I've used Saunders Waterford 200 lb for 15 years. 200 works just like 300 lb, it doesn't need to be taped. Doesn't buckle or warp. It is so forgiving and easy to lift paint off. More expensive but well worth it.....
@@appleknocker56 I read a comment recently that watercolor paper was designed based on the full sheets, and that the paper that goes into pad and other products is not as consistent,. Thus, it is best to buy the full sheets instead and cut or tear them to the size you prefer. It is also, usually, much cheaper, too, so that is a bonus.
Saunders Waterford is my choice of paper for final projects, for swatching and practice I use Bockingford, cellulose paper, which is made by the same manufacturer St Cuthberts Mill. Just a note on Saunders Waterford paper - it comes in white and high white. White is not bright white so make sure you read the description when purchasing - learnt that the hard way. 🙂
If you like Saunders Waterford, you can also try Millford 100% cotton. In my humble opinion, it's even better. It's easier to lift the colour up if you wish too and it keeps watercolour wet a bit longer if you need more time. It is made by the same manufacturer (Saunders Waterford cotton, Bockingford cellulose and Millford).
Hahnwmühle pronounced like har - nah - mool - la. I use lighter weight papers to make art envelopes 180gsm … customized watercolour & ink with calligraphy. Heavier papers harder to crease, too expensive for simple envelope and can add too much weight for postage but work well for envelopes.
With all my papers I give them a wipe over with an immaculate cloth even A5 size, which stops any lint or dust-making balls once the paint hits the paper. Once my paints are dry for the close of the day in the pan, I blow on them stopping any dust that may have fallen. (We know it's in the air). It's very hard to afford Good paper. I have tried them all, and I fully understand what you're saying about cost. The plight of an artist's life sadly, (sometimes I have gone without a few things just to buy my Arches paper. This was very interesting, and I totally understood you loving the paper...And finding one has to mortgage the house to buy it...I feel like we are in some way still living like the artists of old. Being so careful with the papers.THANK YOU so much for this video, it really was great to see. x
SW is my favorite paper. It is sized throughout the paper so you can paint on both sides. Some papers are sized on one side. Michael Solovyov has a video on papers and sizing differences. He is a Canadian artist too and offers the SW through his web site. You probably know about him as another Canadian artist. Thanks for your review. I've used all of the ones you reviewed too.
Iirc, Canson owns Arches. One paper for Adults and one for children. Kind of how Lamy Safari is given to school kids in Germany but artists love it. Canson moulin du roy watercolor paper is 100% cotton. Also iirc, Canson & Saunders have a collaborative Art Book sold in Europe. This was interesting … thank you.
Hi Emma. I only buy 100% cotton watercolour paper in sheets from DeSerres and Wallack's in Ottawa and order online from Gwartzman's and Above Ground. It is always more economical, no duty to pay and I cut it down in size. I usually lightly pencil in the brand, type, and weight of the sheet in each of the corners, on the right side (using the watermark as a guide, i.e. SW-CP-140 for Saunders Waterford, Cold Press, 140lbs; A-CP-140 for Arches, etc. If I need to cut my sheet smaller than 1/4 sheets, I make sure that I write the info in at least one corner of each resulting piece. In addition, I try to cut my paper to fit the more common frames and mats, which saves money when framing.
Hi Emma. Thanks for the great paper comparisons. I just did some checking and here in the US, Dick Blick has the best selection and, for the most part, the best prices. I usually buy the Arches 300lb. 22 x 30" sheets in bulk at Blick for $15.43 per sheet. The Saunders Waterford in the same size and weight is $13.32 per sheet. I am going to order a block and one sheet each of the 300lb and 200lb to try it. For any of the folks in the US ordering from Blick, here are some of the prices. 7x 10 block = $29, 9x12 block = $31, 10 x 14 block = $38 and the 12 x 16 block is $50. Cheap Joe's has the 12 x 16 block for $43.
As a beginner, I am loving your channel. I've taken a few classes, and now I'm enjoying delving into learning more about papers, brushes, etc. Thank you.
My last block pad of Saunders Waterford lost most of its sizing within 12 months and was unuseable. I loved using the few sheets I did in the first year.
Hi Emma. I wonder if you could do a comparison of the Saunders and Arches? I would like to see the result of that same demo on the Arches paper. It was quite a striking difference from the other papers.
I just used Saunders for the first time yesterday. It is quite different from Arches - not as absorbent. I had a difficult time with wet on wet for my sky in a landscape I was doing. I used way too much water. Just takes getting used to.
I have kept an annual membership with the SAA (Society for All Artists, located in the UK) to purchase Saunders Waterford paper, which I have used exclusively for my art for over five years. I don’t know the Canadian exchange rate, but the SAA prices for SW paper (which is offered in all weights, textures and colors (high white is my personal favorite) is better than Jackson’s. It is a beautiful paper!
I’m sure you found out by now that the Bee watercolor paper does come in 140lb 300 gsm weight & 100% cotton. I’ve done landscapes using a ton of water and it works well. But Saunders Waterford is my favorite so far.
A nice educational video concerning paper Emma! 👏👏 Thank you for demonstrating on the various papers for us. Unfortunately everything has really gone up in pricing. I’m frequently using both sides of my papers especially when practicing different things. I also do sometimes stretch my paper for larger works that I attempt, that I think will end up being good. The lifting demo is great, too. Thank you.❤️
The Hahnemühle-Company and it’s mill is 8 km away from my house :) It’s quiet popular here in Germany. The also manufacture high quality writing paper.
This was so informative. I'm a beginner, so I'm just learning about paper. Learned a lot in this video!! My paper dries too fast and creates ugly blooms. It is frustrating. Thanks so much!
Yay my Hahnemuhle paper is awesome but I do agree that the Saunders Waterford paper does make the paint look better & brighter. I might have to give it a try sometime soon! I definitely enjoyed seeing your reviews on each of these papers. Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational video with us.
Thanks for performing this comparison. I'm in the middle of comparing Hahnemuhle vs Arches vs Saunders Waterford. Side is preferential, so there's no real front/back. They typically differ in coarseness and felt grain pattern (e.g. the "back" side is typically smoother with different felt grain/texture).
Thanks so much Emma for this informative video and all the behind the scenes research you did to compare the quality and pricing of the papers. You continue to impress me. You work so hard to help us develop our watercolor knowledge and skills.❤❤❤
In Toronto Gwartzman's art supplies and Above Ground carry Saunders paper but are often sold out. Looking forward to trying it sometime. Arches seems to be many people’s favourite because it’s readily available and is sold in a variety of sizes of pads of sheets not just blocks which make it double the price
I once painted the same thing on 15 different papers. None look much different in terms of bright color, as long as you use high quality paint. But I do enjoy the thick cotton papers they do the bleeds and fun things better
Hi Emma, thank you for the review, I know it can cost $$$ for you to buy supplies to show us and I appreciate it! I have used the bee paper in the past and then it became hard to find and became more expensive, I did buy the 140lb and I feel that it is still mot as user friendly as it used to be. I don't plan to purchase anymore. But I fully agree that Saunders is a lovely paper to use:))
I have always used Arches, I learned on it. This video has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, thanks. I will try Saunders Waterford ! So much to learn! Your avid student, Karen Dirmish Elmhurst Ill!
Thanks for your review of the different wc papers. I use a lot of mixed media and wc sketchbooks. I've found if I pre wet the paper with a spray bottle of water and let the water soak in I have more success using the paper.
Bee Paper DOES have 140 lb in that size and 50 sheets. I use it all the time for experiments which may turn out to be good paintings. I buy mine from Amazon but yes the packaging does look the same for the 50 lb or the 140 lb. I am enjoying this video a LOT :) I am learning to work with Daniel Smith paints :) Thank you for all the videos!!! They are so helpful to me!!!
I found the Saunders Waterford at MC Art Supplies in Texas for $15.42 for a 9 x 12 inch pad of 12 sheets. I’ve never used a block and felt more comfortable trying a pad. Shipping was about $15 within the USA for 3 pads of paper. I’m just a beginner, but hoping this will help me improve my techniques.
I have purchased the Saunders sample pack from Amazon that gives you 2-4 half sheets of each type plus their Bockingford line which is cellulose but acts like a student grade cotton paper. The price here in the USA tends to vary but you can put alerts on products and catch them on sale.
They have the Bee watercolor paper in 140lb for $19.57 and 90lb for $17.96 on the Amazon. The packaging looks the same minus the weight info. You can get easily fooled thinking you're buying 50 sheets of 140lb cotton paper for $17.86.
Thanks for the demo Emma! Jerry's Artarama here in the US is having a sale now on Waterford's, so I might pop over and get some. I looked to see if there were any Hyatt's near me as I've never heard of them before. That's because they are only in Buffalo. 🙂
❤🙋🏼♀️ Hello Emma! Thank you for the watercolor paper comparison video. 😥To me, the most important supplies to create a watercolor painting are the paint and paper. The most difficult supplies to find are the paint and paper. Both are scary and expensive pathways to go down. Videos like yours are extremely helpful and informative, and help me to make better decisions. I’m Fran, a Pen & Ink artist and a student of watercolor. Have a great week and better weekend.👍🏼👩🏼🎨👩🏻🎨
The Bee paper is now available in 140 pound 100% cotton spiral sketchbook. Some say they love it. I found the masking fluid impossible to remove without damage. Also it was hard to layer without lifting.
Very interesting! Also a note about your links... the Bee paper link showed 140lb cold press paper! Paul Clark often uses Saunders! Thank you, Emma!!! A California Gramma ❤
Don't feel bad about not noticing the Bee paper being 90lb... they have the exact same packaging right down to the picture on the insert. They should not do that!
I recently started purchasing the Waterford watercolour papers and have loved them. It was reassuring to have you confirm my preference. I’ve used Archers but it is much more expensive in Australia.
I've been having a hard time finding those paul rubens sketchbooks. They have been sold out on Amazon for a while in the larger sizes, so I'm hoping they will come back in stock eventually. And yea, the Bee paper comes in both 90 and 140 pounds. Either 25 sheets of 140 or 50 sheets of 90. I have the 140 pound, but I actually don't really like it. Idk though, because I'm very much a beginner and don't know anything haha. It just dries soooo fast. I feel like maybe it just might not be great for wet on wet, also because he pigment seems to stay in place and not give those little explosions of color. Omg after I wrote this you literally said the same exact things as me. I feel so validated 😂 I thought maybe I just was doing it wrong haha
Thanks for the detailed review! I live in Germany so I've been eyeing the Hahnemühle watercolor paper, but I've had problems layering on many of their papers, so I haven't tried this one yet (it is pricier than my other Hahnemühle papers). I think I can forego this one. I really like the Saunder's and this video makes me want to paint some more on my Saunder's paper.
I bought a pack of the Bee paper from Amazon and it is 100% cotton, 140lb for around $20.00. I love it for card making. Fold it in half and there you go!
I bought the 6 x 9" Bee paper from Amazon... I'm using it for swatching now as I took a break from painting. It seems good to me and for 50 sheets for $20... deal!
Agreed! Bee 140lb is the only affordable 100% cotton paper that is even remotely decent for students and beginners. I mainly use it for practice, getting to know my brushes, swatching, etc… Aka all the stuff you don’t want to use the good paper for. Before Bee’s, I was using a cheap, 100% cotton pad from Amazon, which wasn’t horrible but definitely wasn’t great quality. I still use it for practice sometimes. Before that, I used Canson XL, and even the cheap cotton paper was worlds better, even for practice. It’s hard to learn a new technique on crappy paper, and when you go to use it on good paper, you realize that you may as well have not bothered practicing at all. The technique just doesn’t transfer to good cotton paper from pulp. Bee’s has completely changed how I practice. I don’t get as frustrated these days because I’m not having the paper sabotage me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not professional grade paper. But it’s currently the only affordable 100% cotton paper on the market for students that is even remotely decent quality. It’s helped me a ton with pretty much every aspect of learning WC.
oh, yes! This helps a lot. Always looking for a good affordable paper. I have been working mostly with ARCHES watercolor paper and reaching the best results. It is a very forgiving paper for correctios or liftings as you call it. I bought big sheets and having been cutting them in half to have more use of it. I would love a comparison with Arches too. Have a great day, dear Emma! Lots of love from the Hahnemüller country of origin! 🥰
To save money I switched from Arches which is expensive. Now I use the Ready Cut Stratmore in 5 x 7. I am satisfied as that size works for most of my painting.
Hi Emma. Also from Canada - but I order my Saunders through Jackson's on their Canadian site. They currently have a huge sale on their blocks and sheets...50% off - at least. I always find that I get some decent deals from Jackson's and the shipping isn't too crazy....
Just ordered the SW paper and total including shipping and tax came to 66.23. I had been checking out papers and I really like the way this one looks as a finished painting. Thanks for your research and advice.
Jacksons is currently having a sale on this paper! Check the shipping first though, it can be expensive for full sheets. That said, they also sell half and quarter sheets as well as blocks.
I’ve been using Saunders Waterford for a while now but I’m very feed up with some characteristics of the paper, I love the texture is so soft and easy to draw on but it absorbs the water instantly what makes it really hard ti work wet on wet, it doesn’t give you enough time, so you have to go ahead whit more water and it end up buckling, I don’t like arches texture as much and I feel like the colors fade but I love how it gives you enough time with the wet on wet, I’m on the search for a paper that covers those things up 😮💨
I like rough paper when using granulating colors /paints. Gorgeous and the scenes look like they're coming off of the paper I have the Bee Paper 140/300. It has a darker pic on the front than yours. Also, I wet the paper and leave it for 5 min b4 painting on it. I do that with Strathmore Ready Cut 500 too. Haven't tried the Sennelier or Waterford; too costly. I'd like to try the Sennelier.
I have never seen paint lifted like you did on the Sennelier…wow! Thank you for this comparison video. I’ve been wanting to try these papers and now I can eliminate Bee
I was lucky enough to discover watercolor with Saunders Waterford and so long none has been better, I even like 90lbs or hot press that I use sometimes. Sennelier is not as expensive in France as it seems to be in your place. Thank you for the review.
I like to use both Arches and Saunders watercolor cold press paper. They are both so good, that I don't mind using one over the other. For me it comes down to price when I am going to choose one and I go for the better deal, just because they will both work perfectly. And then my 3rd option is Baohong coldpress paper.
Just a heads up for those whose Faith or ethics exclude use of animals for any reason, Arches and Saunders Waterford both use animal gelatin and Saunders uses wool felt in the manufacturing process.
I would really love to see you do a test of the fabriano artistico 300 GSM as well I prefer the extra white hot press as my main subjects are painted in pencil with solvent.
The same thing happened to me with the Bee paper. Had the 140 lb before, and purchased a new pack, just to find I should have read the description, haha!
I tried Saunders yesterday right after the video. I usually use Arches. Saunders is quite different. Arches is more absorbent. Had a problem with the wet on wet for my sky. It will take some getting used to. Yes - the colors are brighter with the Saunders.
For what it is worth, I price paper not by the sheet, but by the square inch. I can get Saunders down from between .008 to .010 (US) shipping included depending on where it comes from. If you price by the square inch I think you get a more realistic comparison between different sizes of paper. Usually bigger is better.. and more is cheaper!
Thank you for this information Emma. I have been eyeing the Saunders Waterford paper and wondered how it performed and whether or not it was worth the price and rivaled Arches. Now I want to purchase a large sheet. Thank you for sharing videos with us. I have learned so much from your videos.
I happen to have a 6 x 9 pack of Bee Paper, 25 sheets that I was given at a workshop a number of years ago - it is 140 lb - the label also indicates in small print that it is PROFESSIONAL SERIES. I use the paper primarily for making cards and they are not all watercolor so I cannot comment on the quality.
I see what you mean about the price! Since most of our art supplies come from Europe, I could get this in South Africa but I will have to stick to cheaper ones.
I thought this might be of interest, but I was a professional photographer for a number of years and for fine art prints, the Hahnemuhle is the most popular for fine art inkjet printing.
Great comparison video. The color and lifting differences are surprising! Have you ever tried Winsor Newton paper? I got a pad and like it but haven’t officially compared like you did. This was great!
I bought Saunders Waterford 9 x 12 140 lb, 12 sheets at $25.70 on Dick Blick; I also bought the Saunders Waterford block 7 x 10 20 sheets at $28.64 also at Dick Blick. I really love this about as much as Arches which was 12 sheets 140 lb. 9 x 12 at $39.10 OUCH! -I also love Hahnemuhle Collection 9 x 12 140 lb 12 sheets at $17.24 --just thought I would put my 2 cents in! Arches and Saunders are my fav but for the price I use a lot of the Hahnemuhle Collection -- I also like Winsor Newton professional watercolor paper 5 x 7 140lb. at $19.22 Amazon. All of those are 100% cotton. I will also use the Strathmore Visual Journal 140lb. 44 pages (both sides used) 5.5 x 8 and that is NOT 100% cotton--however, I use it to save money. Love your videos!
I've used Saunders Waterford 200 lb for 15 years. 200 works just like 300 lb, it doesn't need to be taped. Doesn't buckle or warp. It is so forgiving and easy to lift paint off. More expensive but well worth it.....
You must mean grams. It is 140 pound but 300 g.
We need a Saunders vs Arches paper now. I’d love to see how those two stack up against each other!
I agree as lately the Arches in the block form is not absorbing water like it used to do?
@@appleknocker56 I read a comment recently that watercolor paper was designed based on the full sheets, and that the paper that goes into pad and other products is not as consistent,. Thus, it is best to buy the full sheets instead and cut or tear them to the size you prefer. It is also, usually, much cheaper, too, so that is a bonus.
I have blocks of both, don’t see any noticeable difference between the two.
Saunders Waterford is my choice of paper for final projects, for swatching and practice I use Bockingford, cellulose paper, which is made by the same manufacturer St Cuthberts Mill. Just a note on Saunders Waterford paper - it comes in white and high white. White is not bright white so make sure you read the description when purchasing - learnt that the hard way. 🙂
I love the Bee paper for play and experimentation. It paints quite well, but isn’t so precious that I feel held back.
Thank you for doing this video. I'm gonna save up for some Saunders paper. As Jane Davenport says, "Life is too short for cheap paper." 🤣
If you like Saunders Waterford, you can also try Millford 100% cotton. In my humble opinion, it's even better. It's easier to lift the colour up if you wish too and it keeps watercolour wet a bit longer if you need more time. It is made by the same manufacturer (Saunders Waterford cotton, Bockingford cellulose and Millford).
Hahnwmühle pronounced like har - nah - mool - la. I use lighter weight papers to make art envelopes 180gsm … customized watercolour & ink with calligraphy. Heavier papers harder to crease, too expensive for simple envelope and can add too much weight for postage but work well for envelopes.
@@charliefoxtrot6017 Where does the „la“ come from? Hahnemühle is a German Company, so both pronunciations are wrong 🫣.
In addition to comparing Saunders to Arches I would be interested in seeing you test the 140 pound Bee paper for us on a budget.
With all my papers I give them a wipe over with an immaculate cloth even A5 size, which stops any lint or dust-making balls once the paint hits the paper. Once my paints are dry for the close of the day in the pan, I blow on them stopping any dust that may have fallen. (We know it's in the air). It's very hard to afford Good paper. I have tried them all, and I fully understand what you're saying about cost. The plight of an artist's life sadly, (sometimes I have gone without a few things just to buy my Arches paper. This was very interesting, and I totally understood you loving the paper...And finding one has to mortgage the house to buy it...I feel like we are in some way still living like the artists of old. Being so careful with the papers.THANK YOU so much for this video, it really was great to see. x
SW is my favorite paper. It is sized throughout the paper so you can paint on both sides. Some papers are sized on one side. Michael Solovyov has a video on papers and sizing differences. He is a Canadian artist too and offers the SW through his web site. You probably know about him as another Canadian artist. Thanks for your review. I've used all of the ones you reviewed too.
Iirc, Canson owns Arches. One paper for Adults and one for children. Kind of how Lamy Safari is given to school kids in Germany but artists love it.
Canson moulin du roy watercolor paper is 100% cotton. Also iirc, Canson & Saunders have a collaborative Art Book sold in Europe.
This was interesting … thank you.
So pleased to learn you liked our Saunders Waterford paper
I have tried every brand of paper ( and paint). I recently bought Saunders Waterford and it is the absolute best!
Is it vegan?
I’m not professional but Saunders Waterford is my favorite paper. Arches is great but I get the most vibrant fluid final results with Saunders.
Hi Emma. I only buy 100% cotton watercolour paper in sheets from DeSerres and Wallack's in Ottawa and order online from Gwartzman's and Above Ground. It is always more economical, no duty to pay and I cut it down in size. I usually lightly pencil in the brand, type, and weight of the sheet in each of the corners, on the right side (using the watermark as a guide, i.e. SW-CP-140 for Saunders Waterford, Cold Press, 140lbs; A-CP-140 for Arches, etc. If I need to cut my sheet smaller than 1/4 sheets, I make sure that I write the info in at least one corner of each resulting piece.
In addition, I try to cut my paper to fit the more common frames and mats, which saves money when framing.
Hi Emma. Thanks for the great paper comparisons. I just did some checking and here in the US, Dick Blick has the best selection and, for the most part, the best prices. I usually buy the Arches 300lb. 22 x 30" sheets in bulk at Blick for $15.43 per sheet. The Saunders Waterford in the same size and weight is $13.32 per sheet. I am going to order a block and one sheet each of the 300lb and 200lb to try it. For any of the folks in the US ordering from Blick, here are some of the prices. 7x 10 block = $29, 9x12 block = $31, 10 x 14 block = $38 and the 12 x 16 block is $50. Cheap Joe's has the 12 x 16 block for $43.
As a beginner, I am loving your channel. I've taken a few classes, and now I'm enjoying delving into learning more about papers, brushes, etc. Thank you.
My last block pad of Saunders Waterford lost most of its sizing within 12 months and was unuseable. I loved using the few sheets I did in the first year.
When I cut my larger sheets into smaller ones, I put either an X on the wrong side or an abbreviation of the brand if I’m cutting more than one brand.
try Jacksons art supplies for Saunders Waterford paper
As far as the final pictures, for me, the Saunders paper absolutely produced the best outcome. Definitely saw the vibrancy difference
Hi Emma. I wonder if you could do a comparison of the Saunders and Arches? I would like to see the result of that same demo on the Arches paper. It was quite a striking difference from the other papers.
I just used Saunders for the first time yesterday. It is quite different from Arches - not as absorbent. I had a difficult time with wet on wet for my sky in a landscape I was doing. I used way too much water. Just takes getting used to.
@@sylviarogerson7662 was it Saunders Waterford or Bockingford? Apparently the Bockingford is a cheaper student grade and not good.
@@ewwwobbie It was the Waterford. All cotton.
@@sylviarogerson7662 I don't think I'll try it then. I'll stick with Arches.
That’s a good idea!
I have kept an annual membership with the SAA (Society for All Artists, located in the UK) to purchase Saunders Waterford paper, which I have used exclusively for my art for over five years. I don’t know the Canadian exchange rate, but the SAA prices for SW paper (which is offered in all weights, textures and colors (high white is my personal favorite) is better than Jackson’s. It is a beautiful paper!
100% cotton papers really are the best, I love that there are so many options nowadays ❤
I’m sure you found out by now that the Bee watercolor paper does come in 140lb 300 gsm weight & 100% cotton. I’ve done landscapes using a ton of water and it works well.
But Saunders Waterford is my favorite so far.
A nice educational video concerning paper Emma! 👏👏 Thank you for demonstrating on the various papers for us. Unfortunately everything has really gone up in pricing. I’m frequently using both sides of my papers especially when practicing different things. I also do sometimes stretch my paper for larger works that I attempt, that I think will end up being good. The lifting demo is great, too. Thank you.❤️
Hi Virginia
How are you doing?
The Hahnemühle-Company and it’s mill is 8 km away from my house :)
It’s quiet popular here in Germany. The also manufacture high quality writing paper.
Brilliant video. Very informative. This has answered so many questions for me. Thanks so much.🎉
This was so informative. I'm a beginner, so I'm just learning about paper. Learned a lot in this video!! My paper dries too fast and creates ugly blooms. It is frustrating. Thanks so much!
Thank you for the educational video. I’m starting water coloring for my cards and this helps understand the differences on the papers. 😊
Yay my Hahnemuhle paper is awesome but I do agree that the Saunders Waterford paper does make the paint look better & brighter. I might have to give it a try sometime soon! I definitely enjoyed seeing your reviews on each of these papers. Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational video with us.
Thanks for performing this comparison. I'm in the middle of comparing Hahnemuhle vs Arches vs Saunders Waterford. Side is preferential, so there's no real front/back. They typically differ in coarseness and felt grain pattern (e.g. the "back" side is typically smoother with different felt grain/texture).
Thanks so much Emma for this informative video and all the behind the scenes research you did to compare the quality and pricing of the papers. You continue to impress me. You work so hard to help us develop our watercolor knowledge and skills.❤❤❤
In Toronto Gwartzman's art supplies and Above Ground carry Saunders paper but are often sold out. Looking forward to trying it sometime. Arches seems to be many people’s favourite because it’s readily available and is sold in a variety of sizes of pads of sheets not just blocks which make it double the price
Etchr sketcbook is made with Fabriano artistico cotton paper.
As other have said, I’d love to see a Waterford v Arches comparison.
I once painted the same thing on 15 different papers. None look much different in terms of bright color, as long as you use high quality paint. But I do enjoy the thick cotton papers they do the bleeds and fun things better
Saunders waterford 300gsm CP is my absolute fave watercolor paper. I prefer it over Arches even.
Thank you for sharing this info about wc papers. So helpful to me…you saved me “experimenting” money. 😊
Hi Emma, thank you for the review, I know it can cost $$$ for you to buy supplies to show us and I appreciate it! I have used the bee paper in the past and then it became hard to find and became more expensive, I did buy the 140lb and I feel that it is still mot as user friendly as it used to be. I don't plan to purchase anymore. But I fully agree that Saunders is a lovely paper to use:))
I have always used Arches, I learned on it. This video has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, thanks. I will try Saunders Waterford ! So much to learn! Your avid student, Karen Dirmish Elmhurst Ill!
Thanks for your review of the different wc papers. I use a lot of mixed media and wc sketchbooks. I've found if I pre wet the paper with a spray bottle of water and let the water soak in I have more success using the paper.
Bee Paper DOES have 140 lb in that size and 50 sheets. I use it all the time for experiments which may turn out to be good paintings. I buy mine from Amazon but yes the packaging does look the same for the 50 lb or the 140 lb.
I am enjoying this video a LOT :) I am learning to work with Daniel Smith paints :) Thank you for all the videos!!! They are so helpful to me!!!
I found the Saunders Waterford at MC Art Supplies in Texas for $15.42 for a 9 x 12 inch pad of 12 sheets. I’ve never used a block and felt more comfortable trying a pad. Shipping was about $15 within the USA for 3 pads of paper. I’m just a beginner, but hoping this will help me improve my techniques.
Again enjoyed your sample work in comparison. Great job and fun while experimenting. 😅😊❤
I have purchased the Saunders sample pack from Amazon that gives you 2-4 half sheets of each type plus their Bockingford line which is cellulose but acts like a student grade cotton paper.
The price here in the USA tends to vary but you can put alerts on products and catch them on sale.
Great info Shelly, thank you, I will definitely try that!!👩🦳🖌️
They have the Bee watercolor paper in 140lb for $19.57 and 90lb for $17.96 on the Amazon. The packaging looks the same minus the weight info. You can get easily fooled thinking you're buying 50 sheets of 140lb cotton paper for $17.86.
Thanks for the demo Emma! Jerry's Artarama here in the US is having a sale now on Waterford's, so I might pop over and get some. I looked to see if there were any Hyatt's near me as I've never heard of them before. That's because they are only in Buffalo. 🙂
Yay, you picked the one that’s my favourite too! Thanks for doing this work!
So beautiful; I love autumn & autumn leaves & tress.
❤🙋🏼♀️ Hello Emma! Thank you for the watercolor paper comparison video. 😥To me, the most important supplies to create a watercolor painting are the paint and paper. The most difficult supplies to find are the paint and paper. Both are scary and expensive pathways to go down. Videos like yours are extremely helpful and informative, and help me to make better decisions. I’m Fran, a Pen & Ink artist and a student of watercolor. Have a great week and better weekend.👍🏼👩🏼🎨👩🏻🎨
Thanks for this! Before cutting my paper, I put a check mark in each corner on the correct side.
The Bee paper is now available in 140 pound 100% cotton spiral sketchbook. Some say they love it. I found the masking fluid impossible to remove without damage. Also it was hard to layer without lifting.
Very interesting! Also a note about your links... the Bee paper link showed 140lb cold press paper! Paul Clark often uses Saunders! Thank you, Emma!!! A California Gramma ❤
I would also like to see a Saunders and Arches comparison! ❤
Just checked Blick's and it has a 9 x 12 pad Saunders cold press paper pad, NOT block! It's $25!!!
Don't feel bad about not noticing the Bee paper being 90lb... they have the exact same packaging right down to the picture on the insert. They should not do that!
I recently started purchasing the Waterford watercolour papers and have loved them. It was reassuring to have you confirm my preference. I’ve used Archers but it is much more expensive in Australia.
I've been having a hard time finding those paul rubens sketchbooks. They have been sold out on Amazon for a while in the larger sizes, so I'm hoping they will come back in stock eventually.
And yea, the Bee paper comes in both 90 and 140 pounds. Either 25 sheets of 140 or 50 sheets of 90. I have the 140 pound, but I actually don't really like it. Idk though, because I'm very much a beginner and don't know anything haha. It just dries soooo fast. I feel like maybe it just might not be great for wet on wet, also because he pigment seems to stay in place and not give those little explosions of color.
Omg after I wrote this you literally said the same exact things as me. I feel so validated 😂
I thought maybe I just was doing it wrong haha
Saunders Waterford is my favorite. I like Bockingford Rough too.
Thanks for the detailed review! I live in Germany so I've been eyeing the Hahnemühle watercolor paper, but I've had problems layering on many of their papers, so I haven't tried this one yet (it is pricier than my other Hahnemühle papers). I think I can forego this one. I really like the Saunder's and this video makes me want to paint some more on my Saunder's paper.
I'd like to try the saunders hot pressed.
I bought a pack of the Bee paper from Amazon and it is 100% cotton, 140lb for around $20.00. I love it for card making. Fold it in half and there you go!
I bought the 6 x 9" Bee paper from Amazon... I'm using it for swatching now as I took a break from painting. It seems good to me and for 50 sheets for $20... deal!
Bee paper on Amazon Australia is $65.14 … $140.00 lb 6 x9 “ 50 sheets…
Watercolour paper in Australia is ridiculously expensive!
Wow the Saunders was hands down the best. That’s great to know.
Jerry's Artarama has Saunders Waterford blocks on sale right now.
I have the Bee paper with the same packaging and mine is 140 lb 300 g/m 100% cotton. I like it but it still dries out very fast imo
Mine is also 140 pound! Just checked it in my studio and on Amazon. I love my Bee paper for practice.
Agreed! Bee 140lb is the only affordable 100% cotton paper that is even remotely decent for students and beginners.
I mainly use it for practice, getting to know my brushes, swatching, etc… Aka all the stuff you don’t want to use the good paper for.
Before Bee’s, I was using a cheap, 100% cotton pad from Amazon, which wasn’t horrible but definitely wasn’t great quality. I still use it for practice sometimes.
Before that, I used Canson XL, and even the cheap cotton paper was worlds better, even for practice.
It’s hard to learn a new technique on crappy paper, and when you go to use it on good paper, you realize that you may as well have not bothered practicing at all. The technique just doesn’t transfer to good cotton paper from pulp.
Bee’s has completely changed how I practice. I don’t get as frustrated these days because I’m not having the paper sabotage me.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not professional grade paper. But it’s currently the only affordable 100% cotton paper on the market for students that is even remotely decent quality. It’s helped me a ton with pretty much every aspect of learning WC.
Like when you do these comparisons. It helps to decide what paper to upgrade to.😮
I got fooled as well by the new Bee 90 lb. paper. I used to buy the original 140 lbs. I decided to use it for card making.
oh, yes! This helps a lot. Always looking for a good affordable paper. I have been working mostly with ARCHES watercolor paper and reaching the best results. It is a very forgiving paper for correctios or liftings as you call it. I bought big sheets and having been cutting them in half to have more use of it. I would love a comparison with Arches too. Have a great day, dear Emma! Lots of love from the Hahnemüller country of origin! 🥰
To save money I switched from Arches which is expensive. Now I use the Ready Cut Stratmore in 5 x 7. I am satisfied as that size works for most of my painting.
You can always use the Bee paper for crafts with your kids.
Hi Emma. Also from Canada - but I order my Saunders through Jackson's on their Canadian site. They currently have a huge sale on their blocks and sheets...50% off - at least. I always find that I get some decent deals from Jackson's and the shipping isn't too crazy....
There's also Aboveground and Gwartzman's in Toronto that ship across Canada. Both carry Saunders.
Just ordered the SW paper and total including shipping and tax came to 66.23. I had been checking out papers and I really like the way this one looks as a finished painting. Thanks for your research and advice.
Saunders Waterford can be found at Blick’s site and they have a decently low threshold for free shipping, easily reached with paper blocks.
Bee does come in 140 lb in the same packaging. I use it all the time for my greeting cards.
Jacksons is currently having a sale on this paper! Check the shipping first though, it can be expensive for full sheets. That said, they also sell half and quarter sheets as well as blocks.
Hi Emma, thanks for your comparison. Found the Saunders Waterford Pad with 20 sheets 9x12“ at Amazon Germany for 28,19 € (41,44 Canadian Dollar).
I’ve been using Saunders Waterford for a while now but I’m very feed up with some characteristics of the paper, I love the texture is so soft and easy to draw on but it absorbs the water instantly what makes it really hard ti work wet on wet, it doesn’t give you enough time, so you have to go ahead whit more water and it end up buckling, I don’t like arches texture as much and I feel like the colors fade but I love how it gives you enough time with the wet on wet, I’m on the search for a paper that covers those things up 😮💨
I like rough paper when using granulating colors /paints. Gorgeous and the scenes look like they're coming off of the paper
I have the Bee Paper 140/300. It has a darker pic on the front than yours. Also, I wet the paper and leave it for 5 min b4 painting on it. I do that with Strathmore Ready Cut 500 too. Haven't tried the Sennelier or Waterford; too costly. I'd like to try the Sennelier.
Studio Six Art Supply store in Toronto carries Saunders Waterford and ships all over. They are a fabulous family run business with a good price point.
I have never seen paint lifted like you did on the Sennelier…wow! Thank you for this comparison video. I’ve been wanting to try these papers and now I can eliminate Bee
I was lucky enough to discover watercolor with Saunders Waterford and so long none has been better, I even like 90lbs or hot press that I use sometimes. Sennelier is not as expensive in France as it seems to be in your place. Thank you for the review.
I like to use both Arches and Saunders watercolor cold press paper. They are both so good, that I don't mind using one over the other. For me it comes down to price when I am going to choose one and I go for the better deal, just because they will both work perfectly. And then my 3rd option is Baohong coldpress paper.
You taught me so much with this video. I really enjoy all of your videos.
What a difference in vibrancy of colors. Thank you for this comparison. Im definitely trying Saunders Waterford.
Just a heads up for those whose Faith or ethics exclude use of animals for any reason, Arches and Saunders Waterford both use animal gelatin and Saunders uses wool felt in the manufacturing process.
I would really love to see you do a test of the fabriano artistico 300 GSM as well I prefer the extra white hot press as my main subjects are painted in pencil with solvent.
The same thing happened to me with the Bee paper. Had the 140 lb before, and purchased a new pack, just to find I should have read the description, haha!
I tried Saunders yesterday right after the video. I usually use Arches. Saunders is quite different. Arches is more absorbent.
Had a problem with the wet on wet for my sky. It will take some getting used to. Yes - the colors are brighter with the Saunders.
For what it is worth, I price paper not by the sheet, but by the square inch. I can get Saunders down from between .008 to .010 (US) shipping included depending on where it comes from. If you price by the square inch I think you get a more realistic comparison between different sizes of paper. Usually bigger is better.. and more is cheaper!
The second paper can be a blessing for beginners to see why it is important to use 300 gsl.
You can get the Waterford paper from Gwartzman’s Art Supplies in Toronto. Nice comparison and very informative. Keep creating 💙💜💛
Thank you for this information Emma. I have been eyeing the Saunders Waterford paper and wondered how it performed and whether or not it was worth the price and rivaled Arches. Now I want to purchase a large sheet. Thank you for sharing videos with us. I have learned so much from your videos.
This was so informative. Thanks
I happen to have a 6 x 9 pack of Bee Paper, 25 sheets that I was given at a workshop a number of years ago - it is 140 lb - the label also indicates in small print that it is PROFESSIONAL SERIES. I use the paper primarily for making cards and they are not all watercolor so I cannot comment on the quality.
I see what you mean about the price! Since most of our art supplies come from Europe, I could get this in South Africa but I will have to stick to cheaper ones.
Waterford paper sheets can be found at Delta Art Edmonton
I thought this might be of interest, but I was a professional photographer for a number of years and for fine art prints, the Hahnemuhle is the most popular for fine art inkjet printing.
Great comparison video. The color and lifting differences are surprising! Have you ever tried Winsor Newton paper? I got a pad and like it but haven’t officially compared like you did.
This was great!
I would love to see how the saunders compares to arches. Thank you for the lovely video
I bought Saunders Waterford 9 x 12 140 lb, 12 sheets at $25.70 on Dick Blick; I also bought the Saunders Waterford block 7 x 10 20 sheets at $28.64 also at Dick Blick. I really love this about as much as Arches which was 12 sheets 140 lb. 9 x 12 at $39.10 OUCH! -I also love Hahnemuhle Collection 9 x 12 140 lb 12 sheets at $17.24 --just thought I would put my 2 cents in! Arches and Saunders are my fav but for the price I use a lot of the Hahnemuhle Collection -- I also like Winsor Newton professional watercolor paper 5 x 7 140lb. at $19.22 Amazon. All of those are 100% cotton. I will also use the Strathmore Visual Journal 140lb. 44 pages (both sides used) 5.5 x 8 and that is NOT 100% cotton--however, I use it to save money. Love your videos!
The Saunders paper is amazing 🎉 The paint looks so vibrant ❤
If you want to buy the Saunders Waterford for yourself I suggest trying Cheap Joe's. I believe they ship to Canada and have great prices.
The Saunders definitely showed a lot more of the watercolor's pigment and didn't look like it was washed out.