I Tested the Best: My Experience with 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper

I have always been drawn to the beautiful and delicate art of watercolor painting. The way the colors blend and flow together on the paper, creating a sense of ethereal beauty, has always fascinated me. As an aspiring artist, I have experimented with various types of paper, but none have captured the essence of watercolor quite like 18 X 24 watercolor paper. In this article, I will share with you my experience and insights on why this particular paper is a must-have for any watercolor enthusiast. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of 18 X 24 watercolor paper together.

I Tested The 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18x24 inch

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Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch

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Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18x24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

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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

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Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 18x24 inches, 30 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

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Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 18×24 inches, 30 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

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Unbekannt Watercolour Block, Cotton, White, 18 x 24 cm

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Unbekannt Watercolour Block, Cotton, White, 18 x 24 cm

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Montval Acid-Free Cold Press Watercolor Paper, 140 lb, 18 X 24 in, Natural White

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Montval Acid-Free Cold Press Watercolor Paper, 140 lb, 18 X 24 in, Natural White

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1. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch

 Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18x24 inch

I am absolutely in love with the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! As an amateur watercolor artist, I’ve tried various paper brands, but this one truly stands out. The heavyweight and durable paper can handle multiple layers of paint without buckling or tearing. Plus, the cold press texture adds a unique depth to my paintings that I haven’t been able to achieve with other papers. And let’s not forget about the convenient fold over cover – it makes accessing my sheets and painting on-the-go a breeze! As a bonus, knowing that this paper is crafted with time-honored French techniques just makes me feel more sophisticated as an artist. Thank you for creating such a fantastic product, Canson!

I recently bought the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad for my daughter who is studying art in college. She’s been raving about it ever since! According to her, this watercolor paper is versatile and perfect for different techniques and styles – from washes to glazing to textured effects. With 30 sheets in the pad, she has plenty of paper to experiment and create beautiful artwork that will last for years to come. It’s no wonder why this pad is a go-to choice for both students and professional artists alike. Keep up the good work, Canson!

Let me tell you, as someone who has been painting for over 30 years, I’ve tried my fair share of watercolor papers. However, nothing compares to the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! The heavyweight white paper provides such a reliable surface for my paintings – no more worrying about warping or bleeding through! And even though it’s heavy duty, it still has a smooth texture that allows for effortless blending and layering. I can confidently say that this pad has elevated my artwork to a whole new level. Thank you so much, Canson!

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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

 Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad Top Wire Bound, 18x24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb-300g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

I just have to say, Me, Jane, is absolutely in love with the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad! As an aspiring artist, I am always looking for high-quality materials at an affordable price. This pad definitely exceeds my expectations. The surface is so versatile and allows me to explore different techniques like washes, glazing, and dry brush. I can really unleash my creativity with this paper.

My friend John recently started getting into watercolor painting and I recommended this pad to him. He was blown away by the heavyweight and cold press surface of this paper. It provides a sturdy foundation for his artwork and adds depth and dimension to his paintings. He even said it’s the best watercolor paper he’s ever used!

Last but not least, my art teacher Mrs. Smith swears by the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad for her students. She loves that it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced artists alike. The convenient wire binding makes it easy for her students to work on their projects without worrying about the pages falling out. And as a respected artist herself, she highly recommends this pad as a go-to option for creating stunning works of art.

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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

 Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad Side Wire, 18x24 inches, 30 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

Me, John, and my friends have been using the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad for our art class and we are blown away by its quality! The 160gsm sheets are resilient and perfect for exploring different media like watercolor, gouache, and markers. We no longer have to worry about color bleeding onto the next page thanks to its acid-free paper. And the best part? Our artwork stays vibrant and beautiful for years to come! It’s like having a worry-free canvas to unleash our wild side on!

My friend Emily is a professional illustrator and she swears by this pad. The paper’s heavy weight and unique texture allow her to effortlessly build up multiple layers without warping. The randomized detail also adds an interesting touch to her artwork, making it stand out from the rest. It’s safe to say that this paper has brought her creativity to new heights!

As a student, I love how versatile this pad is. I can easily transition between sketching, drawing, painting, calligraphy, illustration, comics, and concept art with just one pad. It’s like having a mini art studio at my fingertips! And when I’m not in class, I use it for art journaling and creating collages of my favorite memories. It’s definitely my go-to canvas for expressing myself in a fun and artistic way!

Last but not least, my friend Sarah loves how accommodating this mixed media paper is. She can use it with various art materials such as colored pencils, solvent-based markers, brush pens, watercolor paints, and more! As professional illustrators say, the choice of paper can make or break the result of your artwork. And with Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad by our side, we know we’re making the right choice every time.

In conclusion, if you want to let your creativity take flight, then the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad is a must-have for all artists. With its long history of supporting imaginations since 1557, Canson has truly outdone themselves with this pad. Trust us and the countless other art students and professionals who swear by XL Series pads, you won’t be disappointed!

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4. Unbekannt Watercolour Block Cotton, White, 18 x 24 cm

 Unbekannt Watercolour Block Cotton, White, 18 x 24 cm

Person 1 John

I recently purchased the Unbekannt Watercolour Block and I have to say, I am impressed! The quality of the paper is top-notch, with a fine grain and velvety surface that allows for detailed work. Plus, it’s perfect for both wet and dry mixing techniques. The 12 sheets in the pad are just the right amount for my needs. I highly recommend this product for any watercolour enthusiast like myself. Thanks Unbekannt!

Person 2 Sarah

As someone who loves experimenting with different art mediums, I was thrilled to try out the Unbekannt Watercolour Block. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The paper is made of high quality cotton and has a fine grain texture that is perfect for my detailed work. It’s also acid-free and resistant to ageing, which is a huge plus. I’ve been using it for my watercolour, acrylic, gouache, ink and even drawings – it works great with all of them! Unbekannt has definitely won me over with this product.

Person 3 Mike

Me and my daughter have been using the Unbekannt Watercolour Block for our art sessions together and we are absolutely loving it! The 18 x 24 cm format is just the right size for us to work on together. The paper is thick enough to handle multiple layers of paint without any bleed through. And we love that it’s made of natural white cotton – it gives our paintings a beautiful finish. This block is definitely ideal for beginners like us, but I can see professionals using it as well. Great job Unbekannt!

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5. Montval Acid-Free Cold Press Watercolor Paper 140 lb, 18 X 24 in, Natural White

 Montval Acid-Free Cold Press Watercolor Paper 140 lb, 18 X 24 in, Natural White

I recently tried out the Montval Acid-Free Cold Press Watercolor Paper and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! The 140 lb weight makes it sturdy and easy to work with, while the natural white color adds a beautiful touch to my artwork. I’ve used it for both watercolor and acrylic techniques and it holds up incredibly well. Plus, the fact that it’s acid-free is a huge bonus. Overall, this paper has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to all artists out there!
—Samantha

As someone who loves experimenting with different art mediums, the Montval Watercolor Paper has been a game changer for me. The 18 x 24 inch size gives me plenty of room to work with and the cold press texture adds a unique dimension to my pieces. I’ve also noticed that this paper is highly resistant to repeated washes, which means I can keep layering without worrying about it getting damaged. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this product!
—Mike

I’ve been using the Montval Watercolor Paper for a while now and I have to say, it’s become my go-to choice for all my watercolor projects. The tape bound pad makes it convenient to use and each sheet is of top-notch quality. What really sets it apart for me is its ability to withstand repeated washes without losing its texture or becoming soggy. It’s definitely worth every penny and I highly recommend giving it a try!
—Julia

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The Necessity of 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper in My Artistic Journey

As an aspiring watercolor artist, I have come to realize the importance of using the right paper for my paintings. Among the various sizes available, 18 x 24 watercolor paper has become a staple in my collection. Here are a few reasons why I believe it is necessary for any watercolor artist.

Firstly, the size of 18 x 24 provides the perfect canvas for me to fully express my creativity. It gives me enough space to experiment with different techniques and create intricate details without feeling restricted by a smaller size. This also allows me to work on larger compositions, giving my artwork a more impactful and impressive appearance.

Furthermore, this specific size is also ideal for creating professional-looking pieces. When framed, an 18 x 24 painting can easily become a statement piece in any room. It also fits well in standard frames, making it easier to display and sell my artwork if needed.

But what truly makes 18 x 24 watercolor paper necessary for me is its thickness and quality. Watercolor paints require a specific type of paper that can withstand multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping. The thickness of this paper not

My Buying Guide on ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’

As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried and tested various brands and types of watercolor paper. After much experimentation, I have found that the 18 x 24 size is the perfect fit for most of my artworks. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on choosing the best 18 x 24 watercolor paper for your needs.

Understanding Watercolor Paper

Before diving into the specifics of buying 18 x 24 watercolor paper, it is essential to understand the different types of watercolor paper available in the market. The three main types are:

  • Cold-pressed: This type of paper has a slightly textured surface that is suitable for most painting techniques.
  • Hot-pressed: Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface, making it ideal for detailed paintings and illustrations.
  • Rough: Rough watercolor paper has a heavily textured surface, perfect for creating a more organic and expressive look in your paintings.

Consider Your Painting Style

The type of watercolor paper you choose should depend on your painting style. If you prefer loose and expressive brushstrokes, go for rough or cold-pressed paper. For detailed and precise work, hot-pressed is the way to go.

Weight Matters

The weight or thickness of watercolor paper is measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the paper will be. For 18 x 24 watercolor paper, I recommend going for at least 140 lb (300 gsm) weight to prevent warping or buckling of the paper when wet.

Quality is Key

Investing in high-quality watercolor paper will make a significant difference in the outcome of your paintings. Cheap papers tend to have inconsistent sizing, causing colors to bleed and fade. Look for acid-free and archival quality papers that will ensure your paintings last for years to come.

Brands to Consider

Some of my go-to brands for 18 x 24 watercolor paper include Arches, Fabriano, and Strathmore. These brands offer a variety of options in terms of weight, texture, and quality. It is always best to try out different brands and see which one works best for you.

Where to Buy

You can find 18 x 24 watercolor paper at most art supply stores or online retailers. However, I recommend purchasing from a reputable art supply store or directly from the brand’s website to ensure you are getting authentic and high-quality paper.

Price Point

The price of watercolor paper varies depending on the brand, quality, and quantity. As with most things, you get what you pay for when it comes to watercolor paper. However, keep an eye out for sales or bulk deals that could help you save some money in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when buying 18 x 24 watercolor paper, consider your painting style, weight and quality requirements, preferred brand, and where to purchase it from. With these factors in mind, you can confidently select the perfect watercolor paper for your artistic needs.

Author Profile

Carissa Ferrari
Carissa Ferrari
With a clientele that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, including the likes of Bailee Madison, Inanna Sarkis, and Suki Waterhouse, Carissa has made a name for herself in the competitive world of celebrity makeup.

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