Hot Press vs. Cold Press: Which Watercolor Paper Is Right for You?

One of the most common questions I get from my students and fellow artists is:

"What’s the difference between hot press and cold press watercolor paper—and which one should I use?"

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of watercolor pads wondering which to pick, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through the key differences between hot press and cold press paper, my favorite brands, and how I choose depending on what I’m painting. I even took photos of each paper type so you can see them side by side!

 

What’s the Difference Between Hot Press and Cold Press Watercolor Paper?

The main difference is in the texture of the paper:

• Hot Press paper is smooth, with very little texture. It's great for fine lines, ink work, gouache, and illustrations where you want sharp edges or lots of detail. The surface is also usually whiter, depending on the brand.
• Cold Press paper (also called NOT paper, meaning “not hot pressed”) is textured, with a slightly bumpy or toothy surface. It's the most commonly used paper for traditional watercolor techniques. It absorbs water more deeply, creating beautiful  soft gradients—perfect for landscapes, florals, and expressive washes.

 

When I Use Each Type

Here’s how I choose between hot press and cold press depending on the project:

• Hot Press: I go for hot press when I’m doing anything that involves ink liners, like fashion illustration or ink & wash sketches (just like July’s freebie!). I also love it for gouache paintings, because the paint sits beautifully on the smooth surface. It’s perfect when I want a crisp, clean finish and I don’t mind some blooms.It also usually appears whiter than cold press and absorbs water more slowly.

 

• Cold Press: My first choice for landscapes or loose floral paintings, where I want those beautiful watercolor textures. I love using Magnani or Arches cold press for these.
  When I want very vibrant colors or need to scan the work later, Legion Paper cold press is my pick, thanks to its bright white surface.
  For custom illustrations to be framed, I always go with Arches or Magnani for their quality and archival value. 

My Favorite Watercolor Paper Brands

There are three paper brands I always come back to, whether I’m painting for a client or just for myself:

1. Arches

Arches is my go-to paper and what I would choose if I could only paint on one for the rest of my life. The cold press version is extremely reliable and versatile—I’ve used it for everything: fashion illustrations, gouache, gold leaf, masking fluid, washi tape, even masking tape! It’s strong, durable, and always delivers.

2. Legion Paper (Stonehenge Aqua)

I love this brand especially when I want bright, white paper. It makes watercolors pop! It’s a great option for scanned illustrations or when you want your colors to be extra vibrant. I do have to be careful when using washi tape on it, though—it can tear the surface when removed.

3. Magnani 1404

This Italian paper has a lovely texture and a soft, creamy tone (less white than Legion). It’s great for cold press work, especially landscapes. I also love the hot press version for ink and wash projects—smooth and elegant!

My Final Verdict

If I could only choose one paper to keep painting with—it would be Arches Cold Press. It's the most trustworthy and versatile watercolor paper I’ve ever used. From gold watercolors to detailed ink drawings, it handles everything I throw at it and always makes my work look better.

I hope this helps you feel more confident when choosing your next watercolor paper!

 Let me know in the comments or send me a DM if you have a favorite brand or if you try any of these and fall in love too 💛

If you want to see the differences in texture and tone, check out the photos I shared comparing hot press vs. cold press from each of these brands.

Happy painting!
—Flavia ✨🎨