Perhaps, while shopping at your local art store, you might have noticed some watercolor papers labeled Hot Press while others are labeled Cold Press. While standing in the aisle, searching through different brands, you may have even wondered: what really is the difference between hot and cold press, and does it really matter?
What Does Hot Press and Cold Press Watercolor Paper Mean?
These terms refer to the “tooth” of the paper – also known as the texture, or bumpiness, of your paper. There is also a third type, rough paper, which has even more texture than cold press, but this article focuses on comparing hot press and cold press.
Hot Press Paper
- Hot Press paper feels smooth to the touch – similar to mixed media or drawing paper. I like to think of it as being hot-ironed flat, which leaves very minimal tooth or bumps.
Cold Press Paper
- Cold Press paper, on the other hand, feels bumpy to the touch. It is sometimes referred to as “Not Paper,” basically meaning Not Hot Press.
But Why Is Texture Important to an Artist?
Texture factors into a painting in two different ways – absorbency, and luminescence.
Absorbency
Hot Press Paper – Due to its smooth texture, Hot Press paper is excellent for detail line work, inking, and watery drips and puddles, which create blossom effects on your paper. Since the surface of this paper is smooth, your paint will dry unevenly and is more likely to create abstract, blossoming textures compared to Cold Press.
Cold Press Paper – Cold Press paper, on the other hand, is like a sponge because of its bumpy texture. It quickly absorbs the water placed on it and evenly distributes it across the page, drying a bit more slowly than Hot Press and giving you more time to create smooth, even washes of color.
Luminescence
The second factor that plays a role in texture is luminescence – the vibrancy and vividness of colors on your paper. I like to compare this to stained glass. Think of how stained glass allows light through its panes – the same is true with your watercolor paper. The paint color tints your paper, allowing the white of the page to shine through it. However, if your paper is grooved or bumpy (similar to grooved stained glass), less light will shine through. If your paper is smooth, more of the white of the page will shine through, so Hot Press tends to look more vibrant and Cold Press can appear a bit duller, especially once it’s scanned or photographed.
When to Use Hot Press vs. Cold Press Paper
Hot Press Paper: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses
Hot Press paper is mainly used by realistic (photo-realism) watercolor artists, more abstract watercolor artists, and illustrators who really want their paintings to “pop” vividly off the page. It’s also a favorite of graphic design illustrators, because its smooth surface makes artwork much easier to photograph and scan – the camera doesn’t have to pick up any paper texture. If you want to digitize your artwork, Hot Press is a great choice.
That said, Hot Press has some downsides. Because the paper is so smooth, it can be difficult to rework or lift paint once it’s down. Creating soft edges can also be a bit tricky. And since Hot Press isn’t as durable as Cold Press, it’s easier to overwork – which can be a problem if you’re trying to build up a lot of depth or layers in a painting.
Cold Press Paper: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses
Cold Press paper is considered the most versatile and forgiving paper, which is why it’s the most popular type of watercolor paper and is highly recommended for beginners. Its durability makes it great for layering, pouring techniques, and really pushing the paper to its limit, and it’s also easier to lift color from when you have those little “oopsies.”
The downside of Cold Press paper is that it can be more difficult to ink on, especially with a pen, and tiny, intricate line work is trickier because of the texture. It’s not impossible – just a little more work than on Hot Press.
What Paper Do I Prefer?
I swing back and forth between Hot and Cold Press, depending on the project I’m tackling that particular week. If I really want to digitize my work, I lean toward Hot Press. But if I’m creating a final painting or experimenting with color, I lean more toward Cold Press. I’ll say it plainly: Cold Press is a lot easier to work on compared to Hot Press.
Soft Press Watercolor Paper
That being said, not all Cold Press papers are created equal – some have a finer, less pronounced tooth than others. I’ve been on the search for a Cold Press paper with a texture similar to Hot Press, and I’m excited to say I’ve found one. I like the smoother texture of Hot Press but also the absorbency and durability of Cold Press paper. This brings us to Soft Press watercolor paper.
What Is Soft Press Watercolor Paper?
Soft Press watercolor paper sits in the middle ground between the two. It has a light texture meant to help with absorbency, but at the same time a smooth enough surface for inking and line work – which is why I really like this style of paper. It complements my art style well.
That said, Soft Press paper can be hard to come by. So I’ll often buy Cold Press paper and flip it over to paint on the reverse side. This little hack gives me a smoother texture, similar to Cold Press, while still keeping the absorbency. Hopefully that clears up some questions you might have about Hot and Cold Press paper.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT & COLD PRESS PAPER FROM THIS VIDEO