Watercolour Paper Sheets

Watercolour Paper Sheets

Where can I find affordable watercolour paper pads from top art brands? We've go you covered! The best watercolour papers are highly absorbent with an excellent texture that remains at peak saturation longer than other types of painting paper. We offer a diverse selection of these high-quality paper pads at discounted prices, ensuring you don't have to compromise on quality while staying within your budget. With free shipping when you spend over $100, be sure to stock up on art paper while you can. Explore our range from some of the best art brands and have your choice delivered straight to your door!

185gsm - very thin paper ideal for card making, light applications of paint and practice 

300gsm - The standard offering a balance of good paper weight for most artists’ needs.

638gsm - designed for heavy applications of paint & water for lasting works! 

850gsm - the thickest we stock, perfect for heavy applications of paint & water for lasting works! 

Your watercolour paper can be any size or colour. We stock white paper sheets as well as a heritage colour, but opting for white will give the brightest resulting image. Bear in mind that your paper should be stretched before use to avoid wrinkling during painting.

How to properly prepare watercolour paper for painting

It is often beneficial to stretch the paper first to ensure it remains flat during the painting process, especially when using lighter-weight papers which may buckle or warp when wet. Here's a detailed step-by-step process to prepare your watercolour paper:

1. Soak the Paper: Begin by immersing your watercolour paper in clean water. Let it soak for about 5-10 minutes to allow the fibers to expand fully. This step is crucial as it prevents the paper from warping when you apply washes of paint later on.
2. Remove Excess Water: Take the wet paper out of the water and remove any excess water gently. You can lay it on a clean surface and use a sponge or a roller to dab over it, being careful not to tear the softened paper.
3. Attach the Paper to a Board**: While the paper is still damp, lay it onto a flat, rigid board. You can use a drawing board, a thick piece of plywood, or any flat, non-warping board.
4. Secure the Paper: Use gum tape, or water-activated tape, to adhere the edges of the paper to the board. Ensure the tape extends slightly onto the paper and board all around the paper to hold it in place firmly. Make sure to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.
5. Dry the Paper**: Allow the paper to dry naturally in a horizontal position. As the paper dries, it will shrink slightly, pulling against the tape and resulting in a taut, smooth surface that is ideal for painting. Once dry, your watercolour paper is ready to use, offering a stable and flat surface which helps in achieving better results with your watercolour paints. This method is particularly effective for preventing the paper from buckling under the moisture of the paints, thus enhancing the quality of your artwork.

To smooth out a warping watercolour painting, follow these detailed steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by ensuring your work area is clean to avoid any unwanted transfer of dirt onto the painting. It's important that the surface where you will lay the painting is flat and stable.
2. Moisten the Paper: Turn the painting over so the painted side is facing down. Using a clean spray bottle, gently mist the back of the watercolour paper with water. Be cautious to avoid soaking the paper; a light spray will suffice.
3. Flatten the Paper: After moistening, cover the painting with a flat, evenly-weighted object. Ideally, use a smooth, non-textured board or several large books that extend beyond the edges of the painting. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent any new waves from forming.
4. Allow to Dry: Let the setup sit undisturbed for about 24 hours. This time allows the water to evenly distribute through the paper fibers and the weight to press the paper flat. By following these procedures, your watercolour painting should dry flat and free of curls or warps.

Which Watercolour papers are suitable for Beginners or artist's on a budget?

Arches Watercolour Paper Sheets at 185gsm - offer a lighter weight option that is perfect for card making, light applications of paint, and practice sessions. This cost-effective choice is ideal for those just starting out or experimenting with new techniques, as it allows for easy handling and sufficient quality without the high expense.

Canson Montval Watercolour Paper at 270gsm-  is a fine quality, student-grade watercolour paper. It is acid-free and mildew resistant, ensuring longevity and durability of your artwork. The texture and resistance to repeated washings make it a versatile choice for all wet media techniques, including watercolour, acrylic, and gouache. This paper is highly recommended for beginners due to its affordability and forgiving nature, which can accommodate learning and exploration.

Canson Montval Watercolour Paper 300gsm - is the standard weight that offers a balance of good paper quality and performance for most artists’ needs. This weight is thick enough to resist warping and handle heavier washes of paint, making it suitable for both detailed work and broader wash techniques. The acid-free, mildew-resistant properties further enhance its archival quality, making it a reliable choice for final artworks as well as practice pieces. Its excellent colour stability and representation ensure that your artistic visions are vividly and accurately brought to life. These options are specifically tailored to cater to the needs of beginners and those who are mindful of their budget, providing a range of qualities and prices to suit various artistic requirements and preferences.

Everything a watercolourist needs

• Watercolour brushes
• Watercolour medium
• Watercolour pencil sets
• Watercolour pads

 Want to branch out from watercolour? Why not check out our other art supplies. With same day dispatch and free shipping Australia-wide when you spend over $100, there’s never been a better time to channel your creative energy! You can also buy now, pay later with Afterpay.