Types of Watercolor Surfaces

Different types of paper are good for different subjects. Some of the first watercolors were done on ivory, so all sorts of surfaces are possible.

Type of Paper	About	Examples
Loose Paper	You need a 300# paper if you don't want to stretch it in some way. This is your standard painting paper. This is your option if you want deckle edges. But as great as a Twinrocker feather deckle looks, it's pointless unless you're planning to frame it in a floating mat so that gorgeous deckle shows!	Twinrocker 200# cold press paper
Block	Perfect for travel.
Rolls	Huge Paintings are possible! Arches comes in 140# equivalent, 44.5" x 10 yards Tip: Use 2x4's to stretch it. And you can finish it off with a varnish just like an oil painting. No glass!	Arches Hot Press Roll, 44.5" x 60"
Bristol Board	Very slick, very resistant to paint. Think hot press slickness exponentially! Very bright color. Paint runs down at any angle whatsoever. ie: Children's Portraits	Strathmore bristol board
Coated Canvas
Sketchbook or Journal	You're painting quick sketches, nothing that takes too long. It needs to be heavy enough to not buckle horribly with a wash, but you'll never do multiple washes with it. Sizing also doesn't need to be as strong since you're not going to correct many mistakes or rub the paper a lot.	Pentalic Watercolor Journal