Yes, it can, provided the paper has the right weight. Heavyweight a4 watercolour paper at 300gsm takes repeated washes and glazes without tearing or pilling. Thinner 190gsm sheets tend to buckle once the second layer goes down.

Weight decides how much water a sheet can hold. A 300gsm sheet absorbs a wet wash, dries evenly and still has the strength for a third or fourth layer. Daler-Rowney, Winsor & Newton and Arches all make 300gsm paper for this reason.

Surface matters too. Cold press (NOT) has a light texture that grips pigment, which makes it ideal for glazing. Hot press is smoother and suits fine detail, but washes move faster across it. Rough paper holds the most water and gives a bold, textured finish.

A few habits protect your layers:

• Let each layer dry fully before adding the next, or colours lift and turn muddy.
• Work from light to dark.
• Tape the edges to a board to keep the sheet flat.
• Use a soft mop brush so you don’t disturb earlier washes.

At Cowling & Wilcox, artists across London and the South East can pick pads and sheets in different weights and surfaces to match their technique. Starting with a heavier sheet gives you more room to build depth.

Planning your composition first also helps. Many painters sketch the outline on large tracing paper, then transfer it lightly onto the watercolour sheet. This avoids heavy pencil marks and erasing, which can damage the surface and change how layers sit.

A4 is a practical size for studies, colour tests and small finished pieces. With the right weight and careful drying between layers, it handles multiple washes well and keeps your paintings clean and vibrant.