Yes, you can paint directly on watercolour paper for oil painting, especially for certain purposes.
While not the traditional or ideal surface for archival oil paintings, watercolour paper can be used for oil painting under specific circumstances. According to the provided reference, you can paint directly on watercolour paper, but it is "best for exercises and experiments where the longevity of your artwork isn't important."
When is it Okay to Use Watercolor Paper for Oils?
Using watercolour paper for oil painting is typically recommended for:
- Studies and Sketches: Quick studies, color tests, or preliminary sketches.
- Practice Sessions: Learning new techniques without using expensive canvas.
- Non-Archival Work: Projects where the artwork's long-term preservation is not a concern.
What Type of Watercolor Paper is Best?
If you choose to use watercolour paper for oil painting, it's crucial to select the right kind. The reference specifically states, "Make sure to use thick watercolour, minimum 140 lb."
- Minimum 140 lb (300 gsm): Thicker paper is less likely to buckle or deteriorate rapidly under the weight and moisture of oil paints and mediums.
- Cold-Press or Hot-Press: Either can work, but cold-press often has more texture, which some artists prefer for gripping paint.
Why Isn't it Ideal for Archival Work?
Traditional oil painting surfaces like canvas or wood panels are usually primed with gesso or other sealants. Paper, even thick watercolour paper, is porous.
- Oil Penetration: Oil can seep into the paper fibres, causing them to become brittle over time.
- Acid Content: Many papers contain acids that can degrade both the paper and the paint layer over decades.
For serious or saleable artwork intended to last, properly primed canvas, linen, or wood panels are the standard choices.
Comparing Surfaces: Paper vs. Canvas
Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Watercolor Paper (Unprimed) | Canvas/Panel (Primed) |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability | Studies, Practice | Archival Artwork, Finished Pieces |
| Durability | Low (prone to deterioration) | High |
| Longevity | Poor for oils | Excellent |
| Oil Bleed-Through | High Potential | Low (with proper priming) |
| Cost | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
Can You Prepare Watercolor Paper for Oils?
While the reference mentions painting "directly" on the paper, some artists attempt to prime watercolour paper with acrylic gesso to create a barrier.
- Apply several thin coats of acrylic gesso.
- Ensure full coverage to seal the paper pores.
This can improve the surface's suitability and longevity compared to using it raw, though it's still not a substitute for proper canvas or panel preparation for archival work.
In summary, while you can paint directly on watercolour paper for practice or experimental pieces using thick watercolour, minimum 140 lb, it is not recommended for creating lasting oil paintings due to potential degradation of the paper over time.
