Our Watercolour paper categories
Everything you need to know about Watercolour paper
Although watercolours are usually used on paper, in principle any ground that is free of grease and somewhat porous is possible. It is also important that the ground is pH neutral, i.e. neither acidic nor alkaline. For example, it is possible to work with watercolours on Gesso.
In theory watercolours can be used to paint on any type of paper, although the best results will be achieved on watercolour paper. Watercolour paper has a special surface glue, usually of gelatine. Due to this glue, the pigment is not absorbed by the paper so that colours remain pure. Moreover, the gluing prevents the paper from bulging too much when using a lot of water.
It must be due to the quality of the paper. Or it has been damaged while being cut loose. If the lines are demonstrably straight, something has gone wrong with the production of the paper. You should also watch out for greasy fingerprints on the paper.
Water colour paper is an excellent ground for both acrylic and gouache, and acrylic and gouache can be mixed without any problems. Mixing different types of paint always results in a combination of the various properties. For example, acrylic paint dry water-resistant, gouache does not. The more gouache is added, the less waterproof the mixture will be.
Unlike drawing paper, watercolour paper has a surface glue, usually of gelatine. Because of this bonding, the pigment is not absorbed by the paper so colours remain more brilliant. Moreover, the glue prevents the paper from bulging too much when using a lot of water.
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