Best Watercolour Papers

We've compiled a list of some of our favorite watercolour papers. The archival, heavy weight nature of watercolour paper makes it an ideal base for a wide range of mediums.

Note: If you're just starting out or exploring paper for your art something to bear in mind is the weight and how the paper is pressed. Generally speaking rough paper is more ideal for textured works or mediums such as pastels and charcoal. Hot pressed paper (HP) is the smoothest option which is best suited for detail and pen based artworks. Cold pressed (NOT) is somewhere between hot press and rough and most commonly used by watercolour artists. Read on for our reviews of some of the best watercolour paper we come across. Most are available as rough, hot pressed and cold pressed.

1. Saunders Waterford Watercolour Paper

This traditional mould-made watercolour paper is high quality and comes with an endorsement from the Royal Watercolour Society. 100% cotton, this paper is of an archival standard and is buffered to prevent discolouration of your artwork. It also comes in a "high white" making it one of the whitest watercolour papers on the market. This gives great lift to watercolours and makes the paper ideal for pen and ink drawing as well as watercolour.

Saunders Waterford Watercolour Paper. View in shop.

2. Bockingford Watercolour Paper

This extremely forgiving watercolour paper is ideal for beginners and professionals alike. The paper is made from a pulp but is highly archival and St Cuthberts Mill claim the paper will last for hundreds of years. The paper is the same whiteness as Saunders Waterford High White making it one of the whitest papers on the market giving great lift and pop to paint and drawings. Bockingford watercolour paper offers great quality at an affordable price.

Bockingford Traditional Watercolour Paper. View in shop.

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