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I don't mean to hijack your thread but it might be helpful if someone with watercolor paper know how could give us a mini tutorial, ie...what exactly does cold press and hotpress mean for watercoloring? Is one better than the other?...and what about the "weights?"
I noticed that walmart seemed to downgrade what watercolor paper they carry...now it is thin and just about useless in my humble opinion...so that takes us to your question about recommending a GOOD watercolor paper.
Hey Cammie, I probably can't help with brands as I'm in the UK so not sure what's available to you but I can probably help a little with some basics in selection (which will address jlinesman's questions, too). If it's any help, I usually use a Daler Rowney "Langford" paper.
Hot press paper has the smoothest surface. If you're using detailed stamps then this is your best choice. It's usually a little more expensive but worth it for the finished result with this type of stamp.
Cold press has a more textured surface so you may need to apply a little more pressure to get a good impression from your stamp.
140lb paper is a good, sturdy weight which will take almost anything you throw at it - I tend to stick with that.
If you're not fussy I found that the paper that I bought in the 'Works' bookshops art department, while cheap at �1 a pad of 24 sheets worked just fine for stamping and then mounting onto cards. suitable for coloring using regular watercolors and w/c pencils, used with varitey of stamps up to 4" its 180gsm bit thin but works fine.
HTH
Its called Chiltern Wove.
Arches (French), Lana Aquarelle (French), Noblesse (Holland), Bockingford (acid free archival), Langton's, Boldmere-acid free (if you scrapbook that's important), Winsor & Newton 'Cotman' (student grade acid free) are just some that are available
Thanks to Anna's recommendations, I have been using hot pressed wc paper lately. It's so much easier to stamp on since it's so smooth, and still takes watercolor really well.
I'd go along with the 140lb weight. It's hard to find hot-pressed, I usually settle for cold-pressed rather than go to a specialist art shop. And I know that when I worked in distribution of fine-art supplies, cold pressed with the best seller of the 3 available finishes. For very detailed stamps, I think hot-pressed would make a big difference.
The other thing, though, is that none of them are bright white, and there is quite a difference between the different brands as to how white they are. So if that matters to you, it's worth comparing the different ones.
No doubt about it that the Arches is wonderful, but mostly I use Daler Aquafine Watercolour. And it's 110 lbs, which I find to be OK.
The other thing, though, is that none of them are bright white, and there is quite a difference between the different brands as to how white they are. So if that matters to you, it's worth comparing the different ones.
You've reminded me of a discussion on a here a while ago, Sabrina. Somebody mentioned that Fabriano do a bright white watercolour paper. I haven't found a source for it in the UK but a Google search turns up quite a lot of stockists in the US. It looks like Arches also make a bright white paper.
Even their "Bright White" paper isn't as white as your white cardstock. I use Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, and Arches Hot Press Bright White, and it's not close.
Here's a good image that describes the differences between papers. 140 lb is the best.
With reinkers & a waterbrush, I have found that cold press is a little more forgiving, and sometimes I choose that because I like the way the texture looks. But hot press is definitely my very favorite.
You've reminded me of a discussion on a here a while ago, Sabrina. Somebody mentioned that Fabriano do a bright white watercolour paper. I haven't found a source for it in the UK but a Google search turns up quite a lot of stockists in the US. It looks like Arches also make a bright white paper.
Arches was one of the papers we imported and distributed, because we were agents for Canson (who carried it) as well as Winsor & Newton. None of them was what I would have called a bright white. Certainly whiter than their Montval range, but not bright white. Unless they have a new range; but because they are archival quality they don't use any optical whiteners. They're fabulous papers, though - I still have a few swatches but it's mostly only the heavy 300 and 400 lb ones left.
I should have checked my previous post for typos - it should have read that cold-pressed WAS the best seller of the three finishes.
ETA - the Catalan painter Joan Miro used Arches .
I get mine at Mike's or AC Moore. I tend to get the Canson 90 lb. which works well for watercolor pencils, crayons, and Twinklin' H20s. It's fairly smooth and definitely not white.
I use Strathmore's 120 lb when I'm going to watercolor a background because it stands up to more abuse (like wet masks and multiple layers of watercoloring). I also use it with some very juicy Pentel WaterBrush markers since it's more absorbant than the 90 lb.
I recommend Arches 140 lb. cold press. I am a watercolour artist and this is the one I use. It is strong enough not to warp after it's been thoroughly wet. (even if it does a little you can always press it on the back with an iron). It is a bit pricey but if you want a professional looking job it is better to use the best. Winsor & Newton is another good one but my fav is Arches. The difference between cold press and hot press is the tooth. Cold press is rough and has a texture..hot press is smooth. It just depends on what you want your look to be. Arches costs about $25 - $30 for a 25 sheet pad approx. in Canada but a friend who winters in the US brought me home pads she got at a craft store for $8.00 us each!! Needless to say I had her bring home 10!! lol
Ahhh, Mrs Noofy, you are indeed a wonderful watercolour artist!!! *grin* I still treasure and frequently look at your watercoloured flowers!
To everyone else, just to add... if I just canNOT get a detailed image to come out on cold press watercolour paper, I turn it over and use the smooth side. I have not tried hot pressed yet.
Thanks so much everyone for all these wonderful responses...I am going through them all....so much great info!
I do like a little bit of texure in my watercolor paper so I dont think I will mind the cold press.....Just never realized there was a reason for the different textures! duh!
I am not an expert, but LOVE the European watercolor paper that Flourishes is now carrying. Its cold press and takes the color beautifully, without warping. http://www.flourishes.org/servlet/th...olor%2C/Detail
hth!
Thanks so much everyone for all these wonderful responses...I am going through them all....so much great info!
I do like a little bit of texure in my watercolor paper so I dont think I will mind the cold press.....Just never realized there was a reason for the different textures! duh!
Cammie, if you're ever around Central Austin, go visit Jerry's Artarama...they have all kinds of papers, hot and cold pressed, and their prices are great! I just visited them on Wednesday.
Cammie, if you're ever around Central Austin, go visit Jerry's Artarama...they have all kinds of papers, hot and cold pressed, and their prices are great! I just visited them on Wednesday.
Thanks Shannan!!! I WILL have to check them out...they aren't far at all!
Cammie, my stamp room is packed, so I can't see what it's called exactly, but I have the Canson Biggie Jr. pad. It's a great value, but I won't buy it again. It has VERY obvious stripes or ridges, like corduroy. I've complained about it here before, and other have said they like this, so it's really a matter of personal opinion. I just don't like those ridges going through character's faces and whatnot. I like the more dimpled type of wc paper.
If your kids wc too, definitely consider the Biggie pad, as it's about half what other good wc paper costs.
I have found that Canson Watercolor paper is affordable and I stamp on the smooth side rather then the rough surface. It works great for stamping, especially for fine detail stamps like the Thomas Kinkade's. Just wanted to pass this information along.
Watercolor paper?
