Greetings Artists,
Figuring out which paper to use for watercolor painting can feel like a puzzle. Trust us, we’ve scratched our heads over it too. Digging deep into the differences between cardstock and watercolor paper was an eye-opener.
This blog shines a light on what we learned so you can make the best choice for your art. Dive in to discover more!
Contents
Differences between Watercolor on Cardstock vs Watercolor Paper
Watercolor cardstock and paper are made from different materials. Watercolor cardstock tends to buckle under heavy wet paint, while paper soaks up water well.
Material composition
Watercolor paper and cardstock have different materials. Watercolor paper is usually made from 100% cotton or wood pulp. This makes it strong and absorbent. High-quality watercolor papers, like Arches or Strathmore, weigh around 140lb (or 300 GSM).
They can endure multiple washes without tearing.
Cardstock is often made from a mix of wood pulp and fillers. It tends to be thinner and less absorbent than watercolor paper. Because of this, using regular cardstock may lead to poor results in our painting projects.
The surface may buckle or pill easily when we apply watercolors. For best effects, choose the right type of paper for our art supplies.
Absorbency
Absorbency is key for watercolor paper and cardstock. Watercolor paper should hold water well. It needs to withstand multiple washes without buckling or pilling. We recommend using quality watercolor paper with a weight of 140lb cold press.
This type absorbs water evenly, allowing us to blend techniques beautifully.
Cardstock, on the other hand, does not absorb as much water. It can struggle under heavy washes and layers. As a result, it may lead to less satisfying effects in our art. Choosing the right surface impacts how we create vibrant watercolor art and achieve different outcomes in our painting techniques and surfaces used for watercolor.
Durability
Durability is key for our painting surfaces. Watercolor paper should withstand multiple washes without damage. A good quality watercolor paper, like 140lb cold press, can hold up well to our techniques.
It should be non-yellowing and consistent in texture over time.
Cardstock does not perform as well under heavy use. Regular cardstock may buckle and pill easily when we apply watercolors. This limits its use for detailed paintings where durability matters most.
For best results, we should choose the right surface based on these factors.
Pros and Cons of Using Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper can handle a lot of water. It lets us use many layers without tearing. But it costs more than cardstock, which might be a concern for some artists.
Suitable for wet-on-wet technique
Watercolor paper works great for the wet-on-wet technique. This method lets us blend colors smoothly on a wet surface. We can achieve beautiful effects when using quality watercolor paper, like 140lb cold press.
It absorbs water well and does not pucker easily.
Cardstock may not hold up as well in this technique. Regular cardstock can buckle and pill under heavy washes. Artists often find that they cannot layer colors effectively on cardstock.
For stunning results, we must choose surfaces made specifically for watercolor painting.
Can withstand multiple layers
Watercolor paper can withstand multiple layers of paint. This is important for many watercolor techniques. We often use different washes to create depth and texture in our art. Good quality watercolor paper, like the 140lb cold press type, holds up well under wet washes.
It prevents the paper from buckling or pilling.
Cardstock does not handle layers as effectively. It tends to warp with too much water. We cannot achieve the same results on cardstock as we do on proper watercolor paper. For fine art materials, choosing the right surface matters a lot for getting beautiful watercolor effects and blending techniques we desire.
More expensive
Using watercolor paper can be more expensive than cardstock. Quality matters a lot in our art. Watercolor paper is thicker and heavier. We often choose 140lb cold press paper for true watercolor effects.
This type holds water well and keeps our colors looking bright.
Cardstock costs less, but it doesn’t perform the same way as specialty papers. It may buckle or pill easily with wet techniques. Using regular paper limits our creative choices too.
Investing in good watercolor paper pays off when we want to blend colors smoothly and layer washes effectively. Exploring different types like Arches or Strathmore helps us find what works best for our style.
Pros and Cons of Using Cardstock for Watercolor
Using cardstock for watercolor is affordable and easy to find. But, it may not work well with wet techniques. It can also limit how many layers we can use. This means we need to choose wisely based on our goals.
Want to know more about the choices? Keep reading!
Affordability
Cardstock is a great choice for artists on a budget. It offers an affordable option for watercolor painting. We can find cardstock at lower prices than watercolor paper. This makes it easy to experiment without spending too much.
Watercolor cardstock with envelopes is available, adding value to our projects. While it may not perform as well as 140lb cold press watercolor paper, we can still create beautiful art on a budget.
Just remember that layering and wet-on-wet techniques might not work well on cardstock.
Not ideal for wet-on-wet technique
Watercolor cardstock is not great for the wet-on-wet technique. This method requires a surface that can hold a lot of water and paint. Cardstock tends to soak up water quickly, which makes it hard for colors to blend well.
We want smooth transitions in our work, but cardstock simply doesn’t allow that.
Using watercolor on regular paper can lead to buckling and pilling. Our paintings might look messy when this happens. In contrast, quality watercolor paper, like 140lb cold press, holds up better with multiple washes.
It gives us the true watercolor effect we desire without limits on layers or blending techniques.
Limited layering
Cardstock limits our ability to layer paint. It does not hold up well with multiple washes. We can create only a few layers before the surface starts to break down. Watercolor on cardstock may show signs of buckling or pilling after several applications.
This means we cannot achieve detailed effects as easily as we could on watercolor paper.
Watercolor paper is better for blending and creating depth in our paintings. Its superior absorbency allows us to apply more layers without damaging the surface. Exploring different surfaces like mixed media paper or Yupo can also offer new results in our art journey.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Watercolor Paper and Cardstock
When we choose between watercolor paper and cardstock, we need to think about our goals. Each surface has its own strengths that can help us reach different results.
Purpose of the painting
The purpose of the painting guides our choice of surface. For fine art, watercolor paper is best. It can handle multiple washes and has a texture that enhances blending. Watercolor paper with 140lb cold press gives great results for true watercolor effects.
Cardstock is more affordable but may not work well for detailed pieces.
If we plan to create cards or smaller projects, cardstock can be a good option. It offers some convenience and can fit our budget better. Limited layering will mean we should keep designs simpler on cardstock surfaces.
Understanding what we want to achieve helps us select the right materials wisely in choosing between watercolor on cardstock vs watercolor paper.
Budget
Budget plays a big role in our choices. Watercolor paper can be pricey, but it is worth the investment for better results. Quality matters when we paint. We want paper that can handle multiple washes and stays strong over time.
For those on a tighter budget, cardstock is a more affordable option. It works okay for simple projects but may not hold up well with heavy water use. Watercolor cardstock comes with envelopes, making it nice for greeting cards or quick sketches.
Choosing the right surface depends on how much money we have and what effects we want to achieve in our artwork.
Desired effects
We want to achieve different effects when painting with watercolor. The type of paper we choose can help us get those results. Watercolor paper is great for blending colors and creating soft washes.
It allows the paint to flow beautifully, especially on 140lb cold press paper.
Cardstock is more affordable but not perfect for wet-on-wet techniques. It doesn’t hold up well to heavy layering or multiple washes. Regular paper often buckles and pills, leading to poor outcomes in our artwork.
Quality matters! Choosing the right surface helps us create stunning pieces that show off our skills as artists.
Next, we will look at other surfaces suitable for watercolor painting.
Alternative Surfaces for Watercolor
There are many other surfaces we can use for watercolor painting. Mixed media paper and Yupo paper offer different textures and effects, making our art fun and varied.
Mixed media paper
Mixed media paper works well for watercolor painting. It can handle various techniques and materials. This type of paper usually has a weight that supports blending watercolor easily.
We can use it for both wet and dry art styles.
The texture on mixed media paper is often consistent. It allows us to try different effects without worrying about damage. Some brands may vary, so we should check the quality before buying.
Overall, mixed media paper offers flexibility in our artistic projects while being a strong choice as a painting substrate.
Yupo paper
Yupo paper is a unique option for watercolor painting. It is made from synthetic materials. This means it is waterproof and can handle a lot of water without buckling. We have found that Yupo allows colors to stay vibrant and bright.
The smooth surface gives our paints a different look.
Using Yupo also changes how we work with watercolors. The paint sits on the surface, making blending easy. We can create interesting effects by manipulating the paint as it dries slowly.
Many artists enjoy this feature for its versatility in achieving bold styles or abstract designs. Let’s explore Mixed Media Paper next!
Canvas
Canvas can be a fun surface for watercolor painting. It has a distinct texture that allows us to create bold designs. Many artists use it for different styles and effects. However, we need to be careful when using canvas with watercolors.
Watercolor does not work well on rough textures like canvas. This could lead to problems with the paint sticking or running off. We should keep in mind that traditional watercolor papers, like Arches and Strathmore, are better choices for true watercolor effects.
If we want more control over our art, sticking with higher-quality paper will give us better results than working on canvas.
Conclusion
Choosing the right surface is key for our watercolor art. Watercolor paper gives great results. It handles water well and allows us to layer colors. Cardstock can be a fun, low-cost option but may not perform like true watercolor paper.
Let’s pick wisely based on what we want to create!
FAQs
What’s the difference between painting on cardstock and watercolor paper?
Painting on different surfaces like cardstock and watercolor paper can offer unique results due to their varying paper quality, thickness, and weight.
How does the choice of surface impact my artwork?
The type of drawing surface you choose can significantly affect your work. The right surface will handle the paint well, showcasing your artist materials’ true potential.
Can I use any kind of paper for my watercolor paintings?
You could try various types of papers but specialty paper types such as high-quality watercolor paper are often recommended for best results because they have a suitable weight and thickness that can hold up against wet media.
How do I know which type of painting substrate is right for me?
Choosing the right substrate depends on your personal preferences, the style you’re aiming for in your art piece, and how much detail you want to capture in your work.