Do You Really Need to Use Cotton Watercolor Paper?

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REVIEW: Cotton Watercolor Paper vs. Wood Pulp Paper
I know you have probably heard a lot about cotton watercolor paper. Most artists insist on it. But is it really necessary?
In this review, I will compare cotton watercolor paper against wood pulp watercolor paper. Both say they are formulated for watercolor…that means both should work just fine, right?
Let’s put them to the test! Is there a type of watercolor paper that can actually make your painting experience better? I bet there is!
🫣Spoiler alert! 🫣
I’ve linked some of the more affordable brands of cotton watercolor paper below so you don’t have to break the bank to get started.
(You might prefer Arches, Fabriano, Echtr, Hahnemühle, or any of the other premium brands. The links below are provided for those who want to try a more budget-savvy cotton watercolor paper.)
The links below are affiliate links on Amazon US. I may earn a small commission should you choose to use these links. Any commission earned through your purchase will go directly to sustaining and growing Art on the Creek. It will allow me to continue to create video tutorials and art supply reviews for you here on TH-cam. I can't thank you enough for your support! I hope this channel brings you as much joy as I have creating it for you.
Bee Watercolor Paper Pack of 50
www.amazon.com/dp/B0044SAXKQ?...
Paul Rubens Store on Amazon US::
www.amazon.com/stores/PaulRub...
Gen Crafts 100 Cotton Watercolor Paper
www.amazon.com/GenCrafts-100-...
Art N Fly 100 Cotton Watercolor Paper
www.amazon.com/Art-n-Fly-Cott...
Show Theme Music: Charles Shomo, Caffeine Creek Band "Forest Trail"

[@claychick100]

I agree with you as far as overall, cotton paper is best for watercolor. However, there are times that I really want to push granulation and backruns in my work and for that, I choose wood pulp paper. It’s fun to have both in your stash!

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Kathryn! Yea, indeed! I love working with cauliflower blooms & back runs too, when the painting calls for it. Here’s a good example of my absolute favorite wood pulp paper: th-cam.com/video/eA40EyZqSMs/w-d-xo.html
Have fun painting and working in those beautiful blooms & back runs! 🤠❤️

[@claychick100]

I just watched your cactus video. What fun! Thanks for sending me to it. Blessings.

[@artonthecreek]

You’re so welcome! Thank you ❤️ Happy painting!!

[@ericakauffman5786]

I almost gave up watercolor until I tried 100% cotton. I had student grade paint and brushes but changing paper made all the positive difference. I wish I was told that in the beginning!

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Erica-yes!! Cotton paper is the singular most important key to enjoying watercolor! It can be maddening trying to learn on wood pulp! 😵‍💫

[@Plookiss]

Great video thanks. I accidently purchased wood pulp when I meant to pick up cotton, so I'm looking for ways to use it to my benefit. I'm completely new to this. I have a sketchbook using 25% cotton and really noticed a huge difference, so now I want to use up this paper first.

[@artonthecreek]

Hello! Thanks so much for being here & I’m grateful you found this helpful💜!
Wood paper is never a mistake, it’s just really harder to learn on than cotton paper.
Absolutely use what you have first! The only bad art supply is one that sits unused😁
Here is another video of mine you might like-it shows how to really make the characteristics of wood pulp paper work to your advantage!
Have lots of fun with watercolor and I hope to chat with you again! th-cam.com/video/eA40EyZqSMs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=77uFEhCsxl0DLKYr

[@loveandlife4222]

Good video! Thank you Ann. Another thing about cotton vs. wood pulp is that when you are glazing - cotton glazes beautifully. Wood pulp lifts the paint you’ve previously laid down making it impossible to layer or glaze anything. It is certainly worth the extra money to invest in cotton paper.

[@artonthecreek]

Absolutely!! Thanks so much for mentioning yet another benefit of cotton paper! Enjoy a creative week-always happy to see you here!❤️

[@ivmara9987]

The Fabriano Paper that I am using is Cotton and I am pretty sure that the cheap Canson (the one that has a balloon on the cover) that I am using is wood pulp, because it reacts similarly to the one in the video.

[@artonthecreek]

Hi IV! Thanks for watching and commenting. Both Fabriano and Canson make cotton and cellulose or wood pulp papers. Paper with cotton content will always be noted on the cover or labeling. Just to make it trickier, not all cotton papers perform the same🤪 See if you can find the info for the papers you have. Fabriano Artistico is 100% cotton. Here in the US, the Canson paper with the balloon on the cover is Heritage, and it is 100% cotton also. My best advice is to use whichever cotton paper you like that’s in your price range. Lately, for me, that’s been Bee Paper.
In case you are interested, here are some affiliate links: amzn.to/3F2y8Fq
It comes in 3 different journal sizes, or loose sheets in 2 sizes: amzn.to/46fuUuf
I hope that’s helpful! Happy painting!

[@ivmara9987]

@@artonthecreek nope, I'm using both of the Cheapest versions of Canson and Fabriano and I am talking about the Canson with green cover and has pink and blue Air Balloon painting on it's cover, the Canson Heritage must be different than what I have.

[@artonthecreek]

@ivmara9987 I gotcha. I’ve never seen the Canson you are describing. It may not be available in my area🤔

[@Babyjohn8170]

I like your studio

[@artonthecreek]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you found me!🤠🩷

[@Ms1lonewolf]

I love the Bee paper. It's affordable and works great! 😊❤. Thank you JK FLORIDA USA 🇺🇸.

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Jane! Yes-a Bee watercolor journal is in one of my online art carts as we speak!