What type of paper to use for an inkjet printer and watercolors?

Question

Hello

I would like to print some poems on a paper 13x19 size, to paint with watercolors on it and use a pen.

Can somebody recommend the type of paper and water colors to use. there are so many in the market that it is confusing. I am not looking for the cheapest but also not for the most expensive. Can I use the watercolors on top of the ink of the printer? I need it to last a long time.

Thank you.

Answer 1

It depends on the printer and the inks you use. Epson makes ink sets that go with their printers and media (including watercolor papers) that are very waterproof. You can hold it under water and it won't run.

Windsor Newton makes good and reasonably priced watercolors.

Answer 2

I would recommend doing the painting with watercolors FIRST and then printing the poem.  But first, set up the poem so you know exactly where on the page it will be, and then use that to design your painting to accommodate it.  I am not sure what kind of paper you should use, though.  An art store that carries computer-printer art papers would know, though.  Try Daniel Smith and see if they can tell you.  

I would use nothing heavier than 140lb. paper, and you should know that printers tend to balk at thicker papers.  If you can get away with your watercolor on a 90lb. paper, that would be even better.  And I would use a hot press or a very fine cold press, as the texture on some cold press papers could cause your text to fail in the printing process.  

Good luck . . . nice idea.  

Answer 3

I would like to add, to the first answer (which deserves a thumbs up or two) that the reason you'd do the watercolor first is that ink jet pigments are not water resistant.  Applying water colors after will make the inks run and bleed into your color.

If you do the watercolor first, and let it dry, the ink jet can then apply a nice, crisp print.