Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Block Extra White - Cold Press
Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Block Extra White – Cold Press is a professional-grade watercolour block crafted from 100% cotton for artists who want exceptional colour performance, durability, and reliable water handling. Produced using Fabriano’s renowned mould-made process and featuring enhanced surface sizing, this acid-free watercolour paper offers a strong, responsive surface that supports everything from delicate washes to layered techniques.
- Paper Type: Watercolour block
- Material: 100% cotton
- Weight: 300 gsm
- Surface: Cold Press (Fine Grain)
- Construction: 4 sides glued block
- Colour: Extra White
- Acid-Free: Yes
- Watermark: Fixed-point watermark
- Optical Brighteners: None
- Bleaches: None
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
[+] The Creative Details: Performance & Feel (Click to Expand)
Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Block Extra White – Cold Press represents the culmination of more than eight centuries of papermaking expertise. Produced using Fabriano's mould-made "manomacchina" process, it combines the consistency of modern manufacturing with the character and performance traditionally associated with handmade paper.
The cold press, or fine grain, surface offers a versatile texture that balances detail and expression. It provides enough tooth for controlled washes, glazing, layering, and lifting while remaining smooth enough for fine brushwork and precise edges.
Enhanced surface sizing improves colour control and allows pigments to remain vibrant on the surface longer. The stronger surface stands up well to repeated washes and reworking, making it suitable for both experimental techniques and finished exhibition pieces.
The Extra White shade helps colours appear luminous and crisp without relying on optical brightening agents or bleaching agents. Artists working with transparent watercolours, vibrant palettes, or high-contrast compositions often appreciate the added colour clarity.
The 4-sided glued block design helps reduce buckling during wet applications, eliminating the need for stretching in many painting situations. This makes it especially convenient for studio work, travel painting, workshops, and classroom settings.
Compared to wood pulp papers, the 100% cotton construction offers superior absorbency, strength, and longevity. Artists creating archival works or using demanding wet-on-wet techniques will notice the difference in handling and durability.
Explore compatible brushes, See our full range of watercolour blocks, and shop watercolour paints and sets.
[+] Studio Guide: How to Use & Store (Click to Expand)
Fabriano Artistico Cold Press is suitable for traditional watercolour techniques including washes, glazing, layering, lifting, dry brush, and wet-on-wet painting. The enhanced sizing provides excellent control while allowing water and pigment to move naturally across the sheet.
The 4-sided glued block keeps the paper flat during painting. Once your artwork is complete and fully dry, carefully separate the sheet using a palette knife or similar tool.
The fine grain surface offers a versatile balance between texture and detail. Artists transitioning from student-grade paper often notice improved colour vibrancy, cleaner lifting, and more predictable water flow.
Store the block flat in a clean, dry environment away from excessive humidity and direct sunlight. Proper storage helps preserve the paper's surface characteristics and archival qualities.
For Ottawa and Canadian winter deliveries, allow the block to acclimate to room temperature before opening packaging if it has been exposed to extreme temperatures during transit. This helps minimize moisture-related changes caused by sudden environmental shifts.
No special safety precautions are required under normal artistic use. Keep materials clean and dry to maintain optimal performance.
[+] Artist FAQs: Your Questions Answered (Click to Expand)
Who is this paper best suited for?
It is suitable for both dedicated beginners and professional watercolour artists. The cotton construction provides room to grow as techniques become more advanced.
What does Cold Press mean?
Cold Press refers to a fine grain surface texture that balances detail with watercolour texture. In the US, it is often called cold press watercolor paper.
Does the block prevent paper buckling?
The 4-sided glued block helps minimize buckling during wet techniques. Extremely heavy water applications may still create some movement.
Why choose 100% cotton watercolour paper?
Cotton fibres absorb water more evenly and offer greater durability than many cellulose papers. This improves control, lifting, and archival performance.
What is the benefit of the Extra White surface?
The brighter sheet helps colours appear crisp and vibrant. It achieves this without optical brighteners or bleaching agents.
Can I use mixed media on this paper?
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Is this paper archival?
Yes. The paper is acid-free and manufactured without optical brightening agents.
What is the difference between Artistico Extra White and Traditional White?
Artistico is available in two white shades. Extra White offers a brighter appearance while both versions are produced without optical brighteners.
Can I paint outdoors with this block?
Yes. The block format makes it convenient for plein air painting, travel, workshops, and field sketching.