Review: Baohong Artists' Watercolor Paper Blocks

Review: Baohong Artist' Watercolor Paper blocks

Baohong watercolor paper is a brand from a manufacturer in China, not enough information from this one. A few years ago, I was recommended this paper by a local art supplies store and I tried it. I don’t use hot-pressed paper, so in this article, We are just talking about the cold-pressed vs rough version.

Also, the paper is available at the student’s grade (called the Bao Hong Academy). The price is significantly cheaper than the artist’s grade. In particular, Baohong Academy is also made of 100% Cotton, Acid-Free; this is not appeared on the student-grade watercolor paper of other popular brands, because they are mainly made from wood pulp or only 50% cotton.

Baohong artist watercolor papers block is glued together with an adhesive on all four edges of the block. The glue around the edges stretches the paper, helping you save time on stretching it yourself. Just slide a knife between them to split-up sheets. It also is available in Sheet, Pad, Roll, Postcard.

Baohong Artist Watercolor Paper Specs:

Weight: 300 gsm (140 lb)
Number of Sheets: 20
Content: 100% Cotton Algodon
Surface Sizing: Gelatine, internal and external
Characteristics: Mould-made, acid-free, archival
Use for Watercolor, Pen drawing, All sketch, Gouache

These blocks come in the following sizes:

4.9 x 7inch /125x 180 mm
8.3 x 5.9 inch /210x 150mm
10.2 x 7 inch / 260 x 180 mm
12 x 9 inch / 310 x 230 mm
14 x 10 inch / 360 x 260 mm
14.9 x 5.1 inch / 380 x 130 mm
16.1 x 12.2 in / 410 x 310 mm

The feature of the paper

I find coldpress’s texture a bit rougher than other brands of watercolor paper. Below I compare its surface with Arches and Saunder Waterford.

Besides, the paper has good water absorption when applying the wet-on-wet technique, It stays wet for quite a long time. The 300gsm paper will warp when loaded with a lot of water but will quickly return to flat once the paper dries.

The papers can stand up well to multiple washes; however, Baohong watercolor paper doesn’t show colors well, and the colors are saved after drying less brightly than other brands.

Price

Baohong artist’s watercolor paper is very competitively priced compared to other popular brands like Arches, Fabriano, Saunders Waterford, etc.

Baohong artist watercolor paper (12 x 9 inch, coldpress block with 20 sheets ) for only 30$; In the meantime, Arches Watercolor paper,(12 x 9 inch, coldpress block with 20 sheets) is 50$. Visit amazon to know more about the price of each size.

Baohong Watercolor Paper blocks

Amazon

Watercolor Paper Block, BAOHONG Artists' Watercolor Block, 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB/300GSM, Cold Press Textured, 20 Sheets per Block

Check amazon

Summary of pros and cons

In conclusion, I am quite satisfied with the quality of Baohong Artist’s Watercolor Paper. Based on town criteria of Performance and Price, this watercolor paper is one of the most suitable papers that I can recommend to you. Watercolor beginners or amateur painters looking for good enough watercolor paper but don’t want to spend too much money. Or even professional watercolor artist are worth trying with the most complicated techniques of watercolor such as wet-on-wet.

Pros:

Can apply many advanced techniques
Compatible in many other materials: Pen ink, gouache, pencil, poster color.
Cheap price
Stand up well to multiple washes

Cons:

Cold-press not as smooth as other paper , While rough paper is too harsh
Color saturation less bright
Lack of brand information

When should you use Baohong Artist's Watercolor paper?

Here are a few instances when you should highly consider using Baohong Artist’s Watercolor paper.

When you are a professional watercolor artist who wants to experience a new brand of watercolor paper.
When you are a beginner who wants to use 100% cotton watercolor paper but is on a tight budget.
When you want to use a type of watercolor paper that holds up well to moisture.
Or can include all the reasons above.

The reasons why you should not use Baohong artis's watercolor paper

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t use Baohong Artist’s Watercolor paper.

When you just like to use some familiar watercolor paper and are afraid to try new brands.
When you need a brand of watercolor paper that can show good color saturation.
when you don’t want to risk your painting to use a new brand of watercolor paper on the market

What are the other choices for Baohong artist's watercolor paper?

If you are searching for the best watercolor paper, here is a list of watercolor papers that professional watercolor artists trust and recommend including me.

Top 05 Best Watercolor Paper for Artist

Arches Watercolor Paper
Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper
Winsor & Newton Professional Paper
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper
Hahnemuhle Watercolor Paper