During the process, he provided a wealth of experimental data on all-cotton watercolor paper, serving as a critical resource for watercolor paper manufacturers, enhancing the quality and meeting market demand.

His paper has also gained an overseas reputation as being the first Chinese independent brand of watercolor paper to enter the international painting world.

According to Shi, his high-end major product — Baohong Watercolor Paper — has better color rendering, texture and erasability than ordinary papers.

It can be stored for a long time and even after more than 10 years, it still retains its characteristics. "Our high-end watercolor paper has undergone professional aging tests and can even be preserved for a hundred years," he said.

With all the advantages, his company has established R&D cooperation and business contacts with various art academies in China, including the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the China Academy of Art.

Many university schools in art, fashion, architecture and animation have chosen the Baoding-made watercolor paper for teaching, he said.

According to Shi, the company has an annual production capacity of around 500 metric tons of watercolor paper, 20 percent of which is for export.

Although he has achieved his goal, Shi doesn't stop pursuing perfection.

"Watercolor paper quality has improved over the years, but I strive for perfection," he said.