You’ve got your glossy prints in hand, but it feels like something’s missing. The image is sharp and vibrant, but it lacks the soul, the texture, and depth that makes your artwork truly come to life.
It feels too… generic.
You should give watercolor paper a try! It gives artists and photographers a unique way to present their work that enhances the viewer’s perception.
What is watercolor paper printing? It’s a method that brings out the richness and texture of your artwork. Printing on watercolor paper captures the fine details and enhances the soft, natural textures of your artwork.
In this article, we’ll explore what watercolor paper printing is and help you choose what’s best by comparing watercolor paper vs regular paper for your artwork.
What Is Watercolor Paper Printing?
As its name suggests, watercolor paper printing is the process of reproducing artwork or photographs on textured, high-quality watercolor paper using inkjet technology.
This type of print offers something unique to discerning clients—those who want a print that captures the softness and authenticity of original artwork.
First, Let’s Talk Paper
Watercolor paper is made from cotton or wood pulp, giving it a textured, absorbent surface ideal for watercolor paints.
Unlike the paper used for painting, watercolor paper for printing has a specialized coating designed to handle inkjet printing. This coating prevents ink from spreading too much, ensuring crisp details and accurate color reproduction.
Watercolor paper is acid- and lignin-free, ensuring long-term durability and color preservation. As it’s archival quality, it is ideal for preserving artwork for generations and making heirlooms.
Here’s a breakdown of the different watercolor paper types, each offering unique features to enhance your prints.
Cold-Pressed Paper
This watercolor paper type, often referred to as “not” paper, is made by pressing the paper pulp between cold rollers, which creates a textured surface.
Cold press paper is perfect for artwork that benefits from a bit of texture, like nature prints, watercolor paintings, and even fine art photography. The grain enhances depth and visual interest, giving a more organic feel to the print.
Hot-Pressed Paper
This substrate is created by pressing the pulp or fibers under high pressure to achieve a smooth, flat surface. Hot pressed watercolor paper is perfect for prints that require precision and sharp detail.
It’s great for more intricate artwork such as portraits, where a smooth texture will enhance fine details and clarity.
Rough Watercolor Paper
This paper is made by pressing the pulp with a textured plate or allowing it to dry on a textured surface, creating a pronounced texture. The highly textured surface is perfect for artwork that benefits from added texture and contrast.
Think of this print paper for abstract art or bold landscapes.
The Watercolor Printing Process
To achieve the best results when printing on watercolor paper, you’ll need the right combination of printer and ink.
The ideal printers for watercolor paper printing are inkjet printers, particularly those capable of handling thick paper.
Inkjet printers spray pigments directly onto the paper, ensuring that the ink settles into the fibers rather than sitting on top of the surface. For lasting, high-quality watercolor prints, giclée printing is the way to go.
Pigment inks, unlike dye-based ones, are more durable and resistant to fading, ensuring your prints maintain their vibrancy over time. Therefore, pigment inks should be your choice for your watercolor prints.
At ArtisanHD, we use the Canon Colorado Gel-Ink printer for watercolor prints. These printers for watercolor paper use gel inks rather than liquid inks used by inkjet printers.
UV light is used to cure the ink on the paper, which solidifies the ink quickly for a durable, high-quality print. You can even get glossy prints on watercolor paper using this method by giving the ink droplets more time to settle.
Revel in the magic of more vibrant, durable art printed with the Canon Colorado Gel-Ink printer? Discover everything you need to know about this high-tech printer and its unique ink in our one-pager.
When to Choose Watercolor Paper Printing vs. Regular Paper Printing
Choosing the right printing paper depends on the look and durability you want for your prints—here’s when watercolor paper should be your go-to option.
- Interesting Texture – Watercolor paper offers a unique texture that adds depth and character to prints.
- Color Accuracy – Watercolor paper captures subtle gradations and tones, making it ideal for reproducing delicate artwork.
- Traditional Appeal – The fine art look of watercolor paper attracts collectors and art enthusiasts.
- Affordable Access – It offers a more accessible price point for prints, without diminishing the value of originals.
- Superior Reproduction – The textured surface enhances depth and visual interest, bringing art to life.
- Deeper Colors – The porous texture of watercolor paper absorbs ink naturally, creating more detailed prints than regular photo paper.
- Longevity – Watercolor paper is acid-free and archival, ensuring your prints last for decades — some for even 100 years!
- Durable and Resilient – The thick, sturdy paper resists scratches, flaws, and bending, keeping your prints in perfect condition.
Watercolor paper is ideal for bokehlicious shots, soft nature portraits, and abstract art that blurs the line between photo and painting. It’s also great for scans of paintings, drawings, or old film photos.
Hot-pressed paper is a top choice for portraits and wedding photos, offering a smooth finish with a great balance of whites and bright colors. It is a preferred option for those who want a sleek, polished look over the more textured cold-pressed paper.
Set Your Art Apart with Watercolor Paper Printing
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your artwork beyond standard prints, watercolor paper is a perfect choice. Its rich texture and depth bring a handcrafted, fine art quality to your images making them stand out in any setting.
Want to experience it firsthand? Order a print sample and feel the difference for yourself. See how watercolor paper can add a new dimension to your work—because great art deserves the perfect medium.
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