5 Differences Between Cotton vs Cellulose Paper | Better?

Watercoloring is all about getting paint colors to flow so they form magnificent gradients. For best results, it’s important that you have high-quality watercolor paints. However, this is not the only factor that matters. Another major factor that can help enhance your painting is the type of watercolor paper you use. Typically, the choice painters go for is between Cotton vs Cellulose Paper.

Read on as we discuss what type is superior between cotton vs cellulose paper for watercolor.

Differences Between Cotton vs Cellulose Paper

The main differences between cotton vs cellulose paper are:

Composition

Cotton paper is primarily made of used cloths or rags. That’s why it’s also called as rag stock paper or just rag paper. It also consists of cotton linters, which are fine fibers that remain stuck to cotton seeds even after processing.

Cellulose paper, on the other hand, is made of cellulose fiber, aka wood pulp, that is obtained from trees. A common example of this paper type is filter papers, which are 95% made of cellulose.

Texture

When it comes to texture, cotton paper is typically smoother than cellulose. That’s why when you apply watercolors to it, you don’t have to do a lot of blending. The colors move themselves and mix with ease. The only downside is that if you want to add texture to your painting, it will require extra effort.

In comparison, cellulose paper is a bit rough, so the end result will automatically have a textured element. However, you will notice some tiny white dots throughout the painting due to the rough grains.

Brush Strokes

Since cellulose paper is more textured than cotton paper, it makes your brushstrokes more visible. This can make the final result of your painting look streaky and less appealing. That’s why the paper type is mostly used by beginners wanting to practice different techniques.

As for cotton paper, the smooth surface means even brushstrokes that are barely visible by the time you’re done. The seamless gradient between colors elevates the overall look of your art piece.

Durability

Cellulose paper isn’t the best quality and typically works well with single-layer work. Multiple layers of watercolor paints can cause the paper to wrinkle and change the shape of the design. That’s why it’s not the best for pieces that require multiple painting techniques.

In such cases, artists usually go for cotton paper instead, as it offers more stability to handle multi-layered work. Additionally, the paper lasts longer and doesn’t discolor because it’s acid-free, which works great to preserve your art.

Cost

Cellulose paper is usually chemically treated so that it works well with watercolor, making it inexpensive. That’s why it’s mostly used when artists want to test certain painting techniques. In these cases, they don’t mind the final result not looking too pretty.

In contrast, cotton paper is a high-end product, so it costs more. Painters usually don’t mind spending extra bucks on this paper type because it gives a premium-looking final result.

Which is Better: Cotton or Cellulose Paper

The better option between cotton vs cellulose paper depends on what kind of work you’re doing. If you’re a beginner experimenting with watercolor paints, you should start with cellulose paper. It’s cheap, so you don’t have to worry about being too careful when practicing your blending. 

Alternatively, if you’re confident in your watercolor skills and want to make a memorable piece, go for cotton paper. It will give your painting a high-quality finish and prevent discoloration in the future.

Conclusion

When it comes to watercolor painting, the paint and paper type you use will greatly affect the final look. If you want to test out a design, go for cellulose paper. But if you want to make some high-quality, impressive work, cotton paper is the way to go.

Regardless of the paper type you choose, you should never compromise on quality. That’s why don’t forget to check out our products at PaperPapers. We have some great cotton and cellulose-based papers specially designed to enhance watercolor paintwork.