Watercolor Paper Care: Keep Your Paper Ready for Every Wash

Got a stack of fresh watercolor pads and worried they’ll warp or get stained? You’re not alone. The trick is simple: treat the paper like you would a delicate fabric—clean, dry, and flat.

First thing, always buy paper with a good weight (140lb/300gsm is a safe bet). Light paper will cup under water, and heavy paper gives you more room to work without tearing. When you open a new pad, keep the sheets in the original wrapper until you’re ready to use them.

How to Store Watercolor Paper

Store paper in a dry, temperature‑stable place. A closet or a shelf that doesn’t swing between hot summers and cold winters is ideal. Avoid basements or attics where humidity spikes can make the paper swell.

If you live in a humid climate, slip a sheet of acid‑free tissue between each piece of paper. This acts like a breathable barrier and stops moisture from moving from one sheet to the next.

For long‑term storage, lay the pads flat in a large, sturdy box. Don’t stack too many on top of each other—gravity will press the bottom sheets and cause permanent creases. If space is tight, roll the paper gently around a tube no larger than the pad’s width, but only for short periods.

Everyday Techniques to Protect Your Work

When you start a painting, tape the edges down with low‑tack masking tape. This keeps the paper from curling as it absorbs water. After you finish, gently lift the tape; the paper should stay flat.

If a sheet does cup, flatten it with a clean board. Place a damp cloth over the back, then press a heavy book on top for a few hours. The moisture relaxes the fibers, and the weight smooths them out.

Never let water sit on the surface for too long. Blot excess water with a clean paper towel before it seeps through the sheet. This prevents the paper from getting soggy and breaking down.

When you clean brushes, use a separate container of water for rinsing. Dumping the dirty water onto the paper can leave mineral stains that are hard to remove later.

Lastly, keep a small spray bottle of distilled water handy. Tap water can leave mineral deposits that discolor the paper over time. Distilled water gives you consistent results and protects both the paper and your colors.

By storing your pads right, taping edges, and handling wet paper with care, you’ll see a big difference in how your watercolor pieces look and last. Your paper stays flat, bright, and ready for the next masterpiece.

20 Sep, 2025

Can You Roll Watercolor Paintings? Safe Storage & Shipping Guide

by Alaric Westcombe | Sep, 20 2025 | | 0 Comments

Yes, you can roll some watercolor paintings-carefully, and not always. Learn when it’s safe, how to do it right, better alternatives, and how to flatten a rolled piece.