But here are a few hints about washes and your paper:
Please use an artist grade of paper to practice your washes. If you use a student grade, you will never receive the same results as in your finished work. Arches, Fabriano, Saunders Waterford and some of the best ones. Of course, they come in different weights, and textures. Again, use for practice, the type you will be using in your finished work.
A word about 'wetness'
Semi-wet: This comes from making patches of the paper wet and leaving others dry. You can reserve areas for the sharp edges of realistic detail and wet areas for atmospheric and softer effects.
Damp: The paper is wet but has no shine. Great for drawing with water, scraping out or spattering. You'll be able to make a clean circle by touching a finger to it. This is not the time to try to mix color into the paper.
Dry: is suitable for all forms and textures. Makes sharp edges which may be difficult to undo.
"It is just a matter of timing, but timing in watercolor,as in life, is everything." Jeanne Carbonetti