Mastering Watercolor Painting: Part 3 - Watercolor Surfaces and Preparation

Selecting the right surface influences paint absorption, blending, and overall results.

Surfaces to Consider

Watercolor Paper: Available in hot-pressed (smooth), cold-pressed (textured), and rough varieties. Different weights (e.g., 140 lb, 300 lb) affect absorbency.

Ampersand Aquabord: A clay-coated panel that absorbs watercolors while allowing lifting and reworking.

 

 

Watercolor Canvas: Specially prepared for watercolor painting, providing a more durable surface than paper.

DIY Preparation: Artists can prepare wood, fabric, or other surfaces with absorbent ground or watercolor gesso.

 

Watercolor Paper: What You Need to Know

Watercolor paper is a crucial component of watercolor painting, as it affects how paint behaves on the surface. Choosing the right paper depends on factors such as weight, texture, sizing, and format.

Weight

Watercolor paper is measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). The weight determines how much water the paper can absorb before buckling.

• 90 lb (190 gsm) – Lightweight; best for sketching or light washes. Often buckles when wet.
• 140 lb (300 gsm) – The most commonly used weight, offering a balance between absorbency and durability. May require stretching for heavy washes.
• 200 lb (425 gsm) & 300 lb (640 gsm) – Heavyweight papers that can handle multiple washes without warping. Typically do not need stretching.

Texture

Watercolor paper comes in different textures that affect paint application and detail work.

• Hot-Pressed (HP) – Very smooth surface with minimal texture. Ideal for fine details, botanical painting, and illustration.
• Cold-Pressed (CP) or NOT (Not Hot-Pressed) – A slightly textured surface that balances detail and water absorption. Most commonly used among watercolorists.
• Rough – Highly textured with a pronounced grain. Creates interesting effects but may be challenging for precise detail work.

Sizing

Sizing refers to the treatment applied to watercolor paper to control absorbency. It prevents the paper from absorbing water too quickly and allows for lifting techniques. Most watercolor papers are treated with gelatin or synthetic sizing, applied either internally (within the fibers) or externally (on the surface).

• Hard-sized – More resistant to water, allowing for easy lifting of pigment.
• Soft-sized – More absorbent, making it better suited for wet-in-wet techniques.
• Unsized – Very absorbent, similar to blotting paper, which makes it challenging for traditional watercolor techniques.

 

 

How Watercolor Paper Works

The concept of watercolor paper absorbing water-based paints while being treated to prevent excessive absorption might seem contradictory at first, but it all comes down to the role of sizing and how watercolor paper is engineered.

Watercolor paper is designed to handle water, but it does not absorb water like a sponge—instead, it controls how water and pigment interact with the surface. This is accomplished through a combination of sizing, fiber composition, and paper texture.

✅ Absorption vs. Surface Control

• Absorbs Enough Water to Work With the Paint

  • Watercolor paper is made from cotton or wood pulp fibers, which naturally absorb some water to allow the pigments to settle into the surface.
  • Without any sizing, water would immediately soak in, causing the pigments to spread uncontrollably and creating a dull, blurry effect.
  • Proper absorption helps with techniques like wet-on-wet painting, where colors flow and blend smoothly.

• Sizing Prevents Over-Absorption and Paper Breakdown

  • Sizing (a gelatin, starch, or synthetic coating) is added to reduce how quickly water soaks into the paper.
  • It keeps the water on the surface long enough for artists to manipulate the paint, lift colors, and create controlled washes.
  • Without sizing, the fibers would weaken and break apart, leading to buckling, feathering, and muddy colors.

Different Types of Sizing and Their Effects

Watercolor paper can have internal sizing, external sizing, or both, which affects how it interacts with water.

1️⃣ Internal Sizing (Mixed into the Paper Fibers)

• Applied during the papermaking process, making the entire sheet more resistant to water.
• Ensures the paper doesn’t fall apart when wet.
• Found in most high-quality cotton watercolor papers.

2️⃣ External (Surface) Sizing (Coated on the Paper Surface)

• A thin layer is applied after the sheet is made, controlling how water sits on the surface.
• The more surface sizing, the slower the absorption, which allows for more lifting and reworking of paint.
• Papers like hot press watercolor paper often have stronger surface sizing, making them less absorbent than rough or cold press paper.

How This Affects Watercolor Techniques

The balance between absorption and resistance makes watercolor paper unique compared to regular paper.

• If there’s no sizing → Water soaks in too fast, pigment spreads unevenly, and the paper weakens.
• If there’s too much sizing → Water sits on top, making washes harder to control, and colors may lift too easily.
• Well-balanced sizing allows for rich colors, smooth blending, and controlled water absorption.

💡 Example:

• Cheap watercolor paper (low sizing) → Water immediately soaks in, causing dull colors and paper breakdown.
• High-quality watercolor paper (properly sized) → Water sits briefly on the surface, allowing controlled blending before absorbing evenly into the fibers.

Final Thoughts

Watercolor paper is designed to interact with water-based paints in a controlled way—absorbing enough water to allow fluid painting techniques while preventing excessive soaking that would damage the paper. Sizing plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance, ensuring the paper holds up under wet conditions and allows artists to create crisp, vibrant, and well-defined artwork.

Formats & Availability

Watercolor paper is available in various formats to suit different working styles.

• Sheets – Sold individually in large sizes (22"x30" is standard). Ideal for custom cuts and large paintings.
• Pads – Bound on one edge, available in different sizes (9"x12", 11"x15", etc.), convenient for practice and travel.
• Blocks – Glued on all four sides to prevent warping; allows for painting directly without taping or stretching.
• Rolls – Large-scale option for custom sizes, often used by muralists and professionals.
• Sketchbooks – Watercolor-friendly sketchbooks are available for portable use, often bound in hardcover or spiral form.

Popular Watercolor Paper Brands

There are many high-quality watercolor paper brands, each with unique properties. Choosing the right watercolor paper depends on your painting style, technique, and budget. Whether you're looking for a professional-grade option like Arches or a student-friendly alternative like Canson XL, understanding paper properties will help you get the best results.

Arches – One of the most widely used professional brands, 100% cotton with strong sizing. Available in all textures and weights.

Fabriano Artistico – Italian-made 100% cotton paper with a softer feel. Available in extra-white and traditional white.

Saunders Waterford – Premium handmade paper from the UK, favored by many professional artists.

Canson XL – A budget-friendly option designed for students, usually cellulose-based rather than cotton.

Strathmore – Offers a variety of watercolor papers, including cotton-based options in their 500 series.

Hahnemühle – A high-quality European brand with excellent archival properties.

Stonehenge Aqua – Known for its absorbency and high cotton content.

Watercolor Paper Brands

Brand	Paper Type	Available Textures	Weight Options	Binding Formats	Best For
Arches	100% Cotton	Hot Press, Cold Press, Rough	140lb, 300lb	Sheets, Blocks, Pads, Rolls	Professional artists needing archival, durable paper
Fabriano	100% Cotton	Hot Press, Cold Press, Rough	90lb, 140lb, 300lb	Sheets, Blocks, Pads	Artists who want premium European paper with excellent absorbency
Saunders Waterford	100% Cotton	Hot Press, Cold Press, Rough	140lb, 200lb, 300lb	Sheets, Blocks, Pads	Painters looking for a soft-textured, high-quality cotton paper
Strathmore	Cellulose & Cotton Blends	Hot Press, Cold Press	90lb, 140lb, 300lb	Pads, Spiral-bound, Sheets	Students & intermediate artists needing a mix of affordability and quality
Canson	Cellulose	Cold Press, Rough	90lb, 140lb	Pads, Spiral-bound	Beginners & casual artists looking for budget-friendly paper
Hahnemühle	Cotton & Alpha Cellulose	Hot Press, Cold Press, Rough	90lb, 140lb, 300lb	Sheets, Blocks, Pads	Artists needing a blend of cotton & cellulose for good absorption
Bee Paper	Cellulose	Cold Press	90lb, 140lb	Pads, Spiral-bound	Sketching, practice, and beginner watercolor painting
Legion Stonehenge	Cotton & Blends	Hot Press, Cold Press, Rough	90lb, 140lb, 300lb	Sheets, Blocks, Pads	Artists who want a high-quality, versatile cotton blend paper
Baohong	100% Cotton	Cold Press, Rough	140lb, 300lb	Sheets, Blocks, Pads	Artists looking for a competitive, professional-grade cotton paper
Winsor & Newton	Cotton & Cellulose	Cold Press, Rough	90lb, 140lb	Pads, Sheets	Affordable alternative for beginner & intermediate artists
Fluid	Cellulose	Cold Press, Hot Press	140lb	Pads, Blocks	Budget-conscious artists looking for practice paper with decent quality
Fluid 100	100% Cotton	Cold Press, Hot Press	140lb, 300lb	Pads, Blocks	Artists who want 100% cotton paper at an affordable price

Yupo Paper: A Unique Surface for Watercolors

Yupo paper is a synthetic, non-porous, and waterproof surface that offers a completely different experience from traditional watercolor paper. Made from polypropylene, it does not absorb water, which dramatically changes how watercolor paint behaves.

Yupo paper provides a modern and experimental approach to watercolor painting. It’s an excellent surface for artists looking to push the boundaries of watercolor, allowing for high color vibrancy, fluid blending, and easy lifting. However, it requires a different technique than traditional watercolor paper, making it best suited for artists who enjoy unpredictability and fluidity in their work.

Key Characteristics of Yupo Paper

• Non-Absorbent Surface – Unlike cotton or cellulose watercolor paper, Yupo does not soak in pigment or water. Instead, paint sits on the surface, allowing for long working times and unique effects.
• Highly Smooth & Slick – The lack of texture means colors flow freely, making it ideal for abstract painting, fluid washes, and experimental techniques.
• Water-Resistant – Paint does not soak in, which means colors can be lifted back to pure white at any time, even after drying.
• Long Drying Time – Since water does not absorb, paint takes longer to dry, allowing for extended manipulation and blending.
• Durability – Tear-resistant and strong, making it great for mixed media and layering techniques.

How Watercolors Behave on Yupo Paper

• Color Movement – Since the paint sits on top, colors flow and merge freely, making wet-in-wet techniques highly unpredictable but visually striking.
• Lifting & Erasing – Watercolor can be easily lifted with a damp brush or paper towel, allowing for corrections or unique layered effects.
• Layering & Glazing – Since Yupo does not absorb pigment, layering is challenging. The previous layer can be reactivated, so artists must use a light touch.
• Bold & Vibrant Colors – Without absorption, colors stay bright and intense, creating an almost glowing effect.

Best Uses for Yupo Paper in Watercolor Painting

• Abstract Watercolor Techniques – The fluid movement of paint on Yupo makes it ideal for spontaneous, expressive works.
• Loose Landscapes & Cloud Effects – The ability to lift and manipulate paint creates dreamy, atmospheric effects.
• Ink & Watercolor Combinations – Waterproof ink can be used alongside watercolor for striking contrast.
• Monoprinting & Mixed Media – Yupo's durable surface allows for layering with alcohol inks, acrylics, and pastels.

Ashley Mahleberg, @Inkreel, Alcohol Ink on YUPO®. Image courtesy of Legion Paper.

Considerations When Using Yupo Paper

• ⛔ Requires Fixative – Since watercolor remains on the surface, it is susceptible to smudging. A spray fixative or varnish is recommended for finished work.
• Difficult for Detailed Work – The slick surface makes it challenging to create fine, controlled lines.
• Handling & Storage – Fingerprints and oils from hands can resist paint, so handling with clean hands or gloves is advisable.

How to Buy Yupo Paper

• Available in sheets, pads, and rolls. Common sizes range from 5”x7” to 20”x26”, with larger sheets available for experimental work.
• Comes in white and translucent versions, with translucent being popular for layering effects.
• Brands That Offer Yupo Paper: Legion Paper Yupo, Stonehenge Aqua Synthetic, and various generic synthetic papers.

Brushes, Water Brushes, and Other Painting Tools for Watercolors

Watercolor painting requires specific tools that help control paint application, texture, and effects. From traditional brushes to modern innovations like water brushes, each tool serves a unique purpose.

Each watercolor tool enhances the painting process, offering new ways to apply, blend, and manipulate pigment. Whether you prefer traditional brushes, innovative water brushes, or experimental textures, having the right tools ensures you get the most from your watercolor practice.

 

Watercolor Brushes

Watercolor brushes are designed to hold water and pigment efficiently while maintaining their shape. The type of brush you choose affects your painting’s detail, stroke quality, and blending capabilities.

Brush Shapes and Their Uses

Round Brushes – The most versatile! These taper to a fine point, allowing for both detailed work and broader strokes depending on pressure. Best for: General painting, outlines, and controlled washes.

Flat Brushes – (Flat, Stroke, Bright, Ideal for bold strokes, washes, and sharp edges. A 1” or ¾” flat brush is great for backgrounds and covering large areas smoothly. Best for: Skies, landscapes, and structured shapes.

Mop Brushes – Super absorbent and designed for laying down a lot of water or color quickly. Best for: Loose washes and wet-on-wet techniques.

Detail (Rigger/Liner) Brushes – Fine, long bristles designed for thin lines, calligraphy, or intricate details. Best for: Lettering, thin branches, and whiskers.

Fan Brushes – Creates soft textures and natural patterns in a loose style. Best for: Grass, fur, foliage, and texture effects.

Water Brushes – These brushes have a built-in water reservoir, making them great for travel and sketching on the go. Best for: Plein air painting and urban sketching.

📌 Pro Tip: Start with at least three brushes—a round brush (size 8-12), a flat brush (1-inch or ¾-inch), and a detail brush—for versatility in your painting.

Brush Bristle Types

Natural Hair – Includes sable, squirrel, and goat hair. Holds a lot of water and pigment, allowing for smooth applications.

Kolinsky Sable – The highest-quality natural brush, known for its fine point and springiness.

Squirrel Hair – Holds a lot of water, great for soft washes and blending.

Synthetic Bristles – More affordable and durable, with modern synthetics mimicking the qualities of natural hair. Many top brands now offer high-quality synthetic alternatives.

Blended Brushes – A mix of synthetic and natural hair, providing a balance of absorbency, durability, and affordability.

Discover Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Synthetic Sable Brushes

 

 

 

Water Brushes

Water brushes are innovative tools with built-in reservoirs that allow water to flow through the bristles as you paint.

Advantages: Portable, eliminates the need for a separate water cup, ideal for sketching and travel painting.

Limitations: Can sometimes release too much or too little water, requiring adjustment.

Brands: Pentel, Kuretake, Derwent, and Arteza all offer popular water brush models.

Other Essential Painting Tools

Palettes

Plastic or Ceramic Palettes – Used for mixing colors; ceramic palettes retain moisture better and prevent beading.

Folding Palettes – Great for portability and plein air painting.

Masterson Aqua Pro Palette

• Large Mixing Area – The spacious layout provides plenty of room for blending and mixing colors efficiently.
• Airtight Lid – Helps keep paints moist for extended periods, reducing waste.
• Removable Mixing Tray – Easy to clean and allows for different mixing sections.
• Durable Plastic Construction – Sturdy and long-lasting for both studio and travel use.
• Works with All Water-Based Media – Suitable for watercolors, gouache, acrylics, and inks.
• Best For: Artists who want to keep their watercolors fresh between sessions and need ample space for mixing colors without contamination.

Mijello Fusion Airtight Watercolor Palette

• Airtight Seal – Prevents paint from drying out between sessions, making it perfect for long-term use.
• Leakproof Design – Ideal for travel and plein air painting.
• Large Mixing Area – Features spacious wells and a central mixing zone for easy color blending.
• Durable and Easy to Clean – Made from sturdy plastic that resists staining.
• Best For: Artists who want a reliable, airtight palette to keep watercolors fresh and prevent waste.

Sponges

Natural Sponges – Used for lifting paint, creating texture, and softening edges.

Synthetic Sponges – Offer similar effects but are more uniform in texture.

 

Masking Fluid & Masking Tape

Masking Fluid (Frisket) – A rubber-based liquid applied to preserve white areas of the paper. Removed after painting is dry. ⛔ Masking Fluid can damage brushes. D Not use your best brushes to apply masking fluid.

Masking Tape – Used to create clean edges or reserve white space. Choose low-tack tape to prevent tearing paper.

Discover Winsor & Newton Masking Fluid

 

 

 

Spray Bottles & Droppers

Spray Bottles – Used to wet the paper before painting or create interesting water effects.

Droppers & Pipettes – Useful for controlled water application and unique dripped textures.

 

Salt & Alcohol

Salt – Sprinkled onto wet paint to create organic, textured patterns.

Rubbing Alcohol – Repels pigment, creating bubble-like effects.

 

Pens & Ink

Waterproof Pens – Used for line work and details before or after painting (Micron, Copic, Faber-Castell).

Liquid Ink & Dip Pens – Can be used for dramatic linework and calligraphy effects.

 

Brayer & Gel Plate

Brayers – Useful for applying even washes and background textures.

Gel Plates – Used for monoprinting techniques with watercolors.

← Previous Post Next Post →