Watercolor Paper

Find supplies for your watercolor paints here! Cheap Joe's Art Stuff offers a wide selection of watercolor paper from your favorite brands, such as Arches, Fabriano, Strathmore, Kilimanjaro, Saunders Waterford, and Winsor & Newton. From artist-grade options to those suited for student use, you can find the right papers, blocks, panels, boards, pads, and more in this collection.

Watercolor papers vary by finish and by weight. The finishes of watercolor papers are typically labeled Rough, Cold Press, Soft Press, and Hot Press. Most artists prefer a Rough or Cold Press finish for transparent watercolor applications. Whereas a smoother finish, such as Hot Press, is more desirable for printmaking and drawing applications. The most common weights for watercolor papers are 140 lb. and 300 lb. Watercolor papers typically require stretching before you paint, otherwise warping or buckling will occur during the drying process. However, 300 lb. watercolor papers are heavy enough to resist warping or buckling of the cotton fiber and do not require stretching prior to painting. While professionals should choose our artist-grade papers, students and those shopping on a specific budget will find our student watercolor paper section more than satisfactory with affordable, high-quality options.

When you need a convenient paper option, watercolor blocks can easily accommodate! With no need for stretching, watercolor blocks are quite durable and can be brought along just about anywhere inspiration strikes. Customers frequently use them for outdoor painting. For specifically wet media, you may prefer a watercolor pad. Need an album or sketchbook to house your ideas, concept sketches, and other creative bits and pieces? This collection offers a variety of these to bring along with your watercolor block and other art supplies on your next outing or trip.

Other watercolor painting products included here are blank cards, painting panels, canvas boards, and more. These options are excellent to have on hand, so you're always prepared to send a special card or create something beautiful on a whim. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff is your one-stop shop for everything you need for watercolor painting. Sign up for our email newsletter so you're notified about announcements, new products, and special offers. For questions regarding our watercolor paper collection, please contact us for further assistance.

Watercolor Paper FAQs

Q: What paper is best for watercolor?

A: The best paper for watercolor is one that has a weight of 140 lb. or 300 GSM. There are various brands of watercolor papers available that come in these weights so you can get started on your paintings.

Q: Is 180 GSM, 200 GSM, and 120 GSM paper good for watercolor?

A: These paperweights are a bit too thin for watercolor painting, and you may find that your paper doesn’t survive or causes sever bleeding through the back. We recommend a watercolor paper that is 300 GSM.