The best paper for gouache painting is heavyweight (140 lb / 300 gsm or higher) watercolor or mixed-media paper. For sharp detail and crisp lines, choose smooth hot-press paper. For painterly texture and visible brush marks, choose cold-press paper. Both should be acid-free for archival quality.
I have been painting with gouache for years, and the surface you choose changes everything about how the paint feels and looks. Cheap paper buckles the moment water hits it, soaks through to the back, and ruins the matte opacity that makes gouache special. After testing dozens of pads, blocks, and sketchbooks, I have narrowed it down to the ten papers I actually reach for in 2026.
This guide covers the best paper for gouache painting across every budget and format. You will find picks for beginners, illustrators, travel, and traditional studio work. I also explain how to choose paper weight, texture, and material so you can buy with confidence, not guesswork.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Paper for Gouache Painting (September 2026)
Best Paper for Gouache Painting in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Canson XL Mix Media Pad 9×12 |
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 Fuxi Watercolor Sketchbook 8.5×11 |
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 Soucolor Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 |
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| Arches Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 |
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 Strathmore 400 Mixed Media Pad 6×8 |
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 Canson XL Watercolor Pad 7×10 |
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 Canson Montval Pad 5.5×8.5 |
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 Strathmore 400 Watercolor Pad 12×18 |
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 Strathmore 300 Mixed Media Pad 5.5×8.5 |
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 MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12 |
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1. Canson XL Mix Media Pad 9×12 – Best All-Around Value
Canson XL Mix Media Pad 9X12
98 lb paper
60 sheets
9x12 inches
Fine tooth surface
Pros
- Heavyweight paper holds up to wet and dry media
- Minimal bleed-through for gouache and watercolor
- Perforated pages tear out cleanly
- Nice tooth works for colored pencil and marker
- Trusted by beginners and teachers worldwide
Cons
- Heavy water washes can cause warping without taping
- Alcohol inks may bleed through
I have recommended the Canson XL Mix Media Pad to more beginners than any other paper, and it rarely disappoints. The 98 lb weight is heavy enough to handle real gouache washes without the dreaded buckling you get from cheaper sketchbooks, and the fine tooth holds pigment beautifully without being aggressive.
In my own sketchbook journaling, I use the Canson XL almost daily. It takes gouache, watercolor, ink, colored pencil, and marker without bleeding through. The 9×12 size is comfortable to work on a desk or lap, and the wire binding lays open flat so I can paint across the spine without fighting it.
The perforated edges are a small touch that makes a big difference. When I finish a page I want to keep, I tear it out cleanly and slip it into a portfolio. When I mess up, I tear it out and recycle the paper without guilt. For the price, this pad is hard to beat.
The main tradeoff is that this is mixed-media paper, not 100% cotton watercolor paper. It does not lift pigment as gracefully as Arches or Fabriano, but for the price difference it is a fair compromise. Taping sheets to a board solves any buckling you might see with very heavy washes.
For whom it’s good
This is the right paper for beginners, students, classroom use, and anyone painting in gouache for practice rather than finished gallery work. If you are filling a sketchbook with daily studies or working through technique drills, the Canson XL Mix Media Pad is my top recommendation.
For whom it’s bad
If you sell finished gouache paintings or want the deepest archival quality, this pad is not for you. Cotton paper like Arches will outlast cellulose paper for decades. Serious illustrators preparing portfolio pieces should invest in cotton.
2. Fuxi Watercolor Sketchbook 8.5×11 – Best Lay-Flat Sketchbook
Fuxi Water Color Paper 8.5×11, 32-Sheet Cold Press Watercolor Paper 140 lb
140 lb cold press
32 sheets
8.5x11 inches
Hardbound spiral
Pros
- 140 lb cold press absorbs water evenly
- Spiral binding opens fully flat for painting
- Hardbound cover protects pages during travel
- Perforated edges for clean page removal
- Thick sheets resist bleed-through
Cons
- Front cover is softer and may tear under heavy use
- Some surface variation between sheet sides
The Fuxi Watercolor Sketchbook is what I take when I am traveling. The 8.5×11 size is generous for full-page gouache studies, and the hardbound cover protects the pages in my bag better than a flimsy glue-bound pad. The 140 lb / 300 gsm cold press paper is the proper heavyweight I want for real gouache work.
What sold me on the Fuxi was the spiral binding. It rotates 360 degrees, so the book lays completely flat on the table. I can paint across both pages of a spread without the binding popping up in my way. That is a small thing until you try to sketchbook-paint with a glue-bound pad and realize how annoying the spine is.
The paper itself handles gouache washes without bleeding through, and the cold press tooth gives just enough texture for the paint to grip. I tested it with both opaque gouache layers and thin watercolor washes, and both behaved predictably. Reviewers on Amazon echo my experience.
Where the Fuxi falls short is the front cover. It is a softer board than the back cover, and after a few months of daily travel it started to scuff at the corners. Not a dealbreaker, but if you are rough on your gear, slip a rubber band around it.
For whom it’s good
Travel painters, urban sketchers, and illustrators who want a hardcover sketchbook format with proper watercolor-weight pages. If you paint plein air or carry your gouache in a backpack, the Fuxi is built for that life.
For whom it’s bad
If you only paint at a desk and never move your pad, you do not need the hardbound cover. A cheaper glue-bound pad will serve you fine. Also, if you want true 100% cotton paper, the Fuxi is cellulose-based.
3. Soucolor Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 – Best for Mixed Media Work
Soucolor Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 140lb Cold Press 40 Sheets Art Supplies
140 lb cold press
40 sheets
9x12 inches
Acid-free archival
Pros
- 140 lb paper handles watercolor and gouache washes
- Acid-free pH-neutral sheets prevent yellowing
- Tear-resistant glue binding for clean removal
- Heavyweight backboard protects work in progress
- Versatile for many media at one price
Cons
- Smoother finish less textured than watercolor-only paper
- Soft flexible cover offers limited protection
When I switch between gouache, ink, colored pencil, and marker in the same sketchbook, the Soucolor Watercolor Paper Pad is my go-to. The 140 lb cold press paper is heavy enough for real washes yet smooth enough that fine-liner pens do not catch and feather.
The acid-free construction is what makes this pad a long-term keeper. I have pages from six months ago that still look as bright as the day I painted them. For an affordable cellulose pad, that archival quality is impressive.
The glue binding tears cleanly, which is great when I want to scan or frame a finished page. The backboard is thick and sturdy, so I can paint on my lap without needing a separate board. For students and hobbyists who want one pad that does everything well, Soucolor delivers.
The surface is smoother than a true watercolor-only paper. If you want pronounced tooth and visible paper texture under your gouache, look elsewhere. For mixed-media pages where you want a balance of tooth and smoothness, this is the sweet spot.
For whom it’s good
Illustrators, journalers, and students who mix gouache with ink and pencil on the same page. If you do not want to buy separate sketchbooks for each medium, the Soucolor handles them all.
For whom it’s bad
Traditional watercolorists who love pronounced cold press texture may find this too smooth. The flexible cover is also not ideal for rough travel conditions.
4. Arches Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 – Premium Gold Standard
Arches Watercolor Paper Pad, 140 pound, Cold Press, 9″x12″
140 lb cold press
12 sheets
9x12 inches
100% cotton
Pros
- 100% cotton long-fiber paper for exceptional absorbency
- Excellent lifting scrubbing and color blending
- Durable surface handles multiple washes without warping
- Trusted professional-grade choice for serious artists
- Natural white color preserves gouache vibrancy
Cons
- Premium price compared to student-grade papers
- Only 12 sheets per pad
When I want the best paper for gouache painting for finished work, I reach for Arches. The 100% cotton construction is what separates a professional surface from a student pad. Cotton fibers absorb water without breaking down, so you can scrub, lift, and re-wet the surface repeatedly without pilling or fuzzing.
The cold press texture gives just enough tooth that gouache pigment sits on the surface with grip, but it does not grab my brush the way rough paper does. For traditional illustration and painterly gouache, this is the texture I want under my hand.
What I love most about Arches is the lifting capability. If I make a mistake with a dark wash, I can lift the pigment cleanly with a damp brush and a paper towel. On cheaper cellulose paper, lifting destroys the surface. On Arches, the paper comes out cleaner than before I started. That forgiveness is why professionals pay the premium.
Twelve sheets per pad is a real limitation. This is a pad for finished pieces, not daily practice. I save Arches for portfolio pieces, commissions, and pieces I plan to frame or sell.
For whom it’s good
Professional illustrators, fine artists, and anyone preparing work for portfolio, sale, or exhibition. If your gouache painting will outlive your sketchbook, use Arches.
For whom it’s bad
Beginners practicing daily, students on a budget, and anyone painting throwaway studies. The price per sheet is too high to use Arches as a sketchbook paper.
5. Strathmore 400 Series Tape Bound Mixed Media Pad 6×8 – Best Travel Size
Strathmore 400 Series Tape Bound Mixed Media Pad, 140 lb. Vellum Paper, 6 X 8 inches, 15 Sheets (462-106)
140 lb Vellum
15 sheets
6x8 inches
Tape-bound pad
Pros
- Heavyweight 140 lb Vellum handles wet and dry media
- Acid-free for archival artwork
- Compact 6x8 size perfect for travel journaling
- Tape-bound construction keeps pages flat
- Affordable price point for students
Cons
- Only 15 sheets per pad
- Small size not suited for larger finished pieces
The Strathmore 400 Series 6×8 mixed media pad is my pick for travel and journaling. The compact size fits in any bag, the tape binding holds the pages flat while I paint, and the 140 lb Vellum paper handles real gouache without buckling.
What I appreciate about this pad is the discipline it forces. Six by eight inches is small enough that I focus on quick studies rather than overworking a single page. For daily gouache practice, that constraint is actually a feature.
The acid-free construction means my journal pages will not yellow over time. The tape binding keeps every page flat without springs or wire digging into the paper. For the price, this is one of the best values on the list for serious travelers.
The two tradeoffs are sheet count and size. Fifteen sheets means a new pad every few weeks if you paint daily. And 6×8 is too small for full compositions or finished pieces meant for framing.
For whom it’s good
Travelers, journalers, and artists who want a portable practice pad. If you sketch on the train, in cafes, or while waiting for appointments, the Strathmore 400 6×8 is purpose-built for that life.
For whom it’s bad
Studio painters who want larger sheets for finished work. If you paint at a desk and want room to spread out, step up to the 9×12 or 12×18 size pads on this list.
6. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad 7×10 – Best Beginner Pick
Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper, Wirebound Pad, 7×10 inches, 30 Sheets (140lb/300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
140 lb cold press
30 sheets
7x10 inches
Wirebound pad
Pros
- 140 lb cold press handles repeated washes
- Acid-free construction for long-lasting art
- Wire binding lays flat for comfortable painting
- Portable 7x10 size great for beginners
- Affordable price point for new artists
Cons
- Subtle texture differences between sheet sides
- Heavy saturation may cause some buckling
If I had to recommend a single gouache paper to a complete beginner, this is it. The Canson XL Watercolor Pad 7×10 is affordable, dependable, and forgiving. The 140 lb / 300 gsm cold press paper is heavy enough to handle real gouache without the buckling that frustrates new painters.
What I love about this pad is the wire binding. It opens completely flat, so beginners do not have to fight a curled spine while learning brush control. The 7×10 size is approachable too. It is large enough for real studies but small enough that beginners do not feel intimidated by a blank page.
For under fifteen dollars, this pad gives beginners a real watercolor surface, not a cheap sketchbook substitute. The paper handles gouache, watercolor, ink, and marker interchangeably, so new artists can experiment without buying separate pads for each medium.
The texture differs slightly between the front and back of each sheet. This is normal for mass-produced paper, but it means beginners should test both sides before committing to a final piece. Heavy saturation can cause some buckling, so taping sheets to a board helps for finished work.
For whom it’s good
Total beginners, students in their first gouache class, and anyone learning brush control. The forgiving surface and approachable price make this the safest first paper to buy.
For whom it’s bad
Experienced artists looking for premium cotton paper. The Canson XL is a cellulose pad at a student-grade price, so professionals will outgrow it quickly.
7. Canson Artist Series Montval Watercolor Paper Pad 5.5×8.5 – Best Pocket Sketchbook
Canson Artist Series Montval Watercolor Paper Pad, 5.5×8.5 inch, Side Wire, 20 Sheets, (140lb/300g)
140 lb cold press
20 sheets
5.5x8.5 inches
Side wire bound
Pros
- Heavyweight cold press paper designed by Gaspard Maillol
- Acid-free archival quality construction
- Micro-perforated sheets tear cleanly from binding
- Compact 5.5x8.5 size ideal for travel journaling
- Works well with gouache watercolor and graphite
Cons
- Small size limits finished pieces
- Spiral binding eats slightly into usable page width
The Canson Montval 5.5×8.5 is the pocket sketchbook I always have in my bag. It is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket but the paper is the real deal. 140 lb. cold press, acid-free, archival quality. Canson has been making this paper for over a century, and it shows in the surface.
The micro-perforated sheets are the secret feature. When I finish a sketch I love, I tear it out cleanly along the perforation and slip it into a folio. The remaining pages stay bound, so the sketchbook does not fall apart as I work through it.
The 5.5×8.5 size forces quick, decisive brushwork. I cannot overwork a page at this scale, which is excellent training for illustration. Gouache behaves beautifully on the cold press surface, and the paper holds multiple washes without bleeding through.
The spiral binding eats about a quarter inch off the usable width on the binding side. On a 5.5 inch wide page, that matters. If you want full-bleed painting, work on the right-hand page away from the spiral.
For whom it’s good
Travel sketchers, urban illustrators, and anyone who wants a real watercolor sketchbook in a pocket-friendly format. If you sketch on the go, the Montval 5.5×8.5 is one of the best portable options.
For whom it’s bad
Studio painters and anyone working on larger finished pieces. The size is simply too small for substantial compositions.
8. Strathmore 400 Series Wire Bound Watercolor Pad 12×18 – Best Large Format
Strathmore 400 Series Wire Bound Watercolor Pad, 140 lb. Cold Press, 12 X 18 inches, White, 12 Sheets (440-3)
140 lb cold press
12 sheets
12x18 inches
Wirebound pad
Pros
- Intermediate-grade 140 lb cold press paper
- Strong surface allows lifting and scraping
- Natural white color with traditional cold press texture
- Large 12x18 sheets suit finished studio paintings
- Wire binding holds pages flat during work
Cons
- Less forgiving than premium cotton for heavy wet-on-wet
- Only 12 sheets per pad
For finished gouache paintings at full size, the Strathmore 400 Series 12×18 is my large-format pick. The 140 lb cold press paper has the heft and texture I need for substantial compositions, and the 12×18 size matches standard framing dimensions. I can paint a piece, slip it into a 16×20 mat, and frame it without trimming.
The cold press texture gives just enough tooth that gouache pigment grips the surface without being too aggressive. For traditional painterly work where I want visible paper texture in the final piece, this is the right balance.
The wire binding is sturdy enough to keep these large pages flat while I work. With cheaper glue-bound large pads, the pages curl and shift as I paint. The Strathmore binding keeps everything where I put it.
This is not a cotton paper, so it does not lift pigment as gracefully as Arches or Fabriano. For heavy wet-on-wet work, I have to be careful not to overwork the surface. For more controlled, layered gouache, the Strathmore 400 is excellent at the price.
For whom it’s good
Studio painters, traditional landscape artists, and anyone preparing finished pieces for framing. If you paint at a desk and want full-size sheets without the cotton-paper price, this is the pad.
For whom it’s bad
Travel painters and sketchbook journalers. The 12×18 size is too large to carry around. Beginners practicing daily will burn through twelve sheets of this size too quickly.
9. Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad 5.5×8.5 – Best Light Practice Pad
Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 5.5×8.5 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker
90 lb Vellum
40 sheets
5.5x8.5 inches
Side wire bound
Pros
- 90 lb medium-weight paper handles wet and dry media
- Smooth Vellum surface ideal for graphite and ink
- Acid-free 40-sheet pad
- Side-wire binding lays flat
- Affordable option for students and hobbyists
Cons
- Too thin for heavy wet-on-wet watercolor washes
- Pages are not perforated for clean removal
The Strathmore 300 Series is my pick when I want to practice sketching or do light gouache studies without burning through expensive paper. The 90 lb / 160 gsm weight is too thin for heavy washes, but it is perfect for dry brush gouache, ink, and colored pencil work.
I use this pad for thumbnail sketches, color studies, and quick value exercises. The smooth Vellum surface is gentle on my pens and pencils, and the small 5.5×8.5 size forces me to work fast and loose.
The acid-free construction means my studies will not yellow, even if they sit in a drawer for years. For the price, this is one of the best values on the list for practice work and skill-building.
The 90 lb weight is the main limitation. Heavy wet-on-wet watercolor washes will warp this paper badly. Stick to dry brush gouache, ink, and colored pencil. If you want to do full watercolor washes, step up to a 140 lb pad.
For whom it’s good
Students learning fundamentals, hobbyists practicing techniques, and anyone who needs an inexpensive pad for daily studies. The Strathmore 300 is the right paper for low-stakes practice.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone planning to do heavy watercolor washes or finished pieces. This paper is too thin for serious wet media work.
10. MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12 – Best Hardcover Sketchbook
MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12, Drawing Paper Pad 60 Sheets_98lb/160gsm
98 lb paper
60 sheets
9x12 inches
Hardcover ring bound
Pros
- 98 lb acid-free paper resists bleed-through for most media
- Hardcover front and back protect artwork in transit
- Ring binding rotates 360 degrees and lays flat
- Perforated pages for easy removal
- Holds up to acrylic paint pens markers and colored pencil
Cons
- Pages are somewhat absorbent for heavy watercolor washes
- Some bleed-through possible with very wet pens
The MOFUNY 9×12 Mixed Media Sketchbook is the hardcover format I use when I want a real book on my shelf. The hardcover front and back protect the pages in my bag better than any glue-bound pad. The ring binding rotates fully so I can paint across both pages of a spread without the binding fighting my hand.
The 98 lb paper is heavy enough for gouache and acrylic paint pens, which is what I use this sketchbook for most. The pages do not bleed when I work opaquely, and the perforated edges let me remove finished pieces cleanly.
What sets the MOFUNY apart from other hardcover sketchbooks is the 360-degree ring binding. Most hardcover sketchbooks have a glued spine that does not lay flat. The ring binding here is the best of both worlds: hardcover protection and lay-flat painting.
For very wet media, the MOFUNY struggles. Heavy watercolor washes soak through. Stick to opaque gouache, acrylic paint pens, and colored pencil, and this sketchbook handles everything.
For whom it’s good
Illustrators, journalers, and anyone who wants a hardcover sketchbook with proper lay-flat binding. If you carry your sketchbook everywhere and want hardcover protection, this is the format to buy.
For whom it’s bad
Plein air watercolorists and anyone doing very wet washes. The paper is too absorbent for traditional watercolor techniques.
How to Choose the Best Paper for Gouache Painting?
Choosing the right gouache paper comes down to five factors: weight, texture, material, archival quality, and format. Get all five right and your gouache will look better, last longer, and behave predictably. Here is what each factor means and why it matters.
Paper Weight: 140 lb / 300 gsm Is the Minimum
Paper weight is measured in pounds (lb) in the US and grams per square meter (gsm) elsewhere. The two scales differ but roughly align. 90 lb equals about 160 gsm. 140 lb equals about 300 gsm. Anything under 140 lb / 300 gsm will buckle when wet gouache hits it. I learned this the hard way with cheaper sketchbooks that warped every page.
For daily practice, 140 lb is enough. For finished pieces or work you plan to frame, go heavier when possible. Paper above 300 gsm resists warping even with very wet washes.
Hot Press vs Cold Press vs Rough
Hot press paper is smooth, with minimal tooth. It is the choice of illustrators and designers who want crisp lines and detailed work. Gouache on hot press stays on the surface and dries evenly, which makes it perfect for graphic illustration styles.
Cold press paper has a slight texture, with visible tooth that catches pigment. It is the most popular choice for traditional painting because the texture adds character. Gouache on cold press grips the surface with a slightly painterly feel.
Rough paper has dramatic texture with deep peaks and valleys. It is dramatic for watercolor but usually too aggressive for gouache. Most gouache painters stick to hot press or cold press.
Cotton vs Cellulose Paper
Cotton paper is made from cotton fibers and is the professional standard. It absorbs water without breaking down, lifts pigment cleanly when you make mistakes, and lasts for centuries without yellowing. Brands like Arches, Fabriano, and Saunders Waterford are cotton.
Cellulose paper is made from wood pulp. It is more affordable and perfectly serviceable for practice and learning. Brands like Canson XL and Strathmore are cellulose. The tradeoff is longevity and lifting capability.
For finished work, choose cotton. For practice and sketchbooks, cellulose is fine.
Acid-Free and Archival Quality
Acid-free paper has a neutral pH, which means it will not yellow or deteriorate over time. Cheap paper contains acids that turn yellow within a few years. If you want your gouache paintings to last, choose acid-free paper.
All ten papers on this list are acid-free. Look for the phrase on the packaging whenever you buy paper for finished artwork.
Format: Pad, Block, Sketchbook, or Loose Sheets
Pads are wirebound or glue-bound stacks of sheets. They are portable and affordable. The tradeoff is that finished pages need to be removed for framing.
Blocks are glued on all four edges so the paper stays flat during painting. You slice finished sheets off with a palette knife. Blocks are best for watercolor but also work for very wet gouache techniques.
Sketchbooks are hardcover-bound books. They protect pages in transit and live on shelves. The tradeoff is that glue-bound spines often do not lay flat.
Loose sheets are individual pieces of paper. They are best for finished work and large compositions.
Toned Paper for Gouache
Toned paper (grey, tan, black, kraft) is gaining popularity among gouache painters because the mid-tone gives you a built-in shadow color. You paint lights on top of the tone, and the tone itself does the shadow work.
For beginners, white paper is simpler. For experienced painters exploring mood and atmosphere, toned paper opens up new creative options. None of the ten pads on this list are toned, so look to specialty retailers when you are ready to experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gouache go on watercolor paper?
Yes. Gouache works beautifully on watercolor paper, and most professional gouache painters use 140 lb / 300 gsm watercolor paper as their primary surface. The heavyweight paper handles wet gouache without buckling, and the sizing helps the opaque pigment sit on the surface properly. There is no such thing as a dedicated gouache-only paper. Watercolor paper and mixed-media paper are both correct choices.
What GSM paper is best for gouache?
300 gsm (140 lb) is the practical minimum for gouache. Below 300 gsm, the paper buckles noticeably with wet washes. For finished pieces or heavy wet techniques, look for paper in the 300 to 400 gsm range. Anything above 400 gsm is overkill for gouache.
Is hot press or cold press better for gouache?
Both work well, and the choice depends on your style. Hot press is smoother and better for crisp detail, illustration, and graphic work. Cold press has more tooth and gives gouache a slightly painterly feel. Most gouache artists choose cold press for traditional work and hot press for illustration.
What is the best cheap paper for gouache?
The Canson XL Mix Media Pad and the Strathmore 400 Series mixed media pad are the best budget choices for gouache. Both are 140 lb, acid-free, and under fifteen dollars. They handle gouache without the buckling you get from cheaper sketchbook paper, and they are widely available.
Do you need to prime paper for gouache?
No. Gouache does not require priming the way acrylic does. A properly sized watercolor or mixed-media paper is ready to paint on straight from the pad. If you want extra tooth or a specific ground, you can lightly sand the surface or apply a thin layer of acrylic medium, but most gouache painters skip this step entirely.
Final Verdict
After testing all ten papers for gouache painting in 2026, my top recommendation remains the Canson XL Mix Media Pad 9×12. It is the right balance of weight, tooth, size, and price for almost any gouache project. For finished portfolio work, step up to the Arches Watercolor Paper Pad for the cotton quality professionals rely on. For travel and journaling, the Canson Montval 5.5×8.5 or the Strathmore 400 6×8 are unbeatable.
The best paper for gouache painting is the one you will actually use. Start with an affordable cellulose pad to learn your preferences, and invest in cotton once you know whether you prefer hot press or cold press. Both surfaces reward good brushwork. Pick one, paint often, and the rest follows.