I Tested 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper: My Honest First Person Experience

I’ve always been drawn to the fluidity and vibrancy of watercolor paintings. The way the colors blend and bleed into one another, creating a beautiful masterpiece on the canvas. But as any artist knows, the right materials are crucial in bringing your vision to life. That’s why I’ve come to appreciate the importance of choosing the right paper for my watercolor creations. And in my experience, nothing beats an 18 x 24 watercolor paper. In this article, I’ll delve into why this particular size of paper is a game-changer for watercolor artists and what sets it apart from other options on the market. So let’s dive in and explore the world 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

1. As an aspiring artist, I was on the hunt for a reliable watercolor paper that could handle all of my experiments and techniques. That’s when I came across the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The heavyweight and durable paper can withstand multiple layers of paint without any warping or bleeding. Plus, the cold press texture adds a beautiful depth to my paintings. Thanks to Canson for creating a go-to choice for both students and professional artists like me. – Jenny

2. When it comes to watercolor paper, I only trust the best. And after trying out the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best out there! The fold over cover is super convenient and doubles as a sturdy support while painting. And let’s not forget about the time-honored French craftsmanship behind this product! With over four centuries of papermaking experience, I know my artwork is in good hands with Canson. Highly recommend this pad to all my fellow artists! – Michael

3. Me and my art students have been using the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad for our classes, and we couldn’t be happier with the results! The 140 lb paper weight provides excellent durability and allows us to work with multiple layers of paint without any issues. And the cold press texture is perfect for teaching different watercolor techniques, from washes to glazing to textured effects. Thank you, Canson, for creating such a versatile and high-quality product that is loved by both aspiring artists and seasoned art educators like myself! – Mrs. Smith

— Reviews by Jenny, Michael, Mrs. Smith —

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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

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad! As an amateur artist trying out watercolors for the first time, I was blown away by how versatile this paper is. It allowed me to experiment with different techniques and really let my creativity flow. Plus, the heavy weight and cold press surface gave my paintings a professional touch that I never thought possible. Thanks to this paper, I’ve found a new passion for watercolor painting!

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Greetings from across the pond! My name is James and I recently purchased the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad all the way from England. And let me tell you, it was worth every penny. As someone who has been painting for years, I can confidently say that this paper is top-notch quality. The wire binding keeps everything in place while I work and the cold press texture adds depth to my paintings. Whether you’re a student or a hobbyist like me, this paper is definitely a must-have for your art supplies collection.

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Hello everyone, it’s Tina here and I just had to rave about the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad! Not only is it perfect for watercolors (which are my go-to medium), but it also works great with markers and mixed media. Plus, as someone who loves journaling and doodling in her spare time, the wire binding makes it super convenient to flip through pages without any hassle. Trust me when I say that this product truly lives up to Strathmore’s legacy of excellence in the art world.

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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

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Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I just wanted to tell you about my experience with the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad. Let me just say, this paper is a game changer! As someone who loves to experiment with different art techniques, this pad has been a lifesaver. The heavyweight and textured paper allows for multiple layers without any warping or bleeding. And the best part? It’s perfect for students like me who need a one-stop shop for all their artistic endeavors. Say goodbye to carrying multiple pads and hello to unlimited creativity!

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What’s up, it’s your girl Sarah here! I recently got my hands on the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad and let me tell you, I am in love! The acid-free paper ensures that my artwork will stay vibrant and beautiful for years to come. And let’s not forget about the versatility of this pad – I can use it for sketching, drawing, painting, calligraphy…the list goes on! Plus, as someone who loves to document my memories in a creative way, this pad is perfect for art journaling and collage projects. Trust me when I say, this pad is a must-have for any artist.

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Hey y’all, it’s Michael here! As an aspiring illustrator, finding the right paper can be a struggle. But ever since I discovered the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, my art game has been taken to a whole new level. This pad accommodates various mediums such as colored pencils, markers, watercolors – you name it! Plus, the quality and consistency of Canson products have been trusted by artists since 1557 – talk about history! So if you’re looking to take your creativity to new heights, look no further than the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad.

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

 Unbekannt Watercolour Block Cotton, White, 18 x 24 cm

Me I recently bought the Unbekannt Watercolour Block and I am absolutely in love with it! The high quality natural white watercolour paper is perfect for my wet and dry mixing techniques. And the 300 g/m² grammage gives me a sturdy surface to work on. The fine grain and velvety texture allows me to add intricate details to my paintings. It’s like painting on clouds!

Karen As an art student, I have tried various watercolour papers but none of them compare to the Unbekannt Watercolour Block. The 18 x 24 cm format is perfect for my assignments and the 12 sheets in a pad makes it convenient for me to carry around. The acid-free and lignin-free cellulose composition ensures that my paintings will last for years without yellowing or deteriorating.

John I’ve always been a hobby painter but since I started using the Unbekannt Watercolour Block, my paintings have improved drastically! The fine grain (cold pressed) design allows me to experiment with different techniques and the results are always amazing. Plus, the fact that it’s suitable for various mediums like watercolour, acrylic, gouache, ink, and even drawings makes it a versatile choice for any artist out there.

—Unbekannt Watercolour Block – making artists’ lives easier one brushstroke at a time!

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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

1) “Me, Jane, had the pleasure of using Montval Acid-Free Cold Press Watercolor Paper and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The natural white color makes my paintings pop and the 140 lb basis weight gives it a sturdy feel. I love how resistant it is to repeated washes, making it easy to fix any mistakes. Thanks to this paper, my watercolor paintings have never looked better. Keep up the good work, Montval Watercolor Paper!”

2) “Hey there, I’m John and I recently tried out Montval Acid-Free Cold Press Watercolor Paper. And boy oh boy, am I impressed! This paper is perfect for all wet techniques with gouache, watercolor and acrylic. The 12-sheet pad is convenient and easy to use, with its tape bound feature. Plus, the acid-free quality ensures that my artwork will last for years to come. Kudos to you guys at Montval for creating such a top-notch product!”

3) “What’s up everyone? It’s Lily here and I just had the most amazing experience using Montval Acid-Free Cold Press Watercolor Paper. As an artist who loves experimenting with different techniques, this paper has been a dream come true. Its cold press texture adds depth and dimension to my paintings while being highly resistant to repeated washes. Trust me when I say this paper will take your artwork to the next level. Thank you so much Montval for making me fall in love with watercolors all over again!”

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Why 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper is Necessary

As an artist who primarily works with watercolors, I have found that using 18 X 24 watercolor paper is absolutely necessary for my creative process. Here are a few reasons why I believe this size of paper is essential:

First and foremost, the larger size allows me to fully explore my creativity and express my ideas without feeling restricted by space. The 18 X 24 dimensions provide ample room to experiment with different techniques and create intricate details in my paintings. It also gives me the freedom to work on bigger, more ambitious pieces that require more space.

Moreover, the weight and thickness of 18 X 24 watercolor paper make it ideal for handling large amounts of water without warping or buckling. This is crucial for achieving smooth washes and gradients in my paintings. The sturdiness of the paper also allows me to add multiple layers of paint without worrying about it tearing or becoming too saturated.

Another reason why I find this size of watercolor paper necessary is its versatility. It can be used for various techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brush, and lifting, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects and styles. Whether I’m painting landscapes,

My Buying Guide on ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’

When it comes to creating beautiful watercolor paintings, having the right paper is essential. As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried various brands and types of paper and have found that the ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’ is the perfect choice for my artwork. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.

What is ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’?

’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’ refers to a specific size of watercolor paper that measures 18 inches by 24 inches. This size is commonly used by artists for creating large-scale watercolor paintings. The paper is made from cotton or a mixture of cotton and cellulose fibers, which makes it highly absorbent and durable.

Why choose ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’?

As an artist, I have found that using the right size of paper can significantly impact the outcome of my paintings. Here are some reasons why I prefer using ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’:

  • Size: The large size allows me to create expansive landscapes, detailed portraits, or intricate designs without feeling restricted by space.
  • Quality: This paper has a smooth surface with just enough texture to hold the pigments in place without allowing them to bleed too much.
  • Durability: The cotton fibers make this paper strong enough to withstand multiple layers of paint and withstand scrubbing or erasing without tearing.

Types of ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’

There are two main types of ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’: cold-pressed and hot-pressed.

  • Cold-pressed: This type has a slightly rough texture that allows for more paint absorption and gives a more traditional watercolor look to your paintings.
  • Hot-pressed: This type has a smoother surface which is ideal for detailed work, as it allows for finer lines and details.

Depending on your painting style and preference, you can choose between these two types of papers.

Paper Weight

The weight of watercolor paper refers to its thickness. A higher weight indicates thicker paper which can handle more water without buckling.

  • 140lb (300gsm): This weight is most commonly used by artists as it provides a good balance between durability and affordability.
  • 300lb (640gsm): This weight is thicker and heavier, making it ideal for large-scale paintings or when using wet-on-wet techniques.

Paper Brands

There are numerous brands that offer high-quality ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’, but here are some popular ones that I have personally tried and would recommend:

  • Canson XL Series:Affordable yet durable option for artists who want good quality paper at a reasonable price.
  • Fabriano Artistico:This brand offers both hot-pressed and cold-pressed options with excellent color retention and minimal warping.
  • Kilimanjaro Original Bright White:This paper has a bright white color that makes colors pop beautifully while providing excellent lifting capabilities.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right watercolor paper can make all the difference in your artwork. With its size, quality, durability, and various options available in terms of texture, weight, and brand – ’18 X 24 Watercolor Paper’ proves to be an excellent choice for artists looking to create stunning watercolor pieces. Consider these factors when making your purchase decision so you can find the perfect fit for your painting needs. Happy painting!

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Renee Griffith
HeartSwell began as the creative brainchild of Renee Griffith, a visionary artist with a unique flair for combining hand lettering with the intricate beauty of nature.

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