We have already touched on choosing paper in the article “What materials do you need for watercolor painting?”, but let’s take a closer look at
the types of watercolor paper. In this article we will look at the different types of paper and canvas used for watercolor, and which of them suits this technique best.
It is made from long fibres that interweave to form a strong, porous surface. The fibres are carefully selected and processed so that the paper is strong enough to withstand the weight of water and pigment. Watercolor paper specially developed for this medium has a unique texture and weight that allows it to absorb water and pigment. The texture varies depending on the type and weight of the paper. The most common types are:
Fine-grain hot-pressed paper (satin, HP, smooth)
Hot-pressed watercolor paper is smooth paper with a fine-grained texture. The paper is heated and pressed to create a smooth, flat surface, which makes it ideal for detailed, artistic watercolor painting. Its smooth texture is perfect for fine details. This type of paper is often used for botanical illustration, portraits and graphic design.
Medium-grain cold-pressed paper (fin, CP, medium)
It has a slightly textured surface that gives the artwork a more organic, natural look. The texture is created by pressing the paper fibres while they are still damp, resulting in a slightly rough surface with a visible grain. Cold-pressed paper is a popular choice for landscapes, still lifes and abstract painting.
Rough paper (rough, CP, torchon)
This type has the most pronounced texture, produced by drying without prior pressing. The surface has visible bumps and ridges that give the artwork a rough, grainy look. This type of paper is ideal for experimental and expressive works, large details and landscapes. But it is not very suitable for drawing small details with fine lines. Rough paper is often used for abstract painting, as its texture can create interesting and unique patterns and textures in the painting.
The weight and thickness of watercolor paper also matter. They vary, and artists often choose the weight of paper according to their preferred style and technique. Heavier paper usually absorbs better and can hold more water and pigment, making it ideal for wet-in-wet techniques and large strokes of colour. Lighter paper is better suited to dry brush technique and detailed work.
Let’s look at what watercolor paper is made of.
As a rule, it is made from a combination of natural fibres. Cotton is the most common fibre used in higher-quality paper. The amount of cotton and cellulose in the paper can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific type of paper.
The percentage of cotton and cellulose in watercolor paper can affect its absorbency, strength and durability. Cotton fibres are long and strong, allowing them to withstand repeated wetting and drying. They are also highly absorbent, so the paper can hold a large amount of water and pigment without being damaged. So when cotton predominates, you can paint in several layers and even wash a painting off. Cellulose fibres, on the other hand, are shorter and weaker than cotton fibres and do not absorb water as well. But on paper with a higher percentage of cellulose you can quickly achieve bright colours. The paint does not soak into the paper much, but in this case it is better to paint in 2–3 layers, otherwise the paper may pill.
The amount of cotton and cellulose in watercolor paper also affects its price. Paper with a higher percentage of cotton is usually more expensive, as it is considered higher quality and gives better results in watercolor painting. Nevertheless, paper with a lower cotton content is still suitable for certain types of watercolor painting and may be more affordable for artists on a limited budget.
Are there canvases for watercolor?
Canvas is a popular painting surface, but it is not usually used for watercolor. However, there are watercolor canvases designed specifically for this medium. They have a textured surface that imitates watercolor paper and can absorb water and pigment without warping.
These canvases are made from a mix of natural and synthetic fibres that create a porous surface that absorbs water and pigment. They come in different weights and textures; some resemble hot-pressed paper, others resemble rough paper.
Watercolor canvas is canvas specially prepared for the watery nature of the paints. It has a modified surface that helps it absorb paint the way paper does. Unlike ordinary canvases, they are made from absorbent materials that can hold water and pigment without buckling or warping.
One of the most obvious features of watercolor canvas is its low absorbency. This allows the paint to stay on the surface longer, giving artists more time to work with it. This similarity to hot-pressed watercolor paper makes watercolor canvas a great choice for the wet-in-wet technique. In addition, it is easier to lift paint with water from watercolor canvas than from paper once the paint has completely dried. You can remove some of the paint from the surface by gently wiping it with a brush, sponge or tissue and a little clean water.
Another advantage of watercolor canvas is that you do not need to preserve the whites in the same way as on traditional paper. Although lifting watercolor does not fully return the surface to white, it still allows many corrections. This makes it easier to fix mistakes and adjust tones on the canvas. If you need to change the shade of a particular area of your painting, you can easily remove some of the paint and apply it again without damaging the surface. This is not possible on ordinary watercolor paper.
However, the ease of lifting paint on watercolor canvas can also be a drawback when glazing a lot. You need to be careful when applying new layers of paint, even when the first layer is completely dry. Fresh paint should be applied quickly so that the lower layer does not lift and mix with the new one. This is not a problem you usually face with watercolor paper. Still, adapting your technique to the characteristics of the canvas can help solve it.
Watercolor canvas may not be the ideal surface for those who often use glazing. On the other hand, canvas has the advantage of being very strong and tear-resistant. It also makes it easy to sketch outlines and correct mistakes without harming the surface.
When choosing a watercolor canvas, consider several factors:
1. Surface texture: it can affect how watercolor paint adheres to the surface. Some canvases have a rough or textured surface that can create interesting effects in a painting, while others have a smoother surface better suited to detailed work.
2. Sizing: this refers to a substance applied to the surface to make it less absorbent. Some canvases are unsized, while others have light or heavy sizing, which affects how the paint spreads across the surface.
3. Material: watercolor canvases can be made from various materials, including cotton, linen and synthetic fibres. Each material has unique properties that can affect how paint behaves on the surface.
It is worth experimenting with different types of canvas to find one that suits your individual painting style and preferences. With the right watercolor canvas, artists can create beautiful, vivid watercolors that show off the unique properties of this material.
Choosing the right surface for watercolor depends on the artist’s preferences and working style. Some like painting on paper, others on canvas. The most important criterion is your painting style: different techniques suit different papers and canvases, from glazes to bright, colourful strokes. Do not be afraid to experiment with watercolor techniques and different paper properties — try everything, and that is how you will find what you like.
