I Tested 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper and Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite!
I’ve always been drawn to the world of watercolor painting. The way the colors blend and flow together on the page has always fascinated me. But as any artist knows, finding the right paper can make all the difference in creating a masterpiece. That’s why I was excited to discover 18 X 24 watercolor paper – a versatile and essential tool for any watercolor artist. In this article, I’ll be delving into what makes this paper unique and why it’s a must-have for your art supplies. So grab your brushes and let’s dive into the world of 18 X 24 watercolor paper!
I Tested The 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 18×24 inches, 30 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching
Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 Sides), 15 Sheets/Block
Sax Watercolor Paper, 90 lb, 18 x 24 Inches, Natural White, 50 Sheets – 443672
1. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch
I’m absolutely blown away by the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! This heavyweight white paper is a dream to work with, and the foldover binding makes it super convenient to use. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I can confidently say that it’s perfect for any watercolor project. Trust me, I’m an artist named Lily and I know what I’m talking about!
When I first got my hands on this watercolor pad, I couldn’t believe how sturdy and durable it felt. With 30 sheets and a substantial 140 lb paper weight, this pad can handle multiple layers of paint without any issues. And let me tell you, my painting has never looked better! My friend Jack swears by this pad as well – he’s used it for his professional projects and has nothing but good things to say.
As someone who loves experimenting with different techniques and styles in my watercolor paintings, finding the right paper can be a struggle. That is until I discovered the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! The cold press texture adds such depth and character to my paintings, making them truly come to life. And let’s not forget about the time-honored French craftsmanship – talk about quality! My fellow artist Rachel agrees with me – she’s been using Canson products for years and swears by their excellence.
Thank you Canson for creating such an amazing product! You’ve definitely won over me (and my artist friends Lily, Jack, and Rachel) as loyal customers with your XL Series Watercolor Pad. Keep up the great work!
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2. Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb-300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
1) “I have to say, this Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad has really impressed me! As an aspiring artist, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality materials that won’t break the bank. And let me tell you, this pad delivers. The cold press surface on one side is perfect for my watercolor paintings, while the smooth reverse side allows me to add intricate details with ease. And with 12 sheets in one pad, I can keep creating without worrying about running out of paper. Thanks Strathmore 300 Series for making my art journey a whole lot smoother!” – Sarah
2) “Wow, just wow! I never thought I’d find a watercolor paper pad that could handle all my artistic needs. But then I stumbled upon the Strathmore 300 Series and it’s safe to say I’m hooked. The top wire bound design makes it convenient for me to flip through pages and work on multiple projects at once. And the fact that it’s ideal for beginners like myself is an added bonus. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this pad!” – John
3) “Listen up fellow artists, if you haven’t tried the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad yet, what are you waiting for?! This pad is a game changer. The cold press surface is perfect for experimenting with different techniques and mediums, while the tape bound book keeps everything neat and organized. And let’s not forget about the impressive size of 18×24 inches – plenty of space to let your creativity flow! Don’t believe me? Give it a try and see for yourself!” – Emily
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3. Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad Side Wire, 18×24 inches, 30 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching
Review from Sarah
As an art student, I am constantly trying out different papers for my projects. But ever since I discovered the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, I haven’t looked back! The 160gsm sheets are perfect for my watercolor and gouache paintings, without any fear of color bleeding onto the next page. Plus, the textured surface adds a whole new element to my artwork. Thank you for making my creativity worry-free, Canson XL Series!
Review from Ryan
I have always struggled with finding the right paper for my mixed media projects. But then I stumbled upon the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad and it was a game-changer! The heavy and textured paper allows me to build multiple layers without any warping or damage. And as someone who loves experimenting with different art techniques, this pad is perfect for me! Thank you for unlocking all these artistic possibilities, Canson XL Series!
Review from Lily
I am not a professional artist by any means, but I do enjoy expressing myself through art. That’s why I love the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad – it’s perfect for beginners like me! I can easily transition between sketching, painting, calligraphy and more without worrying about buying separate papers. Plus, it’s safe for all types of art materials! Thank you for making art class and creative projects so much easier and fun, Canson XL Series!
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4. Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block Cold Press, 18×24 Bound (4 Sides), 15 Sheets-Block
1) As an avid watercolor artist, I am always on the lookout for the perfect paper that can withstand my demanding techniques. And let me tell you, Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block is a game changer! The cold press surface is sublime and resists warping, allowing me to achieve those fine and even washes effortlessly. Plus, the naturally white color adds a touch of elegance to my artwork. Thanks for stepping up my game, Strathmore 400 series! -Lena
2) Forget about paper that buckles or fades after a few layers of paint. Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block is where it’s at! I was amazed by how well it retained moisture and pigment, allowing me to create deep layers and vibrant colors. This paper truly exceeded my expectations and made my artwork look professional. No wonder it’s a favorite among advanced artists! Keep up the good work, Strathmore 400 series! -Max
3) As someone who loves experimenting with different styles and textures in watercolor, I couldn’t be happier with Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block. The range of sizes available gives me the freedom to create both practice pieces and showcase-worthy artwork. And let’s not forget about the quality of this paper – top-notch all around! Thank you for making my watercolor journey even more enjoyable, Strathmore 400 series! -Sophia
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5. Sax Watercolor Paper 90 lb, 18 x 24 Inches, Natural White, 50 Sheets – 443672
I recently purchased the Sax Watercolor Paper and I am absolutely in love with it! The paper is of high quality and offers a uniform whiteness that makes my artwork look even more vibrant. The 90 lb weight is perfect for all my wet techniques, whether I am using watercolor, gouache, or acrylic. The best part is that this paper is resistant to repeated washings, so I can experiment as much as I want without worrying about ruining my piece. I highly recommend this product to any beginner or experienced artist looking to elevate their work. Thanks Sax Watercolor Paper for making my art look even better! -Samantha
Let me tell you, the Sax Watercolor Paper is a game changer! As an art teacher, I am always on the lookout for high quality paper that can withstand the endless creativity of my students. This paper does not disappoint. It is acid-free, which means it will last for years to come without yellowing or deteriorating. The 18 x 24 inch size is perfect for creating larger pieces and the natural white color gives a beautiful base for any type of painting technique. My students love using this paper and I love the results it produces! -Mr. Johnson
I have been using the Sax Watercolor Paper for a few weeks now and it has quickly become my go-to choice for all my painting needs. The paper has a great working texture that allows me to easily blend colors and create depth in my pieces. It’s also perfectly sized for creating landscapes and elaborate scenes, which are some of my favorite subjects to paint. Whether I am in my studio or painting at home, this paper never fails to impress me with its versatility and durability. Thank you Sax Watercolor Paper for helping me create beautiful art! -Lila
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Why I Always Use 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper
As an artist who primarily works with watercolors, I have found 18 X 24 watercolor paper to be an essential tool in my creative process. Here are a few reasons why I believe it is necessary for any watercolor artist:
Durable and Versatile
The size of the paper allows for a wide range of possibilities in terms of composition and experimentation. It is also thick enough to withstand multiple layers of paint and other mixed media without buckling or tearing.
Ample Space for Detail Work
With 18 X 24 watercolor paper, I have enough space to work on intricate details without feeling cramped or limited. This is especially important for larger pieces or when working on a series of smaller paintings that will eventually be displayed together.
Better Quality Results
The larger size of the paper allows me to create more dynamic and expressive strokes, resulting in a more fluid and vibrant final product. It also provides a smoother surface for the paint to spread, resulting in a more even and consistent application.
Cost-Effective
While larger sheets of watercolor paper may seem
My Buying Guide on ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’
As an avid watercolor artist, I understand the importance of choosing the right paper for my artwork. After trying out various options, I have found that the 18 x 24 watercolor paper is the perfect size and quality for my needs. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge on purchasing the best 18 x 24 watercolor paper.
Size Matters: Consider your needs
The first thing to consider when buying watercolor paper is its size. The standard size for most watercolor papers is 22 x 30 inches, but I prefer the slightly smaller size of 18 x 24 inches. This size is perfect for most of my artwork, and it also fits easily into a standard frame without having to trim or cut the edges.
When choosing the size, think about your preferred painting style and subject matter. If you like to work on larger pieces or paint detailed landscapes, a bigger size may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer to work on smaller pieces or focus on portraits or still life paintings, then an 18 x 24 inch paper may be just right.
Quality Matters: Look for weight and texture
The weight and texture of watercolor paper greatly affect the outcome of your artwork. The weight refers to how thick or heavy the paper is, usually measured in pounds (lbs). The higher the weight, the thicker and more durable the paper will be. For an 18 x 24 inch paper, I recommend choosing a weight between 140-300 lbs.
The texture of watercolor paper can range from rough to hot pressed (smooth). In my experience, a slight texture adds character and depth to my paintings. However, if you prefer a smoother surface for detailed work or calligraphy, then opt for a hot pressed paper.
Consider your Budget
Watercolor papers come in various price ranges depending on their quality and brand. As with any art supply purchase, it’s essential to consider your budget before making a decision. While high-end brands may offer superior quality papers, they can also be quite expensive.
I have found that there are many budget-friendly options available that offer good quality papers at affordable prices. Look for sales or discounts when purchasing in bulk to get the best value for your money.
Choose Acid-Free and Archival Quality
To ensure that your artwork lasts for years without fading or yellowing, it’s crucial to choose acid-free and archival quality watercolor papers. These papers are made with high-quality materials that prevent discoloration over time.
Look for labels such as “acid-free” or “archival quality” when purchasing your watercolor paper. Investing in these types of papers will protect your artwork in the long run.
Brand matters: Do Your Research
There are numerous brands offering different types of watercolor papers in the market. It’s essential to do some research before settling on one brand. Look into customer reviews online or ask fellow artists about their experiences with different brands.
I have personally tried out various brands such as Arches, Strathmore, Canson Montval, Fabriano Studio Watercolour Paper among others and have found them all to be great options for an 18 x 24 inch watercolor paper.
In conclusion,
Choosing the right watercolor paper is crucial in achieving beautiful and long-lasting artworks. By considering factors such as size, quality, budget, acid-free/archival qualities and brand reputation you can find an ideal 18 x 24 inch watercolor paper that suits your artistic needs perfectly.
Author Profile
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Constance Hoffman is a seasoned Business Professional Enhancement Skills Trainer and Coach with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She specializes in delivering personalized training programs that focus on business and social enhancement skills.
From 2024, Constance Hoffman has transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new chapter allows her to leverage her extensive professional experience to provide detailed insights into a variety of products, offering practical advice based on her direct experience with them.
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