Using a sharp knife, cut three slashes in the skin side of the salmon to allow the salt mixture to penetrate. Combine water, salt, sugar, and paprika in a Ziploc or glass bowl. Add salmon.
Cover with plastic wrap if using a bowl, and refrigerate 8-12 hours.
Remove the salmon from the brine. Rinse quickly. Place on a wire rack, skin side down, and let dry at room temperature for 2 hours, or place in the refrigerator for 6 hours.