Arches Oil Paper Pad - Cold Press
Arches Oil Paper Pad - Cold Pess is a professional oil painting paper designed specifically for artists who want the feel of painting on canvas with the convenience of paper. Made from 100% cotton and produced on a traditional cylinder mould, this ready-to-use oil paper features a semi-absorbent surface with a built-in oil barrier, allowing colours to remain vibrant while delivering faster drying times and eliminating the need for priming.
- Material: 100% cotton
- Weight: 300 gsm (140 lb)
- Texture: Cold press, balanced fine grain comparable to stretched canvas
- Sheet Count: 12 sheets
- Colour: Natural white
- Binding: Glue bound along the short edge
- Acid-Free: Yes
- Archival Quality: Permanent in accordance with ISO 9706
- Compatible Media: Oil paints, oil pastels
[+] The Creative Details: Performance & Feel (Click to Expand)
Arches Oil Paper Pad is engineered specifically for oil painting, combining the strength of 100% cotton paper with a unique oil-resistant barrier that protects the fibres while allowing paint to remain beautifully on the surface. Unlike standard watercolour or drawing papers, it is ready to use immediately without the need for gesso or additional preparation.
Made using a traditional cylinder mould process, the cotton fibres are distributed evenly throughout the sheet, creating exceptional stability, durability, and control. This manufacturing method produces a paper with excellent wet strength and a working surface that feels remarkably similar to stretched canvas.
The balanced fine grain texture allows artists to capture both subtle details and expressive brushwork. The surface creates opportunities for shadow and light effects while remaining comfortable for extended painting sessions and quick oil sketches.
The semi-absorbent sizing system keeps paint on the surface rather than allowing it to sink into the fibres. This results in strong colour rendering, faster drying times, resistance to scratching, and protection against grease rings and fibre oxidation caused by oil paints.
This paper is particularly well suited for plein air painting, travel painting, studies, finished works, and artists seeking a lighter alternative to stretched canvas. It can also be cut easily to custom sizes and rolled for transport without the bulk associated with panels or canvases.
Explore compatible brushes, shop professional oil paints, and see our full range of Arches paper.
[+] Studio Guide: How to Use & Store (Click to Expand)
Arches Oil Paper is ready to use directly from the pad. Priming is optional, allowing artists to begin painting immediately while avoiding the extra preparation required by many traditional oil painting surfaces.
The paper is suitable for oil paints and oil pastels. Its semi-absorbent surface supports both thin applications and heavier impasto techniques while maintaining colour brilliance.
The 300 gsm weight provides a balance of strength and flexibility. It can be cut to custom formats, mounted, rolled for transport, or used for outdoor painting where carrying stretched canvas may be impractical.
Store flat in a clean, dry environment away from excessive humidity and direct sunlight. Acid-free construction and an alkaline reserve support long-term conservation of finished artwork.
For Ottawa and Canadian winter deliveries, allow the pad to acclimate gradually to room temperature before opening exterior packaging. This helps minimize moisture fluctuations caused by rapid temperature changes.
When using oil paints and solvents, work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety recommendations provided by the paint and solvent manufacturers. Dispose of solvent-soaked materials according to local regulations.
[+] Artist FAQs: Your Questions Answered (Click to Expand)
Do I need to prime Arches Oil Paper before painting?
No. The paper includes a built-in oil barrier and is ready to use without preparation.
Can I use traditional oil paints on this paper?
Yes. It is specifically designed for oil paints and oil pastels.
How does it compare to painting on canvas?
The fine grain texture is comparable to stretched canvas. Many artists find it offers a familiar painting experience with greater portability.
Is this paper suitable for plein air painting?
Yes. Its lightweight construction makes it an excellent alternative to carrying stretched canvases outdoors.
Can beginners use Arches Oil Paper?
Absolutely. The ready-to-paint surface removes the need for priming and simplifies the painting process.
Will oil paint soak through the paper?
No. The special sizing and oil barrier are designed to protect the cotton fibres from oil penetration.
Can I use solvents with this paper?
Yes. The surface is designed to be tolerant of solvents commonly used in oil painting workflows.
Is oil paper the same as oil painting paper?
Yes. Both terms refer to paper specifically designed for oil painting without the need for traditional canvas preparation.
Is the paper archival?
Yes. It is acid-free, contains an alkaline reserve, and is permanent in accordance with ISO 9706.
Can I roll finished paintings for transport?
The paper itself can be rolled for transport. Allow oil paintings to dry fully before rolling finished artwork.