The 7 Best Watercolour Blocks (2023 reviews)
We consider a watercolour block to be a worthy investment in the long run.
We are here to help you choose the right one for your purposes from all the best available products in market today.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: BAOHONG Watercolour Block READ REVIEWBest For Cold Press Paper: Buy: Paul Rubens Watercolour Block READ REVIEWBest For Water colour Painting: Buy: Saunders Waterford Watercolour Block READ REVIEWBest For Professional: Buy: Arches Watercolour Block READ REVIEWBest For Wet In Wet Watercolor work: Buy: artbeek Watercolour Block READ REVIEWBest With gouache: Buy: Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Block READ REVIEWBest Premium: Buy: Jerrys Artarama Watercolour Block READ REVIEWBest Overall: BAOHONG Watercolour Block
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Here, we present block that manages to win our hearts. It's the baohong watercolour block and it's widely considered as one of all-around great block you can buy. Both the rough and textured cold press paper hold a ton of water which is great for watercolor paintings. It is made from 100% cotton watercolor paper 140lb/300gsm, artists' grade watercolor paper. It is made from long, 100% cotton fibers, allowing it to absorb a lot of water without warping or causing the colors to bleed. The Pigments dry a little lighter and slightly less vibrant than Arches or Fluid 100 but all of that can be compensated for by its great glazing and reworking capability.
The cold press has a nice texture (tooth) for watercolors.Why We Like This:
- Hot press paper is flat with no texture
- Wet painting without buckling and is scrubbable when correction is needed
- Excellent paper for new and experienced artists
Best For Cold Press Paper: Paul Rubens Watercolour Block
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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate block. The paul rubens watercolour block is exactly that - it's a simple block that hits all the right notes. If you care about permanence or plan on using lots of scrubbing, scraping, taping, and masking techniques, it can take a beating. This paper buckles quite a bit even glued. The glue holds the block together well and keeps the pages flat as you paint. It works well to fold in half and make cards.
It holds up to a really wet wet painting. The hot press texture is a bit too grainy to get a good print. It is easy to get the pages apart using an exact knife. It is suitable for children under 3 years old.Why We Like This:
- Gives it a plasticky feel at first
- Very good for a cold press paper
- Wonderful to use with paints and inks through
Best For Water colour Painting: Saunders Waterford Watercolour Block
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Saunders Waterford line of block come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. This paper holds the water and color without bleeding through. It is acid free, not surface and colour stable. The high white is brighter than other papers, enhancing the vibrancy of your artwork.Why We Like This:
- New and hot release
- Delivers what they promise
Best For Professional: Arches Watercolour Block
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Compared with other block in this category, the arches watercolour block has a convenient design. This block keeps the paper from buckling and buckling. It will support you in your journey toward mastery and joy. The rough texture adds interest and weight. It keeps it flat and easy to work. It is particularly recommended for all the wet techniques.Why We Like This:
- Lot of satisfied buyers
- One of the new comers and featured product
Best For Wet In Wet Watercolor work: artbeek Watercolour Block
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The artbeek watercolour block is specially designed for your regular usage and has all useful features. It's probably a good paper for beginners. It is perfect for wet in wet watercolor work. It is 100% cotton rag and acid-free, receives applied moisture making it ideal for blending and lifting color. The adhesive around the edges fails quickly. It buckles, takes pigment funny, and you can’t use a real wash on this paper.
The paper absorbs evenly and has good brightness and retains the transparent quality of watercolours. It will catch the color well and retain the transparent quality of watercolours. It is great for beginners, wont break the bank and no paper stretching required.Why We Like This:
- Affordable 100% cotton, 140lb watercolor paper
- Delivers what they promise
Best With gouache: Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Block
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Fabriano Artistico line of block come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. This is the finest paper manufactured by the italian paper mill. It contains no optical brighteners or chlorine, is acid free and pH neutral and therefore is highly 'work' and eraser resistant. It is suitable for watercolour, gouache, acrylic, ink, charcoal and drawing.
These Fabriano artistico watercolour blocks are 300gsm/140lb mould made, 100% cotton, chlorine and acid free. It is also allows for all watercolour techniques.Why We Like This:
- Hot pressed finish for a smooth surface
- Glued on all four sides there is no need for soaking or stretching
- Good brand reputation
Best Premium: Jerrys Artarama Watercolour Block
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The jerrys artarama watercolour block's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. Upsyde is a modern invention that is easily adjustable to give you the perfect angle and both easy to store and carry wherever you need. It comes with long fibers, this thick, stable sheet is beautiful, durable, and resillient. It is made from long, 100percent cotton fibers, allowing it to absorb a lot of water without warping or causing the colors to bleed. It is 2.5" wide with a maximum height of 2-1/. It can either be used individually or combined in a stack to lift up 1" more at a time achieving a greater angle to work with.
Each sheet of watercolour paper is tub-sized in a bath of pure natural gelatin and then air dried to add additional strength and durability. This internal sizing also prevents paint penetrating into the paper, allowing light to shine through the pigment and reflect off the paper while ensuring durability of the colors. The cold press finish has a light texture and is the most common.Why We Like This:
- More hassle of trying to achieve the perfect angle while out in the field
- One of the new comers and featured product