What is The Best Watercolor Paper For You?

There are two options when selecting a watercolor paper depending on where and how you will be painting.

Watercolor paper comes in full sheets sheets, pads and blocks. Choosing the right paper for your watercolor project is important - the right paper will provide a better experience and produce better results. So, what’s are the differences between them?

Key Takeaways

1. Watercolor blocks are best for travel, as they stay together in your bag and have a cover to protect them.

2. Sheets, pads and blocks come in a variety of sizes, grades, and textures.

3. Blocks are glued down on all four sides, so they stay flat and do not buckle as you paint.

Sheets, Pads or Blocks of Watercolor Paper

The biggest difference between the three types of watercolor paper is that sheets are loose-leaf, pads are bound on one side and blocks are glued down on all four edges. Although watercolor paper is available in either artist or student grade I have only ever seen blocks in 100% cotton artist grade.

Watercolor Sheets are generally sold in one size 22"x30" also known as a Full Imperial sheet. In Europe a full sheet is called A1 84.1 x 59.4cm (approximately 22"x30"). Full sheets are by far the most economical paper. They can easily be torn or cut down to half, quarter and eighth sizes which will all fit into standard sized frames using a 2 inch matte. Sheets are available in both 100% cotton artist grade and wood pulp or cotton blend student grades.

Watercolor pads come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are available in 100% cotton, pulp/cotton blends and 100% wood pulp. Artist grade pads are gummed on one edge to hold them together while student grade pads can also come with a spiral binding. Pads come in hot press, cold press and rough textures.

Watercolor Blocks are pads of paper that are attached to a backing board and glued on all 4 sides to prevent buckling while painting. This makes them an ideal choice for plein-air and travel. Blocks are available in cotton or pulp but the pulp blocks can be very difficult to find. They also come in a wide range of shapes and sizes with the largest being 12"x16", all the way down to travel size that you can throw in your backpack. Blocks come in hot press, cold press and rough textures.

Since they’re glued down, the sheets on the block . To remove the sheet from the block when you’re done painting, you simply stick a palette knife or blunt knife into the opening on the block and run it along the edges of that sheet to remove it.

Watercolor paper blocks are especially great for travel. They come with 20 sheets per block and won’t get messy or crumpled in your backpack or luggage the way sheets will. Plus, the blocks come with a cover that protects the paper during travel. Whenever you’re painting plein-air, a block of paper is most convenient.

Brands of Watercolor Paper

There are plenty of watercolor paper brands on the market, so choosing one comes down to personal preference and trial and error. Artist grade paper such as Arches and Fabriano are really great and provides a positive, consistent experience every time. Once you find a brand you like, you’ll find that sticking to the same brand helps you get uniform results, every time. You might consider other brands like Stonehenge, Hahnemuhle, SMLT, Canson, Strathmore to name a few. Shop around and try a few options out before you settle on a favourite.

Final Thoughts

When selecting a watercolor paper, you have to choose between sheets pads or blocks. Each serves a different purpose. You might prefer sheets in a studio setting, where you can lay the paper flat on a surface and get the most control. However, pads and blocks have many advantages as well. When traveling a block of watercolor paper is very convenient. Its glued-down edges will keep it neat in your bag and prevent any buckling. You will likely end up using all types of paper - it just depends on your circumstances: studio, plain-air, or travelling.

Interested in learning more?

Check out our youtube video on this subject with Arts of Course instructor Jess Rice.

You may also want to read 16 simple things to know to begin with watercolors and create successful paintings.

Download our free Top 10 Watercolor Tips by 200 passionate painters

Categories: Watercolor Paper, Watercolor tips