Top 19 Watercolour Paper Brands in 2024

The most popular brands for Watercolour Paper Includes Canson, Strathmore, Daler-Rowney, Fabriano, Winsor & Newton, Pacon, Derwent, Seawhite, Clairefontaine, Jack Richeson among many others.

1

Canson

Popular Brand

Canson offers a diversified and specific range for each artistic need. With each paper sheet designed for particular painting and art purposes, one can use it based on the choice and color type they prefer for their artwork. Canson also provides quality sheets for digital artworks. Their old paper museum consists of paper-making machines that allow visitors to learn more about the process. More importantly, they care about the environment and perseverance of natural resources in their paper manufacturing process.

2

Strathmore

Popular Brand

Strathmore started showing up on these high art papers, initially with Graphite and now with Somerset. Strathmore rapidly became among the top-notch painting newspapers employed by several of the world's most prominent painters. The company has maintained its reputation as a high art material provider for centuries. Nowadays, the company remains and provides the appropriate platform for artisans of all abilities to create magnificent masterpieces. Among the essential considerations an artist takes in affecting the quality of their artwork is the choice of newspapers.

3

Daler-Rowney

Popular Brand
4

Fabriano

Best Brand

Fabriano is a one-stop destination for all the art lovers. Its wonderful products will enhance your creative skills like no other. Hosting a vast collection of attractive drawing papers to art printing and other associated accessories, the company has got you for all your little creative assignments. Trusted by many painters, artists, and art students worldwide, its products have found a place in almost all retail stores, helping it establish a name for itself

5

Winsor & Newton

Best Brand

Winsor and Newton was formed by a chemist and an artist back in 1832. The mixture of science and creativity gave birth to a very popular artist brand of the era. The company sells all kinds of good that an artist need ranging from several types of paints to canvases and papers. They are famous for making artist-level products, and they have made their mark as a regular source of reliable art supplies for many artists across the globe.

6

Pacon

Best Brand

Colorful papers are the most widely used stationery products in art and craft. Pacon is a brand that provides bright paper to artists and children. They provide other stationery items of different brands also on their website. The colorful papers are available in different sizes with different colors. Children and artists use these papers for creating so many craft-related products. Customers also can find retailers and distributors near themselves for purchasing on the website.

7

Derwent

Best Brand

Hue, Value, and Chroma are defined as the three qualities of color. Derwent is a perfect example to represent this. Derwent is an English brand founded in 1832. With over a century-old heritage, it supplies high-quality pencils and stationery for professional-grade sketching. Its product catalog includes vibrant pencil colors, pigmented sketches, charcoal blocks, pen, paper, and other accessories. The products are created by keeping in mind the vision of the original art combined with the reinvented style and unique formulations to provide the best art materials to artists across the world.

8

Seawhite

Best Brand

Already ruling the education industry in the UK, Seawhite specializes in art and design materials. The company has valuable products...

9

Clairefontaine

Meurthe Valley is known for paper production as an honorable tradition. This was where Papeteries de Clairefontaine began business operations...

10

Jack Richeson

Jack Richeson provides fine art materials for all you talented artists out there. They offer products for all your artistic...

11

Loew-Cornell

For those passionate about the art and craft, Loew-Cornell is a hub for them to discover and shop for the...

12

Jane Davenport

Jane Davenport has been delivering retreats and in-person courses for more than ten years. Jane Davenport is a best-selling artist...

13

Grumbacher

Express yourself with Grumbacher's art supplies and materials. Known for its excellence in the art world, Grumbacher was established in...

15

Holbein

Holbein is a comprehensive art supply manufacturer that provides tools and materials to many people involved in art production. They...

16

Spectra

Sleep is a crucial part of a human being's well-being. Spectra is an American sleepwear brand that manufactures orthopedic mattresses....

17

Sakura

The brand of honey Sakura Honey originates from Japan. All of their products are additive- and preservative-free and made with...

18

Copic

While making notes, plain text can be differentiated from the important one using markers. The colorful and reliable markers provide...

19

Blick

BLICK Art Materials started its journey with a single pen in 1911 and now provides art supplies, training, tools, and...

Watercolour Paper Buying Guide

Watercolours are one of the most versatile and popular mediums among artists. They are easy to use and create visually stunning works of art. However, choosing the right watercolour paper can make all the difference in the quality of the finished art piece.

In this guide, we will provide an overview of the different types of watercolour paper, as well as the qualities and factors that should be considered before making a purchase.

Types of Watercolour Paper

Watercolour paper comes in a variety of types, each with its own characteristics and usage recommendations. The following are the most common types of watercolour paper.

Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper

Hot pressed watercolour paper is smooth and has a fine texture. It is the ideal paper for detailed work, and it is often used for illustrations and botanical drawings. As the paper is less absorbent, the colours remain brighter and the paint dries quicker. It is also ideal for use with pen and ink, as the ink does not bleed or feather.

Cold Pressed Watercolour Paper

Cold pressed watercolour paper has a medium texture and is the most commonly used watercolour paper. This paper is versatile and can be used for a wide range of painting techniques, from detailed work to washes. As the paper is more absorbent, it is excellent for creating gradients and layering colours.

Rough Watercolour Paper

Rough watercolour paper has a textured surface and is ideal for creating a textured and rustic look. The paper has more tooth, which provides the artist with more control over the paint. It is best for loose and expressive painting styles and is often used for landscapes, seascapes and abstract art.

Qualities to Consider When Choosing Watercolour Paper

The quality of watercolour paper varies depending on the brand, type and grade. The following qualities should be considered before making a purchase.

Weight

The weight of watercolour paper is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). The most commonly used weight for watercolour paper is 140lb (300gsm). Heavier papers are sturdier and can handle more water and paint pigment without buckling. Lighter papers, such as 90lb (190gsm), are best for travel and quick sketches, but they can easily wrinkle or tear.

Texture

The texture of watercolour paper is determined by the formation of the paper's surface during production. The texture of the paper can range from smooth to rough. The texture affects the way the paint is absorbed and how the colours are blended.

Colour

Watercolour paper comes in different colours, including white, cream and ivory. While white is the most commonly used, coloured paper can add an interesting effect to the finished piece.

Acidity

Acidity or pH is an important factor when selecting watercolour paper. Acidic paper will yellow and become brittle over time, damaging the artwork. pH neutral paper is the best option, as it does not contain acid and is more durable.

Brand

The quality of watercolour paper varies by brand. It is best to research and read reviews before making a purchase. The most popular brands include Arches, Winsor & Newton, Fabriano and Canson.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Watercolour Paper

Now that we have identified the qualities of watercolour paper, it is essential to consider other factors before making a purchase.

Budget

The price of watercolour paper varies, depending on the brand, type and quality. While it may be tempting to purchase cheaper paper, artists should consider investing in high-quality paper to produce better work. It is also essential to consider the cost per sheet, as larger pads may have a lower cost per sheet.

Purpose

The purpose of the artwork should be considered when selecting watercolour paper. Hot pressed paper is best for detailed work, while cold pressed paper is versatile and suitable for various painting techniques. Rough paper is best for loose and expressive painting styles.

Paper Size

The size of the paper should also be considered. The size of the paper can also affect the final work, as smaller pieces may have less detail and larger pieces may require more time and effort to complete.

Availability

Availability is also an essential factor to consider when purchasing watercolour paper. Popular brands and types of paper may not always be available, so artists should have an alternative in mind when making a purchase.

Conclusion

Watercolour paper is a vital component of producing high-quality artwork. The type, quality and brand of paper, as well as the factors to consider when purchasing, can all play a significant role in the final outcome of the artwork.

Artists should consider their purpose, budget and style when selecting watercolour paper. While high-quality paper may be more expensive, it will produce better results and ensure that the artwork is durable and long-lasting.

By understanding the different types and qualities of watercolour paper, artists can choose the best paper for their needs, allowing them to express their creativity and produce beautiful works of art.

Categories Similar to Watercolour Paper

Top similar topics to Watercolour Paper Includes Watercolor Paint, Oil Paint, Easels among many others.