How to choose watercolor: PAPER

The choice of papers is vast and can be overwhelm even an experienced artist. In order to find the paper which suits your particular style buy only a few sheets at a time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 1. There are three main types of machine-made paper. Hot press (HP), cold press (CP) and Rough.
   Hot press paper is very smooth. It is good for pen and wash, is not good for building up layers of washes.
   Cold press paper is slightly textured. It is the most popular and is suitable for both broad washes and detail work.
   Rough, as the name implies, is heavily textured giving a speckled effect good for some subjects but difficult to work with.

2. 2. Handmade papers are made from pure linen rag and treated with sizing on one side, thus having a right and wrong side. Hold the paper up to the light so the watermark becomes visible. When readable, it's the right side. Many machine-made papers also have watermarks and hence a right and a wrong side. Personally, I have used either side without problems.

3. 3. Some papers are tougher than others and will withstand more erasing. Some are easier than others to manipulate and to move paint around.

4. 4. Papers vary in weight (thickness). The lighter weight (70 to 140 lb) need to be stretched, stapled or masked to a support or they will buckle as soon as wet paint is applied to them. Personally I prefer to mask all around so I have a nice one inch border of white when the masking tape is removed. This white border also allows the framer room to work without covering any part of your work.

5. 5. There are also watercolor boards. These have watercolor paper mounted on heavy board so the stretching is already done.
   They are lovely to use, especially for outdoor work since no drawing board is needed. They are costly and difficult to cut, but a pleasure to work on.

6. 6. Yupo paper isn't paper at all, but 100% Polypropylene. It is acid free and has a VERY smooth finish. Paint is totally removable and the sheet is reworkable. I find it difficult to control, however, the unusual effects are sometimes just what I want. See the featured image; Springmaid Workshop on Yupo paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Some good machine-made papers I like are: Chanson, Strathmore, Arches, Lana.
• 150 lb. cold press paper is best for most purposes.
• 300 lb. paper does not have to be stretched or masked.
• You cannot see through watercolor board or use the other side.
• Single papers (22"x 30") are the most economical. Cut them to size(s) with a long straight edge and a razor knife.

[2besure]

on 12/30/2008 Thanks for the tips!

[Sounique]

on 12/1/2008 Very well written.