Battling of the Brands: What’s actually the best Watercolor Paper?
There’s a wide variety of watercolor papers and if you don’t know your way around the brands, it's a bit hard to decide which watercolor paper brand to go for! There is the legendary Arches paper, the German powerhouse Hahnemühle, and finally, the British classic St. Cuthbert's Mill. Let's take a look at each one, their history, production methods, and unique characteristics.
Arches
First up, we have the iconic Arches paper. Established in 1492 in France, this paper is steeped in history and tradition. Arches is known for its superior quality and durability, which is achieved through a traditional papermaking method that involves 100% cotton rag and a fourdrinier machine. This process results in a paper with excellent absorbency and the ability to handle multiple washes of paint. Arches paper is available in hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough textures and comes in a variety of weights.
Hahnemühle
Next up, we have the German brand Hahnemühle. This brand has been in operation since 1584 and is known for its premium quality and innovative production methods. Hahnemühle uses a unique sizing process that involves coating the paper with animal gelatin to create a barrier that prevents the paint from seeping into the paper fibers. This results in a paper that has a smooth surface and excellent color vibrancy. Hahnemühle paper is available in hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough textures and comes in a range of weights.
St.Cuthbert’s Mill
Last but not least, we have the classic St.Cuthbert's Mill. Founded in 1977 in England, this brand is relatively new compared to its competitors but has made a name for itself in the watercolor paper world. St. Cuthbert's Mill uses a combination of traditional and modern production methods to create paper that is strong, durable, and able to handle multiple washes of paint. Their signature paper is the Bockingford, which is a wood pulp paper that has a medium texture and is available in a range of weights. I personally paint on their Saunders Waterford 300gms paper, which is 100% cotton and allows me to paint in several layers.
It's hard to say what brand is best, as each brand has its own unique characteristics and advantages. Arches is the go-to brand for traditionalists and those who value durability and absorbency. Hahnemühle is perfect for those who prefer a smooth surface and vibrant colors. St. Cuthbert's Mill is a great option for those who want to try something new. You should also check out papers by Fabriano and Winsor&Newton!
In the end, it's all about personal preference and what works best for your artistic style. So, go ahead and give each brand a try and see which one is best for you!
