Watercolour Paper & Pads

Shop watercolour paper and pads for professional artists, students and beginners at Art Supplies Australia. Explore watercolour papers from leading brands including Arches, Saunders Waterford, Fabriano, Canson, Baohong, Winsor & Newton, Bockingford and Reeves, available in pads, blocks, sheets, rolls and journals.

Watercolour paper is designed to handle water, washes and repeated layers of colour while providing the surface characteristics needed for different painting techniques. Choose from 100% cotton, cotton-blend and cellulose papers in a variety of weights and textures.

Choosing Watercolour Paper

100% Cotton Watercolour Paper
Favoured by many professional watercolour artists for its strength, absorbency and ability to handle multiple washes and techniques. Our range includes professional papers from Arches, Saunders Waterford, Baohong and Fabriano Artistico.

Cold Pressed / Medium
A versatile surface with moderate texture, suitable for washes, layering and general watercolour painting.

Hot Pressed / Smooth
A smoother surface suited to fine detail, illustration and techniques requiring greater control.

Rough Watercolour Paper
A more heavily textured surface that creates expressive effects and visible granulation in washes.

Watercolour Pads, Blocks, Sheets & Rolls
Choose convenient pads and blocks for everyday painting, individual or packaged sheets for larger works, or watercolour rolls for large-format projects.

Shop watercolour paper online with Australia-wide delivery, or visit Art Supplies Australia in Hornsby, NSW.

Watercolour Paper FAQs

What is the best paper for watercolour painting?
The best paper depends on your technique and budget. 100% cotton papers such as Arches, Saunders Waterford, Baohong and Fabriano Artistico are popular with professional artists, while quality cellulose and cotton-blend papers provide practical options for students, beginners and everyday painting.

What GSM is best for watercolour paper?
300gsm is one of the most commonly used weights for watercolour painting because it provides good strength for washes and wet techniques. Lighter and heavier papers are also available for different applications.

What is the difference between hot pressed, cold pressed and rough watercolour paper?
Hot pressed paper has a smoother surface, cold pressed paper has moderate texture, and rough paper has a more pronounced texture. The best choice depends on the level of detail and surface effects you want to achieve.