Ultimate Guide to Watercolour Paper for Beginners

If you're new to the world of watercolour painting, there's one material that often gets overlooked but makes a huge difference in your final artwork: watercolour paper. Whether you're sketching gentle botanicals or creating vibrant abstract washes, the surface you paint on matters just as much as the brush or paint you use. Welcome to your ultimate guide on choosing the right watercolour paper for beginners—no fluff, no jargon, just everything you need to know to get started with confidence.

Why Is Watercolour Paper So Important?

Watercolour paints are designed to interact with water, which makes them unpredictable, magical—and potentially messy. If you try painting on regular printer paper, you'll see it buckle, tear, or soak through. Enter: watercolour paint paper. This specialized paper is built to absorb water and pigment without falling apart. The result? Crisp edges, vibrant colours, and dreamy blends.

What Is 300gsm Watercolour Paper?

Let’s talk about weight. Paper labeled as 300gsm watercolour paper refers to paper that weighs 300 grams per square metre. Why does this matter? Heavier paper can hold more water, giving you better control and less warping—especially important when you're using lots of water or layering washes.

If you're a beginner, 300gsm is the sweet spot. It’s thick enough to skip the hassle of stretching the paper before hand (a bonus!) and strong enough to handle multiple layers of water, paint, and even lifting techniques.

What Does "Cotton Watercolour Paper" Mean?

Another key term you’ll encounter is watercolour paper cotton. Cotton fibres make paper more durable, absorbent, and archival-quality. Artists who use cotton paper notice:

• Smooth blending

• Longer working time

• No pilling or tearing

At Labcraft Boutique, our handmade watercolour paper is 100% cotton and 300gsm, giving you the best of both worlds. Whether you're just exploring or ready to invest in quality, cotton watercolour paper gives your work a luxurious feel and a professional result.

Texture Types: Cold Press, Hot Press, or Rough?

There are three main textures of watercolour paper:

• Cold Press: Slightly textured (also called NOT). Most beginner-friendly and versatile.

• Hot Press: Smooth surface. Great for detail work like calligraphy and ink.

• Rough: Highly textured. Ideal for loose, expressive styles.

Our handmade paper sits close to cold press—it’s slightly textured but easy to work with, making it ideal for artists of all levels.

What Mediums Can You Use on Watercolour Paper?

You’d be surprised—watercolour paper 300gsm is more versatile than you think! Artists use it for:

• Watercolour

• Gouache

• Acrylics

• Ink & calligraphy

• Charcoal & pastels

• Coloured pencil

Because of the thickness and cotton base, it holds all these mediums beautifully without bleeding or warping.

Try Before You Commit: Sample Packs

Still unsure which size or texture suits you best? Our Watercolour Paper Sample Pack includes multiple sheets of our 300gsm handmade cotton paper in different sizes. It's perfect for:

• Practicing techniques

• Swatching colours

• Testing how the paper holds various media

This way, you get to feel the paper, paint on it, and make a confident choice before investing in full sheets or pads.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right watercolour paper doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're a beginner picking up a brush for the first time or a hobbyist refining your style, remember: your paper is your foundation. Invest in the best you can afford—and your art will thank you for it.

Looking for the perfect start? Try our 300gsm handmade watercolour paper cotton sample pack and experience the difference premium paper makes.

Explore the Watercolour Paper Sample Pack →