The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Thickness for Watercolor Paper

Choosing the right watercolor paper thickness is crucial for achieving the desired artistic effects and ensuring your artwork stands the test of time. In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider, including texture and weight, to help you select the perfect paper for your projects.

Optimal Thickness for Watercolor Paper

The suitable thickness for watercolor paper typically ranges between 140 lbs (300 gsm) and 300 lbs (640 gsm). Heavier papers, which are stronger and can withstand more water without buckling, are ideal for various watercolor techniques. Opting for a paper in this range will offer a good balance of durability and flexibility for your artwork.

Caring for Your Art with Cent percent Cotton Paper

To ensure your artwork stands the test of time, it is recommended to use 100 percent cotton papers. These papers are tough, absorb color excellently, and will not turn yellow over time. Investing in quality cotton paper is a wise choice if you prioritize the longevity and aesthetics of your paintings.

Understanding Watercolor Paper Texture and Weight

When selecting watercolor paper, two primary factors to consider are texture and weight. These elements significantly impact the outcome of your artwork, making them crucial to consider.

Texture

Texture directly influences the quality of each brushstroke, determining the final look and feel of your painting.

Hot-Pressed Paper

Hot-pressed paper is created by rolling it through metal rollers to produce a smooth surface. This type of paper is ideal for detailed work, such as ink and graphite, and is perfect for creating subtle color gradients when painting elements like flowers, clothing, skin tones, and skies. Hot-pressed paper offers a sleek finish that is excellent for mixed media work.

Cold-Pressed Paper

Cold-pressed paper has a rougher texture compared to hot-pressed paper, allowing some of the paint to settle into the grainy surface. This creates a beautiful, textured brushstroke that works well for representing sparkling bodies of water and is particularly suitable for beginners. Cold-pressed paper is also a favorite among many artists due to its versatility and ease of use.

Rough Paper

Rough paper features a very textured surface that tends to work best for expressive brush strokes rather than detailed work. This texture encourages experimentation and adds emotional depth to your paintings. Working with rough paper can be fun and unpredictable, as the results often differ from your expectations.

Weight

The weight of watercolor paper is essential for determining its thickness and durability. Higher weights indicate thicker and more robust paper, which is less prone to warping and requires no stretching.

Describing Paper Weight

Watercolor paper weight is commonly described in two ways:

Pounds (lbs)

Weights are expressed using the British Imperial system in pounds per ream. A ream consists of 500 sheets of standard size, which is called the basis size. In the case of watercolor paper, the basis size is the imperial full sheet measuring 22” by 30” inches. The actual weight of one ream of imperial full sheets is as follows:

90 lb (185 gsm): quite thin and very lightweight paper, more suited for studies and training 140 lb (300 gsm): medium thickness, works well for various watercolor techniques without stretching 300 lb (640 gsm): heavy weight, very sturdy, but more expensive and takes longer to dry like cardboard Grams per Square Meter (gsm or g/m2)

Grams per square meter is a simpler way to measure paper weight. For example, 300 gsm paper is roughly equivalent to 140 lbs. It’s easier to think of these weights as thin, medium, and thick categories:

90 lb (185 gsm): thin, light paper 140 lb (300 gsm): medium, versatile for most techniques 300 lb (640 gsm): thick, durable and less prone to warping

Choosing the right thickness and texture of watercolor paper can significantly impact the quality and longevity of your artwork. By understanding the factors that influence the choice of paper, you can select the perfect one for your projects and achieve the best results.