Comments on: Cold Press vs Hot Press watercolor paper – Here’s how to choose !

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:29:57 +0000

In reply to Reagan Dobler. Have fun Reagan!

By: Reagan Dobler

Reagan Dobler — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:15:04 +0000

Thank you for a very easy to understand explanation of the differences in Hot Press vs. Cold Press watercolor paper. It quickly answered all of my questions!
I am just starting out experimenting with watercolor paints. I read every description and reviews for what’s readily available to purchase. Hands down, I chose ARCHES Watercolor Paper. I am, however, purchasing both the hot press and cold press papers so I can learn for myself how these papers perform for me. I am also experimenting with three different watercolor paint varieties. Just going to have some fun putting brush to paper!

By: Anthony

Anthony — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:34:35 +0000

In reply to Janice Roehm.

Hi Janice
I think smooth hot press paper will be much easier for calligraphy…
Have fun!

By: Janice Roehm

Janice Roehm — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:44:15 +0000

I’m just beginning to watercolor. I want to do a piece with some watercolor and calligraphy. I don’t know whether the smooth surface would work better or if the fact that the ink might not soak in quickly is a deterrent from using hot press paper.
Thank you for your help. Janice

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 12:23:55 +0000

In reply to Debbie. Glad to help Debbie!

By: Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:43:50 +0000

Great info and well explained, thank you
Deb

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 30 May 2024 06:47:17 +0000

In reply to Teri.

Hi Teri
Yes… this is called a “faux deckle” edge.
You can use a ruler or straight edge to help you tear one edge of the paper at a time.
Soaking the paper slightly beforehand can make it easier to tear 🙂

By: Teri

Teri — Wed, 29 May 2024 13:42:05 +0000

Can you tear this paper so that you have the jagged edges on all sides?

By: Hana

Hana — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 08:47:01 +0000

Many thanks, Anthony, your articles are very helpful.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:17:27 +0000

In reply to Chris.

Hi Chris.
No… my comment above maybe isn’t very clear. The change of color appearance on watercolor paper is more to do with the way light is “scattered” on the surface of the paper.
In a similar way to how all watercolors look less bright when they dry compared to when they are wet, the surface that reflects the colored light changes as the paint evaporates.
This phenomenon is also affected by the roughness of the paper surface.