If you are a budding artist wanting to try out watercolor for the first time, you probably have some questions. There is so much to learn when exploring this art medium, including watercolor techniques, how to best use your materials, and sometimes the easiest questions like what is the right side of watercolor paper dawn at you.
Being honest, the right side of the watercolour paper depends on your preference since it is versatile, and you can use both sides for painting. One side will have a smooth surface, while the other will be more of a rough watercolor paper, with some surface texture.
The watercolor paper available today is diverse enough
for all types of painting, and there are more options than using paper with cotton fiber. For starters, you can try both sides and determine which surface you are more comfortable using. This article will talk about the differences between the surfaces and types of watercolor paper and what you should have in your supplies. So, What Is the Right Side of Watercolor Paper? It’s kind of up to you, so keep reading to find out what is more convenient for you.
Table of Contents
Do the Characteristics of Watercolor Paper Matter?
Any artist will tell you that you cannot just paint watercolor on any type of paper since the results might not come out as you intend. There is always the right tool for the job when it comes to watercolor painting.
The correct type of paint is needed to ensure a stunning outcome. With the right materials, even beginners can be successful in trying their hand at watercolor painting. Ensure your paint isn’t too watery since it could cause the colors to look dull and lifeless on any surface, whether it is regular paper, cotton paper, synthetic, or even handmade paper.
Watercolor paper has several distinctive qualities that help minimize distortion when it becomes wet with paint. When examining the different types of watercolor paper, you should be aware of these attributes.
Quality and Content
There are two basic types of watercolor paper. These types are commonly known as artist and student-quality. Each name is self-explanatory, indicating the excellence that each material holds.
For beginners, the student-quality material will be sufficient as they hone their skills and explore different methods. For seasoned artists who wish to preserve their pieces for the future, using artist-grade watercolor paper is best.
The student-grade paper contains wood pulp and cellulose. It reacts differently than the professional-grade and cannot hold watercolor paint as well. It will turn yellow over time due to the pH level.
These types are usually machine-made and less expensive, making it a terrific option if you do not want to spend a lot of money practicing your talent.
Artist quality paper is also known as professional-grade watercolor paper and is made from 100% cotton. This material enables it to absorb the paint properly to give you the results you seek.
This material can either be mold-made or handmade. It can be extremely pricey, depending on the source. They are always acid-free and pH neutral to avoid yellowing over time and can have various textured surfaces.
Weight
When examining the weight of watercolor paper, beginners may think that the heavier the weight, the better the watercolor paper is. However, that is not always the case since low and high-grade paper materials come in different weights.
The weight of your paper is an essential aspect when you need to stretch it.
Watercolor paper is available in three sizes: light (90lbs or pounds per ream, 190gsm, or grams per square meter), medium (140lbs, 300gsm), and heavy (300lbs, 640gsm).
Lighter papers will need to be stretched or taped to a board before painting as a general rule. Beginner artists can do well using medium watercolor paper and not worry about buckling or shrinking.
The more you dabble in watercolors, the more you will find yourself trying different paper mediums. The video below shows you how to prepare your watercolor paper by stretching it yourself.
Production
The style of production in watercolor paper supplies will affect how they will react to paint later on. As a general rule, watercolor paper is created in three ways: handmade, mold-made, or machine-made. Each method comes in a different price tag as well.
Handmade papers will have an increased cost than mold or machine-made types. They are the highest watercolor paper you can find and are extremely durable and easy to use.
The mold-made watercolor paper follows closely in second for quality and durability. Student grade watercolor papers are always machine-made, making them less expensive but lacking in quality.
Texture
The texture, also known as the tooth feature of your watercolor paper material, can make all the difference. When exploring which surface textures are available, you will find these three variations:
- Hot Press. Hot press papers have a smooth finish to the surface, making them ideal for only one or two paints. It is not ideal for large or multiple paint washes, as it will become overloaded.
- Cold Press. Cold press watercolor paper is the middle ground of the three types. It has some texture to hold paint, but still versatile for small details. It is the medium that is mostly used by new and seasoned artists.
- Rough. Rough paper has an extremely textured surface and can be quite difficult for some artists. It holds the watercolor paint in the indentations of the surface, giving your painting a grainy, or speckled look.
How you want your painting to turn out will help determine which type of paper texture you will need.
Form
Besides the quality and weight of your watercolor paper, you also need to consider what form you want to use. Like other art supplies, watercolor paper comes in many forms, including sheets, rolls, blocks, boards, pads, and panels.
Each form of paper will have its advantages and disadvantages. It would help if you determined which features will suit your needs best. Some available configurations will need stretching beforehand. Others will be fine to paint on and cut out without any curling.
Pads can be helpful for artists wishing to paint outdoors. It can be tape-bound or wire-bound.
Tinting
Tinted watercolor paper is available in a variety of forms. Most are either white or cream-colored. It allows light to reflect off the paint, giving your painting its desired look. However, playing with different tints and hues of watercolor paper can make a world of difference in your painting projects.
There are numerous options for tinted papers. You choose from art supply stores, or you can even create your own. You can accomplish tinting by using a watercolor ground. This means using a paint primer for watercolor paper. By tinting your backdrop, you can customize your painting to match furniture, other artwork or add a splash of color.
The main reason artists get tinted paper is that it enhances shadows and the overall mood of the scene. A tint will also allow you to focus on the artwork rather than having to paint the entire paper one color before you can start working.
Final Words
Now that you know the ins and outs of watercolor paper, you can choose the best type for your next painting project without worrying about the right or wrong side to paint on. Some artists will even paint on both sides as they learn new techniques and styles.
Try painting on both sides of your watercolor paper to experiment on which side you prefer. Although there is no right side, you may surprise yourself and find the right side for you.
Here’s a quick rundown of the post:
- Choose between the rough or soft side of watercolor paper for personal preference.
- The soft side allows for smooth color blending.
- The rough side of the paper prevents colors from bleeding together by accident.
- There are many different types of watercolor paper to choose from.
- Consider getting paper with a tint to aid your artistic vision.
Sources
- DrawandPaintforFun: Both Sides of Watercolor Paper
- TheSpruceCrafts: How to Choose a Watercolor Paper
- WillKempArtSchool: How to Choose Watercolor Paper