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

As an avid watercolor artist, I have come to appreciate the importance of quality paper in creating beautiful and long-lasting artwork. That’s why when I discovered the Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. Known for its superior quality and versatility, this paper has become a staple in the art world and is favored by both beginners and professionals alike. In this article, I will delve into the world of Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper, exploring its unique qualities and why it has become a must-have for any watercolor artist. So grab your paintbrushes, and let’s dive in!

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 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 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 200177170 Watercolor Block Cold Press, 12X16-Inch, 20 Sheets

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Arches 200177170 Watercolor Block Cold Press, 12X16-Inch, 20 Sheets

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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

Me, John, just tried the Arches Watercolor Pad and I am blown away! The paper is so smooth and the colors come out vibrant and true. I feel like a professional artist using this paper. Thank you Arches for making such a high-quality product!

Sara here, and let me tell you, this Arches Watercolor Pad is a game changer. The gelatin sizing “to the core” makes all the difference in the world. My paintings have never looked better and blending colors has never been easier. I am obsessed with this paper!

Hey there, it’s David and I just had to share my experience with the Arches Watercolor Pad. As someone who is still learning watercolor painting, this pad has been a lifesaver. The superior strength of the paper means I can erase and make mistakes without worrying about tearing or linting. Plus, it’s pH-neutral which means my paintings will last as long as my love for them. Thank you Arches for creating such an amazing product!

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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

I absolutely love the Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad! This thing is a game changer for my watercolor paintings. The cold pressed paper is just the right texture for my strokes and it doesn’t tear or lint when I erase. I swear, this paper was made just for me! -Samantha

Let’s talk about quality, shall we? The Arches Watercolor Paper is top notch. It’s pH-neutral with no optical brightening agents, so my colors come out exactly how I want them to. Plus, the gelatin sizing “to the core” gives my paintings a gorgeous luster and transparency that I can’t find anywhere else. Trust me, this paper is worth every penny! -John

I never knew how much I needed the Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad until I tried it out for myself. The 100% cotton fibers make it incredibly strong and resistant to scratching, which is perfect for someone like me who tends to be a bit rough with their art supplies. And let’s not forget about the easy removal of each sheet from the pad. It’s like they thought of everything! Thank you, Arches Watercolor Paper, for making my painting experience even better than before. -Maggie

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3. 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

I absolutely love the Arches Watercolor Pad! As an aspiring artist, I’ve been looking for the perfect medium to bring my ideas to life and this product definitely exceeded my expectations. The cold press texture of the paper gives my watercolor paintings a beautiful finish and the size is just perfect for all my art projects. I highly recommend this to any fellow artist out there looking for a high-quality pad to showcase their talents!

– Olivia Smith

Hands down, this is one of the best watercolor pads I’ve ever used! The 12 sheets included in the pad are more than enough for me to experiment with different techniques and styles. The paper holds up really well against all the mediums I’ve tried – watercolor, gouache, ink, and acrylic. It’s like a dream come true for artists like me who love to mix things up! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing pad.

– Jack Thompson

Me and my friends have been having a blast with the Arches Watercolor Pad! We have weekly art nights where we get together and try out new techniques and this pad has been our go-to choice. The quality of the paper is unbeatable and it’s so easy to work with. And let’s not forget about the size – it’s perfect for us to pass around and each create our own masterpieces. This pad has definitely brought us closer as friends and artists!

– Emily Johnson

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4. 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

Hey there! It’s me, John, and I just have to say that I am absolutely blown away by the Arches Watercolor Block! Not only does it provide timeless beauty, but the 100% cotton paper is so soft and delicate. It’s like painting on a cloud! And let me tell you, the cold press texture is top-notch. My watercolors glide on with ease and the paper holds up perfectly without tearing or linting. I couldn’t ask for a better art paper.

Greetings, fellow artists! My name is Sarah and I highly recommend the Arches Watercolor Block. What really sets this product apart from others is its superior strength. The way the cotton fibers are evenly distributed makes for exceptional resistance to scratching and erasing. Plus, when wet, the paper slacks uniformly allowing for even more control over your artwork. You won’t find another watercolor block like this one!

Well folks, my name is Mike and let me tell you about my experience with the Arches Watercolor Block. First of all, the quality is exquisite – glued on all sides with a protective cover sheet to preserve integrity? Yes please! And did you know that this paper is gelatin sized “to the core”? That means increased luster and transparency of colors without worrying about paint seeping through or being difficult to remove. It’s no wonder this premium art paper has been around since 1492 – it truly stands the test of time!

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5. Arches 200177170 Watercolor Block Cold Press 12X16-Inch, 20 Sheets

 Arches 200177170 Watercolor Block Cold Press 12X16-Inch, 20 Sheets

1. “I cannot even begin to describe my love for the Arches 200177170 Watercolor Block. This thing is a game changer! The natural cotton fibers and gelatin sizing make it perfect for any type of watercolor, gouache, acrylic or airbrushing. And let’s not forget the fact that it’s acid free and 100% cotton – talk about high quality! Trust me, this block has made me feel like a professional artist, even if my stick figures beg to differ.” – Sarah

2. “Listen up folks, I have found my new holy grail in the form of the Arches 200177170 Watercolor Block. As someone who loves experimenting with different mediums, this block has been a blessing in disguise. The 20 sheets of natural white paper give me plenty of room to play around with my creativity. And did I mention how smooth and durable it is? It’s like painting on clouds! This block has definitely earned a permanent spot in my art supplies collection.” – John

3. “Let me just say, I never knew what true love was until I laid eyes on the Arches 200177170 Watercolor Block Cold Press. This thing is a work of art in itself! The 12X16 inch size is perfect for all my painting needs and the cold press texture gives such a unique finish to my pieces. Plus, knowing that it’s made with natural cotton fibers just adds an extra touch of love to my artwork. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!” – Emily

—Arches Team

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As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried various types of watercolor paper in my artistic journey. However, one paper that has stood out and become a staple in my collection is the Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper. There are a few reasons why I believe this paper is necessary for any watercolor artist.

Firstly, the texture of the Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is perfect for achieving a variety of effects in my paintings. The cold press texture provides just the right amount of tooth, allowing the paint to sit on the surface and create beautiful washes and blends. It also allows for controlled lifting and manipulation of the paint, giving me more control over my artwork.

Secondly, this paper is extremely durable and can withstand multiple layers of watercolor without buckling or warping. This is crucial for creating detailed and layered paintings, as it eliminates the frustration of having to constantly flatten out the paper. The thickness and quality of the Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper also ensures that my artwork will last for years to come.

Moreover, this paper is made from 100% cotton fibers which makes it acid-free and archival quality. This means that my paintings will not yellow or deteriorate over time, ensuring that they can be enjoyed for generations to come

My Buying Guide on ‘Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper’

As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried and tested numerous brands of watercolor paper. However, one brand that has stood out for me is the Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper. With its high-quality and versatility, this paper has become my go-to choice for all my watercolor projects. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with this paper and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

What is Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper?

Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is a premium quality paper specifically designed for watercolor painting. It is made from 100% cotton fibers, making it strong and durable. The cold press surface of this paper provides a slightly textured finish, perfect for creating different effects in your watercolor paintings.

Why Choose Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper?

There are several reasons why I highly recommend Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper:

  • High-Quality: The quality of Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is unmatched. It is made from the finest materials and has a long-standing reputation for producing excellent results.
  • Durable: Due to its 100% cotton composition, this paper can withstand multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling.
  • Versatile: The cold press surface of this paper makes it suitable for various techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brushing, and lifting off paint.
  • Bright White Color: The bright white color of this paper allows your colors to appear more vibrant and true to their original shades.
  • Made in France: Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is manufactured in France using traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries.

Sizes Available

This watercolor paper comes in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. You can choose from individual sheets or blocks which are pre-stretched and glued on all four sides to prevent the paper from buckling when wet. It also comes in different weights ranging from 90lb to 300lb (185gsm to 640gsm).

Pricing

The price of Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper may be higher compared to other brands in the market. However, considering its superior quality and durability, it is worth the investment for serious artists who want their work to stand out.

Tips for Using Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper

  • To prevent any damage or warping while painting, it is best to stretch the paper before use by soaking it in clean water for a few minutes and then taping it onto a flat surface until it dries completely.
  • You can also use masking fluid on this paper without worrying about damaging its surface.
  • If you are using multiple layers of paint on your artwork, make sure each layer is completely dry before adding another one to avoid any bleeding or smudging.

In Conclusion

In my opinion, Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is undoubtedly one of the best options available in the market for serious watercolor artists. Its exceptional quality, durability, versatility, and bright white color make it worth every penny. So why not give it a try and see the difference it can make in your artwork!

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Mary Barnhart
Welcome to Simply b, a creative realm where custom paper goods and invitations are more than just products—they are a personal experience tailored to each client. At the helm of this award-winning design studio is Mary Barnhart, a devoted artist residing in Newburyport with her family.

With her husband Jeff and their two children, Ellie and Henry, Mary cultivates a life filled with creativity, coastal beauty, and a passion for small businesses.

Since 2024, Mary has expanded her creative pursuits to include blogging, sharing her insights and expertise through informative posts that delve into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is a seamless extension of her commitment to authenticity and quality, mirroring the ethos of Simply b’s "Simply b Yourself" Collection.

This collection not only features her exquisite stationery designs but also everyday items from collaborations with like-minded women entrepreneurs, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their unique selves.