Watercolor Paper
Shop our selection of the finest watercolor paper at Jackson’s. Watercolor paper is specially developed to be perfect for applying watercolor paint to.
You can choose from beginner to professional quality watercolor 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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Watercolor Paper: Popular Questions from Artists
Jackson’s offers one of the widest selections of watercolor paper for artists. Discover paper for watercolors from trusted makers such as Arches, Bockingford, Fabriano, Saunders Waterford, and our own Jackson’s Watercolor Papers. Use our filters to find the right texture, size, and weight to suit your needs.
What is Watercolor Paper?
Watercolor 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 watercolor paper because it can absorb water without buckling and it supports the transparency and luminosity of watercolor paints. The surface allows colors 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.
‘Watercolor paper is a versatile surface with a degree of absorbency that allows transparent color to appear at its most luminous.
While primarily used with watercolor 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 Watercolor Paper’, Jackson’s Art Blog
While paper for painting with watercolor existed in earlier centuries, the Whatman paper mill in England is credited with producing the first wove paper suitable for watercolor.
Whatman paper became famous for its strength, surface quality, and ability to handle water without warping, making it a favorite 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 watercolor 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 Watercolor Paper
Explore our collection of the best watercolor paper, including watercolor pads, blocks, rolls, and individual sheets. Whether you need heavy cotton watercolor paper for wet-on-wet techniques or a smooth finish for botanical work, you’ll find the perfect surface at Jackson’s.
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