Quick answer: Cold press has a light texture and is the best all-round choice — forgiving, great for washes and most subjects. Hot press is smooth, ideal for fine detail and botanical or ink-and-wash work. Whichever you choose, use at least 300gsm so it doesn’t buckle — 100% cotton is best. ArtMate kits ship with 300gsm paper for this reason.
Paper affects your painting more than any other supply — more than the paint, even. Three things decide how it behaves: texture, weight (gsm) and whether it’s cotton. Here’s what each means in plain English.
Texture: cold press vs hot press vs rough
| Texture | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cold press | Light texture (most popular) | All-round use, washes, landscapes, beginners |
| Hot press | Smooth | Fine detail, botanical art, ink & wash |
| Rough | Heavy texture | Expressive, textured, atmospheric work |
Cold press is the safe default and what most travel kits use — its light tooth holds water beautifully and is forgiving for beginners. Hot press is glass-smooth, so paint sits on top and stays crisp — perfect for tight detail, but less forgiving for big washes. Rough exaggerates texture for dramatic, broken-color effects.
Weight (gsm): why thickness matters
Gsm is the paper’s weight. Thin paper (under ~200gsm) buckles and warps the moment it gets wet. 300gsm is the standard for watercolor — thick enough to take washes flat without stretching. This is why ArtMate kits like the Nomad and Voyager ship with 300gsm paper.
Cotton vs wood-pulp
100% cotton paper is the gold standard: it absorbs water evenly, lets you lift and rework color, and won’t pill. Wood-pulp (cellulose) paper is cheaper and fine for practice, but cotton handles water far better. The Voyager and Walnut Master Edition use 100% cotton; it’s worth it once you’re painting seriously.
What should a beginner use?
Start with cold press, 300gsm. It’s forgiving, handles every technique, and won’t buckle. Upgrade to cotton when you want richer washes and the ability to lift color. You can refill most kits with matching paper.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between cold press and hot press paper?
Cold press has a light texture and is the best all-round, forgiving choice. Hot press is smooth, ideal for fine detail and crisp edges but less forgiving for large washes.
Which watercolor paper is best for beginners?
Cold press, 300gsm. It handles every technique, won’t buckle, and is the most forgiving while you learn.
What does gsm mean and what should I use?
Gsm is the paper’s weight. Use at least 300gsm for watercolor so it stays flat when wet. Thinner paper buckles.
Is 100% cotton paper worth it?
Yes, once you’re painting seriously. Cotton absorbs evenly, lets you lift and rework color, and won’t pill. Good 300gsm wood-pulp paper is fine for practice.
Can hot press paper be used for washes?
It can, but its smoothness makes large, even washes trickier — paint pools and dries with harder edges. For washes and landscapes, cold press is easier.
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