SECRETOFACIDFREEPAPER:THE KEYTOLONGLASTINGART
When you fall in love with the magic of watercolors, you begin to realize that every part of the process is importantfrom the brushes and paints you choose, right down to the paper you paint on.
One term that you might have come across in your watercolor journey is 'acidfree paper'. It sounds scientific, right? But it's actually quite simple to understand and has a big impact on how long your artwork will last.
Understanding AcidFree Paper: What Does It Mean?
First, let's make sure we understand what acid-free paper is. Normal paper is made from wood, which naturally contains substances that can make the paper become yellow or brittle over time. Think of an old newspaper clipping or an old book that's been left in the sun - you know how they get all yellow and crumbly? That's because of those natural substances in the wood.
The Benefits of Using Acid-Free Paper
On the other hand, acid-free paper goes through a special process to remove these substances. The result is a paper that stays fresh and vibrant for much, much longer. So when you create a beautiful piece of art that you're really proud of, using acid-free paper means that it will still look great years later.
Acid-Free Paper: Not Just for Professionals
Now, you might be thinking, "Well, I'm just a beginner, I don't need to worry about that yet". But it's never too early to start good habits. Even if you're just practicing, using acid-free paper can help you see how your paints really look when they're dry. And who knows, one of your practice pieces might turn out to be a masterpiece!
Choosing the Right Paper: The Bee
Watercolor Paper Example
Now that we have an understanding of what acid-free paper is and why it's important, let's consider a specific example to further enhance our understanding. Bee Watercolor Paper is a popular choice among artists, both beginners and professionals, and it perfectly illustrates all the qualities we have been discussing.
100% Cotton and Acid-Free: The Perfect Combination
It is 100% cotton-based. This means that it has that desirable soft texture that many watercolor artists love. More importantly, it's also acid-free. So, it ticks the box for preserving your artworks and preventing them from yellowing over time.
Versatile and Durable
A great feature of Bee Watercolor Paper is its versatility. It can accommodate a wide range of media, both wet and dry.
This means you can play around with various techniques, from watercolors to gouache, pencil, pen, marker, crayon, charcoal, and pastel. The paper is also suitably textured, which allows the watercolor paint to bind well.
Additionally, this paper is quite durable. It's thicker and heavier than regular paper, so it can withstand multiple washes without warping or bleeding through.
According to some users, the paper can handle up to 10 lifts and still be in very good condition. This resilience makes it an excellent choice for both practice and final artworks.
Affordable Quality
Perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of Bee Paper is its affordability. Despite its high quality, it's priced reasonably, making it accessible to artists at all levels. As one reviewer puts it, this paper allows you to get great results without breaking the bank. It's a fantastic deal, especially considering it's 100% cotton and durable.
Making the Switch to Acid-Free Paper
In the end, choosing the right paper can significantly impact your watercolor journey. A product like Bee Watercolor Paper, which is 100% cotton, acid-free, durable, versatile, and affordable, offers immense value.
As you proceed on your artistic journey, keeping these qualities in mind will serve you well when selecting the perfect paper for your needs.
So next time you're out shopping for art supplies, remember to check if your watercolor paper is acid-free. Your future self - and your future artwork - will thank you!
Image Credit: Bee Watercolor Paper
