Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Hot Press or Cold Press paper - what should I use? (Patreon)

Published:
2020-04-03 23:00:23
Imported:
2026-10
Tags:

Content

Hi everyone,

Here's a video I made for YouTube yesterday. I enjoy painting on both hot and cold pressed paper and I am often asked why I choose hot pressed paper over cold pressed paper and vice versa so I made this video to help answer that question.

I paint a pansy on both hot and cold press paper to compare the differences.  I've never paid much attention to the differences but there is a slight difference that I noticed.  Making this video helped me to focus my attention on the paper and what it was doing. So thank you to those of you who asked this question.

If you'd like to paint the pansy yourself I've attached my reference photo and also the painting that I did on the hot pressed paper. I used Winsor Violet and Quinacridone Magenta on the petals. Winsor Lemon, Quinacrdone Gold, Burnt Sienna, Sap Green and a touch of Sepia in the centre (All Winsor and Newton paints).

Next week I'll be posting one of the Hummingbird tutorials. I've also completed a simple tulip painting that I think the beginners will be able to cope with. 

Have a great weekend. Stay safe. Keep busy.

Louise

Files

Hot Press or Cold Press Paper // Which paper should I use?

Not sure whether to use hot pressed or cold pressed watercolor paper? This video might help you decide. #louisedemasi #watercolor 💜Patreon💜 I have full length, voiced over, normal speed, watercolour painting tutorials on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/louisedemasi My tutorials are full length and I don’t skip over anything or speed anything up. They are great for beginners through to experienced painters. My new Koala class on Skillshare: ttps://skl.sh/2U8rAyz On this page of my website, you’ll find an index of the classes I have available on Patreon: http://www.louisedemasi.com/new-index _________________ ✍🏻Sign up to my email newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/clxMrD Supplies used in this video Supplies bought from the Amazon Links below- help support my channel. Winsor & Newton watercolor paint: Winsor Violet: https://amzn.to/2WWX65p Quinacridone Magenta: https://amzn.to/2V151ej Winsor Lemon: https://amzn.to/2UYTFaI French Ultramarine https://amzn.to/2MUUP6a Winsor and Newton White Ink https://amzn.to/2ZB6c4y Arches Cold Press paper 300gsm https://amzn.to/2ZBzsse _________________ More Watercolour Tutorials here on YouTube: 💦 The importance of underwashes: Avoiding overworking https://youtu.be/8l4_wePSDEE How to paint a flat wash in watercolor: https://youtu.be/efSp9VWnft8 How to paint a graded wash in watercolor: https://youtu.be/AYXbKUfpXWQ Wet on Wet Technique: https://youtu.be/tcbgP0moIss 3 ways to mix watercolour paint: https://youtu.be/__nQWdF37_4 How I stretch my watercolour paper: https://youtu.be/eGi9HkEijtU How wet should my watercolour paper be? https://youtu.be/5KSUnii5op8 Watercolour Blooms: How to avoid them. How to use them: https://youtu.be/FTbopN5mlCI My favourite watercolour palette: https://youtu.be/mMASSU_jt_4 Negative Painting Technique: https://youtu.be/BPN-_Tr5Yv4 Watercolour Edges: https://youtu.be/mpdnd30G6CA 3 Favourite Watercolour Techniques: https://youtu.be/QdgTFVUZq1Y  How to use Salt with Watercolour: https://youtu.be/we9SH-hRvTk _________________ Link to more information about my classes here: http://www.louisedemasi.com/classes Skillshare Classes: Watercolour Galah: https://skl.sh/2YOSuiQ Watercolour Chrysanthemum: https://skl.sh/2IuaxlZ Watercolour Rose: https://skl.sh/2mdtvjo Watercolour Fox: https://skl.sh/2qp1n0G Watercolour Succulent: https://skl.sh/2sYtR10 Watercolour Robin: https://skl.sh/2ugkDxc _________________ Paintings and prints are available on my Website: http://www.louisedemasi.com _________________ Say hello on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisedemasi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louise.demasi/

Comments

Melanie Newberry

Hi Louise, my question is about soaking the paper beforehand. I watched your video about stretching the paper. I believe you said something about it breaking up the gelatin (hope that’s correct) in the paper. Did you soak the paper you demonstrated the pansies on? Would it make a difference as far as absorbing the paint more or less? Thank you

Louise De Masi

Hi Melanie, Yes I did. I stretch all my paper for every painting (except if I paint on watercolour board). As long as you don't soak the paper for too long it makes no difference to the way the paper handles the water and paint. Thanks.

Barbara Ford

Can you give information or a link (I’m in US) for the Da Vinci Maestro Series 35 brushes that you have been using recently?

Margaret B Smith

Thank you for this video and your experiences. I used the Cold Press paper initially, however, since I tried the Hot Press, it has opened my mind. I can now see strengths and weaknesses that can be harnessed, depending on the subject matter, for example I would probably use the Hot Press for detailed work and the Cold Press for those soft, or velvety effects. Tell me if I am on the right track. Going to try the Koala Bear on the Cold Press paper shortly. So the experience will be interesting...

Michelle Wainer

Thank you as always, Louise. I love when you come out with these videos as it is often something I've been wondering about. I appreciate more your videos knowing you haven't been doing well with your leg. Not sure how it happened, but hope it is getting better and you are taking care of yourself. Also that you and Dom and your family are safe and well.

eri

Thoroughly enjoyed the "bloopers" at the end. And no worries-- this southern girl will not call you out for sounding posh.

Carrie Bilbrey

Thank you! Very helpful for me. And I LOVED the bloopers.

J. Pamela Greene

thanks, that was a helpful video.................I found the pansy that you painted on the hot pressed paper more detailed than the one on the cold pressed, and I liked it a bit better, though both were beautiful.............I think that perhaps hot pressed paper is better if for more detailed paintings, but I haven't painted enough on hot pressed to be sure...............I usually use cold pressed, but I'm tempted to use my hot pressed more for certain subjects.........only then will I know if I see I difference that I like or don't..............thanks so much for your videos and help with watercolor painting........your paintings are beautiful

Louise De Masi

Thanks Michelle. All is good now. I hope you and your family is safe and well too. 💕

Desert Morning

This was interesting. My experience with both papers is similar to your description. I find that I like the feel of the process of painting better with cold press but I often like the final results -- after everything is dry -- better with hot press. I'm learning that the final results of a painting after it's dried often surprises me -- turns out more pleasing than I thought it would -- especially with hot press.

Louise De Masi

Yes! I found that with these two pansies. I enjoyed painting the cold press pansy more but after they were finished I liked the look of the pansy on the hot press paper better.

Katherine Malm

This was a very interesting video. I always found hot pressed much more difficult to manage but I thought your suggestion that hot pressed is better left until you are more experienced was a great point. Now I understand why I don't like hot press ... not enough experience! A quick question ... you may have addressed previously but I'm new to the channel and your Patreon. I noticed you used white ink for the highlights. I was curious why you chose that over gouache?

Carol Yntema

This was very informative. As a beginner I do find cold pressed easier to work on and gives a little more control. I also find the brand makes a difference too. I bought some 100% cotton 140lb cold-pressed fabriano paper, (it cost a little less) but find it is not as durable as the Arches. I loved both pansies and as always loved watching your out-takes....they always make me giggle. Thanks for another great video!

Louise De Masi

Hi Katherine. I use both white gouache and white ink but I tend to reach for the white ink more because I think it covers better/quicker. I have to add water to the gouache to make it consistent enough to flow off the brush and doing that dilutes it which makes it more transparent.

Katherine Malm

Thanks ... that makes great sense. Do you have a preferred white ink? I've never found one I like very much.

Jacinthe Boudreau

Thank you Louise, very useful information. Clear and precise information as always. 💞💫🌈

Denise Sonmor

Hello from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada!!! 🌺🌸🌼 Excellent insight on papers... I have used mostly hot press paper as I am partial to the smooth texture and creating +++details. Recently I tried Arches cold press with some of Daniel Smith’s granulating colors. So very impressed!! I loved the finish! I feel that each give you a different look and feel but equally awesome!!! Thank you for the video! 😊. Excited to be a new Patreon member!!!

Lori Hitchcock

Answered many questions I have about cold vs. hot pressed. The comparison demonstrations were very helpful. The difference in the blooms was very striking.

Liz C

Best part of this video was at the end, Louise when you’re fanning yourself! Had me laughing! Thank you for making my day, it’s refreshing to see authenticity in someone so accomplished.

Mary Jacobson

Thanks Louise, this video was very informative. Mary Ann

Julia King

I'm well on my way to having enough paper for a huge paper drawer like yours. I'm addicted to buying different papers. Seeing your drawer makes me not feel so guilty :)

Helena Davey

I use colored pencil a lot over my watercolor and enjoy the texture that is created on cold pressed paper, but I also know artists who use the same technique and work on hot pressed to avoid the texture!

Pamela Rivera

Louise, will you be doing a tutorial on either one of your paintings: The Angel Wings Pelican or The Black Cockatoo? They are incredible and I do appreciate that you shared the photos with us.

Louise De Masi

Hi Pamela, Thank you! I hadn't planned to at this stage. They took a long time to paint (particularly the black cockatoo) and as a result a tutorial would take me weeks to put together. I may re-visit the Pelican though because I might be able to do a smaller version of it.

Chrystene McAdams

This was exactly what I was looking for. You answered all my questions and I appreciate that you painted side by side to show the difference in look & feel

Nancy Guenther

I would love to see a pelican tutorial. It's one of our favorite birds. :o)

Robyn Mills

This is great Louise, well explained. I have a question, there are two sides to the cold press, one slightly smoother than the other,. In your video you use the more textured side, so, as you get better, would you progress to the smoother side of the cold press before tackling the hot press? Or, is the actual make up/ingredients within the paper that are the issue meaning that cold press, no matter what side you use reacts the same? 🌻🤔

Louise De Masi

Hi Robyn, I've not thought of that before. I think that would be a good idea to try. I started using hot pressed paper after I had already built some skill up on cold pressed paper. I was selling my paintings and selling prints etc before I tried hot pressed. The transition to me was quite easy but if my skill wasn't there I think I would have found it quite difficult to paint on. Transitioning by painting on the back of cold pressed paper sounds like a good idea. Having said that, if you are using cold pressed and you are enjoying it there's no need to use hot pressed paper unless you want to get into illustrating for books, licensing etc or some other reason.

Janice

Thanks Louise, I sure appreciate the comparison. I feel better about my choice as I do like the look of cold pressed paper.

MartyJ

Louis what wide format printer do you use to reproduce your painting and also what paper?

Louise De Masi

I have an Epson Stylus R2000 printer and I use to use ( I don't print anymore) Hahnemuhle Fine Art Inkjet paper. It's beautiful paper.

Betsy J

Hello Louise - I love your work and teaching style! I sometimes have trouble when transferring a sketch to cold press, if it requires fine lines, as the texture can cause wobbly lines. So I choose hot press for those paintings to keep lines smooth and accurate.

Louise De Masi

Hi Betsy, thanks so much. That's a good point. I find that happens too. You get a much smoother pencil line on hot press paper.

Valerie White

I just tried hot press for the first time and had problems with the paint beading up. I was using Bockingford HP. Do you have this problem, and if so, how do you deal with it?

Louise De Masi

I was just reading that Bockingford paper is 100% cellulose. If the paper you are using is cellulose that would be why you are having trouble. The water and paint doesn't soak in the way it does on 100% cotton paper. I will be posting a video this weekend that shows the difference between cellulose paper and cotton paper. You'll see me paint the same flower side by side.

Linda

🤗👍. Very helpful.