Choose your Watercolor paper
The watercolor 300gsm paper (Blue Cover) vs. the heavyweight 220gsm paper (Pink Cover)
Hi Guys!
I'll be introducing about the watercolor papers I use during my workshop class and teach you alittle more about choosing the right paper for your artwork.
When selecting paper for your artwork, what is it that you want to achieve or make?
Do you want to make a card, write something more with a calligraphy pen? Or something watercolor art to frame in your home?
For some of you who have attending my workshops, I've introduced Daler Rowney paper in our class. I've used several types of papers before, from super lame student drawing blocks to good thick weight paper. I'm going to explain the difference in the 2 types of Dale-Rowney paper that I personally use for myself and my workshops.
The watercolor 300gsm paper (Top) vs. the heavyweight 220gsm paper (Bottom)
1) Texture
There are 3 types of texture : Hot-Pressed, Cold pressed and Rough
Dale-Rowney Heavyweight 220gsm
This paper is hot-pressed, it is smooth in texture and great for detailed work or small paintings. This smooth texture also means that its better for calligraphy pens to write on. It also gives a smoother look when captured on images.
Dale-Rowney Watercolor 300gsm
This paper is cold-pressed, also confusingly known as NOT paper. It's also what we commonly think of as artist paper because of it's slightly textured surface. It's a great paper because it gives your watercolors extra textures and a beautiful professional look. Because the cold-pressed paper isn't as smooth as the hot-pressed paper it gives you more control with your colors and brushes.
Others
Rough paper is as they say it, is rough. It's more textured than cold-pressed papers and mainly handmade papers have these qualities. This type of paper has uneven surfaces, creating more well pockets for the watercolors and ultimately the unique texture gives more personality to the artwork.
2) Color
The color of the paper is important to me. I prefer white because they take well on pictures but cream can look very nice for wedding cards and when you look at them in real life. It also depends on your mood and look for the artwork you're planning to paint.
Dale-Rowney Heavyweight 220gsm is white while Dale-Rowney Watercolor 300gsm is off white/ ivory colored.
The watercolor 300gsm paper (left) vs. the heavyweight 220gsm paper (right)
3) Weight
For watercolors, usually the weight of the paper is important to make sure warping doesnt happen when you paint. In general, paper weight above 200gsm is good for watercolors.
Dale-Rowney Heavyweight 220gsm
This paper weight is 220gsm which is good enough for light watercoloring however too much water on the surface will cause the paper to warp alittle. While this paper is pretty strudy, sometimes I see people go crazy with their brush on paper and it will start to come off alittle.
Dale-Rowney Watercolor 300gsm
This paper is specifically made for watercolor and at 300 gsm it can easily take on water blending techniques and hold wetness much better than 220gsm. It is pretty thick to stand upright on its own and withstand warping from water.
4) Acidity
Both papers I've chosen are Acid-free, what this means is that your paper color will stay the same and not be affected by acid wash. Acid paper will dry up, crack and turn yellow over the years so if you plan to keep your artwork for a long time, it's best to always find a acid-free paper.
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Tip: On the cover of each paper pad theres details and indication of what type of medium can be used on the paper. Use it to see what medium you're planning to use the paper for.
So depending on your use for the paper :
Dale-Rowney Heavyweight 220gsm
Is great for everyday practice, written work with a calligraphy pen, great for light watercoloring and cards and notes to friends.
Dale-Rowney Watercolor 300gsm
Is great for everyday practice as well, good for heavy watercoloring, color blending on paper and artworks you want to hang for display or keep. The thicker weight will not warp the paper so it can be framed or left standing on your table.
I hope this helps! Happy watercoloring!
