Cold Press Paper is a type of paper that is manufactured without applying heat during the pressing process. This results in a slightly textured surface, or "tooth," which is ideal for holding pigments, washes, or ink. Cold press paper is commonly used in watercolor, mixed media, and other fine art applications where texture is desired.

Characteristics

Texture (Tooth): Provides a moderate surface texture that grips pigment effectively without excessive roughness.
Absorbency: Absorbs water and ink evenly, allowing for smooth blending and layering.
Durability: Available in acid-free and archival-quality variants to prevent deterioration over time.
Flexibility: More forgiving than hot press paper when using wet media, reducing buckling and warping.

Uses in Art

Watercolor painting, particularly for washes and textured effects.
Ink and pen drawings that benefit from a subtle texture.
Mixed media projects combining watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil.
Sketching and preliminary artwork where texture aids in pigment adhesion.

Advantages

Textured surface enhances visual depth and tonal variation in artwork.
Absorbs pigment well without excessive bleeding.
Reduces unwanted gloss and reflections compared to hot press paper.
Archival options preserve artwork for long-term display or sale.

Comparison to Other Papers

Hot Press Paper: Smooth surface with minimal tooth; ideal for fine detail work but less texture.
Archival Paper: Acid-free and lignin-free; can be either cold or hot pressed for permanence.
Cardstock: Heavier, thicker paper; may lack the absorbency and texture desired for watercolor techniques.
Optical Brightening Agent (OBA): Some papers contain OBAs for enhanced whiteness, which may affect long-term color stability.

Best Practices

Stretch cold press paper before painting to reduce buckling when using wet media.
Use high-quality, acid-free variants for archival artwork.
Test paper texture with your chosen medium to ensure desired results.
Store unused sheets flat in a dry environment to maintain surface integrity.

Cold Press Paper