Understand What is Watercolour Paper Made of

Watercolour painting is a beloved art form, known for its ethereal qualities and luminous transparency. Yet, the success of a watercolour piece doesn’t solely rely on the artist’s skill or the quality of the paints used—the paper itself plays a pivotal role. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the diverse world of watercolour paper, helping both beginners and seasoned artists understand the importance of choosing the right canvas for their aqueous masterpieces.

What is Watercolour Paper? 

Watercolour paper isn’t your average sketchbook page. It’s a specially designed canvas engineered to hold and preserve the unique qualities of watercolour paint. The right paper can make or break your painting, influencing everything from texture to how the colours interact and blend.

Selecting the appropriate watercolour paper can be as critical as picking the right subject to paint. It impacts the overall feel, longevity, and quality of your artwork. Therefore understanding the material of watercolour paper is essential for any artist’s toolkit.

Watercolour Paper Materials and Composition

Cotton Watercolor Paper: 

Cotton watercolour paper is known as the premium choice for professionals. Made from 100% cotton, this type of paper holds colour exceptionally and offers superior durability.

Advantages of Cotton Watercolor Paper

• Resilient and able to withstand scrubbing and erasing
• Retains brightness and vibrancy of colours
• Archival quality, meaning it won’t yellow over time

Wood Pulp Watercolor Paper: 

More affordable and widely available, wood pulp paper—also known as cellulose paper—is a practical choice for practice and volume work, although it may not have the same archival qualities as cotton.

Benefits of Wood Pulp-Based Paper

• Cost-effective for students and hobbyists
• More uniform in texture
• Good for practice and everyday use

Blended Materials 

Blending cotton and cellulose fibres gives artists a middle ground, offering a balance of quality and affordability. This type of paper can be an excellent choice for those looking to step up from purely cellulose-based papers without the price tag of 100% cotton.

Combining the Best of Both Worlds

• Affordable quality
• Good durability and colour retention
• Suitable for all levels of artists