There are many different sketchbooks on the market and some of them are sold as watercolour or multitechnique. But the truth is that most of them contain paper that does not work well with water-based techniques. As a result, many people find it difficult to obtain satisfying results, and some even become discouraged with watercolours. All because of the wrong paper. Paper plays a crucial role here. Therefore, we will share with you what a watercolour sketchbook should contain, how it should be made and, above all, which paper is absolutely suitable.
What kind of paper should be in a watercolour sketchbook?
Well, ideally it should be watercolour paper, right? The best watercolour paper is cotton paper made by the traditional mould made method. It is very difficult to produce and that is why there are only a few manufacturers in the whole world who can make it. There are also quite good watercolour papers made from cellulose, or a mixture of cellulose and cotton. In any case, watercolour papers are very good quality papers, with high resistance to soaking and abrasion. They most often come in 200 or 300gsm thickness and several surface types. Whatever the type, we recommend papers from well-known and experienced manufacturers.
Saunders Waterford cotton paper 300gsm in Koval Sketchbook. This paper must to be stitched and binded by hands.
Arches 300gsm Cotton paper with natural torn edges in biggest hardbound sketchbook
Fabriano Artistico most famous cotton paper from Italy.
Why are most sketchbooks not suitable for watercolour?
Good watercolor papers are too hard and stiff, and cannot be machine binded. The paper used in mass produced sketchbooks needs to be soft to be machine stitched. So 95% of the sketchbooks on the market are not suitable for watercolour because they use ordinary, plain paper. This is why many beginner artists cannot make progress in watercolor because, even trying several different sketchbooks, they still do not get the desired results.
Most sketchbooks available on the market do not work well with watercolors and mixed media.
Only cotton certified paper will make your watercolor beauty and detailed.
Even if you create illustrations and work with mixed media, good paper will provide you with the right luminosity of colors and durability.
Most of the sketchbooks in our range contain 100% cotton watercolour, certified papers such Fabriano, Saunders and Arches (here you will find detailed information about these papers). They are also mulitechnique, so many artists use them in many ways. However, there are a few sketchbooks that watercolour artists love the most. These are:
Top best watercolour sketchbooks for professional artists and beginners:
Sketchbook PRO 25x25
For professionals who typically require the best high-weight papers and plenty of space for freeform work, we have created the largest hardcover sketchbooks. Our customers sometimes refer to them as #sketchilla because of their size. They come in sizes such as 25x25 cm or similar (e.g., 29x25 cm).
If you’re comfortable with watercolor, love large formats, have a bold approach, and truly understand what watercolor washes are all about, these sketchbooks are made for you.
Meet 25x25 Sketchbooks
Pro Sketchbook 14x20 and 17x17 - Classic
This is the most frequently purchased watercolour sketchbook. It is perfect size, not too big not too small, a typical sketchbook format that is easy to take with you when you travel or carry in your backpack or bag. You’ll mostly find it with paper weighing around 200gsm. At this size, 300gsm can feel a bit too thick (if you think 200gsm isn’t enough, be sure to check out this comparison).
These sketchbooks are available with Arches, Saunders, and Fabriano papers in both Cold and Hot Pressed variants. The cover colors may change seasonally.
They are undoubtedly the most versatile sketchbooks due to their compact size, suitable for almost any technique—from drawing, colored pencils, and watercolors to gouache, inks, washes, and even fountain pens.
Meet A5 sketchbooks
Traveler
Speaking of A5 sketchbooks, we must highlight the Traveler sketchbook. While its size could place it in the previously mentioned category, its uniqueness warrants a separate discussion.
The Traveler is a one-of-a-kind sketchbook, designed and created from scratch by KovalSketchbooks. There’s nothing else like it on the market. The Traveler stands out for its distinctive appearance and exceptional quality. It features a flap closure with two buttons and is bound in synthetic leather. Its soft cover makes it easy to carry, fitting even into the tightest spaces, and it can endure anything.
Inside, you’ll find the finest cotton paper, primarily Saunders Waterford. This sketchbook is a signature product of the KovalSketchbooks workshop. The Traveler has become a hallmark item, shipped to the farthest corners of the globe.
Meet The traveler
B5
B5 is a perfect compromise between the large Sketchillas and the smaller A5-sized sketchbooks. These sketchbooks primarily feature thick cotton papers—300gsm, with occasional thinner options.
In this format, the Landscape sketchbooks are particularly popular, often used by professionals and advanced creators. This group of sketchbooks typically offers the widest variety of options. You’ll find both Cold Press and Hot Press paper variants, and occasionally, unique series with exceptional covers make an appearance.
All B5 sketchbooks come in hardcover. They include papers such as Fabriano Artistico, Saunders Waterford, Arches Watercolor, and Fabriano 5. Each of these papers is excellent for watercolor and mixed media techniques.
Meet B5 Sketchbooks
I hope this article helps you choose the right sketchbook for yourself, and if you want to see all the watercolour sketchbooks click here: