When it comes to watercolor painting, the quality of the paper you use can make all the difference. Premium watercolor paper is designed to absorb water and pigment evenly, allowing for greater control and a more vibrant result. With so many brands and types of watercolor paper available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the top premium watercolor paper brands on the market.
To save you time:
We’ve put the top brand as Arches. Founded in France in the 15th century, Arches has been producing high-quality paper for centuries.
Their watercolor paper is made from 100% cotton, which gives it a unique texture and durability. Arches paper is known for its ability to hold up to multiple washes without pilling or tearing, making it a favorite among professional watercolor artists.
Our runner up top brand of watercolor paper is Fabriano.
Founded in Italy in 1264, Fabriano is one of the oldest paper mills in Europe. Their watercolor paper is made from a blend of cotton and cellulose, which gives it a smooth surface and excellent absorbency.
Fabriano paper is also known for its bright white color, which allows for more vibrant and accurate color reproduction.
Defining Premium Watercolor Paper
When it comes to watercolor paper, the term “premium” is often used to describe high-quality paper that is designed to enhance the beauty and longevity of your artwork.
But what exactly makes a watercolor paper “premium”?
There are a few key characteristics that define premium watercolor paper:
Material
Premium watercolor paper is typically made from high-quality materials such as cotton or linen, which are known for their durability and ability to absorb water and pigment.
These materials are often referred to as “archival” because they are designed to withstand the test of time and resist fading or yellowing.
Weight
Watercolor paper is available in a range of weights, typically measured in pounds per ream (a ream is 500 sheets). Premium watercolor paper is usually heavier, with weights ranging from 140 to 300 pounds. Heavier paper is more absorbent and less likely to buckle or warp when wet.
Texture
The texture of watercolor paper can vary from smooth to rough, with different textures providing different effects when painting. Premium watercolor paper often has a distinct texture that enhances the appearance of the paint and adds depth and character to the artwork.
Acid-Free
Acid-free paper is designed to resist yellowing and deterioration over time. Premium watercolor paper is typically acid-free, ensuring that your artwork will remain vibrant and beautiful for years to come.
Overall, premium watercolor paper is designed to provide artists with a high-quality surface that enhances the beauty and longevity of their artwork.
By choosing a premium watercolor paper, you can ensure that your artwork will look its best for years to come.
Top European Watercolor Paper Brands
When it comes to premium watercolor paper, European brands are known for their high quality and durability. Here are three of the top European watercolor paper brands that you should consider for your next painting project.
Arches
Arches is a French brand that has been producing watercolor paper since 1492. Their paper is made from 100% cotton and is known for its durability, texture, and ability to hold watercolor pigments. Arches offers a wide range of watercolor paper weights and sizes, making it a versatile choice for artists of all levels. Their paper is also acid-free, which means it won’t yellow or deteriorate over time.
Fabriano
Fabriano is an Italian brand that has been producing paper since 1264. Their watercolor paper is made from a blend of cotton and cellulose fibers, which gives it a unique texture and absorbency. Fabriano offers a variety of watercolor paper weights, including their popular Artistico line, which is available in both hot-pressed and cold-pressed finishes. Their paper is also acid-free, which ensures its longevity.
Hahnemühle
Hahnemühle is a German brand that has been producing paper since 1584. Their watercolor paper is made from 100% alpha cellulose fibers, which gives it a smooth surface and excellent color vibrancy. Hahnemühle offers a range of watercolor paper weights and finishes, including their popular Expression line, which is available in both hot-pressed and cold-pressed finishes. Their paper is also acid-free, which ensures its archival quality.
In conclusion, these three European watercolor paper brands are known for their high quality, durability, and versatility. Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, these brands offer a range of options to suit your needs.
Leading North American Brands
When it comes to premium watercolor paper, North America has some of the leading brands in the market. Here are two of the top brands that you should consider for your watercolor projects:
Strathmore
Strathmore is a well-known brand in the art community, and their watercolor paper is no exception. Their watercolor paper is available in various sizes, textures, and weights to suit different needs. Strathmore’s 400 Series Watercolor Paper is a popular choice among artists, as it is acid-free, durable, and can handle multiple washes without buckling. It also has a cold-pressed surface, which provides a textured finish that enhances the vibrancy of the colors.
Bee Paper
Bee Paper is another popular brand that offers high-quality watercolor paper. Their paper is made from 100% cotton, which provides excellent absorbency and durability. Bee Paper’s Aquabee Watercolor Paper is a favorite among artists, as it has a smooth surface that allows for fine details and smooth washes. It is also acid-free and pH-neutral, which ensures that your artwork will not yellow over time.
Both Strathmore and Bee Paper are trusted brands that offer premium watercolor paper. Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, their paper will provide you with the quality and performance you need to create stunning watercolor artwork.
Asian Innovators in Watercolor Paper
Awagami Factory
If you’re looking for a unique watercolor paper, the Awagami Factory in Japan is definitely worth checking out. This company has been producing handmade papers for over 300 years, and their watercolor papers are known for their high quality and unique textures.
One of the things that sets Awagami’s watercolor papers apart is the fact that they are made from natural fibers like kozo, bamboo, and hemp. This gives the papers a unique texture and feel that you won’t find in other brands. Additionally, Awagami’s papers are acid-free and pH-neutral, making them a great choice for artists who want their work to last.
Awagami offers a variety of watercolor papers, including their “Inbe” and “Bizan” lines. The Inbe line is made from kozo fibers and has a soft, velvety texture that is perfect for watercolor painting. The Bizan line, on the other hand, is made from bamboo fibers and has a slightly rougher texture that is great for creating interesting effects in your paintings.
Overall, Awagami’s watercolor papers are a great choice for artists who want to try something different. With their unique textures and high quality, they are sure to inspire you to create something truly special.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor Paper
When it comes to selecting watercolor paper, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you choose the right one for your artwork. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Material Composition
Watercolor paper is typically made from either cotton or wood pulp. Cotton paper is considered to be the highest quality and is preferred by most professional artists due to its excellent texture and durability. Wood pulp paper, on the other hand, is more affordable and is a good option for beginners or for those who are practicing their skills.
Texture
Watercolor paper comes in a variety of textures, including rough, cold-pressed, and hot-pressed. Rough paper has a heavily textured surface that is ideal for creating expressive and loose brushstrokes, while cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface that is suitable for most watercolor techniques. Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface that is best for detailed and precise work.
Weight
Watercolor paper is available in a range of weights, with the most common being 140lb and 300lb. The weight of the paper affects its thickness and durability, with heavier paper being more resistant to buckling and warping. 140lb paper is a good all-purpose weight that is suitable for most watercolor techniques, while 300lb paper is ideal for large washes and heavy applications of paint.
Durability
The durability of watercolor paper depends on its material composition and weight.
Cotton paper is generally more durable than wood pulp paper, while heavier paper is more resistant to damage from water and other elements. It is important to choose a paper that is strong enough to withstand the techniques you plan to use and that will hold up well over time.
By considering these factors when choosing watercolor paper, you can ensure that you select a high-quality paper that will enhance your artwork and help you achieve the results you desire.
Where to Purchase Premium Watercolor Paper
When it comes to purchasing premium watercolor paper, there are a few options available to you. Here are some of the best places to buy premium watercolor paper:
Art Supply Stores
Art supply stores are a great place to purchase premium watercolor paper. They often carry a wide range of brands and types of watercolor paper, and their staff is knowledgeable about the products they sell.
Some popular art supply stores that carry premium watercolor paper include:
- Blick Art Materials
- Jerry’s Artarama
- Michaels
- Utrecht Art Supplies
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces are another great option for purchasing premium watercolor paper.
They offer a wide selection of brands and types of watercolor paper, and often have competitive prices. Some popular online marketplaces that carry premium watercolor paper include:
- Amazon
- Dick Blick
- Jackson’s Art Supplies
- Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff
Direct From Manufacturers
Finally, you can purchase premium watercolor paper directly from the manufacturers themselves.
This can be a great option if you’re looking for a specific brand or type of watercolor paper. Some popular watercolor paper manufacturers that sell directly to consumers include:
- Arches
- Fabriano
- Saunders Waterford
- Strathmore
No matter where you choose to purchase your premium watercolor paper, be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
This will help ensure that you get the best product for your needs.
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