An Overview of Waterbased Media Watercolor is a waterbased media. Waterbased media can include acrylic, gouache, ink, and tempera among others. It is a general description of any medium that uses water as its base. Papers vary greatly in composition, weight, texture and size.
All paints use the same pigments for color.
Watercolor uses gum arabic as the binder and water as the solvent. There are many manufacturers of fine watercolor papers. The preferred manufacturers of artist quality watercolor paper are from England, USA, France, and Italy. Each manufacturer has their special formula, but papers are generally made by making a fine pulp out of linen and cotton rags, then adding sizing and pouring this mixture onto a mold. Fine watercolor papers all have a manufacturer's mark, which is either embossed or watermarked into the paper and is apparent by touch or holding the sheet up to the light.