Some pads of watercolor paper are available and can be used successfully while in the pad if water quantity is limited. Watercolor paper blocks are manufactured for use with a variety of watermedia techniques and can stand up to even the heaviest application of fluid. All edges of the block are bound with glue except one small area that allows the sheets to be gently separated with the edge of a palette knife or other thin blade. The one advantage to using a watercolor block for watercolor painting is that no taping or tacking of the paper is necessary because the glue binding holds the page flat. Storage of paper is important.
Excess moisture can promote mildew on paper since it is so absorbent.
Paper is easily dented, bent, crushed or creased, and once these injuries occur, they are almost impossible to remove. One storage suggestion is to make folders from two full sheets of rag matting, taped along one long edge with acid-free artist's tape. Insert specialty papers, each labeled for future identification. Stand the file upright behind the sofa or against a wall, protected from household pets, children and accidental mishap. Papers made for use by artists are often created by hand.