Watercolour Paper Guide: GSM, Cotton and Which Paper to Choose

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adminhaanz

2026-10-13

On 2026-10-12

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Many beginners blame their paints when the real problem is the paper. Ordinary paper buckles, pills and turns colours muddy. This watercolour paper guide explains weight (GSM), fibre, surface texture and which watercolour papers and pads to start with, so your paint can flow and dry the way it should.

What does GSM mean on watercolour paper?

GSM (grams per square metre) is the paper’s weight. Heavier paper is thicker and can take more water before it buckles.

Around 160–200gsm: fine for practice, light washes, sketchbooks and school work. Expect some buckling when you use a lot of water.
300gsm (140lb): the standard weight for watercolour painting. It takes wet washes with much less buckling.
Heavier papers (for example 640gsm): very thick, stay flat even with heavy washes. Used mainly by experienced painters.

Cotton vs cellulose watercolour paper

100% cotton paper absorbs water slowly and evenly, so washes blend smoothly and you can lift colour back out. It is what most professional watercolourists use; Fabriano Artistico is a well-known example. Cellulose (wood pulp) paper is more affordable and works well for learning and practice, though washes dry faster and are harder to correct.

Cold press, hot press and rough

Cold press (also called “NOT”): a light texture. The most popular surface and the most forgiving for beginners.
Hot press: smooth, good for fine detail, botanical illustration and pen and wash.
Rough: a pronounced texture that gives sparkle and granulation in washes; popular for landscapes.

Pads, blocks or single sheets?

Pads are convenient for practice and travel. Single large sheets can be cut to any size and are good value for bigger work. Whatever you choose, look for paper labelled “acid-free” so your painting doesn’t yellow over time.

Watercolour papers we stock

SeaKing Watercolour Paper 160gsm A3: our best-selling sheet, ideal for practice and school work.
300gsm pads: Mont Marte Watercolour Pad 300gsm A3, A5, the Art Essentials 300gsm A4 pad and the Bomeijia 300gsm A4 pad are good next steps for proper watercolour painting.
Cotton paper: Fabriano Artistico Rough 300gsm and Fabriano Artistico 300gsm 56 × 76cm for finished paintings.
Fabriano Mixed Media 250gsm: one paper for both wet and dry media, handy if you combine ink, pencil and paint.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all watercolour papers and Fabriano papers.

How to stop watercolour paper buckling

Tape the paper down on all four sides with artist masking tape before you paint, and peel it off slowly once the painting is completely dry.
Use 300gsm or heavier paper for wet washes.
Let each layer dry before painting over it.
If a finished painting has buckled, place it face down under a few heavy books overnight.

Choosing paints too? Read our watercolour paints guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best watercolour paper for beginners?

A 300gsm cold press pad is the best all-round choice. Use lighter 160–200gsm paper for practice and sketching.

Can I use drawing paper for watercolour?

For quick sketches, yes, but it will buckle with lots of water. Watercolour paper gives far better results.

Which side of watercolour paper should I paint on?

Either side can be used on most papers. The side with the watermark reading correctly is traditionally the front.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose the right paper.

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