At a glance
- Paper
- 100% cotton, 300 gsm (140 lb)
- Surface
- Cold press
- Sheets
- 20
Maker's figures from the Amazon listing, checked Oct 15, 2026.
This is the smallest cold press block in BAOHONG’s Academy line: 20 sheets of 4.9 × 7 in watercolor paper glued into a block. It is in my kit, but this page is a research write-up: what BAOHONG claims, what those claims mean when you paint, and how the block sits next to the other paper in my kit. There is no video or photo of it here and no verdict of mine yet.
What BAOHONG lists for this block
According to BAOHONG’s Amazon listing (the Cold Press 4.9" x 7" option):
- Fiber100% cotton.
- Weight140 lb (300 gsm).
- Surfacecold press, which BAOHONG describes as a light texture with strong scrub resistance.
- Archivalacid-free, and also chlorine-free and pH-neutral.
- Format20 sheets glued on four edges, on a hardboard backing.
Those are the maker’s figures; I have not measured them or scrubbed a sheet to check. They match what my beginner watercolor guide asks of paper: 300 gsm so washes do not buckle the sheet, and cotton so color goes on and lifts evenly.
Why a glued block
Watercolor paper swells when wet and shrinks as it dries, so a loose sheet ripples unless you tape or stretch it first. A block holds every edge down while you paint, so the top sheet can dry flat. That is what BAOHONG means when it says the gluing removes the need for stretching and avoids cockling.
The routine with any block: paint on the top sheet while it is still attached, let it dry completely, then slide a blunt knife (a palette knife works) under the edge and run it around to free the sheet. The next sheet is ready underneath.
Cold press or hot press
BAOHONG sells this block with two surfaces. Cold press, this one, has a slight tooth: washes settle into it and granulating colors show their texture, which is why it is the usual all-rounder. Hot press is smooth, better for crisp detail, fine lines and ink. If you are starting out, cold press is the forgiving choice; the hot press block is in the table below.
Who a 4.9 × 7 in block suits
At 4.9 × 7 in a sheet is about postcard size. That suits color studies, swatch tests of a new paint set, thumbnail sketches before a bigger piece, and small finished paintings, and the block is easy to carry. It is too small for full-size work; BAOHONG’s listing offers the same cold press block in larger sizes up to 15 × 10.2 in. For more on paper weights across media, see my sketchbook and paper guide.
How it compares
| Photo | Set | Paper | Surface | Price (Amazon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BAOHONG block, cold pressThis set | 100% cotton, 300 gsm | Cold press | Back to top card |
 | BAOHONG block, hot pressI use thisSame maker, size and sheet count per its listing, with a smooth hot press surface instead of cold press texture. | 100% cotton, 300 gsm | Hot press | Read why: BAOHONG block, hot pressView on Amazon |
 | BAOHONG Academy journalI use thisBAOHONG's Academy cotton paper bound as a 6.2 × 9.4 in journal of 24 sheets, per its listing, rather than a glued block. | 100% cotton, 300 gsm | Cold press | Read why: BAOHONG Academy journalView on Amazon |
  | Fuumuui watercolor journalI use thisBrand partner codeA 7.6 × 7.6 in square journal of 30 cold press sheets; Fuumuui lists the paper as cotton, 300 gsm. | Cotton, 300 gsm | Cold press | $16.99Typical price: $19.99Save 15% as of Nov 3, 2026, 11:16 UTCDetails Price and availability show on Amazon. |
Specs are each maker's own. Prices are Amazon's, shown only with their time. All 4 in the guide
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Questions
Is the BAOHONG cold press block 100% cotton?
Yes, according to BAOHONG's Amazon listing: 20 sheets of 100% cotton, 140 lb (300 gsm) cold press paper, which it also calls acid-free, chlorine-free and pH-neutral.
What size is this BAOHONG block?
This one is the 4.9 × 7 in block with 20 sheets. BAOHONG's listing also offers the cold press block in larger sizes, such as 8.3 × 5.9 in, 7 × 10.2 in, 10.2 × 10.2 in and 15 × 10.2 in, plus a sample pack and rolls.
Do I need to stretch or tape the paper?
BAOHONG says the sheets are glued on four edges, which it says removes the need for stretching and avoids cockling. As with any block, you paint on the top sheet while it is attached, let it dry completely, then slide a blunt knife under the edge to free it.
Cold press or hot press: which BAOHONG block should I get?
Cold press has a slight texture (BAOHONG calls it a light texture with strong scrub resistance) and is the usual all-rounder for washes. Hot press is smooth, which suits fine detail and ink. BAOHONG sells this block in both surfaces.
What does Academy grade mean on BAOHONG paper?
It is BAOHONG's grade for learners: the listing calls the Academy block ideal for beginning artists, student practice and art exams. BAOHONG's Masters' paper, on its own site, is the line aimed at professional watercolorists.
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