When it comes to watercolour painting, the paper you choose matters just as much as your brush or paint. If you’ve ever found your colours not blending the way you’d hoped or your page buckling under too much water, chances are it comes down to the surface you’re working on. Choosing the right watercolour pad can make a huge difference, helping you avoid frustration and giving your work the finish it deserves. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your setup, here’s what you need to know.
Watercolour pads are a practical, portable way to paint without needing to prep or carry around loose sheets. Each pad contains a stack of watercolour-ready paper, bound either at the top, side or in a spiral. They are loved by students, hobbyists and professionals not just for their convenience but because they come in a wide range of surfaces, textures and paper weights to suit different techniques.
If you like the freedom to tear out your work when it’s finished, or when it’s not, watercolour pads are ideal. They make it easy to experiment, sketch or complete full paintings without the extra step of taping down your paper every time.
Watercolour paper isn’t all the same, and the surface texture you choose has a big effect on how your paint looks and behaves. Most watercolour pads offer one of three textures: cold press, hot press or rough.
Cold press paper, sometimes called NOT paper, has a subtle texture that provides a perfect amount of grip without being too rough. It works beautifully for most watercolour techniques, from loose washes to fine brush detail. If you are not sure where to start, cold press is a safe bet.
Hot press paper has a very smooth surface, making it great for detailed work or anything involving line and wash. Because there’s less texture, the paper dries quickly and can make colours appear more vibrant. Botanical illustration and ink-based artworks often use hot press for its clean look.
Rough paper does exactly what the name suggests. It has a pronounced texture that interacts beautifully with pigment, creating dramatic effects and highlighting granulation. It is less suited to fine detail but perfect for bold, expressive painting styles.
Finding the perfect watercolour pad for your work involves a bit of trial and error, but knowing what to look for helps you narrow down the choices faster.
Paper weight is important because heavier paper can handle more water without buckling or warping. If you often work with heavy washes or wet-on-wet techniques, look for pads around 300gsm. Lighter papers may be fine for dry techniques or practice work but can struggle under a lot of moisture.
Watercolour paper is generally made from either 100 percent cotton or cellulose (wood pulp). Cotton paper is prized for its durability, absorbency and ability to handle reworking without breaking down. It is often the go-to choice for professional or exhibition-quality work.
Cellulose paper is more budget-friendly and a great option for students or casual painters. While it may not perform exactly like cotton, good cellulose pads still offer satisfying results and are perfect for everyday practice or smaller projects.
The way your watercolour pad is bound affects how you work.
Gummed pads let you easily tear off sheets once you are done
Spiral-bound pads are handy for sketching outdoors or keeping your work in one place
Top- or side-bound pads offer a more traditional sketchbook feel and are easy to store flat
Blocks are glued on all four edges so you can paint directly onto them without taping. Once your work is dry, you simply cut it free with a palette knife
Choosing the right binding depends on how and where you like to paint.
The size of your pad should match your working style. Smaller pads are fantastic for quick studies, travel sketching or trying out new ideas. Larger pads give you the room needed for sweeping washes, detailed landscapes or finished pieces ready for framing. Trying a few different sizes is the best way to figure out what suits you.
There are many different styles of watercolour pads, each offering something slightly different. Some pads feature cold press texture with heavy-weight cotton paper, perfect for professional work. Others may be lighter, cellulose-based options ideal for students, beginners or artists on the move.
Pads designed specifically for dry and wet media combinations are great if you enjoy mixing your watercolours with ink or pencil. Meanwhile, unique surfaces like synthetic papers provide completely different effects by letting paint float on the surface rather than absorb, opening up opportunities for experimental techniques.
Whether you lean towards bright white surfaces for vibrant colour or prefer a softer natural finish for subtle blends, there is a pad style suited to your creative goals.
This is one of the most common questions among watercolour artists and it really comes down to personal style.
Cold press is the most versatile. Its slight texture gives just enough grip for controlled washes and fine detail. It is a great starting point if you are still developing your style or want a paper that works across many techniques.
Hot press is for those who love clean lines, smooth transitions and detailed work. It is the top choice for botanical artists, illustrators and anyone combining ink with watercolour.
Rough paper is ideal if you enjoy bold, expressive mark making and want texture to play a visible role in your finished piece. It encourages loose, dynamic painting.
If you are not sure which texture suits you best, consider buying small pads of each and testing them with your favourite techniques. You will quickly get a feel for which one fits your artistic vision.
One of the joys of working in watercolour is that it rewards exploration. The paper you paint on can influence everything from how your colours interact to the mood of the finished piece. Finding the right watercolour pad is not just about technical specs—it’s about finding a surface that responds the way you want it to.
Trying out different surfaces, weights and sizes can open new creative doors. Trust your instincts, experiment freely and don’t be afraid to mix and match materials depending on what each project calls for.
Ready to find your perfect match? Check out our range of watercolour pads here.
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