Where to buy watercolor paper?

Question

I just need ~5-10 watercolor papers. Where can I buy it, or what 'type' of store?

I just want to experiment w/ the paper, so its really not for any 'art' use; I tried Staples but they don't seem to have it (but they do have watercolor sets that cost $100+! Didn't think watercoloring = that expensive).

Also, how much can I expect to pay for so little paper?

Answer 1

whsmith thought there sketching paper is cheaper than there watercolour and it can be used for watercolours cause its kinda thick

Answer 2

I don't buy watercolor paper from Micheal's or Hobby Lobby because they always put the stickers on the side you are supposed to paint on. There is a right side and wrong side to paint on with watercolor paper. Most good watercolor paper has a watermark on it. If you hold the paper to the light it is usually in a corner. The side you can read is the side you paint on.

That said, Micheal's and Hobby Lobby carry watercolor pads that will run around $20 or so.

If you get what is called a 'block', this is paper that is gummed on all 4 sides to keep it's shape when painting. That way you don't have to stretch your paper and staple it down to a board. When the painting is finished, there is a slot in the gum that allows a knife to be slid in between the pages and remove the painting.  

Answer 3

Michaels, Hobby Lobby sell watercolor paper. Look for the savings coupon. Walmart doesn’t have savings coupons that I know of.

Keep Arting!

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

Answer 4

I paint every day, and find the paper at Wal-Mart.. they have a tablets with about 20 sheets about 8X10 and cost about $5.00

they have tablets for oil paint, water paint, Etc.  it's in the craft Dept.

Answer 5

Look in one of the big box arts & crafts stores for a tablet of watercolor paper. 90 pound (thickness) would be the minimum for a true watercolor paper. I'm not sure how much it would cost ~ $5.00 ?

If you were to buy a single sheet at the same store 22 X 30 inches, you could make 8 sheets the size you need for around $4.00.

Any paper you use not specifically for water color would wrinkle badly and bleed.

Water color sets can be that expensive, but an office supply store would likely have inferior products and lots of things you would never use.

Good luck!