Watercolour paper is the unsung hero of great watercolour painting. You can have the best watercolour paints and brushes in the world, but if your paper can’t handle the water, your colours won’t behave the way you want them to. Quality watercolour paper controls how paint flows, blends and settles, helping you achieve everything from soft washes and dreamy gradients to crisp detail and layered depth. Made from cotton or premium cellulose and finished with acid-free sizing, the right paper gives your work longevity as well as beauty.
At Art Shed, we stock a carefully chosen range of watercolour pads and papers for beginners, students and professional artists alike. From everyday drawing pads and mixed media options for practice to premium 100 percent cotton sheets built for glazing, wet-on-wet washes and detailed illustration, there’s something here for every style of painter. With options spanning lightweight papers through to heavyweight 300 gsm and above, it’s easy to find a surface that suits your technique, your medium and the way you like to work.
How to Choose the Right Watercolour Pad for Your Artwork
Paper texture has a huge impact on how your watercolours behave on the page.
Hot press paper has a smooth, almost silky finish that’s perfect for clean linework, detailed illustration, ink and watercolour combinations and soft, controlled gradients. Because it absorbs water more slowly, colours sit on the surface longer, giving you extra time to glaze and adjust before they lock in.
Cold press paper is the all-round crowd favourite. Its gentle texture grabs pigment beautifully without feeling rough, making it ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike. Cold press handles loose washes just as confidently as fine detail, which is why it’s often the first choice for everyday watercolour painting.
Rough paper brings bold texture and character. Its deep tooth enhances granulating pigments, expressive brushstrokes and atmospheric effects, giving your paintings a raw, organic feel that really shows off movement and colour variation.
GSM, or grams per square metre, tells you how sturdy your paper is. Papers around 200 to 250 gsm work well for light washes, studies and travel sketching, though they may buckle unless stretched. Heavier papers from 300 gsm through to 640 gsm are designed to handle generous water, repeated layering, lifting and wet-on-wet techniques with much less warping. If you love large washes or dramatic texture, heavier paper is your best friend.
Caring for Your Watercolour Pad and Artwork
Watercolour paper performs at its best when it’s looked after properly. To reduce buckling, lightly mist or soak your sheet and tape it to a board with archival tape, or fully stretch the paper by wetting and securing it until dry. This creates a tight, flat surface that stands up to heavy washes.
If you paint directly from a glued watercolour block, keeping the edges taped while you work can add extra stability. Many blocks are glued on multiple sides to help minimise warping, which is especially handy for plein air painting or large, wet areas.
Once your artwork is finished, allow it to dry completely before removing it from the pad. Store finished pieces flat, away from humidity, heat and direct sunlight. For long-term care, acid-free sleeves, folders or portfolios help preserve colour vibrancy and prevent yellowing over time. A little care goes a long way in keeping your work looking fresh and strong.
Frequently Asked Questions About
What is the difference between hot press and cold press paper?
Hot press paper is smooth and ideal for detail work, ink pairing and controlled blending. Cold press paper has a subtle texture that suits most watercolour techniques and offers balanced absorbency.
How thick should my watercolour paper be?
For light washes or practice, papers around 200 to 250 gsm are fine but may need stretching. For heavier water use or layered techniques, choose 300 gsm or higher to keep pages flat and stable.
Can I use a watercolour pad for gouache or ink?
Yes. Most watercolour papers handle gouache, ink, markers and mixed media beautifully. Smooth hot press paper is great for ink and illustration, while cold press paper works well for both gouache and watercolour.
How do I stop paper from warping while painting?
Stretch or tape your paper before painting, or use a glued watercolour pad. Heavier GSM papers naturally resist buckling and stay flatter during wet techniques.
Resources, Guides & Further Learning
Looking to level up your watercolour skills? Explore our blogs below for watercolour techniques, paper stretching guides and plenty of helpful tips along the way.