Does it matter which side of watercolor paper you use?

There is actually no right or wrong side to paint on. Today’s watercolor paper is designed so that both the front and the back surfaces may be used for painting. One side usually comes smoother or rougher than the other. There is only the matter of preference.

Is the a right and wrong side to Arches watercolor paper?

The important question being whether there’s a “correct side of the paper on which you are intended to paint. So what side of your watercolor paper should you use? Most of the time the answer seems to be “whichever side you like”. The only real difference being a subtle variation in texture.

Can you use the back of Arches paper?

Arches is the same from the front and back, so is Fabriano (artist grade, not the student one). Also depends on the thickness of the paper i.e, GSM. Any paper thinner than 300GSM, I’d recommend that you don’t use the back of that paper, since watercolor might bleed through to the other side.

Can I use both sides of watercolor paper?

Yes, you can paint on both sides of watercolor paper. Usually the only difference is the texture is more subtle on the back. Most watercolor papers have sizing on both sides, and some even have sizing throughout the core of the paper. In both cases, the paint will behave relatively the same on both sides.

Is there a front and back side to watercolor paper?

There is no front/back/correct side or surface. Depending on how the paper is manufactured, each side could appear exactly the same, have a slightly different pattern or surface, or even major differences. For example, dual-purpose papers often have one smooth side and one textured.

Which side of chart paper is used for painting?

Rough part of the chart is best for painting, and soften part is best for pencil sketching..

Does watercolor paper expire?

Watercolour can deteriorate over time. More specifically, the sizing of the watercolour paper can deteriorate. When there is no more sizing, water and paint would be absorb by the paper and colours would look off and paint would have difficulty moving around, proper wet on wet techniques will be difficult to achieve.

What is the difference between hot and cold press paper?

Cold press is absorbent and dries quickly. Hot press is less absorbent and allows for more time to adjust the paint while drying.

On which side we should draw on chart?

The rough side is good to draw on, as it gives better grip to the pencil. Also if you draw on the smoother side it will be difficult to see the drawing as it reflects.