Cellulose vs Cotton Watercolor Paper: What to Upgrade First
If you're upgrading your watercolor supplies one at a time, start with the paper. Cellulose paper is the more affordable option, while cotton paper is generally the higher-quality one.
Why This Matters
Watercolor paper is generally made from cellulose, cotton, or a blend of the two. Cellulose paper is made from wood pulp, which makes it more affordable, though the cheapest versions tend to be harder to blend on. Cotton paper is made from cotton fibers and is generally the higher-quality option, with better absorbency and strength.
Paper can make or break your experience with watercolor. If the cheapest cellulose paper is what you're painting on, it's easy to feel like the problem is your skill when the paper is the real issue.
Many watercolorists recommend upgrading it first, before other supplies. It doesn't have to be the most expensive paper, just paper good enough that it isn't working against you. Better paper can change how watercolor feels to you, so it's the first upgrade worth considering.
Try This
Find out what your current paper is made from. If it's the cheapest cellulose paper you can find, upgrading to cotton is a good first step before spending on other supplies. Painting on better paper can also help you tell whether a problem comes from your skills or from your paper.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you're just getting started and wondering which supplies matter most, you may find this related article helpful. It explains why watercolor paper is the most important supply to invest in early, and which other beginner basics are worth your attention:
Watercolor Painting for Beginners: Why It Feels So Hard (And How to Start Successfully)
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