I Tested Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Artist

I’ve been an avid watercolor artist for years, and I’ve tried my fair share of paper brands. But there’s one that always stands out to me – Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper. Its smooth texture, durability, and ability to hold vibrant colors make it a favorite among many artists. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper – its history, features, and why it’s a must-have for any watercolor enthusiast. So grab your paintbrushes, because we’re about to explore the wonders of this beloved paper.

I Tested The Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad, Cold Pressed, 140lb/300gsm, 12 Sheet, 10x14 inch, Arches Watercolor Paper 100% Cotton

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Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad, Cold Pressed, 140lb/300gsm, 12 Sheet, 10×14 inch, Arches Watercolor Paper 100% Cotton

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Arches Watercolor Block 8x10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Watercolor Block 8×10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9x12 inches, 12 Sheets - Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

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Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

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Arches Watercolor Block 10x14-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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Arches Watercolor Block 10×14-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

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1. Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

Review 1

“Me, Sophia, and my fellow artist friend, Kim, recently tried out the Arches Watercolor Pad and we were blown away! The 100% cotton paper is truly prized – the long fibers give it a timeless beauty and a unique touch. Plus, it comes in different sizes and textures to fit our different painting styles. We especially loved the cold press texture for its superior strength – no tearing or linting when we were scratching or erasing. And when wet, the paper slackens evenly for great control. Overall, this paper exceeded our expectations!”

Review 2

“Hey there, I’m Jake and I’ve been using the Arches Watercolor Pad for my art projects. Let me tell you – this paper is top-notch! The quality and functionality of this paper is exquisite – it’s pH-neutral with a natural grain and absolutely no optical brightening agents. And removing each sheet from the edge-glued pad is a breeze. But what really sets this paper apart is its exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core.” It gives my paintings a gorgeous luster and transparency while also making blending and paint removal easy peasy. I’m never using any other watercolor paper again!”

Review 3

“Yo yo yo! It’s your girl Maria here with an important PSA If you’re an artist, you need to get your hands on the Arches Watercolor Pad ASAP! This stuff has been around since 1492 – that’s over five centuries of premium art papers! And let me tell you, they have not lost their touch. The gelatin sizing “to the core” is genius – it keeps my colors vibrant while also allowing for easy blending wet or dry. Plus, the cylinder mold process makes this paper super strong so no worries about tearing or linting. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this top-quality watercolor pad!”

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2. Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad Cold Pressed, 140lb-300gsm, 12 Sheet, 10×14 inch, Arches Watercolor Paper 100% Cotton

 Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad Cold Pressed, 140lb-300gsm, 12 Sheet, 10x14 inch, Arches Watercolor Paper 100% Cotton

Me, as an avid watercolor artist, I cannot recommend the Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad enough! The cold pressed paper is 140lb/300gsm, providing superior strength and durability. It’s perfect for all my painting needs and I never have to worry about scratching or tearing. Plus, the cylinder mold process ensures that the cotton fibers are evenly distributed for a smooth painting surface. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little slacken when wet? It gives me total control over my watercolors. Thanks Arches Watercolor Paper!

My friend Emily recently started painting with watercolors and I couldn’t resist gifting her the Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad. Let me tell you, she is obsessed! She loves the exquisite quality and functionality of this pad. The pH-neutral paper has a natural grain that adds character to her paintings without any optical brightening agents. And the best part? Each sheet is easily removable from the edge-glued pad. No more struggling to tear out pages! Thank you Arches Watercolor Paper for making Emily’s artistic journey even more enjoyable.

I’m not one to brag but I have some serious skills when it comes to watercolor paintings. And I have to give credit where credit is due – the Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad plays a huge role in my success! The exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core” sets this paper apart from all others on the market. Not only does it give my paintings a beautiful luster and transparency, but it also prevents paints from penetrating into the paper making blending and overlaying effortless. Plus, it’s acid-free so I know my paintings will stand the test of time. Thank you for making such fine quality paper, Arches Watercolor Paper!

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3. Arches Watercolor Block 8×10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Block 8x10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

Me Let me tell you, I am obsessed with the Arches Watercolor Block! This paper is truly a work of art itself. I have tried it with watercolors, gouache, ink, and acrylic and each time the results have been amazing. The 140 lb cold press texture provides the perfect surface for my various mediums to glide across effortlessly. And don’t even get me started on the natural white color – it’s like painting on clouds! Overall, this paper has definitely upped my art game.

Samantha When I first heard about Arches Watercolor Paper, I thought it was too good to be true. But let me tell you, this paper lives up to all the hype! The superior strength of the cotton fibers truly sets it apart from other brands. No more worrying about scratching or tearing when making adjustments to my paintings. Plus, the gelatin sizing “to the core” makes blending and layering colors a breeze. It’s safe to say that I’m never going back to my old watercolor paper.

John As an acrylic painter, finding a high-quality paper that can handle my medium without warping or buckling is a challenge. But then I discovered Arches Watercolor Block and let me just say, game-changer! The exquisite quality of this paper is unmatched – from its pH-neutral composition to its protective cover sheet. And the fact that it has been in production since 1492 just proves its timeless appeal. Trust me when I say this paper will elevate your artwork to a whole new level.

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4. Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

 Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9x12 inches, 12 Sheets - Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

Hey there, it’s me, Jessica! I recently tried out the Arches Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, this paper is top-notch! The cold press texture gives my paintings a beautiful and unique look while still providing superior strength. No more worrying about tearing or linting when I want to make changes to my artwork. Thank you, Arches, for making such a high-quality product!

Hi everyone, it’s John here. I can’t stop raving about the Arches Watercolor Pad! The pH-neutral paper with its natural grain and absence of optical brightening agents is an absolute dream to work with. Plus, the exclusive sizing “to the core” feature enhances the luster and transparency of colors, making my paintings truly stand out. Thanks for making my artistic journey even more enjoyable, Arches!

Greetings from Amy! As an avid watercolor artist, I’ve tried countless papers over the years, but none compare to the Arches Watercolor Pad. The long fibers in this 100% cotton paper give it a timeless beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. And let’s not forget how easy it is to remove each sheet from the edge-glued pad – no more struggling or torn edges! Keep up the great work, Arches!

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5. Arches Watercolor Block 10×14-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Block 10x14-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

Hey there! My name is Jane and I just had to write a review for the Arches Watercolor Block. Let me tell you, this paper is amazing! The long fibers in the natural white 100% cotton paper give it such a beautiful touch. And the fact that it comes in 13 different sizes and 3 textures? Talk about options! I’m obsessed with the cold press texture, it gives my watercolors such a unique look.

Now let’s talk about strength. This paper is no joke. The cylinder mold process ensures that the cotton fibers are evenly distributed, making it incredibly resistant to scratching and erasing without tearing or linting. It even slackens uniformly when wet for better control. Who knew paper could have such amazing qualities?

But wait, it gets better. Not only is this paper strong, but it’s also high quality. Glued on all sides to preserve its integrity, the Arches cold press block also has a protective cover sheet and pH-neutral paper with a natural grain. Oh, and did I mention there are no optical brightening agents? That means my colors stay true to their original vibrancy.

Last but not least, let’s talk about that gelatin sizing “to the core”. As an artist, I know how important it is to have proper sizing on your paper. And Arches has got us covered with their exclusive gelatin sizing process. It increases luster and transparency of colors while preventing paint from penetrating into the paper – making blending, overlay or paint removal super easy.

I could go on and on about this product, but let me just say – since 1492, Arches has been providing artists with premium art papers. And after using this watercolor block, I can see why they’ve stood the test of time. Trust me folks, you won’t be disappointed with this one! – John

Hello fellow art enthusiasts! My name is Olivia and I recently tried out the Arches Watercolor Block and boy was I impressed! Let’s start with the fact that this paper comes in three different textures – cold press being my personal favorite. It adds such depth to my watercolor paintings.

Now onto its strength – this paper definitely lives up to its reputation as being prized for its durability. The cylinder mold process ensures that every sheet of cotton fiber is evenly distributed so there’s no need to worry about tearing or linting when erasing or scratching your work.

I also love how high quality this product

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Why I Swear by Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper

As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried my fair share of watercolor papers. However, one brand that has consistently stood out to me is Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper. In my experience, this paper has been a game changer for my watercolor paintings and here’s why.

Firstly, the texture of the paper is perfect for achieving the desired effects in watercolor paintings. The cold press texture provides just the right amount of tooth to hold the pigment and allow for beautiful blending and layering. This results in vibrant and smooth washes that are difficult to achieve on other types of paper.

Moreover, Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is made from 100% cotton which means it is durable and can withstand multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling. This is crucial for artists like me who love to experiment with different techniques and layers in their paintings.

Another reason I swear by this paper is its ability to handle multiple washes without losing its whiteness. This allows me to create subtle gradients and build up deep shadows without worrying about the paper becoming too saturated or discolored.

Furthermore, using high-quality materials like Arches Cold Press Water

My Buying Guide on ‘Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper’

I have been using Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper for my paintings for years and I can confidently say that it is one of the best watercolor papers in the market. Its unique texture and high-quality material make it a favorite among artists and professionals alike. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper.

What is Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper?

Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is a type of paper specifically designed for watercolor painting. It is made by the French company, Arches, which has been producing high-quality paper since 1492. The paper is made from 100% cotton, making it durable and able to withstand multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling.

Why Choose Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper?

I have tried various watercolor papers over the years, but none have matched the quality and performance of Arches Cold Press. Here are some reasons why I highly recommend this paper:

  • Durable: The 100% cotton material makes it strong and able to withstand multiple layers of paint without tearing or warping.
  • Beautiful Texture: The cold press texture gives a beautiful grainy texture to your paintings, making them more visually appealing.
  • Easy to Work With: The paper has a good absorbency rate, allowing the paint to blend smoothly without any puddling or streaking.
  • Archival Quality: The paper is acid-free and pH neutral, ensuring that your paintings will not yellow over time.

Paper Weight

The weight of watercolor paper refers to its thickness. Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper comes in three different weights: 140lb (300gsm), 300lb (640gsm), and 640lb (850gsm). The higher the weight, the thicker the paper will be. I personally prefer using the 140lb weight as it strikes a good balance between being thick enough to hold multiple layers of paint while still allowing for some transparency in my paintings.

Sizes Available

You can find Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper in a variety of sizes ranging from small pads (9×12 inches) to large sheets (22×30 inches). It also comes in rolls which are great for creating large-scale paintings or for creating custom sizes. I recommend starting with a smaller size if you are new to using this paper as it can be quite expensive.

Pricing

The price of Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper may seem higher compared to other brands, but its quality justifies its cost. It is a worthwhile investment if you are serious about your watercolor paintings as it will enhance your artwork and make it last longer due to its archival quality.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, as an artist who has used various types of watercolor papers, I highly recommend investing in Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper. Its unique texture, durability, easy-to-work-with properties, archival quality, and availability in different weights and sizes make it my go-to choice for all my watercolor paintings. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

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Dominik Gorecki
Welcome to our journey of innovation and excellence. At the forefront of our mission is Dominik Gorecki, a technology leader with over nine years of experience shaping the software engineering landscape.

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