When it comes to watercolour painting, the paper you use can make as much difference as your brush or paint choice.
At bradburyART, we stock a full range of Hahnemühle watercolour pads, blocks and tester sets to help you find the perfect surface for your work — whether you're painting delicate washes or bold textures.
Here’s a quick guide to the different types of watercolour paper, the Hahnemühle options we carry, and why the Hahnemühle Watercolour Selection Pad is a great way to start.
🖌️ Types of Watercolour Paper
Understanding the basic differences in watercolour paper will help you choose the right one for your style:
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Hot-Pressed Paper
Smooth and flat surface. Best for fine details, crisp lines, and illustration-style work.
Paint sits on the surface longer, allowing for lifting and soft edges. -
Cold-Pressed Paper (NOT pressed)
Slight texture (also called "NOT" paper). A versatile choice — great for beginners and professionals.
Handles washes and layering well without being too rough. -
Rough Paper
Very textured surface. Perfect for bold, expressive styles.
Granulation and texture effects show up beautifully. -
Weight
Most watercolour papers range from 190gsm to 640gsm.
Heavier papers (like 300gsm) can usually be used without stretching. -
Material
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100% Cotton papers offer excellent absorbency and durability.
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Wood pulp/cellulose blends are more affordable but may behave slightly differently when wet.
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📚 Hahnemühle Watercolour Papers at bradburyART
We’re proud to offer a selection of Hahnemühle watercolour papers — a brand trusted by artists worldwide for quality and consistency:
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Hahnemühle Expression
100% cotton, cold-pressed surface. Strong texture but still workable for detailed pieces.
Available in pads and blocks. -
Hahnemühle Cézanne
Premium 100% cotton paper. Comes in hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough finishes.
Exceptional absorbency and surface stability, even after heavy washes. -
Hahnemühle Britannia
300gsm high-quality cellulose paper.
Good value for studies, quick sketches, and practice pieces. Available in different surfaces. -
Hahnemühle The Collection Watercolour
Ultra-premium 100% cotton paper for professional use.
Excellent colour reproduction and texture.
You can view our full range here:
👉 Watercolour Pads and Blocks at bradburyART
🌟 Try Before You Commit – Hahnemühle Watercolour Selection Pad
If you’re not sure which surface suits you best, the Hahnemühle Watercolour Selection Pad (24x32cm) is a perfect place to start.
Inside, you'll find:
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A mix of five of Hahnemühle’s top-quality watercolour papers
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Different surfaces and weights to compare
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A handy 24x32cm size for meaningful tests, not tiny scraps
It’s ideal for:
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Trying out hot-pressed vs cold-pressed vs rough textures
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Comparing colour lift, granulation, and blending results
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Deciding which paper fits your favourite techniques before buying full pads or blocks
The Selection Pad gives you a real feel for each paper without guesswork. Available now at bradburyART — both in-store and online.
👉 Shop the Hahnemühle Watercolour Selection Pad here
🎨 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right watercolour paper is part of growing as an artist.
By understanding the differences — and trying a range first — you’ll find the paper that lifts your colours, enhances your textures, and makes your painting process even more enjoyable.
If you need advice, the team at bradburyART is always happy to help.
