Last Updated on November 19, 2023 by Masha Eretnova
Did you just spend hours googling for the best gouache paper to use on your next painting project?
Well, no artist would ever cheap out when it comes to their materials. If you want to paint with the best results, then don’t hesitate to go for the best paper on the market.
But with so many options available, you might be confused about which one to choose.
You might be surprised to learn that there is no such thing as “gouache paper.” You can use gouache on mixed media paper, watercolor paper, illustration, or bristol boards. The best paper for gouache should be non-oily, fine grain, smooth, and thick enough not to buckle as the gouache dries.
In this article, I’ll help you in selecting the best gouache paper to buy as I mostly use gouache on different papers. I’ve compiled a list of the top papers for gouache based on their features, quality, and functionality.
Read on and let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Can you use gouache on paper?
Yes, as long as you use the right paper, you may apply gouache on it. When we say the “right paper”, we mean 200-300 gsm, which is thick and sturdy enough to bear heavier paint without buckling. Consider its smoothness and texture as well. Keep in mind that the paper you use can elevate your gouache painting to the next level.
Gouache is known for its versatility, which is why it works well not only on thick paper but also on illustration boards, bristol boards, and even watercolor paper.
In fact, watercolor papers are commonly used and are regarded to be ideal for gouache paint.
On the other hand, although gouache also works on canvas, it does not produce the same results as watercolor papers.
Gouache paint appears more lively on thick papers than on a canvas.
That’s why we can say that canvas is better suited to acrylics than gouache.
Find the top recommendations on paint here: 15 Best Gouache Paint Sets in 2023 For Beginners and Pros
What kind of paper is best for gouache?
There are different types of papers to use with gouache. You can use either bristol board, illustration board, watercolor sketchbook, or mixed media paper; but the watercolor paper is the most common. Whatever you choose among them, remember that the choice of paper is vital as painting involves water, and water can easily ruin the low-quality, thin paper.
Furthermore, cheap paper is more difficult to work on than good paper. To avoid buckling, choose papers with a minimum weight of 200 grams per square meter. Fine-grained, smooth paper is also great for holding the paint effectively. High-quality paper, such as watercolor paper, is ideal for gouache painting.
Is hot or cold-pressed paper better for gouache?
If you’re new to painting with gouache, I recommend starting with hot-pressed paper. Cold-pressed paper is fine, but the hot-pressed paper is smoother and easier to spread gouache over and doesn’t soak as much water. Aside from you can apply smooth washes, it is also ideal for more detailed paintings because the paint dries more quickly.
Furthermore, the hot-pressed paper texture does not overpower the painting’s texture. It does not absorb water from paints quickly. While painting, only a small portion of water is enough to be added to your paints. That’s why hot-pressed papers are indeed ideal for use with gouache paint.
15 Best Papers for Gouache Painting
After going through meticulous research, we’ve come up with a list of 15 of the best papers you can use for gouache painting. Check on their pros and cons to determine which one best suits your painting needs.
| Recommended Product | |
| Best Paper for Gouache Overall (that I use) | Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad |
| Best Paper for Acrylic Gouache | Strathmore 460-55 Visual Watercolor Journal |
| Best Hot-Pressed Gouache Paper | Paul Rubens Watercolor Paper Block |
| Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Pad | |
| Legion Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper | |
| Pro Choice | Arches Watercolor Paper Pad, 140 pound |
| Arteza Watercolor Sketchbooks, 68 sheets | |
| Best Portable Gouache Paper | Portable Watercolor Paper Pad |
| Zenacolor Watercolor Paper for Gouache | |
| Art-n-Fly Watercolor Paper | |
| Best Watercolor & Gouache Paper for Beginners | Arteza Watercolor Paper |
| Bellofy Painting Paper Pad Set | |
| Strathmore 462-111 Mixed Media Pad | |
| Scribbles That Matter Watercolor Paper Sketchbook | |
| Fluid 100 Artist Watercolor Pad | |
| MozArt Premium Cold Pressed Paper |
Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad: Best Paper for Gouache Paint Overall
The Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad has 30 sheets of white-colored paper with a thickness of 300 grams per square meter. It’s an acid-free, cold-press textured paper that may be used on both sides. The other side has a smooth surface, while the other one has a textured surface.
They can also be used for a variety of painting techniques and mediums such as acrylic, charcoal, pen, ink, pastel, and many more. It comes in a variety of sizes, including 11″ x 14″, 12″ x 18″, and 18″ x 24″.
Pros
- Natural white color, acid-free paper
- Withstands repeated washes or erasures
- Available in various sizes
- Suitable for a variety of painting techniques
Cons
- Tend to buckle with heavy washes.
Bottomline: This watercolor pad’s surface is ideal for use with gouache, watercolor, and acrylic.
Strathmore 460-55 Visual Watercolor Journal: Best Paper for Acrylic Gouache
Strathmore Visual Watercolor Journal is filled with 44 pages of 140-pound cold-press paper. It is ideal for watercolor and gouache, as well as acrylic, pen, ink, pencil, and marker. It is acid-free, which helps to keep paintings from deteriorating.
Pros
- Convenient, handy, and travel-friendly
- Both sides of the pages are usable
- Suitable for masking fluids techniques
Cons
- May not be suitable for adding too many layers
- Spirals are not always convenient for painting sketchbooks
Bottomline: Each sheet of paper is thick and of great quality, making it suitable not only for painting but also for taking notes.
Paul Rubens Watercolor Paper Block: Best Hot Press Gouache Paper & Best style
Paul Rubens Watercolor Paper Block is made of 100% cotton and is acid-free, so it does not turn yellow over time. This paper has a smooth, hot-pressed surface and a thickness of 300 grams per square meter. They come with leather covers for extra protection and durability.
Pros
- Convenient, handy, and travel-friendly,I like the little bend to keep it close
- Hot-pressed paper for smoother painting (it is less textured than cold pressed paper)
- Durable, acid-free paper
- Suitable for many painting techniques
Cons
- The pink leather cover may become dirty
- As it’s good for traveling, the size is mini
Bottomline: The convenience this paper brings makes it a great consideration for traveling artists. It is also ideal for painting specific details because of its smooth surface.
I actually have a very similar 12×12 pink sketchbook from Talens Art Creations and I’m happy with it. I did a few gouache paintings in it already:
The paper has a natural color, and very smooth, pretty invisible texture:
Art I made in this sketchbook:
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Pad
Artistico Watercolor Pad by Fabriano is 12×18 inches of paper that are mold-made of 100% cotton. It contains 20 sheets of 140 lb extra-white hot press paper.
Each double-sized sheet is acid-free, chlorine-free, and has the cleanest natural white color. It is suitable for all water-based media, as well as digital printing, printmaking, and drawing.
Pros
- Acid-free and chlorine-free
- Made from 100% cotton
- With a hot-pressed surface for a smoother finish
Cons
- You may not blend colors well because of the fast drying time
- Pricey for only 20 sheets
Bottomline: good hot-pressed paper but too expensive compared to some competitors.
Legion Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper
Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper is manufactured using a cylinder mold machine.
Each sheet is buffered with calcium carbonate and made of 100% cotton to help protect paintings from deterioration brought on by acids found in pollution.
Pros
- Acid-free and neutral pH
- Made from 100% cotton specialty paper
- Each sheet is treated with calcium carbonate
Cons
- Edges are not glued properly
- Pricey and unpopular choice
Bottomline: This paper is highly recommended because it holds water enough without bleeding through.
Arches Watercolor Paper Pad, 140lb: Professional Watercolor and Gouache Paper
Arches Watercolor Pad is made out of 100% cotton natural white sheets. To endure strong washes, this watercolor paper weighs 300 grams per square meter.
It is acid-free and can be preserved properly for a hundred years.
It comes in a variety of sizes and textures, including cold press, hot press, and rough.
Pros
- Can resist erasures without tearing
- Suitable for use with any art medium
- Low possibility of paper buckling
- Acid-free so it won’t turn yellow
- Professional artists who work with watercolor and gouache really use this brand
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell sometimes
Bottomline: This watercolor paper is one of the best paper brands for gouache, and it’s great for portraits and landscapes.
Arteza Watercolor Pad Good Paper for Watercolor, Gouache & Mixed Media
Each sheet of this watercolor paper weighs 300 grams per square meter (gsm), making it suitable for gouache painting.
You can use not just watercolor paint, but also other wet media without buckling issues. It has a cold-pressed surface, dual-sided flexibility, and is acid-free, so it will not fade over time.
Pros
- Handy and travel-friendly
- Has no buckling problems
- Acid-free for longer preservation
- With sturdy hardcovers for added protection
Cons
- Only one side of the pages has texture
Bottomline: Arteza is a good brand for beginners. The acid-free papers guarantee that the colors of your gouache paints won’t fade. The pad only has 14 sheets which is rather a disadvantage, in my opinion, I need more sheets 🙂
Zenacolor Watercolor Paper for Gouache
This Zenacolor paper is cold-pressed paper, 300 gsm, and is great for gouache painting.
It has an easy-detachment option. It is also acid-free, so it can withstand years without fading. You can use it for a variety of artistic projects.
Pros
- Suits various painting methods
- Acid-free papers; no yellowing
- Detachable from the sketchbook
- Made from high-quality, thick papers
- Amazing value for money, you are getting 60+ sheets for less than 20 dollars
Cons
- Can buckle with heavy washes
- Not a super famous brand of professional art supplies.
Bottomline: Great option for beginners on a budget looking for textured paper.
Art-n-Fly Watercolor Paper
Art-n-Fly Watercolor Paper weighs 300 grams per square meter. Each sheet is manufactured of high-quality materials at a minimal cost.
It is acid-free and pH-balanced, so paintings will retain their original color. Each paper is also cold-pressed and glue-bound.
Pros
- Acid-free and pH neutral, so the paint won’t fade
- With easy-tear-binding feature
- 300 gsm sheets perfect for gouache painting
- a good amount of sheets (30) so you can easily make it a monthly challenge pad.
Cons
- You can’t use tape on it since it rips the paper
Bottomline: This watercolor paper is a good paper for gouache painting for beginners because it’s sturdy and heavyweight but also inexpensive, and comes with 30 sheets.
Arteza Watercolor Paper: Best Gouache Paper for Beginners
Arteza Watercolor Paper is suitable for use with both watercolors and gouache. This pad contains 32 pages, allowing you to paint as much as you like.
This watercolor paper is absolutely worth the money because you receive two high-quality pads in a single purchase.
Pros
- Can withstand multiple washes and erasures
- Gives the gouache lasting vibrancy
- Cold-pressed surface with natural texture
- value pack: 2 pads of 32 sheets each, amazing for lots of hours of practice and painting.
Cons
- Prone to buckling when using the wet-on-wet approach
Bottom line: If you want good quality gouache paper but are on a tight budget, this Arteza Watercolor Paper is a must-try.
Bellofy Painting Paper Pad Set (A5)
The Bellofy Painting Paper Pad is a heavyweight paper ideal for gouache painting. Each paper is acid-free, ensuring that your artwork is protected for a long period.
Artists have tested and approved it to never bleed or fade. This painting paper is top glue bound, making it simple to peel off and share with others.
Pros
- Pages are easy to tear
- Made from environmental-friendly materials
- Acid-free paper to preserve the colors of the paint
- A5 format can be great for plein air
Cons
- Each sheet reportedly has a light lavender color which may not suit your painting project
- can absorb too much and acts like a non-cotton paper muting the colors
Bottomline: Smaller size, cheaper non-cotton paper. I would recommend the cotton paper for beginners.
Strathmore 462-111 Mixed Media Pad: Best Mixed Media Paper
Strathmore Mixed Media Pad contains acid-free heavyweight papers. This paper is ideal for finished paintings and it is versatile enough to withstand several applications of both wet and dry media.
This combination makes the perfect surface for watercolor, acrylic, graphite, pen and ink, colored pencil, and of course, gouache.
Pros
- Acid-free to protect the colors from fading
- Heavyweight mixed media pad
- Ideal for detailed paintings
- Extremely good brand
Cons
- might not work well with some painting styles
Bottomline: Strathmore Mixed Media paper is a high-quality paper that is ideal for experimenting with different materials and painting methods, including gouache.
Scribbles That Matter Watercolor Paper Sketchbook
Scribbles That Matter Watercolor Paper contains 30 sheets of fade-resistant paper. Each features a smooth surface and fine texture, ensuring that your artwork remains brilliant and long-lasting.
It works well with acrylics, markers, graphite pencils, watercolor paints, charcoal, pastels, and a variety of other wet and dry media techniques.
Pros
- Convenient and travel-friendly
- Vegan-friendly hardcover for good protection
- 60 sheets for tons of your ideas.
- Works well with multiple wet and dry media applications
Cons
- May buckle with heavy washes
- Have dots so more suitable for writing or if you don’t mind these dots
Bottomline: This handy, convenient pad is useful not only for painting but also for journaling.
Fluid 100 Artist Watercolor Pad
Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper is a cold-pressed watercolor paper composed of 100% cotton that weighs 300 grams per square meter.
Each pad contains 15 sheets of high-quality paper. Watercolor artists enjoy these watercolor paper pads, which are bound on two sides for easy tearing of sheets.
Pros
- Acid-free paper to withstand color fading
- Made from 100% cotton
- Premium-quality paper for gouache
- Affordable
Cons
- Water absorbs too quickly; dries fast
- Only 15 sheets
Bottomline: This watercolor paper is a low-cost, high-quality, lightly textured paper that is ideal for creating wonderful gouache paintings.
MozArt Premium Cold Pressed Paper
MozArt Premium Cold Pressed Paper comes in a 9×12 watercolor pad with 30 sheets. Each textured sheet is thick and weighs 300 grams per square meter.
It’s also acid-free to avoid fading and glue-bound for simple tearing of sheets.
Pros
- Works well with various painting techniques
- Acid-free in nature, so the paint won’t fade quickly
- With easy tearing feature
- Very soft texture
Cons
- May not work well using the wet-on-wet approach
Bottomline: This premium watercolor paper is compatible with a wide range of art mediums, including watercolor paints, watercolor brush pens, calligraphy ink, and coloring pencils.
How to choose the best gouache paper?
You’ve discovered that watercolor papers are ideal for gouache painting. But how do you know they’re the best for gouache? You can refer to the following guides for information on the factors to consider when purchasing paper for your gouache painting.
Weight of the paper
The weight of the paper is essential when painting. The best paper for gouache should be sufficiently thick to prevent buckling once the colors have dried. It must be at least 140 lb/300 grams per square meter (gsm).
Whatever you decide, be sure the paper is of high quality and suited for gouache paintings. I strongly advise staying away from craft materials, such as cardstock or thin paper. This is because when the colors dry, the paper will buckle and lose the richness of its paint.
The texture of the paper
If you wish to paint with gouache, the texture of the paper is mostly up to you. However, since gouache paint is a heavier type of paint, it must be painted on a flat surface; otherwise, the texture of the paper will be visible and the painting would appear rough.
If you want smoother paper, you can use hot-press watercolor paper, mixed media paper, or bristol board.
Amount of water you use with gouache
You’ll need thicker paper like watercolor paper if you put a lot of water when working with gouache. By doing this, the paper will avoid buckling since the paper is sturdy.
On the other hand, an illustration board, bristol board, or mixed media paper will do if you use very little water only.
The way you want it to be kept
Get a sketchbook if you wish to keep your artwork in one spot. It would be best to use a watercolor sketchbook. On the other hand, sheets of paper are ideal for displaying your work.
Do you need to prime paper for gouache?
You don’t have to prime paper for gouache. It is one of the advantages of paper because it won’t cause you an additional cost to buy an expensive primer. Although some individuals use gesso to smooth out the paper and make it easier to paint on, doing so is not really necessary.
A canvas, on the other hand, requires priming as well. Priming the surface of the canvas will help to soften the texture of the canvas, making it easier to apply paint without having to apply multiple coats.
While priming is mostly recommended, varnishing gouache on canvas or paper is optional yet offers a few alternatives to classic glass and frames.
FAQ
Do professional artists use gouache?
Yes. Even professional artists favor using gouache because of the versatility it offers. Not only that, but professional painters enjoy working with gouache because of its solid coverage and ability to imitate the appearance and feel of acrylic, watercolor, and even oil paintings.
Furthermore, gouache is an excellent option for illustration due to the precise coverage of the page and the bright colors it produces, which may be reactivated. Renowned artists, such as Salvador Dali, have employed gouache paint as well.
Check my gouache paint reviews:
What gsm should be for gouache paper?
One of the most important factors to consider while selecting the best paper for gouache is the weight of the paper. You certainly don’t want your paper to buckle as you begin painting, as this would make your artwork appear cheap. To avoid this, gouache painting should be done on thick paper of at least 300 grams per square meter (gsm).
Should gouache be done on paper or canvas?
Gouache works perfectly both on canvas and paper or illustration boards. The best paper for gouache is either watercolor paper or mixed media paper. You can use gouache on normal paper or even newspaper if you don’t plan to add too much water, otherwise, the paper will warp.
Read also: Painting with Gouache for Beginners: 7-Step Ultimate Guide
Conclusion
Choosing the right paper for gouache is a little tricky, which is why you should assess each one carefully to avoid further damage to your artwork. Remember that the type of paper you use is very important. Always use high-quality paper because it will affect the overall appearance of your finished artwork.
I hope this review has cleared up some of your concerns and guided you in choosing the ideal paper for your next gouache painting. For best results, you may follow our advice and product suggestions to help you in your next painting task.
Masha Eretnova, born in 1991, is a Buenos Aires-based certified teacher, artist, and member of the Professional Artist Association with 20+ years of personal painting journey.
She started painting and drawing very early and is now an international abstract artist and educator passionate about acrylic painting, gouache, and crafts.
Her works are part of international exhibitions and contests, including ArtlyMix (Brazil), Al-Tiba 9 (Spain), Exhibizone (Canada), Italy, and many more.
Besides her artistic pursuits, Masha holds a post-grad diploma in Teaching Film Photography and 2 music school diplomas: piano and opera singing.
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API