ARCHES 18 x 26 cm 300 GSM Cold Pressed Glued on 4 Sides Block Watercolour Paper - Natural White (Pack of 20 Sheets)

Since I knew so little about watercolor art, I had no appreciation of what the paper differences were. One can buy pads, blocks, and single sheets, both in rolls and flats. The paper can be made of wood pulp and cotton fiber (in part or combined). It can be pressed and then treated to slow down absorption or it can be treated before the paper is pressed.I wanted to buy the cheapest possible because I reckoned that as a beginner I would have inferior works that weren't worth saving. Au contraire!Works will not be worth saving if you do not purchase the best you can afford. A person will be frustrated with the outcome on cheap paper as their attempts buckle and wear down in parts. It can discourage the enthusiasm for the whole project.What's good? Arches Aquarelle (French for "watercolor") Watercolor Block, 140 lb (the weight of 500 sheets/reams of paper) cold press. I would even go so far as to recommend trying the even more costly 300 lb paper.First, Arches is a very old and reliable paper manufacturer.Second, the thickness works very well for even cheap paints (but be careful to have at least some of the more highly pigmented "artist grade" paints).Third, the higher grade papers have the chemical treatment for slower absorption IN the paper fiber rather than ON the surface. If the paper absorbs too fast, it will be difficult to paint quickly enough to make the brush produce what you want.Fourth, separate sheets and pads (as well as binder style) allow people to touch the paper, if not in the store, then in the factory. The oil from a person's fingers imprint on the surface and when you paint over that basically invisible spot, your paint will fail to absorb correctly leaving you a funny looking splotch on your work. The block form is sealed almost completely. You have to use a knife to slip into a small hole at the top to release the paper from the block. NO ONE has touched THAT paper!Fifth, the cold press refers to the type of surface you paint on. Hot Press is smooth, Not Press is rough. Like Goldilocks, the middle (Cold Press) is just right (as I think a beginner might have the easiest time).One can purchase the cheaper paper to play with the ideas that you want to work up but it is going to be supremely superior to go on to paint the final work on the best you can afford. Watercolor is one of the cheapest ways to paint. It takes quite a LONG time to use up your paints.The actual painting can be a mighty challenge. Oils and acrylics can be pretty much painted over to correct what you don't like. Not so with watercolor art. Don't make it even harder by using cheap crap.

This a known fact that Arches watercolour paper is the best out there or at least it the top 5. What is a really big problem is if you live in Australia this item would cost over $100 even in American dollars. Which is out of almost everyone budget I can assure you. Thanks to this seller because not all people on US amazon sell to Australia I’m able to get this beautiful paper that I could normally only dream about and it cost no more even in converting they amount from $US to $AUD than other good quality brands. Please continue to sell to us here down under because we love arches and we love it even more when we can afford it and use it instead of just dreaming how nice it would be to use.

Still waiting for delivery. it's been 8 miles from my home for 3 days. Amazon should not use Fedex. I know it's amazing paper. Wish I had received it last week when I was supposed to.

Signed up to take a wet-on-wet watercolors class. The teacher recommended Arches, Cold Pressed #140 paper. I picked up a pad of that exact type @ Michaels. Despite having quality brushes & watercolors (tube type), the colors weren't as bold/vibrant as either I or the teacher thought they should be. She suggested I splurge & get a block.She was right... I really thought that i wasn't mixing the paint quite right, but it was the paper. Gave it a go @ last night's class & was amazed @ the difference! Same brand, same weight, but the block is definitely (WAY!!) superior!!Indulge, you will NOT regret it! :)

The first time you decide to be serious about watercolour, your next step should be to get a hot-press, and cold-press of this paper. It stands up to sketching and light erasing (use a gum eraser so you don't remove the sizing), it performs to high standards, it takes layers of colour well, allowing either light washy coverage, or deep and vibrant colours in your piece. It's just good paper, all up.

Was supposed to arrive between the 14th and the 16th. It arrived today on the 11th which was a nice surprise! Super impressed by shipping speed.I have no had the chance yet to use the paper. But I can say I was surprised by how small the watercolor block is. I expected the paper to be bigger for the price. But I am still new to watercolor papers, so not sure if that is normal.Will update once I have to used the paper.

Anyone that has ever seen tutorial or watercolor video on how to paint with watercolor has heard of Archers paper and they are all right. It's amazing to paint on.

I absolutely love this paper, it has a high water absorption before it starts to breakdown. I think the paper is good for everyone, but it’s pricey and not a paper you want to just waste IMHO. I am not sure what Amazon means by warmth.

Excellent quality. The design itself of the cover is also so pretty and inspiring ❤️

Have tried many papers, Arches is the best.

I have recently taken up watercolours. I can't find enough positive things about this paper. With the quality water colour paints, you can remove time and time again to correct any mistakes you may make, or any alterations you feel necessary once your artwork has dried. Never thought this was even possible but so glad it us as I think I would not had persevered with my new hobby.

Love this paper, quick delivery and a good price.

The size listed was misleading, I see that is changed now on the description.I should have known it was too good to be true....fool me once, right??