Individual Sheet v. Block Sheets of Watercolor Paper

Has anyone noticed a difference between individual sheets and blocked sheets of watercolor paper?

For example, I find that the cold press 140lb individual sheet made by Lanaquarelle to be rougher than the same paper in blocked version. (I actually prefer the blocked version.)

Has anyone else noticed this? Is there a reason behind this? And is there a way to obtain an individual sheet with the same texture as the blocked version? Do I need to purchase the hard press sheet?

Thanks!

Hey Jack,

Here's a link with a lot of information on art paper:

You need to contact the actual manufacturer for those kinds of answers. You can probably find a web site for them from which you can email your question.

The link you provided appears to be very useful; however, I don't think i answers my original inquiry.

Actually I have a follow-up question. I just noticed that the back side of the individual sheet appears to have the same textural surface as the block version, and I was wondering...

What's wrong with using the back-side of the watercolor paper? The side when you hold the paper to light, the company's name appears backwards. If the back isde has the texture I want, why can't I use it? I've always been told I should use the front side but have never been told why I shouldn't use the back side.

Do you own the paper or not? If you own it, you can do with it as you please - unless perhaps you're married, or still under your parent's rule, or in prison

Ha, Ha!

I was just wondering why evryone and all art books tell you to use the front side. You never hear anybody saying to use the back. I was just wondering if there was a reason why people make a point in starting the 'correct' side.

For example, is the back side not treated with that absorbant chmical substance (I forget the technical name right now) that the front side is treated with? Or is there no reason?

I haven't a clue. The watermark will read backward if you use the side where it does so. That is the ONLY difference that I know of. You may wish to educate yourself on how various watercolor papers are manufactured. For example, find out what it means - Hot Press, Cold Press, mold-made, machine-made, etc. Do a search on GOOGLE on the phrase - 'paper making.' That alone should keep you busy for awhile...