From pads to blocks, here’s how to pick the right paper format for your style and setup.

Watercolour paper comes in more than just different weights and textures, it also comes in different formats. Choosing the right one can make your painting experience smoother, more enjoyable, and more effective. Whether you’re painting at home, out in the park, or on the move, there’s a paper format tailored to your needs.

When you’re learning to paint with watercolours, the paper format you choose should match how you like to work. If you’re always painting on the move, sketchbooks and pads are your best bet. If you’re working on frameworthy pieces or need maximum control, blocks or full sheets will shine.

Quick buying tips

• Look for acid-free paper to prevent yellowing
• Consider trying a watercolour paper sample pack to test textures
• Always stretch or tape down lighter paper before painting

Let’s explore the four main types: Pads, blocks, sheets, and sketchbooks. What they are, when to use them, and the pros and cons of each.

Watercolour pads

Faber-Castell A3 Watercolour Pad Spiral

Perfect for: Beginners, students, on-the-go painting, and practice pieces.

Watercolour pads are the most accessible and beginner-friendly format. They usually come in spiral-bound or gummed pads, with sheets that are easy to tear out or flip through.

Spiral-bound pads hold the paper together along one edge and allow pages to turn easily. Great for painting one page at a time or for flipping through your work like a portfolio.

Gummed pads are glued at one edge, so you can gently peel off each sheet when you’re ready to use or display it.

Pros: Lightweight and portable. Affordable and widely available. Easy to store and organise finished works.

Things to note: Pages may need taping down to avoid buckling if using heavy washes. Not all pads include high-quality paper, so check for acid-free or 100% cotton options if needed.

Best for: Daily practice, beginners learning techniques and travel or outdoor sketching.

Watercolour blocks

Perfect for: Painters who use lots of water or work outdoors.

Watercolour blocks are glued on all four edges with a small opening. You can insert a palette knife to remove the top sheet once your painting is dry. This tight seal keeps the paper stretched flat as you paint, preventing warping and buckling without needing tape or a board.

Pros: Stays flat as you paint with no taping needed. Great for plein-air (outdoor) painting. Clean, professional presentation.

Things to note: Can be more expensive than pads. Must let the painting fully dry before removing the sheet. You can only paint one piece at a time unless you have multiple blocks.

Best for: Artists who use wet-on-wet or layered washes. Artists seeking neater results. Painting on the go without extra supplies.

If you're new to watercolour, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your watercolour skills.

Loose sheets

Daler Rowney The Langton watercolour paper sheets, cold pressed (NOT)

Perfect for: Large-scale works, custom sizing, and professional results.

Loose sheets (also called full sheets or imperial sheets) are the traditional format used by many professional watercolour artists. They’re typically 22 x 30 inches in size and come flat or rolled. You can tear or cut them down to your preferred dimensions or use them as-is for large, impactful pieces. They are often available in the highest-quality, 100% cotton papers, such as Arches, Fabriano Artistico, or Saunders Waterford.

Pros: Total flexibility in size and format. Often more economical per square inch. Highest-quality paper often comes in this format.

Things to note: Needs stretching or taping to avoid buckling. Requires more storage space and handling care. Not ideal for casual or quick sessions.

Best for: Advanced beginners and professionals. Artists selling work or exhibiting. Large, detailed or expressive projects.

Watercolour sketchbooks

Hahnemuhle Watercolour Sketchbook, 200gm, fine grain, 30 sheets, natural white, A6

Perfect for: Travel, journaling, and developing a daily art habit.

Watercolour sketchbooks are exactly what they sound like: sketchbooks filled with watercolour paper. Usually bound as hardcover or softcover books. Many are designed for urban sketching, travel diaries, or just documenting your daily painting practice.

Available in a variety of paper qualities, from student-grade to 100% cotton. Sketchbooks are perfect for artists looking for flexibility, spontaneity, and storytelling.

Pros: Great for building an art habit or travel journaling. Keeps all your work together in one place. Easy to carry and use anywhere.

Things to note: Paper may not be as thick or absorbent as loose sheets. May not lay completely flat when open (unless designed to do so). Pages are hard to remove cleanly for framing.

Best for: Beginners building confidence. Travel and urban sketching. Personal or visual journaling.

Quick guide: What watercolour paper format fits you?

Watercolour pads: Best for practice and quick sketches. Easy to transport and beginner friendly.

Watercolour blocks: Best for finished work and wet techniques. Slightly less portable than watercolour pads and not quite as beginner friendly.

Watercolour sheets: Best for large works and professional painting and great for re-using.

Watercolour sketchbooks: Best for journalling and daily practice. Easy to transport and beginner friendly.

Explore your essential guide to watercolour paper to ensure you have the perfect selection for creating beautiful pieces of art, everytime.

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