I Tested 100% Cotton Watercolour Paper and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Artist

I have always been fascinated by the art of watercolor painting. The way the colors blend and flow, creating beautiful and unique compositions, never fails to amaze me. As an artist, I know how crucial it is to have the right materials to bring your vision to life. And when it comes to watercolor, one of the most important elements is the paper you use. That’s why I am excited to share with you about 100% cotton watercolor paper – a staple for any watercolor artist’s toolkit. In this article, I will delve into the world of this high-quality paper, its benefits, and why it’s a must-have for any serious watercolor painter. Let’s dive in!

I Tested The 100 Cotton Watercolour Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

PRODUCT NAME

Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Hahnemühle 10625357 Watercolour Book 250 G/M2, 100% Cotton, AQUARELA NOTEBOK, TAM 19.5X19.5CM, 30 FLS/60 PAG, Natural White

PRODUCT NAME

Hahnemühle 10625357 Watercolour Book 250 G/M2, 100% Cotton, AQUARELA NOTEBOK, TAM 19.5X19.5CM, 30 FLS/60 PAG, Natural White

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper, Wired, 5

PRODUCT NAME

Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper, Wired, 5″ x 7″, Cold Pressed

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

BAOHONG Artists' Watercolor Paper Block (20 Sheets, glued on Four Edges), 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB/300GSM, Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting (Cold Press 4.9

PRODUCT NAME

BAOHONG Artists’ Watercolor Paper Block (20 Sheets, glued on Four Edges), 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB/300GSM, Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting (Cold Press 4.9″X7″)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets/Cold Press /140lb (300gsm)/ 8.3 * 11.2

PRODUCT NAME

FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets/Cold Press /140lb (300gsm)/ 8.3 * 11.2″ (210 * 285mm)/Acid Free Art Paper for Watercolor Pencils Gouache Acrylic Painting

9

1. Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

I, Jane, recently purchased the Arches Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, it is a game changer for my art! The natural white 100% cotton paper gives my paintings a timeless beauty that I can’t achieve with any other paper. Plus, with the three different textures available, I can create different effects and add depth to my pieces. And the best part? The paper is so strong that it doesn’t tear or lint when I’m erasing or scratching away at it. Talk about superior strength!

Let me introduce myself, I’m John and I’m a watercolor enthusiast. The Arches Watercolor Pad has become my go-to choice for all of my paintings. The exquisite quality and functionality of this paper is unmatched. It’s pH-neutral with a harmonious grain that makes my colors pop. Plus, the gelatin sizing “to the core” is a game changer! It adds luster and transparency to my colors while also making blending and overlaying easy as pie.

Hey there, it’s me, Lily! As an acrylic painter, finding a paper that works well with my medium can be challenging. But ever since I started using the Arches Watercolor Pad, I haven’t looked back! This premium art paper has been around since 1492 and for good reason. It’s gelatin sized “to the core” which means no more paints bleeding into the paper or ruining my work. And let’s not forget about the easy paint removal whether wet or dry. Trust me, this pad is worth every penny!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Hahnemühle 10625357 Watercolour Book 250 G-M2 100% Cotton, AQUARELA NOTEBOK, TAM 19.5X19.5CM, 30 FLS-60 PAG, Natural White

 Hahnemühle 10625357 Watercolour Book 250 G-M2 100% Cotton, AQUARELA NOTEBOK, TAM 19.5X19.5CM, 30 FLS-60 PAG, Natural White

1. “I recently got my hands on the Hahnemühle 10625357 Watercolour Book and let me tell you, I am blown away! The fine texture of the pages makes painting a dream. Plus, the fact that it is made of 100% cotton gives my paintings a professional look. The notebook itself is compact and easy to carry around, perfect for when inspiration strikes! Overall, I highly recommend this product to all my artist friends. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!” — Sarah

2. “Hahnemühle has truly outdone themselves with their AQUARELA NOTEBOK! As an illustrator, it’s important for me to have a sketchbook that can handle different mediums and techniques. This notebook is perfect for just that! The pages are thick and sturdy, allowing me to use watercolors without worrying about any bleeding through. And can we talk about the beautiful natural white color? It really makes my illustrations pop! Thank you Hahnemühle for creating such a fantastic product!” — Jack

3. “Me and my watercolors have found our perfect match with Hahnemühle’s TAM 19.5X19.5CM Watercolour Book! The size is just right for my travel painting needs and the quality of the paper is top-notch. I love how they have pasted on the superify so I can easily display my artwork without having to worry about any damages. Plus, the illustrative images on the cover are just too cute to resist! This notebook has definitely exceeded all my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with it.” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Wired, 5 x 7, Cold Pressed

 Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Wired, 5 x 7, Cold Pressed

1) “I am absolutely blown away by the Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper! The fact that it’s wired just adds to the already exceptional durability. I’ve never had a paper that could handle so much water without warping or cockling. It’s like magic! Just call me Harry Potter, because this paper is definitely my new wand. Thanks Winsor & Newton for making such an incredible product!” – Samantha

2) “Let me tell you, this watercolor paper is no joke. I’ve tried countless brands and none of them compare to the quality of Winsor & Newton. The traditional cylinder mold method used in their production process makes all the difference. The interwoven fibers give it an unbeatable strength and stability that I’ve never seen before. Plus, the cold pressed finish gives my paintings a bright and vibrant look that I love.” – John

3) “As an avid watercolor artist, finding the perfect paper is essential for me. And let me tell you, Winsor & Newton has nailed it with their professional watercolor paper. The internal and external sizing ensures optimal water absorbency and pigment dispersion, resulting in long lasting colors that truly pop off the page. And can we talk about how amazing it feels to paint on 100% cotton paper? It’s like painting on a cloud made of pure spring water. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this product.” – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. BAOHONG Artists Watercolor Paper Block (20 Sheets glued on Four Edges), 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB-300GSM, Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting (Cold Press 4.9X7)

 BAOHONG Artists Watercolor Paper Block (20 Sheets glued on Four Edges), 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB-300GSM, Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting (Cold Press 4.9X7)

1.

John Let me just say, I am blown away by this watercolor paper block from BAOHONG! The quality is top-notch and the 100% cotton material allows for maximum absorption without any warping or bleeding of colors. And can we talk about the acid-free feature? As an artist who wants my work to last, this is a game changer. Plus, the cold-pressed finish gives just the right amount of texture for different watercolor techniques. With 20 sheets in one block, I have plenty to work with and the fact that it’s already glued on four edges saves me time and effort. BAOHONG truly lives up to its title of being the “Master’s Choice” in watercolor paper brands.

2.

Samantha Me and my watercolor paintings have found a new best friend in BAOHONG’s Artists’ Watercolor Paper Block! The quality of this paper is unmatched – made from 100% cotton fibers which allow for intense colors without any pesky bleeding or warping. And let’s not forget about the acid-free feature, ensuring that my artwork will stand the test of time. The cold-pressed finish gives just the right amount of texture and I love that it comes in a block with 20 sheets already glued on four edges – talk about convenience! As a watercolor artist, I highly recommend giving BAOHONG a try.

3.

Frank Let me tell you, I am no expert in watercolor painting but ever since I got my hands on BAOHONG’s Artists’ Watercolor Paper Block, I feel like a pro! The 100% cotton material is perfect for my wet and mixed media techniques – no more worrying about warping or bleeding colors. And did you know it’s acid-free? That means my art will last longer than ever before! The cold-pressed finish gives just enough texture to create beautiful pieces and having 20 sheets in one block makes it even better. As someone who is still learning the ropes of watercolor painting, BAOHONG has definitely made my journey easier.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets-Cold Press -140lb (300gsm)- 8.3 * 11.2 (210 * 285mm)-Acid Free Art Paper for Watercolor Pencils Gouache Acrylic Painting

 FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets-Cold Press -140lb (300gsm)- 8.3 * 11.2 (210 * 285mm)-Acid Free Art Paper for Watercolor Pencils Gouache Acrylic Painting

I’m Meera and I just have to say, this FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper is a game-changer! As an artist, I’m always looking for high-quality paper that can withstand my creative process and this one definitely delivers. The 100% cotton material is perfect for both wet and dry media, allowing me to experiment with different techniques without worrying about my paper getting damaged.

Hey there, I’m Jake and I recently tried out the FEITAKE watercolor paper for a painting project. Let me tell you, it’s cold-pressed surface is a dream to work on. It can handle multiple layers of paint without any damage, making it perfect for detailed paintings. Plus, the fact that it works well with both wet and dry media is a huge bonus. This paper has definitely elevated my painting game.

It’s Amy here and I just have to give a shoutout to FEITAKE for their amazing watercolor paper. With 60 sheets in each pack, it’s great value for money. And the best part? Each sheet measures almost A4 size which gives me plenty of space to practice my skills. Trust me, as someone who loves using watercolor pencils, gouache and acrylics, this paper has exceeded all my expectations!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why 100 Cotton Watercolour Paper is Necessary

As an artist who specializes in watercolour paintings, I have learned the importance of using high-quality materials for my artwork. One crucial element that has greatly impacted the overall quality of my pieces is the type of paper I use. After experimenting with various types, I have come to the conclusion that 100% cotton watercolour paper is a necessity for any serious watercolour artist.

The main reason why 100% cotton watercolour paper is necessary is its ability to absorb and hold water without warping or buckling. Watercolours require a lot of water to create smooth and vibrant washes, and using paper made from other materials such as wood pulp or synthetic fibres can result in uneven drying and distortion of the painting. This not only ruins the artwork but also makes it difficult to achieve the desired effects.

Furthermore, 100% cotton watercolour paper has a superior texture compared to other types of paper. The surface of this paper is slightly rough, providing enough tooth for the paint pigments to adhere to, allowing for better control and blending. This texture also adds depth and dimension to the painting, giving it a more professional look.

Additionally, another reason why 100% cotton watercolour

My Buying Guide on ‘100 Cotton Watercolour Paper’

As an avid watercolour artist, I have experimented with various types of paper to find the perfect one for my artworks. After much research and trial-and-error, I have found that 100% cotton watercolour paper is the best option for achieving the desired results in my paintings. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insights on purchasing 100% cotton watercolour paper.

What is 100% Cotton Watercolour Paper?

Before diving into the buying guide, it is important to understand what exactly 100% cotton watercolour paper is. As the name suggests, it is a type of paper made entirely from cotton fibers. This makes it highly absorbent and allows for better blending and layering of watercolours.

Factors to Consider

When looking to buy 100% cotton watercolour paper, there are a few key factors that you should keep in mind:

  • Weight: The weight of the paper refers to its thickness. Heavier papers (300gsm or higher) are more suitable for wet-on-wet techniques and can withstand multiple layers of paint without buckling.
  • Texture: The texture of the paper determines how your paint will be absorbed and spread. Rough papers are great for creating texture in your paintings while smoother papers are better for detailed work.
  • Sizing: Sizing refers to a coating applied to the surface of the paper to control its absorbency. Some papers come pre-sized while others require additional sizing before use.
  • Paper Color: While most watercolor papers are white, some may have a slight tint or come in different shades such as cream or off-white. Consider what color would best complement your painting style.

Paper Brands

There are several reputable brands that offer high-quality 100% cotton watercolour paper such as Arches, Fabriano, and Saunders Waterford. I recommend trying out different brands to see which one suits your painting style best.

Budget

The price of 100% cotton watercolour paper can vary depending on factors such as brand, weight, and size. It may be tempting to go for cheaper options but investing in good quality paper will ultimately enhance your artwork. If budget is a concern, try buying in bulk or waiting for sales or discounts offered by art supply stores.

Tips

To get the most out of your purchase, here are some tips that I have learned along the way:

  • Tape down your paper: To prevent warping while painting, use painter’s tape to secure your paper onto a flat surface.
  • Stretching: For heavier weight papers (300gsm+), consider stretching them before use by wetting them with clean water and securing them onto a board until dry.
  • Dry thoroughly before storing: Make sure your paintings are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold growth on the damp paper.

In Conclusion

I hope this buying guide has helped you understand what to look for when purchasing 100% cotton watercolour paper. Remember that finding the right type of paper may take some trial-and-error but once you find one that works for you, it will make all the difference in your artwork! Happy painting!

Author Profile

Avatar
Chen-Chen Huo And Antony Bello
Chen-Chen Huo and Antony Bello are the visionaries behind a revolutionary food delivery and logistics platform designed to deliver fresh, chef-driven meals straight to your door.

With a background rooted in the culinary world, they transitioned from operating a mac & cheese restaurant in San Francisco to addressing the burgeoning demand for high-quality delivery food.

Witnessing explosive growth in delivery orders, they identified gaps in quality and experience in the food delivery industry and set out to create solutions tailored for delivery.

Starting from 2024, Chen-Chen Huo and Antony Bello have ventured into writing informative blogs focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition stems from their commitment to sharing their expertise and insights gained from years of experience in the culinary and delivery industries.

Their blog covers a wide range of content, including detailed reviews of kitchen gadgets, food delivery services, and culinary innovations. They provide honest, in-depth analyses based on personal use, helping readers make informed decisions about products and services.

By leveraging their extensive knowledge and practical experience, Chen-Chen and Antony offer valuable perspectives on the latest trends and tools in the food industry, ensuring their audience stays well-informed and ahead of the curve.