We know you've come a long way if you are ready to select a paper for your watercolor prints. From the hours of creating the original artworks to deciding you want to sell prints, diligently digitizing, and now, the research phase, it can all be overwhelming.
That's why we wanted to make a quick and straightforward guide on the paper recommendation we believe watercolor art prints best on.
Why Paper Matters for Watercolor Prints
Picking the right paper is very important when it comes to watercolor prints. Watercolor artwork typically relies on deep texture that interacts with the paint and thicker paper that is sturdy enough to withstand the paint. These qualities of the original paper can be found in many giclee printing papers.
Qualities to Look For in Watercolor Prints
- Texture. Determined whether a more patterned or organic texture will look good with your art.
- Heavy-weighted or a high GSM paper. This will make the prints rigid and sturdy.
- Bright white points. A paper with higher white values will make the artwork stand out and pop the colors.
- Good color output. All our papers are printed with the same wide color gamut giclee printers. Our color-corrected workflow helps showcase the colors of your original piece in a high-quality and archivable print.
Matte Paper vs Gloss Paper
Overall, we recommend matte papers for watercolor prints. If you are unsure what type of paper finish to pick, look at your original art for reference. You can try our Luster paper or the Canvas Satin for a gloss finish instead.
Test With Samples First
Proofing first is a great tactic when testing your files and paper options. Getting the media sample set or ordering small prints, under 8'' x 10'', can give you an idea of how your artwork will print.
Top Paper Picks at The Stackhouse
Textured with higher white values, we offer these high-quality papers that work best with watercolor giclee prints:
Hahnemühle's Photo Rag
Combining a velvety matte surface with outstanding color reproduction, Photo Rag is versatile, making it suitable for detailed art and photography. Its 100% cotton base adds a luxurious feel to every print.
Textured Matte | 308 gsm | 18.9 mil | 100% Cotton Fiber
Hahnemühle's William Turner
William Turner’s distinct texture mimics traditional watercolor paper, adding character and depth to art reproductions. Made from 100% cotton, it provides a unique tactile experience, perfect for high-end artworks.
Textured Matte | 310 gsm | 24.4 mil | 100% Cotton Fiber
Epson's Cold Press Bright
With its textured finish and bright white tone, Cold Press Bright offers an exceptional base for fine art works requiring depth and intensity. It is ideal for reproductions of watercolor paintings and fine-detail artwork.
Textured Matte | 305gsm | 19 mil | 100% Cotton Rag
What to feel and compare our papers in person? Order our free media sample set to see the details of these three papers and more!
Feel free to contact us. We are happy to answer any other questions regarding your watercolor prints.
