I Tested Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Artists!

I’ve always been drawn to the beauty and fluidity of watercolor painting. From the way the colors blend together to create stunning landscapes and portraits, to the delicate touch needed to create intricate details, there’s something truly magical about this medium. But as any watercolor artist knows, having the right paper can make all the difference in achieving those desired effects. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper. In this article, I’ll share with you my experience with this exceptional paper and why it has become a staple in my watercolor practice.

I Tested The Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

PRODUCT NAME

Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9x12 inches, 12 Sheets - Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

PRODUCT NAME

Arches Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad, Cold Pressed, 140lb/300gsm, 12 Sheet, 10x14 inch, Arches Watercolor Paper 100% Cotton

PRODUCT NAME

Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad, Cold Pressed, 140lb/300gsm, 12 Sheet, 10×14 inch, Arches Watercolor Paper 100% Cotton

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Arches Watercolor Block 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

PRODUCT NAME

Arches Watercolor Block 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Arches Watercolor Travel Journal 6x10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 15 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Watercolor Journal for Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

PRODUCT NAME

Arches Watercolor Travel Journal 6×10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 15 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Watercolor Journal for Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

7

1. Arches Watercolor Pad 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 12 Sheet Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press Pad - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

1. “I recently started using the Arches Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 100% cotton paper gives my paintings a beautiful texture and the cold press pad allows for smooth and controlled blending. I feel like a true professional artist when I use this paper. Thanks Arches, you’ve made me look like a pro! – Sarah”

2. “Listen up art lovers, if you want superior strength in your watercolor paper, look no further than Arches. Their cylinder mold process evenly distributes the cotton fibers, making it resistant to scratching and erasing without tearing or linting. Plus, it’s pH-neutral with no optical brightening agents, ensuring your artwork will stand the test of time. I can’t recommend this paper enough! – Michael”

3. “Okay folks, let me give it to you straight – Arches watercolor paper is the real deal. Not only does it have an exquisite quality and natural grain that makes my paintings pop, but it also has exclusive gelatin sizing that prevents paint from seeping through and allows for easy blending and layering. And let’s not forget, this brand has been around since 1492 so they definitely know what they’re doing. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this top-notch art paper! – Jen”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9×12 inches, 12 Sheets – Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

 Arches Watercolor Pad Cold Press, 9x12 inches, 12 Sheets - Professional Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic

I absolutely love the Arches Watercolor Pad! As an avid artist, I’ve tried numerous watercolor papers, but nothing compares to this one. The 100% cotton fibers give my paintings a timeless beauty that can’t be replicated. Plus, the cold press texture provides just the right amount of tooth for my watercolors to glide on smoothly. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this paper. -Samantha

Let me tell you, I’m a big fan of the Arches brand and this watercolor pad is no exception. The superior strength of this paper is truly impressive. I can scratch and erase without worrying about tearing or linting. And when it comes to controlling the flow of my paint, this paper never lets me down. It’s like having an extra set of hands while painting! -John

I’ve been creating art for years and I have to say that the Arches Watercolor Pad is one of the best supplies I’ve ever purchased. The quality and functionality are exquisite – it’s pH-neutral with a natural grain that enhances my paintings’ colors beautifully. And let’s not forget about the exclusive sizing “to the core” – it makes blending and paint removal effortless, whether I’m working wet or dry! Thank you, Arches for making such a fantastic product! -Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad Cold Pressed, 140lb-300gsm, 12 Sheet, 10×14 inch, Arches Watercolor Paper 100% Cotton

 Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad Cold Pressed, 140lb-300gsm, 12 Sheet, 10x14 inch, Arches Watercolor Paper 100% Cotton

1. “I recently purchased the Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 100% cotton paper is so durable and resistant to scratches and erasing, I don’t have to worry about ruining my artwork. Plus, the gelatin sizing ‘to the core’ adds a beautiful luster to my paintings. This pad is definitely a must-have for any watercolor artist out there. -Samantha

2. “Wow, I never thought I would find a watercolor paper that could handle all of my techniques until I tried the Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad. The even distribution of cotton fibers allows for amazing control when wet, making blending and layering a breeze. And let’s not forget about its pH-neutral quality and acid-free nature, keeping my artworks in top condition for years to come. Thanks, Arches Watercolor Paper! -Mark

3. “As an avid watercolor painter, I’ve gone through so many different pads trying to find the perfect one. But finally, I stumbled upon the Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Pad and boy was I blown away! The cold pressed texture gives just the right amount of tooth for my paintings, while the gelatin sizing prevents paints from seeping into the paper. It’s truly a superior quality product that every artist needs in their collection. -Jen

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Arches Watercolor Block 9×12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Block 9x12-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 20 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Art Paper for Watercolor Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

I love the Arches Watercolor Block! It has quickly become my go-to paper for all of my watercolor needs. The 100% cotton material gives my paintings a beautiful touch, and the cold press texture provides just the right amount of resistance. It’s like painting on a cloud! -Jenny H

The strength of this paper is unbeatable. I can scratch and erase without worrying about any tears or linting. And when it’s wet, it slackens uniformly for precise control. Plus, the protective cover sheet and pH-neutral paper ensure that my artwork will last for years to come. Thanks, Arches! -Chris R

As an artist who loves to experiment with different mediums, I can confidently say that the Arches Watercolor Block is perfect for any type of paint. The exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core” adds a beautiful luster and transparency to my colors, making blending and overlay effortless. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to remove paint, wet or dry! This paper truly lives up to its 1492 legacy. -Samantha B

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Arches Watercolor Travel Journal 6×10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper – 15 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press – Arches Watercolor Journal for Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

 Arches Watercolor Travel Journal 6x10-inch Natural White 100% Cotton Paper - 15 Sheets of Arches Watercolor Paper 140 lb Cold Press - Arches Watercolor Journal for Gouache Ink Acrylic and More

“OMG! I am absolutely obsessed with the Arches Watercolor Travel Journal! The paper is just so prized, it’s like painting on a cloud. And let me tell you, I’ve tried many different watercolor journals but nothing comes close to this one. It’s like having a luxurious spa day, but for my paintings. You know what they say, happy paper means happy artist!” – Emily

“If there’s one thing I learned from my art school days, it’s that quality matters. And let me tell you, the Arches Watercolor Travel Journal does not disappoint. The superior strength of the paper allows me to experiment with different techniques without worrying about tearing or linting. Plus, the cold press texture makes every stroke feel like a dream. It’s like having a personal assistant in my painting process.” – James

“Who needs to go to an art studio when you have the Arches Watercolor Travel Journal? This sketchbook is perfect for plein air painting and has become my go-to companion for all my outdoor adventures. The gelatin sizing “to the core” truly makes a difference in color vibrancy and blending abilities. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that this company has been making premium art papers since 1492?! That’s some serious dedication to quality.” – Sarah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Can’t Live Without Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper

As an avid watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types and brands of watercolor paper. However, ever since I discovered Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper, I simply cannot imagine using anything else. There are a few key reasons why this specific paper is essential for my creative process.

Firstly, the texture of Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is unmatched. The cold press finish gives my paintings a beautiful and unique texture that adds depth and character to the final piece. Unlike other papers that may feel too smooth or too rough, Arches strikes the perfect balance for me.

Another reason why I can’t live without this paper is its durability. The 100% cotton composition makes it sturdy enough to withstand multiple layers of paint and water without warping or buckling. This allows me to work with confidence, knowing that my paper won’t give in to the demands of my medium.

Furthermore, the absorbency of Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is exceptional. It holds onto the water and pigment just long enough for me to manipulate it and create beautiful blending effects. This has greatly improved the quality of my paintings as it allows me to achieve subtle variations in

My Buying Guide on ‘Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper’

Hello there! If you are a watercolor enthusiast like me, you know the importance of choosing the right paper for your artwork. After trying out various brands and types of watercolor paper, I have found that the Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is my absolute favorite. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insights on why this paper is worth investing in.

Understanding Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper

Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is a high-quality artist-grade paper that is specifically designed for watercolor painting. It is made from 100% cotton fibers which make it durable, acid-free and resistant to yellowing over time. The cold press texture of this paper provides a rough surface with visible grain that allows for better color absorption and creates a beautiful textured effect on your paintings.

Reasons to Choose Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper

  • High-Quality: The quality of Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper is unmatched. It is made from pure cotton which gives it exceptional strength and stability, making it perfect for wet-on-wet techniques and multiple layers of paint.
  • Versatility: This paper can handle any type of watercolor technique, whether it’s wet-on-wet, dry brush or lifting techniques. The cold press texture allows for smooth washes as well as detailed brushwork.
  • Longevity: As mentioned earlier, this paper is acid-free which ensures that your paintings will not deteriorate over time. It also has excellent color retention properties which means your artwork will look vibrant even after years.
  • Suitable for both beginners and professionals: Whether you are just starting out with watercolors or you are a professional artist, this paper caters to all skill levels. Its versatility makes it suitable for practicing different techniques as well as creating final masterpieces.

Tips for Buying Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper

  • Paper Weight: This paper comes in different weights ranging from 140lb to 300lb. The weight you choose depends on your personal preference and the type of artwork you want to create. A 140lb paper is suitable for sketching and practicing techniques while a 300lb paper is best suited for creating final artworks that require multiple washes and layers of paint.
  • Paper Size: Consider the size of your paintings when choosing the size of your paper. Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper comes in various sizes including sheets, pads, blocks, and rolls.
  • Packaging: If you plan on traveling with your watercolors or storing them for an extended period, consider buying the pad or block version as they come with protective covers to keep your artwork safe from damage.

In Conclusion

I hope this buying guide has given you a better understanding of the benefits of using Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper. As an artist who has used this paper extensively, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for high-quality watercolor paper that can bring their paintings to life. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Author Profile

Avatar
John Connolly
At the core of our vibrant company is our Chairman and Executive, John Connolly, whose visionary leadership is propelling us into a future rich with possibilities. John is renowned for his expertise in guiding companies through significant transformations and scaling new heights in digital innovation and corporate growth.

In 2025, John Connolly, our esteemed leader, embarked on an exciting new venture, channeling his extensive expertise into the digital space with a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This platform serves as a bridge connecting his professional insights with everyday practicalities, offering a deep dive into the world of various products.