Watercolour Paper
Shop our selection of the finest watercolour paper at Jackson’s. Watercolour paper is specially developed to be perfect for applying watercolour paint to.
You can choose from beginner to professional quality watercolour paper in all sizes and textures, including Cold Press / Not, Hot Press / Smooth, and Rough finishes. Explore options from leading makers such as Arches, Saunders Waterford, Bockingford, Fabriano, Baohong, and our own Jackson’s range.
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Watercolour Paper: Popular Questions from Artists
Jackson’s offers one of the widest selections of watercolour paper for artists. Discover paper for watercolours from trusted makers such as Arches, Bockingford, Fabriano, Saunders Waterford, and our own Jackson’s Watercolour Papers. Use our filters to find the right texture, size, and weight to suit your needs.
What is Watercolour Paper?
Watercolour paper is a specially formulated surface designed to handle repeated washes, layering, and blending without warping. It comes in many weights, sizes, and surface textures, such as hot press (smooth), cold press (textured), and rough.
Artists use watercolour paper because it can absorb water without buckling and it supports the transparency and luminosity of watercolour paints. The surface allows colours to remain crisp and vivid while allowing for subtle transitions and delicate brushwork. Its absorbency and strength make it popular with both beginners and professionals.
‘Watercolour paper is a versatile surface with a degree of absorbency that allows transparent colour to appear at its most luminous.
While primarily used with watercolour paints, it can also be used for acrylics, gouache, pastels, pencils, graphite, charcoal, and even be primed for oil. Many options are 100% cotton, offering a durable and archival support for various mediums.’
- Evie Hatch, ‘Everything You Need to Know About Watercolour Paper’, Jackson’s Art Blog
While paper for painting with watercolour existed in earlier centuries, the Whatman paper mill in England is credited with producing the first wove paper suitable for watercolour.
Whatman paper became famous for its strength, surface quality, and ability to handle water without warping, making it a favourite of artists like J.M.W. Turner. Artists embraced this paper for its ability to support their increasingly expressive techniques. Learn more in ‘The History of Paper’.
At Jackson’s, we stock an exceptional range of watercolour paper for every artist, whether you're painting on location or in the studio. With thousands of five-star reviews, reliable delivery, and expert advice, we’re trusted by artists worldwide. Read our reviews →
Shop Watercolour Paper
Explore our collection of the best watercolour paper, including watercolour pads, blocks, rolls, and individual sheets. Whether you need heavy cotton watercolour paper for wet-on-wet techniques or a smooth finish for botanical work, you’ll find the perfect surface at Jackson’s.
Need help? Visit our Help & Advice or Contact Us pages.