Best Watercolor Paper for Beginners (Hot vs Cold Press)

If you’ve ever walked into an art store and stared at the watercolor paper section like it’s written in another language—you’re not alone. “Hot press? Cold press? 140 lb? 300 lb?” It’s a lot. And when you’re just starting out, it feels like if you grab the wrong one, your painting will melt off the page.

A watercolor painting on cold press paper

Don’t worry. Let’s break this down together. By the end of this post, you’ll not only know the difference between hot press and cold press watercolor paper, but you’ll also know exactly which one makes sense for you as a beginner—and which brands are worth the money. Explore the best watercolor paper for beginners below.

Hot Press vs Cold Press Watercolor Paper: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

• Cold Press Paper → Slightly textured, sometimes called “NOT” (as in “not hot pressed”). It has a bumpy, toothy surface that grabs the paint.

  
  

• Hot Press Paper → Smooth as butter, ironed flat during processing, which makes it ideal for crisp lines and fine details.

  
  

So the difference really comes down to texture. Cold press gives you those classic watercolor textures (soft washes, cloudy blends, a more “artsy” feel). Hot press feels more controlled, more like drawing on smooth Bristol board but with watercolor behavior.

Which Paper Is Easier for Beginners?

Here’s where most beginners trip up: cold press paper is forgiving, hot press is not.

• Cold Press: It absorbs water quickly, which means you don’t get as many accidental puddles and blooms. If you like landscapes, skies, or anything soft and loose, this is your paper.

  
  

• Hot Press: Because it’s smooth, water sits on the surface longer. That means more time to play with washes, but it also means your paint might backflow if you don’t manage water carefully. It shines for detailed illustrations, botanical art, or line-and-wash styles.

  
  

If you’re just starting out, 9 times out of 10, cold press is the easier entry point.

Weight Matters Too

Now you’ll notice numbers like 90 lb, 140 lb, 300 lb on paper pads. This refers to thickness.

• 140 lb (300 gsm) → The sweet spot for most beginners. Thick enough that the paper won’t buckle too badly with water, but still affordable.

  
  

• 300 lb (640 gsm) → Professional-level thickness. Doesn’t warp at all, but it’s pricey and overkill if you’re just starting out.

  
  

• 90 lb (190 gsm) → Too thin. This is the kind of paper that buckles so much it feels like painting on wet cardboard. Avoid.

  
  

So, when in doubt: 140 lb cold press is the most beginner-friendly choice.

Brand Recommendations for Beginners

Okay, now the fun part—what to actually buy.

• Canson XL Watercolor Pad (Cold Press, 140 lb)

  If you’re brand new and just want to practice without worrying about price, this is the go-to. It’s student-grade, so don’t expect museum quality, but it’s perfect for experimenting.

  
  

• Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper (Cold Press, 140 lb)

  A step up from Canson. Still student-friendly pricing, but with more consistent quality.

  
  

• Arches Watercolor Paper (Cold Press or Hot Press, 140 lb)

  This is the holy grail. 100% cotton, professional-grade paper. It handles water beautifully, resists buckling, and makes your paints look more vibrant. It’s pricier, but if you want to see what watercolor should feel like, grab a small Arches block.

  
  

• Etchr Lab Hot Press Paper (140 lb)

  For those curious about hot press, Etchr’s sketchbooks and pads are beginner-friendly but still artist quality.

  
  

Common Beginner Questions

“Can I use mixed media paper for watercolor?”

Yes, but it’s not ideal. Mixed media paper is thinner and doesn’t hold up as well to repeated washes. It’s fine for doodles but not for learning real watercolor techniques.

“Why does my paper buckle so much?”

Either you’re using paper that’s too thin (below 140 lb), or you’re flooding it with water. Taping your paper down before painting can also help reduce warping.

“Do I need to stretch my paper?”

Stretching is when you soak and tape paper so it dries flat before painting. For most beginners using 140 lb cold press, it’s not necessary—you’ll be fine with just taping your sheet to a board.

Final Thoughts: Best Watercolor Paper For Beginners

If you’re just dipping your brush into watercolor for the first time, go with 140 lb cold press from Canson XL or Strathmore. Once you get comfortable, try a sheet of Arches cold press to experience the difference 100% cotton makes. And if you’re curious about smoother, detail-friendly painting, grab a small hot press pad to play with.

Watercolor is one of those mediums where the surface makes a huge difference. The right paper will make your paints look brighter, your techniques easier to learn, and your experience way less frustrating.