{"product_id":"arches-aquarelle-cold-press-watercolor-block-9x12-140lb","title":"Arches Aquarelle Watercolour Block — Cold Press 9\"x12\", 140lb","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eArches Aquarelle — The World's Most Trusted Watercolour Paper, In a Block\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eArches has been making watercolour paper at the same mill in Lorraine, France since 1492. Van Gogh painted on it. So did Matisse, Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol. Over five centuries later, it remains the benchmark by which all other watercolour paper is measured — and the reason most serious watercolourists use nothing else for finished work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Aquarelle Cold Press block brings that same paper in a pre-stretched, glued-on-all-four-sides format that means no stretching, no buckling, and no preparation — just open it and paint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes Arches different:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMould-made from 100% cotton fibres, giving the paper exceptional strength, longevity, and a natural, inimitable texture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSized to the core with natural gelatin — a process exclusive to Arches — which gives the surface extraordinary absorbency, prevents paint from sinking through, and preserves the luminosity and transparency of watercolour pigments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCan be scratched and erased repeatedly without tearing or linting — critical for artists who lift, correct, and rework\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAcid-free, pH-neutral, no optical brightening agents — archival quality; your work will last\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCold Pressed surface: medium texture, suitable for most watercolour techniques from loose washes to detailed work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe block format:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 sheets glued on all four sides. Paint directly without stretching — the glue keeps the paper flat even with heavy washes. When dry, slide a palette knife or craft knife under the top sheet to release it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to stretch Arches Aquarelle paper in a block?\u003c\/strong\u003e No — that's the primary advantage of the block format. The glue on all four sides holds the paper taut as you paint, eliminating buckling even with very wet techniques. Simply release the top sheet once dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Cold Pressed Arches paper best for?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cold Pressed (CP\/NOT) is the most versatile surface and the most widely used. The gentle texture gives washes a natural granulation and helps wet paint settle beautifully. It suits most watercolour styles from loose and expressive to controlled and detailed. If you want the smoothest surface for fine line work, look for Hot Pressed; for maximum texture and broken brushwork, choose Rough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Arches Aquarelle worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e For finished work, yes — many professional watercolourists consider it non-negotiable. The difference in handling compared to student-grade paper is significant: easier lifting, more predictable washes, no buckling, and results that hold their quality for a lifetime. For everyday practice, a more affordable paper makes sense; save the Arches for work that matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Arches be used for ink, gouache, or acrylics?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the cotton base handles all wet media extremely well. It's particularly prized for ink work and gouache alongside watercolour in mixed media applications.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"R K Burt","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54954432102775,"sku":"AAAAAB3BN","price":53.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0076\/2288\/5428\/files\/Arche_8812cdd5-d482-4cda-8a58-aeaa8011a584.webp?v=1739286399","url":"https:\/\/craftandcanvas.live\/products\/arches-aquarelle-cold-press-watercolor-block-9x12-140lb","provider":"Craft and Canvas","version":"1.0","type":"link"}