Watercolour paper is widely available in various sized sketchbooks, pads, or large sheets which can be cut to a custom size. Sketchbooks range from small cartridge paper books for quick pencil sketches, to larger A4 pads of watercolour paper for more complete paintings.

Pads of watercolour paper are also made in the form of blocks. Each sheet is lightly attached on all sides and has to be torn away to remove. Blocks offer a similar effect to stretching the paper and are easier for outdoor work.

W/C papers are made in three different surfaces:
     Smooth paper is known as Hot-Pressed (HP) because it is produced with heat and under pressure. Smooth paper is also available as "watercolour board", which is often used by illustrators, as it removes the necessity for stretching. Medium paper is the most common. It is often called "not" (short for "not hot pressed"). Rough paper has a coarse texture liked by some artists, but is not the easiest for beginners.

Watermarks
While you can paint on either side of most good-quality papers, there may be a slight texture difference. Hold the paper up to the light to read the watermark to check which is the correct side.

Watercolour papers also vary in thickness
which is expressed in pounds, referring to a ream of 500 sheets. Paper above 200lbs does not need stretching. Paper below 140lbs is thinner, and needs to be stretched before use to prevent buckling and warping when you wet it. It will dry in the warped condition.

Hot-Pressed Paper
Ranges from completely smooth to a fine-grained texture. It is the most suitable paper for pen and line work. Less absorbant so wet paint may pool, and washes dry with a hard edge.

Cold-Pressed Paper
Often referred to as "not" paper, standing for "not hot pressed", this is the most commonly used watercolour paper. It has enough texture to hold paint well, while allowing for fine brushwork.

Rough Paper
Offers a more pronounced grain for loose, more textural brushwork. This is not recommended for the beginner, but can be exciting to use when you become more experienced.

Cartridge Paper (Drawing Paper)
An inexpensive alternative to watercolour paper, with a smooth surface used mainly for drawing. It will accept watercolour, but being lightweight, will need stretching. Drawing paper in sketchbook form is adequate for light washes.

Handmade Paper
Made in a variety of weights and surfaces which do not conform to the above catagories. All have their own special characteristics, but the unpredictable qualities of handmade paper are recommended for more experienced painters.

Tinted Papers
A version of normal watercolour paper made with an overall, faint colour bias. Plain watercolour paper can also be 'tinted' with a flat wash of diluted acrylic paint.