The Three Stages of Watercolor Paper: Wet, Damp, Dry

Watercolor painting requires an understanding of the various stages of paper used in the process. The three main stages are wet, damp, and dry. Each stage has its own characteristics and can affect the outcome of a painting in different ways.

1. Wet: This is when you first apply water to your paper. In this stage, your paper is as saturated as its going to get and from here, begins the drying process. It will appear super shiny when it catches light. If you apply paint now, there will be little to no control for where the paint goes.

2. Damp: This is after the paper has been saturated with water and allowed to sit for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Watch for the shift in sheen. The paper won’t look super shiny anymore; it becomes softer and only slightly reflective as it starts to dry. When you place paint on damp paper, you will have more control over its spread across the surface, than you would with wet paper, you can tilt your paper and help it go where you want it to go. It still has a wonderful mind of its own during this stage, this is the magical stage of watercolor where you think, wow, that's cool.

3. Dry: This is the final step in the process. At this point, you could have a fully dried painting, or you can continue to paint on the dry paper. When you paint on dry paper, the paint will not spread at all and will stay exactly where you put it, this is where you can place details and create effects with your brushwork.

Techniques for Working with Watercolor Paper

Different techniques can be used to work with watercolor paper, depending on its stage of wetness.

• Wet-on-Wet: This involves applying wet paint to wet or damp watercolor paper. This technique allows for the colors to blend together in interesting ways, creating soft gradients.

• Wet-on-Dry: This technique involves applying wet paint onto dry paper. This method allows for more control over the application of the paint, as it does not spread out as much when applied to dry paper.

• Dry-on-Dry: This technique involves applying (almost) dry paint to a dry paper surface. You may have heard of the "dry brush" technique, which can be used to create interesting textures and effects, think highlights on a lake. The paint will not spread out on the paper like it would if it were applied wet.

Types of Watercolor Paper

See my post to learn more about the different watercolor paper weights, and a breakdown of which ones you should buy.

A common question I get it, "What paper should I get?"

I always say to get what you can afford, but from now on, I only get arches and strathmore. There are a variety of types

available. The most common type is cold-pressed paper, which has a slightly textured surface that helps hold the paint in place. Hot-pressed paper has a smoother surface and can be used for more detailed work. Rough watercolor paper has an even more pronounced texture that can create interesting effects with the paint.

Tips for Working with Watercolor Paper

To get the most out of your watercolor paper, here are some tips for working with it:

• Use Quality Materials: Quality paper is essential for a successful painting, as it will absorb and hold water better than lower-grade paper. It's also important to choose a paper that is thick enough to withstand multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping.

• Prepare the Paper Properly: Before you begin, you may want to stretch your paper by soaking it with water and securing it to a board. Begin only after the paper is fully dry. If you are working on a block (book of paper glued together on all four sides), you can skip this step.

• Work Quickly: Working quickly is essential in order to capture the beauty and vibrancy of the colors before they dry. As soon as you have applied your paint to your paper, you must work quickly in order to achieve a desired effect.

Watercolor painting is a unique and rewarding art form that requires patience and practice to master. Understanding the stages of paper will help you become a better watercolor painter as you learn how to use them effectively in your work.

Happy painting!

Have you had an ah-ha moment with paper stages you would like to share?