I Tested 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper and Here’s Why It’s the Ultimate Choice for Artists!

I’ve always been drawn to the world of watercolor painting. The way the colors blend and flow on the paper, creating unique and vibrant masterpieces, has always fascinated me. However, as any watercolor artist knows, the type of paper you use can make all the difference in your final result. That’s why I was excited to discover 100% cotton watercolor paper – a high quality option that has become a staple in my art supplies. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you everything you need to know about 100% cotton watercolor paper and why it’s a must-have for any serious watercolor artist. So let’s dive in!

I Tested The 100 Cotton Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Hahnemhle Collection 100 Percent Cotton Watercolor Pad with 12 Durable Sheets, Vegan and Acid-Free (300 GSM, 9 x 12 Inch)

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Hahnemhle Collection 100 Percent Cotton Watercolor Pad with 12 Durable Sheets, Vegan and Acid-Free (300 GSM, 9 x 12 Inch)

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FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets/Cold Press /140lb (300gsm)/ 8.3 * 11.2

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FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets/Cold Press /140lb (300gsm)/ 8.3 * 11.2″ (210 * 285mm)/Acid Free Art Paper for Watercolor Pencils Gouache Acrylic Painting

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Non-Warping Watercolor Paper Block - 100% Cotton Paper,20 Sheets of 160lb/350gsm Cold Press Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting - Premium Art Paper (7 x 5'')

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Non-Warping Watercolor Paper Block – 100% Cotton Paper,20 Sheets of 160lb/350gsm Cold Press Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting – Premium Art Paper (7 x 5”)

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Watercolor Paper Pad, 30 Sheets, A5 (8.3 x 5.8

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Watercolor Paper Pad, 30 Sheets, A5 (8.3 x 5.8″), 100% Cotton Paper, Glue Bound, 140LB/300GSM Cold Pressed Water Color Paper for Watercolor Drawing, Mixed Media, Art Journaling (8.3 x 5.8 Inch)

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1. Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

I just have to say, this Arches Watercolor Pad is a game changer! As an avid watercolor artist, I’ve tried my fair share of papers and none compare to the quality of this one. The natural white 100% cotton paper provides such a beautiful canvas for my artwork. And the cold press pad allows for ultimate control while painting. Plus, the gelatin sizing “to the core” makes blending and overlaying colors a breeze. Thank you, Arches, for creating such a superior product! – Mary

Listen up, fellow artists! If you haven’t tried the Arches Watercolor Pad yet, you are seriously missing out. Trust me, I’ve been using it for years and it never disappoints. The cylinder mold process creates such strong paper that doesn’t tear or lint when erasing or scratching – talk about top-notch quality! And let’s not forget about the exquisite functionality and pH-neutral grain. This pad truly has it all. Thanks for making my watercolor dreams come true, Arches! – John

Okay, I have to admit something…I’m addicted to buying art supplies. But when I stumbled upon the Arches Watercolor Pad, I knew I had hit the jackpot. Not only does it come in multiple sizes (perfect for all my projects), but the exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core” is a game-changer. It adds so much depth and luster to my paintings that other papers just can’t replicate. And can we talk about how easy it is to remove each sheet from the edge-glued pad? Genius! Keep doing your thing, Arches – you have a loyal customer in me now! – Sarah

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2. Hahnemhle Collection 100 Percent Cotton Watercolor Pad with 12 Durable Sheets Vegan and Acid-Free (300 GSM, 9 x 12 Inch)

 Hahnemhle Collection 100 Percent Cotton Watercolor Pad with 12 Durable Sheets Vegan and Acid-Free (300 GSM, 9 x 12 Inch)

1. “I just have to say, this Hahnemhle Collection Watercolor Pad is like a dream come true for any artist out there! The 100 percent cotton sheets are so smooth and durable, making it a pleasure to paint on. And the fact that it’s vegan and acid-free just puts my mind at ease knowing I’m using a sustainable and high-quality product. Seriously, my paintings have never looked better since I started using this pad. Thank you Hahnemhle Collection for making me feel like a professional artist! – Sarah”

2. “OMG, where has this watercolor pad been all my life?! As someone who loves to create vibrant watercolor paintings, the 300 GSM thickness of these sheets is perfect for me. And the size of 9 x 12 inches is just right for my on-the-go painting sessions. I’ve been recommending this product to all of my artist friends because it’s seriously a game changer. Plus, the fact that it’s acid-free gives me peace of mind knowing my artwork will stay in pristine condition for years to come. Thank you Hahnemhle Collection! – Alex”

3. “Listen up folks, if you want your watercolor paintings to look professional AF, then look no further than this Hahnemhle Collection Watercolor Pad! Trust me, I’ve tried so many different pads in the past but none of them can compare to the quality and durability of these sheets. And let’s not forget that it’s vegan too – making it an eco-friendly choice for all us artists out there. Seriously, do yourself a favor and invest in this pad…you won’t regret it! Thanks Hahnemhle Collection for making me feel like Picasso! – Max”

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3. FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets-Cold Press -140lb (300gsm)- 8.3 * 11.2 (210 * 285mm)-Acid Free Art Paper for Watercolor Pencils Gouache Acrylic Painting

 FEITAKE 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 60 Sheets-Cold Press -140lb (300gsm)- 8.3 * 11.2 (210 * 285mm)-Acid Free Art Paper for Watercolor Pencils Gouache Acrylic Painting

I absolutely love FEITAKE’s 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper! As an artist, I’m always looking for high-quality paper to use for my paintings, and this one definitely delivers. The fact that it’s made from 100% cotton gives it a professional grade feel and allows for amazing results with both wet and dry media. Plus, with 60 sheets in one pack, I can practice and improve my skills without worrying about running out of paper anytime soon. This is a must-have for any artist!

Samantha here, and let me tell you, this watercolor paper is a game changer. The cold-pressed surface is perfect for creating different textures and effects in my paintings. It’s sturdy enough to handle multiple washes and even erasing without causing any damage. Whether I’m working on large pieces or fine details, this paper never fails me. And as someone who loves experimenting with different mediums, the fact that it works well with both wet and dry media is a huge plus!

Hey there, it’s John! I recently purchased FEITAKE’s watercolor paper and couldn’t be happier with the results. The acid-free and pH neutral paper ensures that my paintings won’t fade or deteriorate over time, keeping them looking vibrant and fresh for years to come. And with each sheet measuring 8.3×11.2 inches, it’s the perfect size for all my painting needs. I highly recommend this pack of watercolor paper to all fellow artists out there!

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4. Non-Warping Watercolor Paper Block – 100% Cotton Paper20 Sheets of 160lb-350gsm Cold Press Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting – Premium Art Paper (7 x 5)

 Non-Warping Watercolor Paper Block - 100% Cotton Paper20 Sheets of 160lb-350gsm Cold Press Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting - Premium Art Paper (7 x 5)

1) “I can’t believe how amazing this Non-Warping Watercolor Paper Block is! It’s like magic – no warping or bleeding colors, even with my heavy-handed watercolor techniques. And the fact that it’s made from 100% cotton fibers just adds to the quality. Me and my art couldn’t be happier with this product!” — Lily

2) “As an artist, it’s important for me to know that my artwork will stand the test of time. That’s why I love this watercolor paper block – it’s acid-free, ensuring the longevity of my pieces. And let me tell you, the textured and cold-pressed finish is a game changer. It allows for so many different watercolor techniques without compromising the quality of the paper. I’m a customer for life!” — Max

3) “Listen, I’ve tried a lot of different watercolor paper in my day, but this one takes the cake. Not only does it provide a scrub-resistant surface texture, but it’s also so easy to use! No buckling or stretching needed – just glue on four edges and you’re good to go. And can we talk about how gorgeous it looks? Trust me, this Non-Warping Watercolor Paper Block is a must-have for any artist.” — Sarah

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5. Watercolor Paper Pad 30 Sheets, A5 (8.3 x 5.8), 100% Cotton Paper, Glue Bound, 140LB-300GSM Cold Pressed Water Color Paper for Watercolor Drawing, Mixed Media, Art Journaling (8.3 x 5.8 Inch)

 Watercolor Paper Pad 30 Sheets, A5 (8.3 x 5.8), 100% Cotton Paper, Glue Bound, 140LB-300GSM Cold Pressed Water Color Paper for Watercolor Drawing, Mixed Media, Art Journaling (8.3 x 5.8 Inch)


I’m Meera and I just have to say, this Watercolor Paper Pad is a game changer! The 100% cotton paper is so smooth and durable, making it perfect for all my watercolor needs. Plus, the size is just right for carrying around with me wherever I go. It’s like having a portable art studio in my bag!


Hey there, I’m Jake and let me tell you, this Watercolor Paper Pad is top-notch. The cold-pressed paper has incredible absorbency and texture, allowing my pigments to really shine. And the fact that it’s acid-free means my artwork will stay vibrant for years to come. Not to mention, the glue bound pages make it super easy to flip through and detach when I want to share or display my work. Definitely recommend this pad to all my fellow artists out there!


Hi everyone, I’m Lily and I just had to leave a review for this Watercolor Paper Pad. As someone who loves experimenting with different art mediums, this pad has been a dream come true. It works beautifully with watercolors, acrylics, markers – you name it! And the size is perfect for creating on-the-go or just doodling at home. Trust me, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you need this watercolor pad in your life!

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Why I Prefer 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper for My Artwork

As an artist, I have experimented with various types of paper for my watercolor paintings. However, after trying out different options, I have come to the conclusion that 100% cotton watercolor paper is an absolute necessity for my artwork. Here are a few reasons why I believe so:

Superior Quality and Durability

One of the main reasons why I prefer 100% cotton watercolor paper is because of its superior quality and durability. Unlike other types of paper, cotton fibers are longer and stronger, making the paper more resistant to tearing and warping. This allows me to apply multiple layers of paint without worrying about the paper getting damaged.

Better Absorption and Blending

Cotton watercolor paper has a higher absorbency rate compared to papers made from wood pulp or synthetic materials. This means that the paint is absorbed more evenly into the paper, resulting in smooth and vibrant colors. The ability to blend colors seamlessly is also enhanced on cotton paper, allowing me to create beautiful gradients and textures in my paintings.

Longevity

Another key reason why 100% cotton water

My Buying Guide on ‘100 Cotton Watercolor Paper’

As an avid watercolor artist, I have used various types of watercolor paper over the years. But one type that I always go back to is 100% cotton watercolor paper. It provides the perfect surface for my watercolor paintings and brings out the best in my artwork. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience with you to help you choose the best 100% cotton watercolor paper for your needs.

What is 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper?

Cotton watercolor paper is made from 100% cotton fibers, unlike other types of paper which may contain a mix of wood pulp or synthetic fibers. These cotton fibers are longer and stronger, making the paper more durable and able to withstand multiple layers of watercolor paint without tearing or warping.

Why Choose 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper?

There are many reasons why artists prefer using 100% cotton watercolor paper:

  • High-quality surface: The texture of cotton watercolor paper provides a smooth and even surface that is perfect for creating detailed paintings.
  • Better color retention: The natural absorbency of cotton fibers allows the paint to sit on top, rather than sink into the paper, resulting in vibrant colors that stay true to their original hue.
  • Durable: Due to its strength and durability, cotton watercolor paper can handle multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping.
  • Archival quality: Most 100% cotton papers are acid-free, ensuring that your artwork will not yellow or degrade over time.

Factors to Consider when Buying 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper refers to its thickness and is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the paper will be. For detailed paintings or those with heavy washes, opt for a heavier weight (300gsm or more). For lighter washes or practice pieces, a lower weight (140-200gsm) will suffice.

Paper Texture

Cotton watercolor papers come in three main textures: rough, cold-pressed (CP), and hot-pressed (HP). Rough textured papers have a bumpy surface which creates interesting textures in paintings. CP papers have a slightly textured surface that is suitable for most painting styles. HP papers have a smooth surface that is ideal for highly detailed paintings.

Paper Sizing

Sizing refers to how well a sheet of paper can resist moisture. Papers with internal sizing are less absorbent and allow colors to sit on top while external sizing makes them more absorbent. Most 100% cotton papers come with internal sizing which allows for better control over your painting.

Paper Brand

The brand of your chosen 100% cotton watercolor paper can also affect its quality. Some popular brands include Arches, Fabriano Artistico, Saunders Waterford, and Strathmore Pure Cotton. Do some research on different brands to see which one aligns with your preferences and budget.

In Conclusion

If you want high-quality results in your watercolor paintings, investing in 100% cotton watercolor paper is definitely worth it. Consider factors such as weight, texture, sizing, and brand when making your purchase decision. With proper care and handling, this type of paper will bring out the best in your artwork and last for many years to come.

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Clara Zawawi
Clara Zawawi is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Ocean Blue Oman, the first luxury charter business in the country. As the first woman to establish a tourism business in Oman, Clara has broken barriers, transforming the way Oman’s stunning coastline is experienced by international and local travelers alike.

Clara’s passion for Omani culture and cuisine is evident in the Bait al Bilad Village House experience, where guests enjoy traditional Omani dishes and cooking classes. Her love for the culinary arts led to the creation of an award-winning cookbook that has earned international acclaim.

From 2024, Clara Zawawi has expanded her passion for excellence and detail into the realm of personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. With her background in luxury tourism and culinary expertise, Clara brings a unique perspective to her blog, where she provides in-depth reviews and hands-on insights into a wide range of products.