How to Print on Watercolor Paper

Are you looking for a way to print your artwork on watercolor paper? How to print on watercolor paper can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique and tools, you can achieve beautiful results.

Printing on watercolor paper is an art form that merges the precision of digital print technology with the delicate texture of traditional painting mediums. This unique printing method allows photographers, digital artists, and traditional painters to display their works with a depth and quality unachievable on standard paper. The process, however, requires specific knowledge and adjustments to both your digital files and printer settings to ensure the final print truly captures the envisioned richness and vibrancy.

In this guide, we’ll explore the steps, tools, and tips necessary for successfully printing on watercolor paper, transforming your digital art into tangible masterpieces that resonate with the tactile feel of hand-painted art.

What are the Benefits of Printing on Watercolor Paper?

Before jumping into the printing process, let’s first understand why printing on watercolor paper is a valuable option for artists and photographers. Here are some of the benefits:

• Enhanced Texture: Watercolor paper has a unique surface texture that adds depth and character to your printed art. This texture mimics the traditional look and feel of hand-painted watercolor artwork, giving it a more natural and organic appearance.
• Rich Colors: Watercolor paper is designed to absorb ink in a way that produces vibrant and saturated colors. This allows your prints to have a wider color gamut and produce a more realistic representation of your digital art.
• Durability: Watercolor paper is typically thicker and more durable than standard printing paper, making it less prone to tears and wrinkles. This durability allows your prints to last longer and be handled with ease.
• Unique Presentation: Watercolor paper has a more artistic and high-quality feel unlike traditional printing papers. This elevates the overall presentation of your prints, making them stand out among other types of prints.

Now that we understand the benefits of printing on watercolor paper let’s dive into the process and explore how to achieve the best results.

What Will You Need?

To successfully print on watercolor paper, you will need the following materials:

• Watercolor Paper: The first and most crucial element is the watercolor paper itself. Look for high-quality, acid-free papers that are specifically designed for inkjet printing.
• Printer: You will need a printer that supports thicker paper types and has a manual feed option. This allows you to manually feed the watercolor paper into the printer, ensuring a more accurate and consistent print.
• Ink: Inks with a high level of pigment density are recommended for printing on watercolor paper. These inks produce bolder, more vibrant colors that adhere well to the paper’s surface.
• Color Calibration Tools: Color calibration tools such as a colorimeter or spectrophotometer are recommended to achieve the best color accuracy. These tools ensure that your printer’s colors are calibrated correctly, providing accurate and consistent results.

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to prepare your digital file for printing.

8 Easy Steps on How to Print on Watercolor Paper

Step 1: Prepare Your Digital File

Before sending your artwork to print, ensure it is properly prepared for the specific characteristics of watercolor paper. Here are some tips:

• Resolution: Use a high-resolution image (minimum 300 dpi) to ensure your print has the best quality and clarity.
• Color Profile: Choose a color profile compatible with watercolor paper, such as Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB. These profiles have a wider color gamut than standard sRGB and will produce more vibrant colors.
• Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Watercolor paper tends to absorb more ink, so adjusting the brightness and contrast of your digital file accordingly is essential. This will prevent your print from appearing too dark or saturated.

Step 2: Load the Watercolor Paper into Your Printer

Loading watercolor paper into your printer correctly is crucial to avoid paper jams and ensure a high-quality print. Here are the steps to follow:

• Check Printer Compatibility: First, ensure that your printer can accommodate the thickness and texture of watercolor paper. Consult your printer’s manual for maximum paper thickness specifications.
• Use the Manual Feed Slot: Most printers handling thicker paper will have a manual feed slot. This allows the paper to travel a straighter path through the printer, reducing the risk of jams and uneven printing.
• Adjust the Paper Guide: When loading the paper into the manual feed slot, adjust the paper guide to fit the width of your watercolor paper snugly. This prevents the paper from skewing during the printing process.
• Select the Correct Paper Type: In your printer settings, select the paper type that most closely matches the thickness and texture of your watercolor paper. If your printer has a specific setting for watercolor paper or a similar thick, textured paper, use that setting.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure that your watercolor paper is loaded correctly and will travel smoothly through the printer, resulting in a beautifully printed artwork.

Step 3: Adjust Printer Settings

Once the watercolor paper is loaded into your printer, it’s crucial to adjust the printer settings to match the specific printing requirements on this type of medium. Access the printer settings through your computer’s printer management software or the printer’s display panel. Select the highest print quality setting and choose a paper type that most closely matches the thickness and texture of your watercolor paper, such as “Fine Art Paper” or “Matte Photo Paper.” If your printer allows, adjust the ink output settings to accommodate the higher absorbency of watercolor paper, ensuring vibrant and accurate color reproduction.

Step 4: Perform a Test Print

Performing a test print is a critical step in printing, especially when working with watercolor paper for the first time. A test print allows you to evaluate the print’s color accuracy, resolution, and overall quality before committing to the final version. To do a test print:

• Choose a Smaller Portion: Select a smaller portion of your artwork or a section that contains a variety of colors and details. This will provide a comprehensive sample of how the entire print will look.
• Print on Regular Paper: To save your watercolor paper for the final print, use regular printer paper for the test print.
• Evaluate and Make Adjustments: Once the test print is complete, evaluate it for color accuracy, resolution, and overall quality. Adjust your digital file or printer settings before proceeding to the final print.

Step 5: Print Your Final Piece

Once you’ve made all the necessary adjustments and are satisfied with the test print, it’s time to print your final piece on watercolor paper. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome:

• Double-Check Printer Settings: Before starting the final print, revisit your printer settings to ensure they’re still correctly set for watercolor paper. This includes selecting the highest print quality and adjusting the ink saturation.
• Monitor the Printing Process: Although most printers can handle watercolor paper without issues, it’s advisable to monitor the printing process. This way, you can immediately address any problems that arise, such as paper jams or misalignments.
• Allow Adequate Drying Time: After the print is complete, carefully remove the paper from the printer and set it aside to dry. Watercolor paper is more absorbent than standard printing paper, so giving it enough time to dry is crucial. Drying times can vary depending on the ink and paper type.

Step 6: Assess the Print Quality

After the print has fully dried, evaluate the quality of the output. Pay close attention to the color accuracy, clarity of details, and overall vibrancy of the print. If your print does not match your expectations, consider the following:

• Adjustments to Digital File: It might be necessary to tweak your digital file’s brightness, contrast, or saturation. Since watercolor paper has a unique texture and absorbency, digital images often require adjustment to achieve optimal results on this medium.
• Printer Calibration: If the colors on your print significantly deviate from those on your screen, recalibrating your printer may be necessary. Using a color calibration tool can help achieve more accurate color reproduction.

Step 7: Apply Finishing Touches

After ensuring that your print has dried completely and you’re satisfied with the quality, the next step is to apply any finishing touches that may enhance the durability and appearance of your artwork. These may include:

• Protective Coatings: Applying a UV protective spray or varnish can help to protect your print from fading, especially if it will be displayed in an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight. Ensure your product is compatible with watercolor paper and inkjet inks to avoid any adverse reactions.
• Trimming: If your watercolor paper has extra margins or you need to fit the print into a specific frame size, carefully trim the edges with a sharp craft knife or a paper cutter. Ensure your cutting tool is clean and sharp to avoid tearing the paper.
• Mounting and Framing: To display your artwork, you may mount it on a backing board or directly frame it. Consider using archival-quality mats and UV-protective glass to protect the print from environmental damage when framing. Always ensure a slight gap between the print and the glass to prevent any potential moisture damage.
• Storage: If you’re not planning to display your print immediately, store it in an acid-free portfolio or a flat, dry area to prevent curling, creasing, or fading. Avoid placing heavy objects on top that could cause damage.

Each of these finishing touches protects your artwork and enhances its presentation, ensuring that your printed watercolor piece can be enjoyed for years to come.

Step 8: Framing and Display

The final step in bringing your printed artwork to life is framing and displaying it effectively. Choosing the right frame and mat can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your piece and ensure it commands attention in any setting. Consider the following guidelines:

• Select a Frame: Choose a frame that complements the artwork and the room’s decor. The frame should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the watercolor paper and any protective glass or acrylic cover.
• Matting Your Print: A mat can act as a visual buffer between the artwork and the frame, enhancing its appearance. When selecting a mat, consider the color and texture that will best highlight your artwork without overpowering it.
• UV Protective Glass: If possible, use UV protective glass or acrylic to cover your artwork. This will protect it from fading and damage caused by exposure to sunlight.
• Hang with Care: Finally, place your framed artwork in an area of your home or gallery where it can be appreciated without exposure to direct sunlight or extreme environmental conditions, which could deteriorate the print quality over time.

By following these steps diligently, you preserve the integrity and beauty of your watercolor print and ensure viewers can admire it.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Pre-test Paper and Printer Compatibility: Not all watercolor papers and printers are a match made in heaven. Conduct a series of small-scale tests with different paper weights and textures to determine the best pair for your artwork. This will help avoid the wastage of both ink and expensive paper.
2. Adjust Printer Settings for Thickness: Because watercolor paper is thick, it’s crucial to adjust your printer settings accordingly. Look for a ‘thick paper’ mode or a manual feed option in your printer settings to accommodate the extra weight without jamming.
3. Use the Highest Resolution Setting: Always print at the highest resolution available to capture the intricate details of your artwork. This ensures that the subtleties of your design are preserved, reflecting the quality of your original work.
4. Leave Ample Drying Time: Watercolor paper is more absorbent than regular printing paper, necessitating longer drying times. Allow your paint to dry completely before handling to prevent smudging or distorting the artwork.
5. Consider a Protective Spray: Apply a UV protective spray designed for inkjet prints once your print is dry. This will help to seal the ink, preventing it from fading over time, and protect your artwork from moisture and smudges.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can ensure that your watercolor prints turn vibrant, detailed, and long-lasting.

5 Things You Should Avoid When Printing on Watercolor Paper

1. Ignoring Printer Paper Size Limitations: Most home printers have constraints on the thickness and size of paper they can handle. Trying to force a paper size or thickness that exceeds these limitations can result in paper jams or damage to your printer’s mechanics.
2. Selecting the Wrong Paper Profile: Failing to select the correct paper profile in your printer settings can lead to poor color accuracy and print quality. Make sure to match your printer’s settings to the type of watercolor paper you’re using for optimal results.
3. Overlooking the Need for Test Prints: Skipping test prints to save on ink and paper might seem economical, but it can lead to disappointing results with your final print. Always perform a few test prints to adjust color and quality settings before printing your final piece.
4. Using Low-Quality Inks: Compromising on ink quality can significantly affect the durability and vibrancy of your prints. Cheap, aftermarket inks may fade quickly and are more likely to smudge on watercolor paper.
5. Handling Prints Too Soon: Even though you may be eager to see your finished product, handling prints before they have fully dried can result in smudges or fingerprints, ruining your artwork. Always allow ample drying time, as recommended for watercolor paper.

By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you can enhance the quality and longevity of your prints on watercolor paper, ensuring that each piece reflects your artistic vision perfectly.

Is Watercolor Paper Good for Ink?

Yes, watercolor paper can be a suitable medium for ink printing. The absorbent nature of watercolor paper allows the ink to penetrate and bond with the paper fibers, resulting in vibrant colors and fine details. However, it’s essential to choose the right type of watercolor paper for your specific inkjet printer and adjust your printer settings accordingly for optimal results.

Additionally, some watercolor papers are specifically designed for inkjet printing. They feature a smoother surface that allows for more detailed prints. These papers often have a coating or treatment to prevent ink from bleeding and ensure better color accuracy.

In summary, while watercolor paper may not be the traditional choice for printing, it can yield beautiful and unique results when paired with high-quality inks and proper printer settings. Experiment with different paper types and techniques to find the best combination that suits your artistic style. 

Conclusion

How to print on watercolor paper opens a realm of artistic possibilities, allowing for the production of vibrant, textured prints that embody the essence of original watercolor art. However, achieving the best results requires attention to detail, from selecting the proper paper and inks to adjusting printer settings and allowing for adequate drying time.

By adhering to the provided tips and avoiding common mistakes, artists and printers can ensure their artwork is beautifully translated onto watercolor paper, preserving the integrity and depth of their creative vision. Experimentation and patience are key, as each printer and paper combination may yield different results.

Ultimately, the success in printing on watercolor paper lies in the harmony between technique, material, and the artist’s intention, leading to prints that are visually stunning and long-lasting.