Prior to the 19th century, watercolor paper was handmade by processing wet pulp in a finely woven mesh screen. The process was slow and very expensive. Then in the early 1800s, an industrial paper machine was invented. The paper-making industry started mass producing mold-made watercolor papers. Now high-quality machine-made watercolor paper is readily available, as well as handmade.
Handmade vs. Mold-Made Watercolor Paper
Although watercolor paper is now widely available, not all paper is made the same way.
Handmade watercolor paper is still produced today using traditional methods. Each sheet is individually formed, resulting in natural variations in texture, thickness, and surface character. This type of paper is prized for its unique qualities but remains expensive due to the labor involved.
Mold-made watercolor paper, however, bridges the gap between handmade and machine-made paper. It is produced on a cylinder mold machine, which slowly rotates through a vat of pulp. This process creates a more random fiber distribution—much closer to handmade paper than standard machine-made paper.
Because of this method, mold-made paper:
- Has stronger surface integrity
- Handles wet washes more evenly
- Allows for better lifting and corrections
Many professional-grade papers, including Arches and Fabriano, are still made using cylinder molds, which is why they perform so reliably for watercolor painting.
The Role of Water in Watercolor Paper Manufacturing
Water plays a critical role in how watercolor paper is made. Traditional paper mills were historically built near clean, mineral-balanced water sources because water quality directly affects the paper’s color, strength, and longevity.
Even today, high-quality watercolor paper manufacturers carefully control water chemistry during production. Clean water helps cotton fibers bond properly and contributes to the paper’s archival stability—one reason professional watercolor paper can last for generations when properly stored.
Watercolor Paper Characteristics
Watercolor paper is made of cotton and/or linen rag or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers. A gelatin sizing is added as a protective agent that makes the paper less absorbent. Watercolor paper is available in three textures: rough, hot-pressed, and cold-pressed. And, it is available in several thicknesses.
High-quality watercolor papers for professional (and serious student) use have the following characteristics:
- Made of 100% cotton rag
- Cold-press texture
- Thickness: 140 lb., 200 lb., or 300 lb. weight
Internal vs. External Sizing in Watercolor Paper
Sizing is one of the most important—and least understood—components of watercolor paper.
- Internal sizing is added directly to the pulp before the sheet is formed.
- External sizing is applied to the surface after the paper has dried.
High-quality watercolor paper uses both methods. This dual sizing:
- Controls how quickly water absorbs
- Prevents paint from sinking too deeply into the fibers
- Allows artists to lift, glaze, and rework areas more easily
Student-grade papers often have minimal or inconsistent sizing, which is why paint can feel harder to control on them.
Why Gelatin Sizing Is Still Used Today
Gelatin sizing has been used in papermaking since the 15th century and remains the preferred sizing for watercolor paper.
Despite the availability of synthetic alternatives, gelatin is still favored because it:
- Preserves color brilliance
- Enhances layering and glazing
- Improves surface durability
Many artists notice a faint smell when watercolor paper gets wet—this is the gelatin sizing reacting with water, a small but familiar sign of quality paper.
Understanding Watercolor Paper Textures
The three standard watercolor paper textures are created during the drying process:
- Rough: Pronounced texture with deep tooth, ideal for expressive washes
- Cold-Press (NOT): Moderately textured and the most versatile choice
- Hot-Press: Smooth surface, well-suited for fine detail and line work
Cold-press paper remains the most popular choice for students and hobbyists because it balances texture with control.
Watercolor Paper Thickness and Weight Explained
Watercolor paper weight refers to the weight of a ream (500 sheets) before cutting.
- 140 lb. paper is the most commonly used and usually requires stretching
- 200 lb. paper resists buckling better and may not require stretching
- 300 lb. paper is very thick and ideal for heavy washes
Heavier paper allows for more water and layering without warping.
What Deckle Edges Tell You About Paper Quality
Deckle edges form naturally when wet pulp spreads unevenly in a mold. On handmade and mold-made watercolor paper, deckle edges are genuine and indicate traditional production methods.
Lower-quality machine-made paper may have deckle edges that are cut or artificially pressed for appearance only. While deckle edges are not required for good painting performance, they are often a sign of higher-quality paper.
Why 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper Is Archival
Cotton fibers are longer and stronger than wood pulp fibers. This makes 100% cotton watercolor paper:
- More resistant to yellowing
- Less likely to become brittle over time
- Naturally acid-free
When stored properly, cotton rag paper can last for hundreds of years, which is why it is considered archival.
Watercolor Paper Sheet Sizes
The standard size categories for watercolor paper sheets are:
- Royal (19 x 24 inches)
- Imperial (22 x 30 inches); also called a “full-sheet”
- Elephant (29 1/2 x 40 inches)
- Double-Elephant (40 x 60 inches)
Watercolor paper can also be purchased in pads, blocks, and sketchbooks in a variety of standard sizes and paper qualities. Pads and sketchbooks are usually made of cotton-blend watercolor paper for student use.
Watercolor Paper Manufacturers
The best, high-quality watercolor paper is produced in France, Italy, and Great Britain. They are:
- Arches made in France
- Fabriano made in Italy
- Lana made in France
- T. H. Saunders made in Great Britain
- Whatman made in Great Britain
Many of these historic mills have been producing paper for hundreds of years and continue to use traditional methods combined with modern quality controls.
Why Paper Quality Matters for Learning Watercolor
Many beginner frustrations with watercolor—such as muddy colors or lack of control—are often caused by paper rather than technique. Using quality paper allows students and hobbyists to:
- See true pigment behavior
- Practice lifting and glazing successfully
- Build confidence faster
Good paper supports learning rather than working against it.
Recommended
If you are a serious student or hobbyist who intends to show and sell your watercolor paintings, use professional-quality watercolor paper that is labeled as “100% cotton”, “archival”, and “cold-press”. The thickness (weight) should be 140 lb. or more.
I use Arches Watercolor Paper natural white full-sheet size for my paintings.