Watercolour Paper Surfaces

As watercolour paint is translucent, the surface of the paper does show through the finished piece of work. The type of surface should be chosen with the type of composition the artist has in mind.

There are three watercolour surfaces to choose from.

HP (Hot Pressed)
This paper is quite smooth, with only a hint of a surface texture. The surface is extremely popular with botanical artists, who produce very high detailed work.

It is also used by flower and portrait painters who require a paper without a strong surface texture.

CP (Cold Pressed) - Also known as 'NOT'
This is a very popular middle surface texture for watercolour paintings. The surface has a medium texture suitable for the majority of work.

This surface is also known as NOT, and refers to the paper not being hot pressed.

Rough
The surface is very textured, with lots of natural peaks and troughs for the watercolour pigment to collect in.

Rough paper is fantastic for landscapes and seascape paintings where the rugged nature of the surface enhances the composition on the painting.


It is important to note that the weight of the paper affects the surface. The heavier the paper the more pronounced the surface texture. These photographs are of Saunders Waterford 300g/m².


Watercolour Paper Information

Weights Soaking & stretching techniques
What is mould made paper?  

 

 

St Cuthberts Mill page
Watercolour paper page
Bockingford watercolour paper page
Saunders Waterford watercolour paper page
St Cuthberts Mill Award