Arches Watercolour Paper Pad - Rough - 26cm x 36cm - 12 Sheets

The Arches Aquarelle Rough Watercolour Paper provides the perfect art surface for professional res...

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Product Information

Full details

The Arches Aquarelle Rough Watercolour Paper is a premium surface designed for professional artists and advanced students who require durability and archival quality for their work. Its primary benefit is the traditional cylinder-mould manufacturing process, which ensures fibres are distributed evenly for exceptional control when handling water-heavy techniques; however, users should note that the rough surface texture may require more pigment to fill the grain compared to hot-pressed alternatives.

All features

Model Part NumberA1795103
BrandArches

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Is this paper acid-free?

Yes, Arches Watercolour Paper is acid-free and pH-neutral, making it suitable for long-term archival projects.

Can I use acrylics on this paper?

Yes, the 300gsm weight is sturdy enough to support thin to medium layers of acrylic paint without damaging the substrate.

What does 'Rough' mean in the context of watercolour paper?

Rough refers to the cold-pressed finish that has a very prominent, toothy texture, which is ideal for creating visual depth and expressive effects.

How many sheets are in this pad?

This specific Arches Watercolour Paper Pad contains 12 sheets.

Does this paper yellow over time?

No, Arches paper is manufactured to be archival and will not yellow when stored under proper conditions.

Is this paper vegan?

Arches uses traditional gelatin sizing in its manufacturing process, which is an animal-derived product.

Troubleshooting

Paper buckles significantly under wash

Use more tape to secure the edges to a hard surface or consider pre-stretching the paper by soaking it in water and stapling it to a board before painting.

Masking fluid tearing the surface

Apply a light layer of wax or talcum powder to the area before masking, and ensure you remove the fluid by rubbing gently with a soft eraser rather than pulling sharply.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional water control due to even fibre distribution
  • Highly durable against scratching and heavy erasing
  • Excellent for capturing texture and volume
  • Professional archival quality
  • Versatile across multiple wet media types

Cons

  • Rough texture is less ideal for fine detail work
  • Higher price point compared to machine-made papers
  • Requires more pigment to cover the deep grain surface

Setup, Compatibility & Care

To ensure the best results, always store your Arches paper in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption. Before beginning a project, consider taping the edges of the sheet to a rigid board using acid-free artist tape to further minimize buckling. When painting, avoid using excessive force when scrubbing the surface; despite its durability, the rough texture can wear down your brushes faster than smooth-pressed papers. For long-term preservation, ensure finished artwork is kept behind UV-protected glass to maintain the integrity of the natural white fibres.