The difference between hot and cold pressed watercolor paper (Patreon)

Hi everyone!

I often get questions about the type of watercolor paper I use and the differences between hot-pressed and cold-pressed paper. When I first started, I experimented with both, but over time, I found that cold-pressed became my favorite.

I'll show you the differences, and I hope this helps if you're still deciding what to buy, especially since good watercolor paper isn’t cheap!

Lines

Cold-pressed paper has a more textured surface, while hot-pressed paper is much smoother. Because of this texture, lines drawn on cold-pressed paper are never perfectly straight, even when using a ruler:

 Paint

Because of the textured surface of cold-pressed paper, the paint sinks into the little dimples, making this type of paper more absorbent. As a result, color gradients appear smoother.

Hot-pressed paper, on the other hand, is less absorbent. This has an advantage because it gives you more time to adjust the paint while it’s drying.

Below, you can see the difference:

I hope this comparison helps you decide which type of watercolor paper suits your style and techniques best. Whether you prefer the smooth control of hot-pressed paper or the textured absorption of cold-pressed, choosing the right paper can make a big difference in your painting experience.

Happy painting! 🎨✨

x Astrid