
Arches Cold Press Watercolor Pad 12 Sheets
- Paper Weight: 90
- Material Type: Cotton
- Paper Finish: Watercolor
- Color: White Natural
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A professional-grade cotton watercolor pad meant for finished work, not a high-volume practice pad.
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ASIN: B086WSQV9HModel: A1795092Category: Watercolor Paper
Overview
A 12-sheet pad of Arches cold-press watercolor paper, 9 by 12 inches, made from 100 percent cotton for watercolor, gouache, ink or acrylic work.
Arches' distinction is the cotton fiber and the internal sizing, done through the sheet rather than just on its surface, which the maker says lets paint blend, layer or lift back off more evenly whether the paper is wet or dry. It's a smaller sheet count than most craft pads, which fits its positioning as a professional paper rather than a practice pad.
- 9 x 12 inch cold-press pad, 12 sheets
- 100% cotton, natural white
- PH neutral, no optical brighteners
- Edge-glued pad, sheets remove cleanly
Who it's for
Aimed at artists producing finished watercolor or mixed-media pieces who want cotton paper's handling. Overkill for a beginner just practicing washes on a budget.
Pros and cons
- 100% cotton fiber for professional results
- Sized through the sheet, not just the surface
- Holds up to scratching, erasing and repeated washes
- PH neutral with no optical brighteners
- Only 12 sheets per pad
- Priced above craft-grade paper pads
Performance notes
The cylinder mold process spreads cotton fibers evenly, which Arches says gives resistance to scratching and erasing without tearing, and lets the sheet slacken uniformly when wet so washes stay controllable. Sizing runs through the paper rather than only on top, keeping colors from soaking in unevenly.
Specifications
| Brand | Arches |
|---|---|
| Model | A1795092 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Paper Weight | 90 |
| Item Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Paper Dimensions | 9 × 12 inches |
| Item Dimensions L x W | 12.2 × 9.1 inches |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Cotton |
| Paper Finish | Watercolor |
| Color | White Natural |
| Included components | |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Unit Count | 12 |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | No warranty |
| Other details | |
| Sheet Count | 12 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Art, Painting, Watercolor |
| Style | Classical |
Closest rivals on specs
Hahnemuhle Collection Watercolor 300 Pad 9x12- Item Weight 0.33 vs 0.51 pounds (-35%)
Canson XL Watercolor Wirebound Pad 7x10- Item Weight 0.33 vs 0.54 pounds (-39%)
Strathmore Watercolor Visual Journal 5.5x8- Item Weight 0.33 vs 0.63 pounds (-48%)
Frequently asked questions
What makes Arches paper different from cheaper watercolor pads?
It's 100% cotton and sized through the full sheet, which the maker says gives more even wetting and better resistance to scratching or erasing.
How many sheets come in this pad?
12 sheets at 9x12 inches, cold press texture.
Can I use media other than watercolor on this paper?
Yes, it's also rated for gouache, ink and acrylic.