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Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, Hot-Press, 9" x 12", 140 lb., 50 Sheets, White
Best smooth paper value

Fabriano

Fabriano Studio Hot Press Pad

A 9 x 12 inch pad of 50 sheets of 140 lb hot press watercolor paper. The smooth, acid-free sheets are machine-made and sized inside and out.

Best for: Watercolor painters who want a smooth hot press surface in a large pad

Size
9 x 12 in
Weight
140 lb
Sheets
50
Surface
Hot press

Buy it if

  • You want a smooth surface for detail, ink and wash or illustration
  • You want 50 sheets in one pad. The Arches hot press pad has 12
  • You want acid-free, machine-made hot press paper

Skip it if

  • You want a textured surface. The Canson XL Watercolor Pad is cold press
  • You need 100% cotton paper. This one is machine-made, and the Arches Hot Press Watercolor Pad lists 100% cotton

What the Fabriano Studio Hot Press Pad is

The Fabriano Studio Hot Press Pad holds 50 sheets of 140 lb watercolor paper at 9 x 12 inches. Hot press paper is pressed smooth, with little tooth, which is why it is generally chosen for detail and ink and wash.

Fabriano lists the paper as machine-made, acid-free, sized both internally and externally, and exceptionally absorbent. Sizing controls how quickly paper takes in water.

Key features, explained

Based on the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

  • Hot press, smooth surface

    Hot press is the smooth watercolor surface, which keeps fine lines sharp and small details easier to paint.

  • 140 lb weight

    The sheets are 140 lb. Tape the sheet down for very wet work so it dries flat.

  • Sized internally and externally

    Fabriano lists sizing inside the sheet and on its surface. Sizing controls how quickly paper takes in water.

  • 50 sheets

    The pad holds 50 sheets.

  • Acid-free and machine-made

    Fabriano lists the paper as acid-free and machine-made. Acid-free paper resists yellowing.

  • Absorbent paper

    The listing describes the paper as exceptionally absorbent.

Fabriano Studio Hot Press Pad specifications

Type
Watercolor paper pad
Size
9 x 12 in
Sheets
50
Weight
140 lb
Surface
Hot press (smooth)
Making
Machine-made
Sizing
Internal and external
Paper
Acid-free
Color
White
Model
71-19503004

Who the Fabriano Studio Hot Press Pad suits

  • Illustrators and ink and wash artists. A smooth hot press surface keeps pen lines crisp.
  • Botanical and detail painters. Small brush marks and hard edges are easier to control without paper texture breaking them up.
  • Painters trying hot press for the first time. 50 sheets gives room to learn how a smooth surface behaves.

Look elsewhere if: you want a textured surface for loose, granulating washes. The Canson XL Watercolor Pad is cold press.

Fabriano Studio Hot Press Pad vs similar picks

  • Fabriano Studio Hot Press Pad

    Size
    9 x 12 in
    Weight
    140 lb
    Sheets
    50
    Surface
    Hot press

    Choose it for: 50 smooth sheets in one pad

  • Arches Hot Press Watercolor Pad

    Size
    9 x 12 in
    Weight
    140 lb (300gsm)
    Sheets
    12
    Surface
    Hot pressed, 100% cotton

    Choose it for: 100% cotton, gelatin sized

  • Canson XL Watercolor Pad

    Size
    9 x 12 in
    Weight
    140 lb
    Sheets
    30
    Surface
    Cold press

    Choose it for: Cold press, 30 sheets

Before you buy

  • Hot press shows brush marks and hard edges more than cold press. That is useful for detail but less forgiving for big, even washes.
  • Tape the edges down for wet washes so the sheet dries flat.
  • The pad is 9 x 12 inches, so check the size in the title before you order.

Frequently asked questions about the Fabriano Studio Hot Press Pad

What is Fabriano Studio hot press paper good for?
The listing does not name uses. Hot press is a smooth surface, generally chosen for detail work, ink and wash and illustration.
Is Fabriano Studio paper acid-free?
Yes. The listing says the paper is acid-free and sized both internally and externally.
Do you need to stretch hot press watercolor paper?
The listing does not say whether this paper needs stretching. It gives the weight, sheet count and hot press surface, so check how much water you plan to use before deciding.
Is Fabriano Studio cotton paper?
No. The listing describes it as machine-made paper. For cotton hot press paper, the Arches Hot Press Watercolor Pad lists 100% cotton.
Hot press or cold press: which should I start with?
As a general rule, cold press is the usual starting point because its texture hides uneven washes. Choose hot press when you mainly paint detail or combine watercolor with ink.

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