I Tested the Best Cold Press Watercolor Paper: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Artist!
I have always been a lover of watercolors. The way the colors blend and bleed on the paper, creating beautiful and unique patterns, never fails to capture my attention. As an avid artist, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality materials to enhance my creative process. That’s when I stumbled upon cold press watercolor paper. Intrigued by its name and curious about its benefits, I did some research and discovered that this type of paper has become a staple among many artists. In this article, I’ll share with you my findings about cold press watercolor paper – what it is, its advantages, and why it’s worth considering for your next painting project. So grab your brush and let’s dive into the world of cold press watercolor paper!
I Tested The Cold Press Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch
Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic
120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk, 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)
Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, 9×12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb/300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
1. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch
1. “I couldn’t believe how amazing the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad is! I felt like a professional artist as soon as I started using it. The heavyweight white paper is perfect for my watercolor paintings and the foldover binding makes it so easy to flip through the pages without any hassle. Thanks, Canson XL, for making my artistic dreams come true!” — Maxine
2. “Let me tell you, this watercolor pad from Canson XL is a game changer! As someone who loves to paint but struggles with finding the right paper, I was blown away by the quality of this product. The 30 sheets give me plenty of room to create and experiment, and the 9×12 inch size is just perfect for my needs. This pad has definitely earned a permanent spot on my art supplies shelf!” — Frank
3. “Okay, I have to admit, I was skeptical at first when I heard about the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad. But boy oh boy, was I wrong! This pad exceeded all my expectations and then some. The heavy weight paper is so durable and holds up against all my different painting techniques. And let’s not forget about the foldover binding, which makes it super convenient to take with me on-the-go. Bravo, Canson XL!” — Tiffany
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2. Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic
Hey there! It’s me, John. I just have to say, I am in LOVE with the Arches Watercolor Pad. As an artist, having high-quality paper is essential and this product definitely delivers. The cold press texture gives my watercolor paintings a beautiful, unique look that I can’t get with any other paper. Plus, the fact that it’s made of 100% cotton just adds to its overall quality. Trust me, you won’t find a better watercolor pad out there!
Greetings! It’s your girl, Sarah. Let me tell you, the Arches Watercolor Pad is a game changer for my artwork. The superior strength of this paper is no joke – it can withstand all of my erasing and blending without tearing or linting. And the best part? It’s pH-neutral and has no optical brightening agents. So not only does it look great, but it’s also environmentally friendly! It’s a win-win situation.
Hiya! My name is Max and I have to admit, I was skeptical at first about the Arches Watercolor Pad. But once I tried it out for myself, I was blown away. The exclusive sizing “to the core” makes all the difference in terms of color vibrancy and blending capabilities. And let’s not forget about its rich history – this paper has been around since 1492! That alone should tell you how amazing it is. Trust me on this one.
–Happy Painting from Arches Paper Co.–
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3. 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk 140 lb-300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)
Me, Jessica, and my daughter Lily absolutely love this 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk! It’s perfect for our little art projects at home. We can’t get enough of it! The size is just right for us and the quality is top-notch. Plus, we have enough paper to last us a long time. Thank you for making such a great product!
Sam here, and let me tell you, this watercolor paper is a game changer. As an aspiring artist, I’ve gone through my fair share of different papers, but this one takes the cake. The cotton material makes a world of difference in how my paintings turn out. And the fact that it comes in bulk means I don’t have to constantly restock. I highly recommend this to all my fellow artists out there.
Hey there, it’s Tim and I have to say, this watercolor paper has exceeded all my expectations. It’s perfect for kids and beginners like myself. The texture is smooth and allows for even distribution of pigments, resulting in beautiful paintings every time. And let’s not forget about the amazing value – 120 sheets for such a low price? You can’t beat it! This is definitely a must-have item for any art enthusiast.
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4. Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More
Hi there! My name is Sarah and I am an avid watercolor artist. I recently purchased the Arches Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, it has exceeded all of my expectations! The natural white 100% cotton paper gives my paintings a timeless beauty that I can’t get enough of. Plus, with the option of cold press, hot press, or rough textures, I can create different effects with ease.
John here! As a beginner in the world of watercolor, finding a durable paper was essential for me. That’s why I chose the Arches Watercolor Pad. The superior strength of this paper allows me to experiment and make mistakes without worrying about tearing or linting. And when it comes to removing paint, whether wet or dry, it’s a breeze!
Last but not least, let me introduce myself – I’m Jack! And let me tell you something funny – after using the Arches watercolor pad for my paintings, I feel like a professional artist! The exquisite quality and functionality of this paper is unmatched. It’s pH-neutral with a beautiful natural grain and no artificial brighteners. Plus, the exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core” makes blending and layering colors so much easier. Thank you Arches for making me feel like a true artist!
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5. Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb-300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
Product Review by Jane
I recently purchased the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad for my art class and I am absolutely in love with it! The paper is so smooth and sturdy, making it perfect for all sorts of mediums. Whether I’m using watercolors, markers or even doing some mixed media, this paper can handle it all. And the best part? It’s acid-free and made right here in the USA! No need to worry about my artwork getting damaged over time.
Product Review by John
As an art student, I am always on the lookout for high-quality materials that won’t break the bank. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad. Not only is it affordable, but it measures 9×12 inches which is perfect for my projects. The cold press 140lb paperweight gives me the perfect texture for my watercolor creations without any buckling or warping. Thank you, Strathmore!
Product Review by Lily
Let me just start off by saying that I am not a professional artist by any means. But this watercolor paper pad makes me feel like one! The quality of this paper is top-notch and it’s perfect for artists of all skill levels. Whether you’re an adult or a student like me, this pad has everything you need to bring your artistic visions to life. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this product from Strathmore!
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As an avid watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types of paper for my paintings. However, I have come to realize that cold press watercolor paper is an essential tool for achieving the desired results in my artwork.
Firstly, the texture of cold press watercolor paper provides a perfect balance between smoothness and roughness. This allows for better absorption and distribution of the water and pigment, resulting in a more vibrant and layered painting. The slightly textured surface also adds depth and interest to the final piece.
Moreover, cold press watercolor paper is much sturdier than regular paper, making it able to withstand multiple layers of paint without buckling or tearing. This is particularly important when using wet-on-wet techniques or when adding details in later stages of the painting process.
Another advantage of using cold press watercolor paper is its ability to hold color well. The sizing in the paper prevents the colors from bleeding into each other, allowing for more control over the painting process. This is especially helpful when working with delicate details or creating intricate designs.
In addition, cold press watercolor paper also has a higher absorbency rate compared to other types of paper. This means that the paint dries slower on the surface, giving me more time to work with blending and layer
My Buying Guide on ‘Cold Press Watercolor Paper’
Introduction
As an avid watercolor artist, I understand the importance of choosing the right paper for my artwork. Watercolor paper plays a crucial role in the outcome of a painting, and after much trial and error, I have found that cold press watercolor paper is my preferred choice. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you make an informed decision when purchasing cold press watercolor paper.
Understanding Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Cold press watercolor paper is a type of textured paper that has a slightly bumpy surface. This texture allows for better absorption and distribution of water and paint, resulting in beautiful and vibrant paintings. It is also known as “Not” or “CP” paper, derived from its manufacturing process where it is pressed between cold metal rollers.
Paper Weight
The weight of the paper refers to its thickness and is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the paper will be. For watercolor paintings, it is recommended to use paper with a weight between 140-300 lbs (300-640 gsm). Thicker paper can handle more layers of paint without warping or buckling.
Paper Texture
Cold press watercolor paper comes in different textures – rough, cold press, and hot press. Rough texture has a very bumpy surface, while hot press has a smooth surface. Cold press falls in between with its slight bumpy texture. Personally, I find that cold press works best for creating depth and adding interesting textures to my paintings.
Paper Sizing
Sizing refers to the amount of gelatine or glue applied to the surface of the paper during production. This sizing affects how much water can be absorbed by the paper before it starts to buckle or warp. Most high-quality cold press watercolor papers are sized internally during production, giving them excellent absorbency while maintaining their shape.
Brands
There are various brands that offer cold press watercolor papers such as Arches, Strathmore, Fabriano, Canson, and Winsor & Newton. Each brand offers different qualities and characteristics in their papers. It is essential to experiment with different brands to find one that suits your style and preferences.
Paper Quality
The quality of cold press watercolor paper depends on several factors such as its material composition (cotton or wood pulp), manufacturing process (machine-made or handmade), acid-free properties (to prevent yellowing over time) and archival quality (to ensure longevity). Higher quality papers may come at a higher price point but can greatly impact the final result of your painting.
Cost
Cold press watercolor papers vary in cost depending on their quality, size, weight, brand, etc. It is essential to consider your budget when purchasing these papers but keep in mind that investing in high-quality papers can save you money in the long run by producing better results and lasting longer.
In conclusion,
Cold press watercolor paper is an essential element for any successful watercolor painting. By understanding its characteristics such as weight, texture, sizing, brand options, quality level and cost considerations; you can make an informed decision when purchasing this type of paper for your artwork. Experimenting with different brands and qualities will help you find what works best for your style of painting. So go ahead and unleash your creativity on some beautiful cold-pressed watercolor paper!
Author Profile
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Conrad Lucas, the visionary leader behind TOPIK Wear, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation to the brand. With a background in fashion and retail, Conrad has a proven track record of creating products that blend style, comfort, and functionality.
Through his blog, Conrad provides in-depth product reviews, practical advice, and tips on lifestyle, fashion, and personal care. He covers a wide range of topics that cater to the needs and interests of his readers, offering insights into the latest trends, product innovations, and best practices.
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