Can We Use Both Sides of A Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper?

Watercolor paper plays a crucial role in creating beautiful artwork. Its quality directly impacts the outcome of your painting. Among the different types of watercolor paper, cold-pressed paper is a popular choice for its texture and versatility. A common question many artists ask is, "Can we use both sides of a cold-pressed watercolor paper?" In this post, we'll explore this topic and answer all your questions about using both sides of cold-pressed watercolor paper.

What is Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper?

Cold-pressed watercolor paper, often called "not" paper, is made by pressing damp fibers through a mold. It has a slightly textured surface, giving it a unique feel. This texture affects how the paint flows and absorbs.The texture isn't as rough as the rough-pressed paper but offers a noticeable, yet smooth surface. This feature makes it versatile for different painting techniques. Cold-pressed paper works well for both detail and larger washes.Compared to hot-pressed paper, which is smooth and ideal for detailed work, cold-pressed paper provides more texture, giving more control over brush strokes. Rough watercolor paper has an even more pronounced texture, making it ideal for creating a textured effect.

What Does "Both Sides" of Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper Mean?

The Two Sides of Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper

Cold-pressed watercolor paper has two distinct sides: the "felt side" and the "wire side."

• Felt Side: This side is slightly rough and textured. It's the one that has been pressed against felt during the paper-making process. This rough texture allows water and paint to interact differently, which makes it great for broad washes and fluid strokes.

• Wire Side: The smoother side of the paper. It's pressed against wire mesh during manufacturing, leaving a less pronounced texture. This side is often more suitable for fine detail work and controlled paint application.

The texture differences come from the manufacturing method. The felt side retains a rougher texture, while the wire side is smoother, but both offer unique characteristics for different techniques.

Does It Really Matter Which Side You Use?

There's a common misconception that one side of cold-pressed paper is better than the other. In reality, both sides are usable depending on your painting style.

• Texture Influence: The rough texture on the felt side can help create softer blends, while the smoother wire side offers more control over brush strokes. Both can deliver good results, depending on the technique.

• Artist Preferences: Some artists prefer the rougher side for its absorbency and ability to spread paint freely. Others enjoy the smoother wire side for more precision and detail. It all comes down to personal choice.

In the end, both sides of cold-pressed watercolor paper offer flexibility and can be used for various watercolor techniques. The key is experimenting and finding which side works best for your artistic process.

Can You Use Both Sides of Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper?

Yes, You Can Paint on Both Sides

Cold-pressed watercolor paper is designed for use on both sides. Most watercolor papers, including cold-pressed, can handle paint and water well, no matter which side you use.Many artists choose to paint on both sides, depending on the effect they want. Some prefer the smoother wire side for detailed line work, while others use the rougher felt side for broader, looser washes. Both sides can create beautiful results, and it's all about personal choice and style.

How to Tell Which Side of Cold-Pressed Paper is Which

Identifying the two sides of cold-pressed watercolor paper is simple. Here's how you can tell them apart:

• Felt Side: This side is rougher and has a more pronounced texture. It's the side that was pressed against felt during production. You'll notice it's great for large washes and blending.

• Wire Side: The smoother side, pressed against wire mesh. It's better for fine details and more controlled paint strokes.

If you're unsure, look for a watermark. Many watercolor papers, including cold-pressed, have a logo or watermark stamped in one corner, which indicates the front side.

To avoid confusion, especially when working with larger sheets, you can mark the back of your paper with a small "B" or simply make a note to remember which side is which.

Advantages of Using Both Sides of Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper

How Do Both Sides Affect Watercolor Techniques?

Painting Techniques for the Rougher Side (Felt Side)

The rougher felt side of cold-pressed watercolor paper is perfect for certain techniques:

• Best for washes, background layers, and broad strokes: The textured surface holds more water, which helps in spreading paint smoothly across large areas.

• Texture's impact on water absorption and blending: The texture allows the paint to blend more organically, creating soft gradients and seamless washes.

Artists often prefer this side when they want a more natural, flowing look.

Painting Techniques for the Smoother Side (Wire Side)

The wire side, which is smoother, provides a different set of advantages:

• Ideal for fine details, line work, and controlled washes: The smooth surface allows for more precision, giving the artist greater control over intricate strokes.

• More control over brush strokes and pigment flow: With less texture, the paint flows more evenly, making it easier to achieve sharp lines and fine details.

This side is favored for work that requires a high level of precision.

Key Considerations for Different Watercolor Techniques on Both Sides

When working on both sides of the paper, keep these factors in mind:

• Watercolor blooms: The rougher felt side may produce more dramatic blooms, where paint spreads outward. The smoother wire side usually results in less blooming, giving more control over the paint.

• Wet-on-wet versus wet-on-dry techniques: The rough side handles wet-on-wet techniques well due to its absorbency, while the smooth side is better for wet-on-dry techniques, allowing for controlled layering.

• Lifting and color correction: On the rough side, lifting paint can be trickier because the texture holds the pigment more. On the smoother side, it's easier to lift or adjust colors without disturbing the surface.

Is There a "Correct" Side for Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper?

Should You Follow Manufacturer Recommendations?

Some manufacturers suggest a "right" side for cold-pressed watercolor paper. They usually mark one side as the preferred surface. This is because of the slight texture difference between the felt side and the wire side.

• Texture differences: The felt side is rougher, while the wire side is smoother. The texture may affect how the paint interacts with the surface.

• Impact on the final result: Using the recommended side can help achieve the desired effect. The rough side is often suggested for washes, while the smooth side is preferred for detailed work.

However, the distinction is subtle, and it's not always necessary to follow these guidelines.

Personal Preference and Experimentation

At the end of the day, it's about what works best for you. Don't be afraid to experiment!

• Try both sides: Test the rough and smooth sides of cold-pressed paper and see which one suits your style.

• Texture preferences: Some artists may prefer the rough texture for their painting techniques, while others might lean towards the smoother side for more control.

Experimenting with both sides can lead to new discoveries and creative possibilities, helping you find the best approach for your watercolor projects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper

Q: Can we use both sides of a cold-pressed watercolor paper?

A: Yes, both sides of cold-pressed watercolor paper can be used. The felt side is rougher and better for washes and larger strokes, while the smoother wire side is ideal for fine details and controlled techniques. Many artists experiment with both sides depending on the effect they want to achieve.

Q: How do the two sides of cold-pressed watercolor paper differ in texture?

A: The felt side of cold-pressed paper has a rougher texture, providing more absorbency and a more natural, blended look for washes. The wire side is smoother, allowing for more control over fine details and brush strokes, making it easier to achieve sharp lines and precision.

Q: Does the weight of cold-pressed watercolor paper affect its usability on both sides?

A: Yes, heavier cold-pressed paper, like 300lb, is less likely to buckle or warp, making it more suitable for using both sides. Lighter paper, like 140lb, may require stretching to avoid warping, but both can be used depending on the artist's preferences and techniques.

Conclusion

You can use both sides of cold-pressed watercolor paper, with slight texture and paint handling differences. Experiment with both sides to find what works best for your style and techniques. Maximize your use of watercolor paper and embrace its versatility for creative exploration.