ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Watercolor paper

Watercolor paper is a special kind of paper that is used for painting with watercolors. Think of it like a superhero cape that helps you do your job better!

Watercolor paper is usually thicker and heavier than regular paper, so it can handle the water and paint without getting all wrinkly and soggy. Imagine if your clothes got all wet and wrinkled every time you went out in the rain - it wouldn't be very fun, right? The same goes for paper!

Watercolor paper is made from special materials like cotton or wood pulp, and it has a special texture called "tooth." This texture helps the paint and water stick to the paper better, so your colors look brighter and more vibrant.

There are different kinds of watercolor paper, like hot press and cold press. Hot press paper is smoother, while cold press paper has more texture. It's like choosing between a smooth ice cream or a crunchy one with nuts - it all depends on what you like!

When you use watercolor paper, you might need to stretch it first. This means you wet the paper and make it bigger, so it doesn't curl up when you start painting. It's like loosening up your muscles before a big game!

In the end, watercolor paper is an important tool for artists who want to create beautiful paintings with watercolors. It helps the paint stick to the paper and look bright and colorful, just like a superhero cape helps a hero save the day!