How to choose paper for watercolor

In fact, each of us, to one degree or another, is a creative person. Painting with watercolors, for some it is a hobby, for some it is a way of earning money, for others it is simply an expression of themselves, the state of their soul. When starting to paint their first “masterpieces of art,” many people wonder how to choose paper for watercolors. Of course, this is not a difficult question, but one of the most important when drawing.

Let’s look at the main properties of paper
for watercolor, what you should pay attention to and what can affect the final drawing. Let’s begin.

How to choose paper for watercolors

The first thing we pay attention to when choosing is the paper density. I’ll say right away (if you haven’t tried it yourself) that regular office paper with density 80 g/m ²

, absolutely not suitable for watercolors.

Specialized drawing paper, has a wide range of densities ranging from 180 g/m ²
up to 360 g/m ²
, and even higher, it all depends on the needs of the artist.

For comfortable “creation”, watercolor paper with a density of 200 – 250 g/m will suit you ²
. Such paper will not shrink from water and be soaked through with it. Of course, the thicker the paper, the better, but for home use, so as not to spend a lot of money, the above parameters will be enough for you.

I also advise you to pay attention to the texture of the paper. Now they produce a huge variety types of paper
for drawing, which makes people simply confused and do not understand how to choose paper for watercolors. With textures, everything is the same, you can find a variety of patterns, even embossing “like canvas”.

There is no universal way to select a texture, and it is not necessary, because one person may like one type, and another, a completely different one. Here you should trust your feelings and preferences. Try several types of paper by touch, see how the texture “plays” (shimmers).

Don’t forget that texture can affect the final painting, try to determine what you intend to paint and how the watercolor might fit on the paper pattern, will it ruin your concept?

The next parameter, which can also influence the final result, is the shade of the paper. When choosing paper for watercolors, pay attention to this.

Carefully examine the paper, what shade it is. Of course, it may just be white, or it may also be ivory, for example. Keep this in mind, as some shades may add an unpleasant color to your painting when mixed with watercolor.

To begin with, you can choose a “pure” white color in order to avoid undesirable consequences. With a little practice, you can experiment and purchase paper with a tint that can add exclusivity to your work.

The last, but not least, parameter that will help you figure out how to choose paper for watercolors is the cost of the paper. In fact, watercolor paper has a very different price, which starts from 100 rubles and ends at 1000 rubles. Naturally, the more expensive the paper, the better its quality.

Depending on the manufacturer, the price can also vary significantly. Another factor that increases cost
, this is the thickness of the paper. For home use, there is no need to buy the most expensive paper. Simply, take into account all the above parameters and find the “golden mean”.

These tips on how to choose paper for watercolors are more suitable for beginners. Over time, you will buy paper, based on your own experience and feelings, this is the surest way. Don’t underestimate consumables, including paper, because they can radically affect the outcome of a painting; choose it responsibly, and good luck!