Arches Water colour paper is made the traditional way, using a cylinder mould. This method ensures that the fibres are evenly distributed which makes the paper extremely stable, so it will not warp or stretch when water is applied to it. Arches Water colour paper is made from long, 100% cotton fibres allowing it to absorb a lot of water without warping or causing the colours to bleed.It is sized to the core with natural gelatine, so it can be scratched without tearing or linting.This internal sizing also prevents paint penetrating into the paper, allowing light to shine through the pigment and reflect off the paper while ensuring durability of the colours. 12 sheets Arches watercolour paper has been milled in Lorraine, France since 1492. Even after many changes in technology and the use of the cylinder mould, Arches fine art paper has maintained the quality and performance that artists have relied upon for centuries and is now considered one of the finest watercolour papers made today. It is 100% cotton fibre (sometimes known as Rag Paper), has a neutral PH value to make it acid free and has a uniquely hand-made look and feel. Each sheet is permeated with sizing to give each fiber a consistent feel and absorbency. Arches paper is also watermarked and stamped with each and every sheet of paper produced being hand checked for quality before leaving the factory. Arches is available in three surface finishes. HP (Hot Pressed) is better for highly detailed paintings. CP (NOT) is a good all round surface. The Rough is a fantastic surface for looser landscapes and seascapes where the rougher paper surface really works with the painting. Arches watercolor paper is strong enough to handle multiple washes of color, masking fluid, scrubbing and artist tape without damage to the surface. Try Arches watercolour paper and understand why artists the world around for over five hundred years have made it their choice of paper.