Choosing the best watercolor paper for cardmaking can make all the difference in how your designs turn out. Whether you’re creating soft washes, detailed stamped images, or vibrant backgrounds, the right paper affects everything from color vibrancy to texture and durability. This article will help you navigate the essential qualities that impact your results—like texture, weight, absorbency, and composition. Plus, we’ll share practical tips and links to tutorials to make sure you get the most out of each project. Ready to discover the perfect watercolor paper for your cards? Let’s get cracking!
Watercolor paper is more than just a surface; it’s the foundation of every beautiful wash and blend.
Table of Contents
- Why Watercolor Paper Matters in Cardmaking
- Understanding Watercolor Paper Texture
- Choosing the Right Paper Weight for Your Project
- Absorbency and Sizing: How Watercolor Behaves on Paper
- Paper Composition: Cotton vs. Wood Pulp
- Color and Brightness: Finding the Right Shade
- Special Considerations for Cardmaking
- Techniques and Tips for Using Watercolor Paper in Cardmaking
- Bringing It All Together
Why Watercolor Paper Matters in Cardmaking
Selecting the best watercolor paper for cardmaking isn’t just about finding something that holds water; it’s about choosing a material that enhances your creative techniques and meets the specific needs of cardmaking. Different papers bring out unique qualities in watercolor paints, affecting how colors blend, dry, and interact with other materials you may use, like stamps, markers, or adhesives.
The Impact of Paper on Your Results
Watercolor paper influences everything from how easily you can blend colors to how vibrant your final design appears. Some papers hold up well to multiple layers, while others
can buckle or lose detail with too much water. Finding
the right texture, weight, and absorbency means achieving professional-looking cards that reflect the effort you put
into each one.
Key Qualities to Consider
When choosing watercolor paper for cardmaking, three main qualities are important to consider:
- Texture: Impacts the look and feel of your artwork. Some textures are great for smooth, detailed work, while others add a natural roughness perfect for loose, organic designs.
- Weight: Determines durability and how much water the paper can handle without buckling.
- Absorbency: Controls how the paint flows and dries, which affects techniques like lifting, blending, and creating crisp lines.
In the following sections, we’ll look at each of these qualities in more detail, covering types of paper that work well for various watercolor techniques.
Understanding Watercolor Paper Texture
The texture of watercolor paper is one of the most noticeable qualities, affecting how paint settles on the surface and the level of detail you can achieve. Three main textures are commonly used: Hot Pressed, Cold Pressed, and Rough. Each offers unique effects, making them ideal for different cardmaking styles.
Hot Pressed (Smooth)
Hot pressed paper has an ultra-smooth surface that’s perfect for detailed designs and clean lines. This paper is popular among cardmakers who use fine stamping, intricate brushwork, or detailed line art, as the smooth surface allows for high precision without any texture interference.
- Best Techniques: Ideal for stamping, precise line work, and blending with watercolor markers.
- Projects: Detailed floral cards, graphic designs, or any project that needs clean, defined edges.
Cold Pressed (Slightly Textured)
Cold pressed paper has a slight texture, giving it a soft, natural look that works beautifully for watercolor washes. Often labeled as “CP” or “NOT” (which simply means “not hot pressed”), this paper balances detail with texture, making it one of the most versatile options for cardmaking. The light texture adds interest to washes and layered techniques without overpowering the design.
- Best Techniques: Suitable for watercolor washes, layered blending, and lifting techniques.
- Projects: Subtle backgrounds, landscape cards, and designs where you want a hint of texture.
Rough (Highly Textured)
Rough watercolor paper has the most pronounced texture, giving it a more organic, granulated appearance. This type is best for creating cards with a lot of visual depth, like abstract or landscape designs, where texture adds character to the piece. The texture uniquely catches the paint, creating interesting patterns and natural-looking effects.
- Best Techniques: Perfect for granulated washes, textured backgrounds, and loose watercolor styles.
- Projects: Abstract designs, rustic cards, or scenes with lots of texture, such as forests or mountains.
Bristol Smooth (Blending and Marker-Friendly)
While not technically a watercolor paper, Bristol Smooth is a favorite among cardmakers for use with watercolor markers, alcohol markers, and blending techniques. Its ultra-smooth surface allows for even, clean blending, and it’s ideal for precise, controlled designs where minimal water is used. Bristol Smooth is perfect for achieving bright, vibrant colors with markers, smooth gradients, and clean lines.
- Best Techniques: Marker blending, fine line art, and light watercolor washes.
- Projects: Cards with marker coloring, detailed illustrations, or mixed-media designs that require a smooth surface.
Choosing the Right Paper Weight for Your Project
Paperweight measures the thickness and sturdiness of the watercolor paper, which affects how well it handles water. In the U.S., weight is often shown in pounds (lb), referring to the weight of 500 sheets in a specific size. Internationally, it’s common to see grams per square meter (gsm), which directly measures paper density. Higher weights—like 300 gsm (140 lb)—mean thicker paper that can hold up to more water, while lower weights—such as 190 gsm (90 lb)—are thinner and may warp with heavy water use.
90 lb (190 gsm)
This is a lighter-weight paper that’s best suited for minimal water applications. While 90 lb paper works well for simple washes or light watercolor designs, it may buckle when exposed to heavier layers of water. This weight is a thinner, more economical choice for cardmakers who plan to use just a light wash, ink blending, or quick-drying techniques. Additionally, 90 lb paper is ideal for die-cutting images and crafting watercolor envelopes, as it’s easier to cut and fold than heavier paper.
- Best Techniques: Light watercolor washes, ink blending, quick-drying techniques, and die-cutting.
- Projects: Background washes, simple greeting cards, watercolor envelopes, or practice projects.
140 lb (300 gsm)
The 140 lb weight is a standard choice for watercolor paper and balances durability with flexibility. It handles most cardmaking techniques, from washes to layering, without significant warping. This weight is popular for cards because it provides a sturdy base for various techniques while remaining easy to cut and layer.
- Best Techniques: Watercolor washes, layering, and wet-on-wet techniques.
- Projects: Background washes, simple greeting cards, watercolor envelopes, or practice projects.
300 lb (638 gsm)
At 300 lb, this heavyweight paper can handle intense water applications without buckling. While it’s highly durable and can withstand heavy water and layering, this paper may feel too thick for some card projects, especially if you need to fold or layer it. Use it for projects requiring maximum durability or techniques involving soaking the paper.
- Best Techniques: Wet-on-wet techniques, heavy layering, and paint lifting.
- Projects: Statement card designs, one-layer cards with heavy water use, or standalone watercolor artwork.
Absorbency and Sizing: How Watercolor Behaves on Paper
Absorbency significantly influences how watercolor reacts on paper, influencing paint flow, drying time, and blending. Watercolor paper typically has a sizing layer, either gelatin or synthetic, which controls how much paint is absorbed versus staying on the surface. Understanding absorbency and sizing helps you choose the right paper for your techniques.
Sizing on watercolor paper controls how paint sits on the surface. Heavily sized papers keep paint wet longer for blending, while lightly sized papers absorb paint quickly
for matte, diffused effects.
Understanding Sizing in Watercolor Paper
Sizing is the coating that controls how paint sits on the paper. Heavily sized papers allow paint to sit longer on the surface, giving you time to blend, lift, and create soft edges. On the other hand, lightly sized papers absorb paint quickly, which is great for techniques where you want a matte, diffused effect but less ideal for blending.
Absorbency Levels and Technique Compatibility
Different absorbency levels suit different techniques:
- Heavily Sized Paper: Ideal for lifting techniques, blending, and wet-on-wet applications, as it gives you more time to work with the paint.
- Lightly Sized Paper: Suitable for quick-drying techniques and single-layer washes, as the paint is absorbed quickly and dries faster.
Choosing the right absorbency level depends on your cardmaking project. Heavily-sized paper gives you extra time for blending and adjustments. In contrast, lightly sized paper provides a quick, even finish for single-layer designs.
Paper Composition: Cotton vs. Wood Pulp
Watercolor paper can be made from different materials, each affecting its quality, durability, and price. The two main types are 100% cotton and wood pulp papers, each with unique benefits for cardmaking.
100% Cotton Papers
Cotton watercolor paper is the highest quality option, known for its durability and archival properties. Because it’s made from natural cotton fibers, it withstands heavy water applications and repeated techniques, such as lifting and blending, without warping. Cotton paper is ideal for cards you want to last or projects for special occasions.
- Benefits: Archival quality, high durability, excellent for techniques that require layering or reworking.
- Projects: Special occasion cards, detailed watercolor designs, or cards intended to be keepsakes.
Wood Pulp Papers
Wood pulp paper is a more affordable alternative, making it a popular choice for practice or everyday card projects. While it doesn’t hold up to as much water as cotton paper, it still performs well for lighter watercolor techniques and simpler designs. Wood pulp paper can be a good option for cards that aren’t meant for long-term display or when you’re experimenting with new techniques.
- Benefits: Budget-friendly, suitable for light washes and quick projects.
- Projects: Practice cards, everyday greeting cards, and projects where longevity is a low priority.
Color and Brightness: Finding the Right Shade
The color and brightness of your watercolor paper can impact your card’s overall look, influencing how vibrant or soft your colors appear. Most watercolor papers come in shades of white or cream, each providing a distinct effect that can enhance your card design.
Bright White Paper for Vibrant Colors
- Bright white paper allows your watercolor pigments to stand out with their full vibrancy. This option is ideal for designs that need bold colors or for projects where you want the colors to look as true as possible to their original hue.
- Best for: Bright, colorful designs, floral cards, or any project that requires high color contrast.
Natural or Cream Tones for a Softer, Vintage Look
- Natural or cream-colored paper gives watercolors a warmer, softer appearance, making it a good choice for vintage-inspired designs or projects with a subtle, muted palette. The slight tint can tone down brighter colors, giving them a more cohesive, antique look.
- Best for: Vintage-style cards, soft color schemes, or designs with an old-fashioned feel.
Choosing the right color can add an extra layer of style to your cards, helping you set the mood and bring your creative vision to life.
Special Considerations for Cardmaking
We should consider factors beyond paint application when using watercolor paper for cardmaking. Watercolor paper behaves differently from standard cardstock. This is especially true when using tools and techniques like die-cutting, embossing, and folding.
Compatibility with Adhesives and Cardmaking Materials
Watercolor paper, particularly thicker options, may require stronger adhesives to securely hold embellishments, layers, or other materials. Liquid adhesives or strong double-sided tapes often work best for holding layers of watercolor paper in place. Additionally, because watercolor paper is more absorbent, avoiding adhesives that can warp or weaken when exposed to moisture is wise.
Die-Cutting and Embossing Performance
Watercolor paper is thicker and more rigid than standard cardstock, which can affect die-cutting and embossing results. Using lighter-weight paper, like 90 lb, for intricate die cuts
ensures smoother cuts. Heavier papers, like 140 lb, can add
extra texture and depth when embossed but may require additional pressure for detailed designs.
If you’re new to cardmaking, it’s important to know that
watercolor paper behaves differently from regular cardstock.
Here, we’ll explore the best types of watercolor paper
for die-cutting and embossing so you can make the most
of these techniques in your designs.
Personal Tip: When working with thicker watercolor paper,
I prefer using an electric die-cutting machine over a manual one.
The added power helps achieve smoother cuts and more consistent embossing, especially with heavier papers.
- Best Types of Watercolor Paper for Die-Cutting::
- 90 lb or 140 lb watercolor paper
- Hot-pressed paper for smooth, defined edges
- Best Types of Watercolor Paper for Embossing:
- Cold-pressed or rough paper for textured, raised designs
- Hot-pressed paper for cleaner, detailed results
Folding Without Cracking
Watercolor paper, especially at heavier weights, can sometimes crack when folded. To create smooth, crisp folds without damage, score the paper along the fold line before bending it. Lighter-weight paper (90 lb or 140 lb) typically folds more easily than 300 lb paper, which may be better suited for single-layer cards or cut shapes rather than folded designs.
Techniques and Tips for Using Watercolor Paper in Cardmaking
Using watercolor paper in cardmaking opens up a world of creative techniques that can bring depth and texture to your designs. You can easily create “little masterpieces.” Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your watercolor paper and recommended techniques to try on different paper types.
Preparing Your Paper (Stretching, Taping, etc.)
Watercolor paper, especially lighter weights, can sometimes warp when exposed to water. Stretching or taping down your paper before starting can prevent warping, keeping your card base smooth. To stretch watercolor paper, lightly dampen it and tape it to a firm surface, allowing it to dry flat. This technique is most useful for larger projects or cards with multiple layers of watercolor.
Techniques That Shine on Different Paper Types
Each type of watercolor paper is suited to specific techniques that make the most of its texture and absorbency:
Hot Pressed (Smooth)
- Ideal for detailed stamping, fine line work, and marker blending.
Cold Pressed (Slightly Textured)
- Great for watercolor washes, blending layers, and lifting techniques.
Rough (Highly Textured)
- Works well for granulated washes and creates organic, textured effects.
Bristol Smooth
- Perfect for blending and marker work, where minimal water is applied.
For a deeper look at watercolor techniques, explore “Must-Try Watercolor Effects” on Craftsy to discover new ideas and tips. Additionally, our Easy Watercolor Wash Card Tutorial for Beginners provides step-by-step guidance for creating beautiful watercolor wash backgrounds, perfect for beginners.
In general, hot-pressed paper is best for smooth, precise techniques. Cold-pressed paper is versatile for washes and blending. Rough paper adds texture for more expressive effects, while Bristol Smooth is ideal for clean marker work with minimal water.
Achieving Different Effects Based on Texture and Absorbency
Highly acclaimed cardmaker and designer Kristina Werner shares her top watercolor paper recommendations, including options like Arches and Canson, known for their durability and versatility in handling water. These heavier papers are ideal for various techniques, from simple washes to detailed, layered painting styles. Kristina also suggests beginner-friendly papers for experimenting with different effects, making them perfect for those new to watercolor cardmaking.
Bringing It All Together
Selecting the right watercolor paper can transform your cardmaking, helping you achieve stunning effects that bring your designs to life. Understanding texture, weight, absorbency, and color allows you to make more confident choices that suit your creative style. Whether layering washes, die-cutting delicate shapes, or blending with markers, experimenting with different paper types will open new possibilities in your work. Grab your supplies, and let the paper guide your next project!