Subscribe to our newsletter. Get your site now How to Choose the Right Watercolor Paper From your Painting Guide Watercolor papers are available in a variety of weights and surfaces. Consider these factors when choosing watercolor paper for your next painting. Tinted papers, even off-white, will give a mellow tone to the painting. Watercolor paper is available in a number of textures which will effect the final look of your painting or limit or enhance certain techniques.
Rough sheets have the greatest textures.
Washes will settle into the hollows of the paper making it ideal for expressionist and abstract work. Cold pressed sheets have a moderate texture and are the most popular, general-purpose papers. Hot pressed sheets have the smoothest surfaces and are popular for detailed work or if flat artwork is needed for reproduction. Watercolor paper is available as loose sheets or in pads. Pads, with their protective covers, are handy to store but higher quality paper is usually available only in loose sheets.