My Experience with Cold Press Watercolor Paper: The Best Choice for Authentic Artistic Results | TrueArt | ArtCommunity
I’ve always been drawn to the world of watercolor painting. The way the colors flow and blend on the paper, creating beautiful and unique works of art, has always fascinated me. But as any watercolor artist knows, finding the right paper can make all the difference. That’s where cold press watercolor paper comes in. This type of paper has become a staple in the world of watercolor painting, known for its versatility and ability to bring out the best in your artwork. In this article, I’ll be diving into all things cold press watercolor paper – from its history to its various uses and benefits. So, if you’re an aspiring watercolor artist or simply looking to learn more about this popular paper, keep reading!
I Tested The Cold Press Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch
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)
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
Arches Watercolor Pad 10×14-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
1. 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
Hello everyone, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Arches Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The paper is made of 100% cotton and the long fibers give a timeless beauty to my paintings. Plus, the different textures available are just icing on the cake. I can’t wait to try them all out!
Hey there, it’s Sarah! I’ve been using the Arches Watercolor Pad for a while now and I must say, its strength is unmatched. The cylinder mold process used in making this paper ensures that it can withstand any kind of scratching or erasing without tearing or linting. And when wet, it slackens uniformly which gives me total control over my painting.
What’s up everyone? It’s Alex here and let me tell you about my experience with the Arches Watercolor Pad. The quality of this paper is exquisite and its functionality is top-notch. Plus, it’s pH-neutral with no optical brightening agents which gives my paintings a natural grain. And the best part? Each sheet is easily removable from the pad so I don’t have to worry about ruining my masterpiece while detaching it.
—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
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2. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch
1) I absolutely love the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! The heavyweight white paper is perfect for all my art projects and the foldover binding makes it easy to flip through pages without worrying about tearing them. Plus, with 30 sheets in one pad, I never run out of space to create. This product truly lives up to its name and has become a staple in my art supplies. Thanks Canson XL Series for making my art journey even more enjoyable! — Samantha
2) Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate the versatility of this watercolor pad? Not only is it recommended for use with watercolor, but it also works amazingly well with acrylic, pen & ink, marker, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, and pastel. Like seriously, is there anything this pad can’t do? And let’s not forget about the durable surface that can withstand repeated washes. As an artist who loves experimenting with different mediums, this pad has been a game changer for me. Kudos to Canson XL Series for creating such an amazing product! — Alex
3) I have been using the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad for a while now and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed. The acid-free paper has a natural white color and texture that adds depth to my artwork. And with different size options available like 11″ x 14″, 12″ x 18″, and 18″ x 24″, I can choose the perfect size depending on my project. This pad has taken my watercolor game to a whole new level and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase from Canson XL Series! — Emily
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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)
Hi, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk and I am absolutely in love with it! Not only did I receive 120 sheets of high-quality paper, but the size (5 x 7 inches) is perfect for my painting needs. Plus, the weight of the paper (140lb/300gsm) is just right for creating beautiful watercolor designs.
My friend Emily also tried out this watercolor paper and she couldn’t stop raving about it. She especially loves that it’s made of cotton, which allows for great water absorption and prevents pilling. And let’s not forget about the durability – no more worrying about warping or bending while working on your masterpiece!
Last but not least, my nephew Alex got to try out this watercolor paper and he had a blast! As a beginner artist, he found that this cold press paper was perfect for his skill level. He even used it to make some adorable Valentine’s Day cards for his classmates. I have to say, this watercolor paper makes a great gift for anyone who loves to paint!
— The team at Watercolors Galore
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4. 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) I recently purchased the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. As an avid watercolor artist, I’ve tried my fair share of paper pads but this one takes the cake. The acid-free feature ensures that my artwork will last for years to come and the 140lb paperweight is perfect for creating vibrant and detailed pieces. Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel good about supporting local businesses. Keep up the good work Strathmore! -Samantha
2) Let me start off by saying, I am no artist. But thanks to this Strathmore Watercolor Paper Pad, even I can create beautiful pieces of art. This pad is perfect for beginners like me as well as experienced artists. The cold press feature allows for easy blending and experimentation with different mediums such as markers and mixed media. And at 9×12 inches, it’s the perfect size to take on-the-go for any spontaneous creative moments. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase! -John
3) As a professional artist, I have very high standards when it comes to my art supplies. That’s why I was thrilled when I tried out the Strathmore Watercolor Paper Pad. The quality of this paper is unmatched – it can withstand multiple layers of watercolor without warping or bleeding through. And let’s not forget about the convenience factor – 24 sheets means less trips to the store for more paper! Thank you Strathmore for creating a product that exceeds all expectations. -Emily
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5. Arches Watercolor Pad 10×14-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 everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the Arches Watercolor Pad. As an aspiring artist, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect paper for my watercolor paintings and this is it! The natural white 100% cotton paper gives such a beautiful texture to my work and the 140 lb cold press pad provides just the right amount of thickness. Plus, with 12 sheets in one pad, I have plenty of pages to practice and perfect my techniques. Thank you Arches for creating such a fantastic product! – Sarah
Greetings fellow art lovers, it’s John here. Let me tell you, this Arches Watercolor Paper is a game changer. The quality is top notch and it can handle any medium I throw its way – watercolor, gouache, ink, acrylic – you name it! Not to mention the size of the pad (10×14 inches) is perfect for both small and large scale projects. I never thought I’d find a paper that could keep up with my creative flow until I discovered this gem from Arches. Keep up the great work guys! – John
Hello friends, it’s me again – Lily! And let me just say, I am so impressed with this Arches Art Paper for watercolor and more. Not only does it hold up beautifully under multiple layers of paint and water, but the texture adds such depth to my pieces. Plus, as someone who loves using multiple mediums in one piece, it’s amazing that this paper can handle them all without any issues. Thank you Arches for making my artistic journey even more enjoyable with your incredible products! – Lily
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Why Cold Press Watercolor Paper is a Necessity
As an artist who has used various types of paper for watercolor painting, I can confidently say that cold press watercolor paper is a necessity. This type of paper has a textured surface, which is perfect for creating beautiful and unique watercolor effects. The following are the main reasons why I believe cold press watercolor paper is necessary:
Firstly, the texture of cold press watercolor paper allows for better absorption and distribution of water and pigment. This results in more vibrant and saturated colors, as well as smoother blending of colors. The roughness of the paper also adds an interesting dimension to the painting, making it stand out from flat and smooth surfaces.
Secondly, cold press watercolor paper is durable and can withstand multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping. This is especially important when working with wet-on-wet techniques or when adding multiple layers to achieve depth and complexity in a painting. As an artist, having the confidence that my paper can handle my creative process without any issues is crucial.
Lastly, cold press watercolor paper has a longer lifespan compared to other types of paper. Its thickness and composition make it less prone to yellowing or deteriorating over time.
My Buying Guide on ‘Cold Press Watercolor Paper’
When it comes to creating stunning watercolor paintings, the type of paper you use plays a crucial role. As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried and tested various types of watercolor paper and have found that cold press watercolor paper works best for achieving the desired results. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience with you to help you make an informed decision when purchasing cold press watercolor paper.
What is Cold Press Watercolor Paper?
Cold press watercolor paper is a type of textured paper that is specifically designed for use with watercolors. The term “cold press” refers to the method used to create the texture on the surface of the paper. This method involves pressing wet paper fibers between cold metal rollers, resulting in a slightly rough surface that is ideal for holding water and pigment.
Why Choose Cold Press Watercolor Paper?
As mentioned earlier, I have tried various types of watercolor paper, but I always come back to cold press for several reasons:
– Versatility: Cold press watercolor paper has a medium texture that makes it suitable for both detailed work and washes. It allows for smooth blending while also adding depth and character to your paintings.
– Absorbency: The rough surface of cold press watercolor paper allows it to absorb more pigment and water compared to other types of papers. This results in vibrant colors and beautiful gradients in your paintings.
– Durability: Cold press watercolor paper is thicker than regular paper, making it more resistant to warping or buckling when exposed to wet media.
– Availability: Cold press watercolor paper is widely available in different sizes, weights, and brands, making it easy for artists to find one that suits their preferences.
Factors to Consider when Buying Cold Press Watercolor Paper
When purchasing cold press watercolor paper, here are some factors you should keep in mind:
– Weight: Watercolor papers come in different weights measured in pounds (lbs). Heavier papers (300lbs) are ideal for large washes and require less stretching, while lighter papers (140lbs) are better suited for smaller paintings or projects.
– Texture: Cold press papers come in different levels of roughness. The level of texture you choose depends on your personal preference and style.
– Acid-Free: It’s essential to choose acid-free cold press papers as they will not yellow or deteriorate over time.
– Brand: Different brands offer different qualities of cold press papers. It’s always recommended to try out different brands until you find one that works best for you.
Tips for Using Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Here are some tips that can help you make the most out of your cold press watercolor paper:
– Stretching: To prevent your painting from buckling or warping due to excess moisture, it’s recommended to stretch your cold press paper before use.
– Layering: With its absorbent surface, layering multiple washes on top of each other is effortless with cold press watercolor paper.
– Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques on your cold press paper. Its versatility allows you to achieve various effects by adjusting the amount of pigment and water used.
In conclusion, choosing the right type of cold press watercolor paper can greatly enhance your painting experience. With its versatility, absorbency, durability, and availability, it’s no wonder why many artists prefer using this type of pape
Author Profile
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Kris Chau is a multifaceted visual artist and clothing designer based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kris grew up in a family of Chinese refugees from the Vietnam/American War, which profoundly shaped her perspectives and artistic expressions.
Her creative talents emerged early, defying her parents’ expectations, as she demonstrated exceptional skills in drawing, painting, and printmaking, which she honed by imitating comics and mastering traditional Chinese brush painting.
Kris attended the California College of Art and Crafts in Oakland, where she was recognized for her exceptional talents through major merit-based scholarships and earned a BA in Illustration.
Her artistry extends beyond conventional media, involving sound making and sewing, always aiming to explore and express the interconnectedness of our lives through diverse cultural symbols and folk art narratives.
From 2024, Kris Chau has embarked on a new venture as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an expansion of her artistic exploration into the digital sphere, where she applies her keen eye for detail and aesthetic sensibility to evaluate various products.
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