Best Mixed Media Paper of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Mixed Media Paper is a versatile paper that is perfect for a variety of projects. It is designed to work with various mediums including watercolors, acrylics, markers, and more. This paper is thicker than traditional drawing paper, making it ideal for layering and building up textures. It is also acid-free, ensuring that your artwork will not yellow or fade over time. Mixed Media Paper is available in a range of sizes and formats, including pads, sketchbooks, and loose sheets, making it a great choice for both professional artists and hobbyists alike.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Canson XL Mixed Media Pad Cover #TOP 1
Canson XL Mixed Media Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Canson XL Mixed Media Paper, 100 Sheets Cover #TOP 2
Canson XL Mixed Media Paper, 100 Sheets
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Paper Book Cover #TOP 3
Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Paper Book
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Mixed Media Paper

#TOP 1

Canson XL Mixed Media Pad

100510927
Multicolor
9x12
Canson XL Mixed Media Pad Cover
Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9x12 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

The Canson XL Pad is perfect for artists looking to explore their creativity with confidence. The heavyweight 160gsm sheets allow you to work with both dry and wet media without worrying about color bleeding onto the next page. Its textured surface absorbs paint beautifully, enabling you to layer colors for depth and vibrancy. Whether you’re sketching, painting, or using colored pencils, this versatile pad supports a wide range of art materials, making it ideal for students and hobbyists alike. Experience the freedom to express your artistic vision with this reliable mixed media paper.

What We Like
Heavyweight, durable paper
Textured for depth
Versatile for various media
Acid-free for longevity
#TOP 2

Canson XL Mixed Media Paper, 100 Sheets

1435468
White
12 x 18 Inches
Canson XL Mixed Media Paper, 100 Sheets Cover
Canson - 100516254 XL Mixed Media Paper, 98 lb, 12 x 18 Inches, 100 Sheets, White - 1435468

Canson XL Mixed Media Paper is an acid-free paper that is perfect for scrapbooking and archival use. The paper is sized perfectly for architectural sketches and designs. This paper can be used with a multitude of art supplies, making it perfect for both beginner and expert artists. The paper is made in China.

What We Like
Acid-free paper is great for scrapbooking and archival use.
The paper is sized perfectly for architectural sketches and designs.
This paper can be used with a multitude of art supplies, making it versatile for artists of all levels.
#TOP 3

Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Paper Book

P566-555
Natural White
Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Paper Book Cover
Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Paper Art Book, Matte Brown Soft Cover Binding, Natural White, 32 Sheets, 5.5x8.5 inch

The Strathmore 500 Mixed Media art book is designed for serious artists who want professional-quality paper. Its thick, 100% cotton pages let you work confidently with wet and dry media, perfect for layering watercolors, acrylics, inks, and more without worrying about tearing or warping. The paper has a smooth, vellum-like finish that enhances your drawings and paintings. Plus, the durable matte brown cover and Smyth-sewn binding make it easy to lay the book flat while you work, giving you a comfortable and stable surface for your creative projects.

What We Like
Professional-grade paper
Heavyweight 100% cotton sheets
Supports multiple media layers
Durable matte cover
Lay-flat Smyth-sewn binding
#TOP 4

Canson XL Series Rough Mix Media Sketchbook

C400068373
BLUE
9x12
Canson XL Series Rough Mix Media Sketchbook Cover
Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Rough Texture, Side Wire, 9x12 inches, 50 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

The Canson XL Series Rough Mix Media Sketchbook features a heavier weight and courser surface that can accommodate wet media generously and hold dry media easily. It has 50 sheets of 90 lb/185 gsm paper in 9"x12" size that are micro-perforated for true-sized sheets. This sketchbook is perfect for artists who love to mix different media in their artworks.

What We Like
Can handle wet media generously
Courser surface easily grabs hold of dry media
Micro-perforated for true-sized sheets
#TOP 5

Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad

P362-5
White
5.5x8.5
Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad Cover
Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 5.5x8.5 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker

The Strathmore Mixed Media Paper Pad is a versatile artist paper that is perfect for adults and students alike. With its micro-perforated wire bound sheets, it offers convenience and ease of use. Whether you're sketching, practicing techniques, or doing quick studies, this medium weight paper in sketchbook formats is ideal. The paper is designed to handle a variety of mediums including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, graphite, pen & ink, colored pencil, marker, pastel, and collage. Made in the USA, this paper pad provides high-quality materials for your artistic endeavors.

What We Like
Versatile
Convenient
High-quality
#TOP 6

Strathmore Mixed Media Paper Pad

P462-106
White
Strathmore Mixed Media Paper Pad Cover
Strathmore (462-106 400 Series Mixed Media Pad, 6"x8", 15 Sheets , White

This Mixed Media Paper Pad is made in the United States and features heavy-weight paper with a vellum surface, making it perfect for both wet and dry media.

What We Like
Heavy-weight paper with vellum surface
Ideal for a variety of wet and dry media
Made in the United States
#TOP 7

Canson 100510926 XL Mix Media Paper Pad

100510926
7x10
Canson 100510926 XL Mix Media Paper Pad Cover
Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 7x10 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

The Canson Mix Media Paper Pad is a versatile choice for artists and creative individuals. This 7 x 10 inch paper pad is perfect for sketching, drawing, light washes of ink and watercolor, collage, and journaling. The paper is 98 pound/160 gram, which provides a sturdy surface for various art techniques. It erases well and blends easily, allowing for effortless corrections and smooth transitions between colors and mediums. The micro perforated, true size sheets make it easy to tear out finished artwork without damaging the rest of the pad. With 60 acid-free sheets, artists can enjoy a generous supply of high-quality paper for their creative endeavors.

What We Like
Versatile
Durable
Easy to erase and blend
#TOP 8

Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad

P362-9
white
9x12
Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad Cover
Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9x12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker

The Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad is a medium weight sketchbook, side wire bound with 40 micro-perforated sheets measuring 9x12 inches. It is great for practicing techniques, quick studies and mixed media sketches. This artist paper pad is suitable for watercolor, gouache, graphite, ink, pencil, marker, pastel and collage. It is made in the USA.

What We Like
Micro-perforated wire bound sheets
Medium weight paper in sketchbook formats
Great for various art mediums including watercolor, gouache, graphite, pen & ink, colored pencil, marker, pastel, collage
#TOP 9

Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad 11x14

462-111
White
11"x14"
Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad 11x14 Cover
Strathmore 462-111 400 Series Mixed Media Pad, 11"x14" Glue Bound, 15 Sheets , White

The Strathmore Mixed Media Pad is perfect for artists who use different materials like watercolor, acrylics, graphite, and colored pencils. It supports many types of art, so you can experiment with various techniques on one pad. The glue binding keeps your sheets secure but still allows you to flip the cover over easily while you work. When you want to remove a page, it tears out cleanly without damaging your artwork. With a handy 11 by 14-inch size and 15 sheets, this pad offers plenty of space for your creative projects.

What We Like
Supports multiple art mediums
Flip-over cover convenience
Clean page removal
Generous 11x14 size
15 sheets per pad

UCreate 9" x 12" Art Paper

4831
White
9" x 12"
UCreate 9" x 12" Art Paper Cover
UCreate Mixed Media Art Paper, Heavyweight, 9" x 12", 500 Sheets

The UCreate Art Paper is ideal for all your artistic needs. This heavyweight sulphite paper features a natural color and a medium tooth surface, making it perfect for various media. Whether you want to sketch with pencils, add color with colored pencils, or create dramatic effects with charcoal, this paper can handle it all. With a generous pack of 500 sheets, you won't run out of space for your creativity anytime soon. Plus, being acid-free and recyclable, it’s a smart choice for eco-conscious artists.

What We Like
Thicker than standard printer paper
Great value for quantity
Durable for various media
Suitable for kids' art
Good for mixed media projects
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is mixed media paper best for?

Mixed media paper is ideal for both beginners and advanced artists. It allows artists to test new materials and develop a daily art practice. It is particularly suitable for dry mediums like crayons, pastels, oil pastels, pencils, and graphite.

2. Is mixed media paper good for water-based markers?

Mixed media paper is not recommended for work that primarily involves markers. The paper tends to absorb too much ink, making it difficult to layer colors and blend as the ink dries quickly. It is better suited for other mediums.

3. Can mixed media paper be used with acrylic paint?

Yes, mixed media paper is suitable for use with acrylic paints. The sizing on mixed media papers makes them compatible with acrylics. These papers come in a range of weights, from 250gsm to 300gsm, offering options for different preferences and techniques.

4. Does mixed media paper need gesso?

Using gesso in mixed media projects and art journaling is beneficial. Since mixed media often involves using paint and other liquid media, gesso provides a good base for these materials to adhere to and prevents them from seeping through the paper.

5. Should you soak watercolor paper before painting?

The need to soak watercolor paper before painting depends on its weight. Heavier weight papers, such as 300lbs, can be soaked for about 25-30 minutes. Some artists also choose to stretch heavyweight watercolor paper before painting heavily on it or applying multiple washes. Alternatively, you can wet the paper with a sponge.

Editor's Notes

During our mixed media paper research, we found 24 mixed media paper products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 658,093 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mixed media paper list. We found that most customers choose mixed media paper with an average price of $17.20.

The mixed media paper are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mixed media paper, including Canson, Strathmore, UCREATE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,923 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.