Akvarellipaperin

Akvarellipaperin, often referred to as watercolor paper in English, is a specialized paper designed for the art of watercolor painting. Its primary characteristic is its absorbency, which allows it to hold water and pigment effectively without the paper buckling or disintegrating. This absorbency is achieved through a sizing process, typically using gelatin or synthetic sizing agents, which seals the paper's surface to some extent.

There are three main types of watercolor paper, distinguished by their surface texture: hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough. Hot-pressed paper is smooth, making it ideal for detailed work and achieving fine lines. Cold-pressed paper has a medium texture, offering a good balance of detail and wash capability, and is the most commonly used type. Rough paper has a pronounced texture, which can add interesting visual effects to paintings and is favored for expressive washes and textures.

Watercolor paper is typically made from 100% cotton rag or a blend of cotton and wood pulp. Cotton paper is generally considered superior due to its strength, durability, and ability to withstand repeated washes and lifting of paint. The weight of watercolor paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lb). Heavier papers, typically 300 gsm (140 lb) and above, are more resistant to buckling when wet and are often preferred by professional artists. The quality of watercolor paper significantly impacts the final appearance of a watercolor painting, affecting how colors blend, how well they can be lifted, and the overall luminosity of the artwork.