If you've ever struggled with watercolor techniques—maybe your washes dried unevenly, your details weren’t as crisp as you wanted, or your paint didn’t blend quite right—the issue might not be your skills. It could be your paper.

Watercolor paper is just as important as the paint and brushes you use. The right paper can make painting feel effortless, while the wrong one can make everything harder than it needs to be (I learned this the hard way early on). 

Ok great Jenna but with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose?

Firstly, the biggest decision comes down to cold press vs hot press watercolor paper. These two types have very different textures, absorbency levels, and uses. Let’s break it all down so you can find the perfect fit for your style!

Why Choosing the Right Watercolor Paper Matters

I’ve already touched on this a little bit, but watercolor is different from other painting mediums because it relies on water. The way paper absorbs, holds, and reacts to that water completely changes how your painting turns out.

• Too much texture? Fine details become tricky.
• Too smooth? Paint might pool or spread too fast.
• Paper drying too quickly? Hard edges form before you can blend.

That’s why cold press vs hot press watercolor paper is such an important decision. Each one handles paint differently, and picking the right type can help you achieve the results you want.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Cold Press Watercolor Paper

Cold press paper is the most commonly used watercolor paper. It has a textured surface, which makes it great for layering and creating natural-looking blends.

Pros of Cold Press Watercolor Paper

• Textured surface is versatile. The slightly bumpy surface helps hold pigment well, making it perfect for a variety of techniques (from wet-on-wet washes to dry brush textures).
• Holds water and pigment beautifully. Because the paper is absorbent but not too absorbent, it allows for soft blends while still giving you control over your paint.
• Forgiving for beginners. Since it doesn’t dry too quickly, you have more time to adjust your colors and blends before they set.

Cons of Cold Press Watercolor Paper

• Harder to achieve very fine details. If you love intricate linework, the texture of cold press can sometimes make it difficult to get crisp edges.
• Not ideal for ultra-smooth washes. Because of the bumps in the paper, very even, smooth washes can be trickier to achieve.

When to Use Cold Press Watercolor Paper

Ultimately cold press is ideal for layered paintings, textured art, and expressive brushstrokes. If you love a more organic, soft look (think landscapes, florals, or loose abstract work—like I do), this is your best bet.

Hot Press Watercolor Paper

In comparison, hot press paper has a smooth, almost velvety surface that’s perfect for fine details and crisp edges. Unlike cold press, it has little to no texture, which means your brush glides easily across the paper.

Pros of Hot Press Watercolor Paper

• Great for detailed work and smooth lines. If you love precise illustrations, fine details, or botanical art, hot press paper is perfect.
• Allows for crisper edges and finer brush control. Since it’s not absorbing as much water as cold press, your paint stays exactly where you put it.

Cons of Hot Press Watercolor Paper

• Less forgiving. Because the paint sits more on the surface, it’s harder to make adjustments once the color is down. Mistakes are less easy to fix.
• Water and pigment spread faster. Since it doesn’t absorb water as much as cold press, colors can move more freely (which can be a challenge if you’re not used to it).

When to Use Hot Press Watercolor Paper

Choosing hot press is great if you love detailed illustrations, calligraphy, or controlled painting techniques. It’s especially good for ink and watercolor combinations because ink pens glide smoothly over the surface.

Which Watercolor Paper Should You Choose?

Still unsure which one is right for you? The best choice depends on your painting style.

• If you love soft, blended washes and texture, go for cold press watercolor paper.
• If you want fine details and smooth color application, choose hot press watercolor paper.

If you want a deeper breakdown (plus my top brand recommendations), check out The Ultimate Guide to the Best Watercolor Paper.

Tips for Using Each Type of Watercolor Paper

Once you’ve chosen the right paper, here are a few tips to get the best results from each one!

Cold Press Watercolor Paper Tips

• Take advantage of texture. The bumps on cold press paper can add dimension, so use them to create interesting brushstrokes.
• Great for layering. Because it holds water well, cold press lets you build up multiple layers without overworking the paper.
• Test your colors first. Since it absorbs more pigment, some colors may look a little different when dry compared to when they’re wet.

Hot Press Watercolor Paper Tips

• Use high-quality brushes. Since there’s no texture for the brush to grip onto, stiffer, high-quality brushes will help with precision.
• Practice water control. Paint spreads faster on hot press, so using the right water-to-paint ratio is key. Try practicing different water amounts to see how they react.
• Be mindful of lifting. Because paint sits on the surface, it can lift more easily when adding layers—use a gentle touch!

Finishing Up: Cold Press vs Hot Press Watercolor Paper

When it comes to cold press vs hot press watercolor paper, there’s no “right” choice—only the one that works best for your style. Cold press is the go-to for expressive, textured paintings, while hot press is perfect for smooth, detailed work.

If you’re just starting out, I recommend trying both to see which one feels best for you. Over time, you might even find that you love using both for different projects (I know I do!).

Want to Get Started with Watercolor?

The right paper is just the beginning! If you’re ready to improve your skills and build confidence with watercolor, I have a couple of resources to help. 

Check out my supplies page for my favorite watercolor tools, from paper to brushes to paints. If you’re looking for step-by-step guidance on techniques, materials, and how to start painting today, download The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor. 

No matter what paper you choose, the most important thing is to have fun, experiment, and enjoy the process. Watercolor is all about embracing the unexpected—so grab your brushes and start painting!