In this article, we provide helpful information about hot-pressed watercolour papers. These papers have versatility, making them an excellent choice for artists who work with various mediums, including pencils and acrylics, not just watercolours. We provide comprehensive information on the materials, weights, sizes, archival qualities, and animal-friendliness of our papers.
We provide a link to the respective article for those interested in further information. However, only some papers have a dedicated page at this moment in time. We also provide links to the official websites of the respective companies. This way, you can learn more about other products they have to offer.
We provide a link to the respective article for those interested in further information. However, only some papers have a dedicated page at this moment in time. We also provide links to the official websites of the respective companies. This way, you can learn more about other products they have to offer.
The visual difference between watercolour surfaces
Clairfontaine Fontaine
This high quality, pure cotton 300gsm paper is renowned for its stability and preservation. Its high absorption capacity makes it perfect for watercolours, allowing for minor alterations to be made using an eraser. The fruit of three centuries of experience and development, this 100% pure cotton paper is one of the finest in Clairefontaine's range. The uniqueness of this paper is due to purity of the water and cotton which are used in its pulp, the quality and uniformity of its sizing as well as its almost hand-made manufacturing methods. This is an exceptionally easy paper to work with due to its absorption potential and resistance to warping even when wet. It also catches pigments easily, while allowing for reworking, will enhance the pleasure of painting and the success of your work.
Taken from the SAA website
Taken from the SAA website
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ARCHIVAL: YES ACID FREE: YES
SUITABLE USE: Watercolour, Gouache, Acrylic, Pastel, Pen & Ink, Pencil, Charcoal MATERIAL: 100% Cotton SIZES SOLD IN: Sheets: HP, NOT, ROUGH & CLOUD EFFECT 56cm x 76cm Spiral Pads: NOT & ROUGH - 5" x 7", 7" x 9.5", 9.5" x 12", 12" x 16" Blocks (Not/HP/Rough & Cloud Effect): 9.5" x 12", 12" x 16", 14" x 19", 16.5" x 22" WEIGHTS AVAILABLE: 300gsm Only SURFACES AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed (Smooth), Cold Pressed (NOT), Rough & Cloud Effect TONES: White Only COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Etival, France ANIMAL FRIENDLY: UNSURE |
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Bockingford® is a beautiful English watercolour paper, traditionally made on a cylinder mould machine at St Cuthberts Mill. This is a high quality paper made using pure materials to archival standards. Its attractive surface is created using natural woollen felts that give it a distinctive random texture. Appreciated for its excellent colour lifting abilities. This is an extremely forgiving watercolour paper valued by professional and amateur artists around the world. Bockingford® offers quality watercolour paper at an affordable price.
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ARCHIVAL: YES ACID FREE: YES
SUITABLE USE: Watercolour, Gouache, Acrylic, Pastel, Pen & Ink, Pencil, Charcoal MATERIAL: 100% woodfree bleached chemical pulp SIZES SOLD IN: Sheets: (HP, NOT & ROUGH) 30" x 22" (NOT) 15" x 11" Rolls (Not): 60" x 33' (1.5 x 10m) Pads/Spirals/Blocks (Not/HP/Rough): 7" x 5", 10" x 7", A4, 12" x 9", 14" x 10", 16" x 12", A3 Not also available in: 20" x 15" & 14" x 5" WEIGHTS AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed 300gsm Only, Cold Pressed (Not) 190/300/425/535gsm, Rough 300/425gsm SURFACES AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed (Smooth), Cold Pressed & Rough TONES: White Only (Hot Pressed and Rough) White, Cream, Grey, Eggshell, Blue, Oatmeal (Cold Pressed (NOT) Only) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Somerset, UK ANIMAL FRIENDLY: YES (No gelatine used for sizing) Watercolour |
Arches
Made the traditional way, on a cylinder mould, this paper has a harmonious natural grain. The fibres are evenly distributed, making the paper more stable, with very limited deformation. Made of long 100% cotton fibres, ARCHES® Watercolour paper can absorb a lot of water without warping or causing the colours to bleed. Exclusive to ARCHES®: it is sized to the core with natural gelatin, which means it can be scratched without tearing or linting. It also preserves the lustre and transparency of the colours whilst preventing paints penetrating into the thickness of the paper.
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ARCHIVAL: YES ACID FREE: YES
SUITABLE USE: Watercolour, Gouache, Acrylic, Ink (any wet techniques) MATERIAL: 100% Cotton SIZES SOLD IN: Sheets: (HP, NOT & ROUGH) 22" x 30", 25.7" x 40", Not & Rough Only 29.5" x 41" , 40" x 60" NOT Only 16" x 20" Rough Only 31" x 43" Rolls (Not & Rough): 44.5" x 10 yards Not/Hp & Rough 44.5" 10yards, 51" x 10yards Blocks (Not/HP/Rough): 3.9" x 9.8", 5.9" x 11.8", 7.9" x 7.9", 7" x 10", 9" x 12", 10" x 14", 12" x 16", 14" x 20", 18" x 24" Not & Rough 9" x 12", 10" x 14" & 12" x 16" Rough: 7" x 10" WEIGHTS AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed 300gsm Only, Cold Pressed 185, 300, 356, 640 and 850 gsm SURFACES AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed (Smooth), Cold Pressed (NOT) & Rough TONES: Natural & Bright White Only COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Arches, France ANIMAL FRIENDLY: NO (sized to the core with gelatin) |
Saunders Waterford
Saunders Waterford® is an exquisite watercolour paper, traditionally made on a cylinder mould machine. This is the superior quality watercolour paper made by St Cuthberts Mill and comes with the Royal Watercolour Society’s endorsement. Made using 100% cotton, the highest quality papermaking material, to high archival standards. Each sheet is buffered with calcium carbonate to help defend finished pieces of work from discolouration caused by acids present in atmospheric pollution. Its attractive surface is created using natural woollen felts that give it a distinctive random texture. The surface is sized in gelatine making it strong and resilient to scrubbing, and other rough treatments. Available in White and High White, which we believe is the whitest archival watercolour paper made.
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ARCHIVAL: YES ACID FREE: YES
SUITABLE USE: Watercolour, Gouache, Acrylic, Pastel, Pen & Ink, Pencil, Charcoal, Printmaking MATERIAL: 100% Cotton SIZES SOLD IN: Sheets: (HP, NOT & ROUGH) 22" x 30", 26" x 40" Rolls (Not & HP): 60" x 33' (1.52 x 10m) Blocks (Not/HP/Rough): 10" x 7", 12" x 9", 14" x 10", 16" x 12", 20" x 14" WEIGHTS AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed (HP)/Cold Pressed (Not) & Rough 190/300/356/425/638gsm SURFACES AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed (Smooth), Cold Pressed (Not) & Rough COLOURS: High White & White Only COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Somerset, UK ANIMAL FRIENDLY: NO (Gelatine sized surface) |
Moulin Du Roy
Canson® Moulin du Roy® is a watercolour paper produced on a traditional cylinder mould machine, it has the look and feel of a handmade paper. Its 100% cotton quality gives it both ideal absorbency and superior strength. Internal and surface sizing permit the lifting of dried colour and the opportunity to refine and rework the watercolour, pigments are brighter. Naturally white, acid free and made entirely without bleaching agents, for an optimal conservation over time.
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ARCHIVAL: YES ACID FREE: YES
SUITABLE USE: Watercolour, Gouache, Acrylic, Drawing MATERIAL: 100% Cotton SIZES SOLD IN: Sheets: 22" x 30" NOT Only, Imperial sizes (¼, ½ & Full 56 x 76cm) hp, Not & Rough, 100gsm ½ Imperial size Rough Only Rolls (hp & Not): 51" x 10yards Blocks (Not/HP/Rough): 9" x 12", 9.5" x 12", 12" x 16" & 12" x 18" WEIGHTS AVAILABLE: 200, 300 & 640gsm Hot Pressed, Cold Pressed (Not) & Rough SURFACES AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed (Smooth), Cold Pressed (NOT) & Rough TONES: White Only COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Annonay, France ANIMAL FRIENDLY: YES (Plant based) |
Fabriano Artistico
The Fabriano Artistico paper is mould made with 100% cotton, chlorine and acid free, guaranteeing long conservation and inalterability over time. The paper is sized both internally and externally, making it ideally absorbent and retaining its nature unaltered even if scratched. Brillant white, without optical bleaching. Two deckle edges and watermarked “FABRIANO+ARTISTICO” on the short side. The high quality and ample offer of this paper satisfies the requirements of all professional artists and the most demanding amateurs.
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ARCHIVAL: YES ACID FREE: YES
SUITABLE USE: Watercolour, Tempera, Gouache, Acrylic, Ink, Charcoal, Graphite, Drawing & Printmaking MATERIAL: 100% Cotton SIZES SOLD IN: Sheets: (HP, NOT & ROUGH - 300 & 640gsm) 22" x 30" Rolls (Not): 55" x 33' (1.4 x 10m) Blocks/ (HP/Not & Rough) 5" x 7", 9" x 12", 12" x 18" 14" x 20" Spiral Pads - Not Only: 7" x 10", 9" x 12" & 10" x 14" WEIGHTS AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed 300gsm Only, Cold Pressed 190/300/425/535gsm, Rough 300/425gsm SURFACES AVAILABLE: Hot Pressed (Smooth), Cold Pressed (NOT) & Rough TONES: White Only COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: , France ANIMAL FRIENDLY: YES (A synthetic acrylic sizing is used) |
Article created February 2017
Updated 2020
Updated 2020
The online store SAA, sells a trial pack of HP papers that you can purchase to see which one is best suited to your medium and technique and for anyone interested in any of the papers found on this page.
