the pebbly surface of the rough and while I have the ability to do tight imagery, I prefer the experience of the bumpy surface. I'm a bit of a rebel too, ...the typical resounding astonishment of people looking at really crisp imagery has always pushed me in the opposite direction...toward expression. Thanks. Great vid. It looks like you've got a really good channel. I hit subscribe.