Cellulose Vs Cotton Watercolor Paper

The cellulose can be derive from many sources but typically watercolor papers are made from the cellulose derived from cotton and wood pulp.

Cellulose vs cotton watercolor paper.

The cotton in it aids in the absorption of paint and helps the paper last longer. When deciding between cotton and cellulose paper for your watercolor landscape many believe that cotton is the true watercolor paper and cellulose is a cheaper but limiting alternative. Yes the problem with more cotton content of watercolor paper is. It is cold press 140 lb in weight has a soft texture and higher quality than the canson xl series.

But what most people are not aware of is that artists quality papers are made with cellulose fibers which are 100 cotton. In this journal i d like to discuss what exactly is the difference between the two materials. Watercolor paper differs from manufacturer to manufacturer so experiment not only with the different kinds of paper but also with various brands of paper. This is also the reason watercolor paper doesn t warp or buckle under water as quickly as traditional paper such as computer paper drawing paper and even bristol.

What is watercolor paper how is different from. Quality this particular paper is 25 cotton 75 cellulose blend. Note that the term alpha cellulose is used to distinguish these papers from pure cotton fiber papers which also contain cellulose. A variety of cool and warm tints is available.

Hot press or cold press papers are actually subcategories of cotton fiber or alpha cellulose papers and are distinguished by their surface characteristics. This is why watercolor paper uses cotton intertwined in it s fibers. Watercolour paper is a special type of paper made with cellulose which is the material that plants use to build their stems and leaves. This paper is also thick and that prevents buckling and tearing when the paper is exposed to moisture.

Rough watercolor paper compared. Paper is made using a mixture of water and cellulose fibers. Hot and cold press papers. Paper made from cotton is often referred to as rag paper.

Watercolor paper is made from either pure cotton or a cotton cellulose blend as opposed to regular paper which is usually just made from wood pulp. Fabriano studio watercolor paper 9x12 cold press. However watercolor paper since it uses water needs to be more absorbent than traditional paper. Less expensive papers are made using wood pulp or sometimes a combination of cotton and other cellulose fibers.

Use acid free paper for paintings you wish to keep as this type will yellow less with age. This is the feature which makes sure that the resulting watercolor paper is made strong but also pliable. In artists quality papers those fibers should be 100 cotton which makes it strong but pliable. Watercolor paper is usually white but it need not be.