What’s the difference between Hot Press, Cold Press, and Rough watercolor papers? Let’s try them out and see with a new stamp by Anita Jeram!
Supplies for this project are linked at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
I chose to stick with one brand of paper – Arches – but others do carry papers in these same textures …though not all papers are equal and should be tested! The Rough is the bumpiest texture, Cold Press is easier for more folks too work with, and the Hot Press is very flat – helpful for stampers getting a crisp line, but the color performs very differently than the textured papers. See how!
Arches Rough is one of my favorite for both watercolor pencil and watercolor itself. I love the edges that I can create with it – the big texture lends itself to it well.
Arches Cold Press is likely the most popular of all the types of Arches – it’s got a texture but not SO much, so is especially easier for those just learning to handle the paper surface.
Arches Hot Press is the flattest, it feels practically like cardstock, except it doesn’t pill up with water. For a smooth look it can certainly achieve it but the color doesn’t come across very strong. Choose darker colors when working with this paper if you want bigger contrast.
Have you tested a variety of papers? I’d be curious to know what paper you’ve decided works best for you!
Supplies
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- New Baby, Colorado Craft Company Stamps: EH – CCC
- New Baby, Colorado Craft Company Dies: EH – CCC
- Arches Cold Press Paper: EH – BLICK
- Arches Rough Paper: EH – BLICK
- Arches Hot Press Paper: EH – BLICK
- VersaFine Ink Pad, Onyx Black
- Albrecht Durer Watercolor pencils by Faber Castell: EH – BLICK
- Quietsharp Pencil Sharpener AMZ – BLICK
- Silver Brush Black Velvet Round #8 EH – BLICK – AMZ
Wow Sandy, I’m not a watercolourist but I have seen these papers and saw the difference but never thought it would make such a difference colouring on them.
Thank you so much for the comparison, stay safe and have a wonderful day.
OMG! I never realized the difference paper could make! I am going to try the rough texture– bold,huh? Thank you for this information!
That New Baby stamp set is soooo adorable! I love it! Too bad I don’t know anyone having a baby….maybe I could donate to a birthing center.
What an adorable stamp set … and your cards are so pretty
Another lovely stamp from Anita Jeram! Thanks for the demo of texture, but also shading and contouring, which I’m still working to master. I love the grass – what color is it?
Sandy, generally speaking….I love everything you do….but I must say, I REALLY love this one!
First, rabbits are dear to my heart….just sayin’….but I’ve never quite understood the actual differences with these three watercolor papers. I am not a watercolor artist. I WISH I was because I adore watercolor art. I occasionally dabble with diluted water based inks and a water brush (or a clear block to stamp a background) to create a faux look on my cards. To someone even less knowledgeable than I am, it’s impressive! Lol. But now I have a much better idea of which paper to use for my intended project. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Sandy I shared in Facebook! I love your videos. This one was great. You explain so well the differences on paper and loved seeing the results. Thanks so much for your videos and hard work! I just at the beginning of watercolors. Dabbled some. Hugs-Jan