When it comes to watercolour, your paper is just as important as your brushes or paints. The right surface makes all the difference in how the pigment behaves, how your washes sit, and how confident you feel working wet-on-wet or dry-brush. At bradburyART, we stock a wide range of watercolour paper pads and blocks to suit all styles and skill levels — whether you're just starting out or building up work for a show.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best paper for your needs.
How do I choose a good watercolour paper?
There are three key things to consider:
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Surface texture
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Cold Pressed (NOT) – The most popular option. Slight texture (tooth), great for beginners and most techniques.
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Hot Pressed (HP) – Smooth surface, ideal for detail, pen & ink, or clean washes.
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Rough – Highly textured, great for expressive work and granulating pigments.
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Paper weight
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Look for at least 300gsm (140lb) if you're working with wet washes. Anything lighter will likely need stretching.
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We stock 300gsm and up in most of our pads and blocks, meaning they’re ready to go without extra prep.
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Format
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Pads – Gummed or spiral-bound; great for casual work or sketching.
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Blocks – Glued on all sides to stop buckling; perfect for clean, wrinkle-free results.
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What is the best watercolour paper for beginners?
We usually recommend a cold pressed 300gsm pad to start with. It gives you enough texture to hold washes without being too tricky to control. Brands like Winsor & Newton, Daler-Rowney, and Hahnemühle offer excellent quality paper that performs well without blowing the budget.
Is 140gsm paper good for watercolour?
In short: not really. While 140gsm (around 90lb) paper might be okay for light ink washes or dry sketching, it’s too thin to hold much water without warping or buckling. For watercolour, you’ll want at least 300gsm (140lb) for the best results — and that's exactly what we stock online.
What are the three main types of watercolour paper?
As mentioned above, the three primary surface textures are:
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Hot Pressed (HP) – smooth and precise
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Cold Pressed (NOT) – lightly textured and versatile
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Rough – heavily textured and expressive
Each responds differently to brushwork, so it’s worth trying a few if you're exploring new techniques.
Watercolour Paper Sheets (In-Store Only)
While our website focuses on pads and blocks, we also carry a wide range of individual watercolour sheets in-store — perfect for larger pieces or experimenting with different surfaces. You can browse full sheets of Arches, Fabriano, and other premium papers at our Belfast shop. Ideal if you want to feel the paper first or only need a few sheets at a time.
Delivery Info
All watercolour paper pads and blocks on our website are available for delivery across UK and Ireland, with free delivery on qualifying orders over £35. Need help choosing? Just drop us a message or pop into the shop — we’re always happy to chat about paper.
