Baohong Academy Watercolor Paper is a student-grade watercolor paper. According to the information that I have received from the manufacturer, the paper is made of 100% cotton. This has never appeared on student-grade watercolor papers of other brands because one is mainly made from wood pulp or only 50% cotton.
Besides, Baohong also is available at the artist’s grade called the Baohong Artist’s Watercolor Papers, its price is more expensive than the student’s grade.
Table of Contents
Review: Baohong Academy Watercolor Paper blocks
Paper performance
Even though it’s made of 100% cotton, I can’t see a difference when compared to student-grade paper from other manufacturers. Baohong Academy can’t stand up well to multiple washes. However, the Colors show up well and look vibrant when I apply 2-3 first washes. These are the common characteristics of all student-grade watercolor papers.
The Feature of the Paper
The texture of the surface of the cold press is quite smooth, but the hotpress seems a bit rough; besides, the rough surface is similar to other brands. You can also draw on both sides of the paper, but the back surface is smoother. The color of the paper is natural-white, similar to the paper color of Saunders Waterford natural-white.
Baohong Academy Watercolor Paper Specs:
Key features:
- Weight: 300 gsm (140 lb), 200gsm (110lb)
- Country of production: China
- Content: 100% Cotton Algodon, Acid-free
- Surface: Hotpress, Cold Press, and Rough
- Packaging: Sheets, rolls, blocks, pads
- Use for Watercolor, Pen drawing, All sketch, Gouache
These blocks come in the following sizes:
- Cold-pressed: 38*26 cm x 20 sheets
- Cold-pressed: 26*26 cm x 20 sheets
- Cold-pressed: 21*15 cm x 20 sheets
- Hot-pressed: 38*26 cm x 20 sheets
- Hot-pressed: 26*26 cm x 20 sheets
- Hot-pressed: 21*15 cm x 20 sheets
- Rough: 38*26 cm x 20 sheets
- Rough: 26*26 cm x 20 sheets
- Rough: 21*15 cm x 20 sheets
Price
Generally, Baohong Academy Watercolor Paper is pretty cheap price compared to other popular brands. Its price for blocks (10 x 14 inch, cold press block with 20 sheets ) is only $; In the meantime, Bockingford Watercolor Pad,(10x 14 inch, cold press block with 12 sheets) is 29.99$. Visit amazon to know more about the price of each size.
- 【PREMIUM WATERCOLOR PAPER】 - 20 sheets of 100% cotton, textured, 140lb/300gsm cold...
- 【ACID-FREE】Acid-free paper addresses the problem of preserving artwork for long...
When should you use Baohong Academy Watercolor paper?
Here are a few reasons why you should use Baohong Academy Watercolor paper.
- When you want to use cheap paper to sketch ideas in watercolor
- When you are a beginner who wants to use 100% cotton watercolor paper to practice.
- When you want to experience a new type of watercolor paper
The reasons why you should not use Baohong Academy
The reasons why you shouldn’t use Baohong Academy Watercolor paper.
- When you just like to use some familiar watercolor paper and are afraid to try new brands.
- When you need watercolor papers that can stand up well to multiple washes
- When you want to apply the advanced techniques of watercolor
What are the other choices for Baohong Academy Watercolor Paper?
There are many student-grade watercolor papers on the market, and each type has its own pros and cons, you can choose freely.
Canson Montval Watercolor Paper
Bockingford Watercolor Paper
Hahnemuhle Britannia watercolor paper
Fabriano Studio Watercolor Paper
Winsor & Newton Watercolour Paper 25% Cotton
CONCLUSION
It’s fair to say that Baohong Academy Watercolor Paper is worth experimenting with for your projects as a way to save money. This paper allows me to create watercolor sketches, and concept ideas or use them in other water-based paints materials like gouache, poster..etc.
Summary of pros and cons
Pros:
- The colors show up look vibrant with 2-3 first washes
- Compatible in many other materials: Pen ink, gouache, pencil, and poster color.
- Cheap price
Cons:
- Only basic techniques can be applied
- Can’t stand up well to multiple washes
- Lack of brand information
Paintings are painted on Baohong Academy Watercolor Paper Blocks
I am very happy to share with you my watercolor works done on the Baohong academy paper below.
