Best Watercolor Paper of 2026

"I initially bought this pad just to try it out alongside other brands for my watercolor projects, expecting it to be pretty basic. To my surprise, the paper turned out to be heavier and smoother than expected, and it works perfectly for both watercolor and art markers without any skipping or blotching. Compared to more expensive options, this pad is a clear winner in terms of versatility and value. I’ll definitely be purchasing it again."

"For the price, this paper is fantastic. It holds up well for gouache sketches and even tolerates layers of acrylic matte medium and oil paint. While it does warp a little when I use lots of water, that’s pretty much expected. Overall, I’m impressed by how well it maintains its integrity and the value it offers."

"I use this paper a lot for pen and ink with watercolor washes or mixed media projects. It’s a good weight, and while it’s not pure cotton, it’s perfect for practice and studies where I don’t need archival quality. I appreciate the competitive pricing and how easy it is to work with. For more demanding, water-heavy techniques, I’d go with a higher-end paper, but for everyday use, this fits the bill."

"I've gone through so many of these pads, and I keep coming back because the quality and value are unbeatable for practicing and improving my watercolor skills. I often see this brand recommended by other artists and teachers, which gives me extra confidence in my choice. The balance between texture and smoothness is just right, and I love that it's suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. Plus, it's versatile enough for different media, which makes it even more useful!"

"As someone new to watercolor, I really appreciate that this paper lets me experiment without worrying about wasting expensive supplies. The 30 sheets lasted through lots of practice and some actual finished pieces, and the paper held up well with my paints. It erases pencil marks easily and doesn't curl much, which is a big plus. For the price, it's an excellent deal for anyone starting out or looking to improve."

"Before finding this paper, I was hesitant to practice watercolors because other options were just too costly. Now, I can work on my skills and even give away my artwork as gifts without breaking the bank. The 9x12 size is perfect for travel, and I love how accessible and affordable it is. Just be careful with certain tapes, as they can sometimes damage the paper surface, but overall it's a fantastic choice for any artist."

"As a beginner, I really appreciate how Arches paper is forgiving and durable. The paint lifts easily if I make mistakes, and it stands up to scrubbing and lots of water. I use cheaper paper to practice, but when I want my work to look its best, I switch to Arches. It’s expensive, but definitely worth it for quality results."

"I always come back to Arches because the quality is consistently top-notch. The cold pressed paper has excellent tooth and absorbency, making it a favorite for my watercolor pieces. Dividing sheets for smaller works really stretches the investment, and I think every watercolorist should try it at least once."

"This paper is smoother than most watercolor papers, which I love for colored pencil work. The fine tooth creates an almost painted effect. It’s versatile and works well for both watercolors and dry media."

"As a watercolor artist, I'm extremely pleased with this purchase. The quality is impressive—the paper is very absorbent, feels crisp, and it supports watercolor beautifully. Getting twelve large sheets at this price is a great deal, and my finished paintings look vivid and professional. I give this paper pad five stars."

"As a professional artist, I always go with Strathmore for my watercolors. Their paper never bleeds through and holds up to both acrylic and watercolor paints. I appreciate the large sizes and the fact that I can use both wet and dry media on them without any issues. Strathmore is my top choice for reliable paper quality."

"The thickness of this paper makes it versatile—I use it for watercolor and various paper art projects. It keeps its shape well and is a great deal for the price. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for sturdy art paper."

"As an artist who experiments with various materials, I find the Canson XL Watercolor Paper to be a dependable and affordable choice. Its compact size is perfect for on-the-go work, and the subtle texture works well for both ink and watercolor techniques. While it does show some buckling if overworked with water, it's a solid, versatile option that I return to often."

"I recently returned to watercolor after many years, and after testing several brands, this paper stood out for its perfect balance of texture and durability. It handles heavy washes with minimal warping, and the price is fantastic. Ironing out any buckling is easy. Overall, it's excellent value for quality."

"As a beginner, I appreciated that this was my first watercolor pad. It’s affordable, forgiving, and great for practicing techniques before investing in pricier brands. The front side is textured, but the back is smoother and less absorbent, which I noticed after using both sides. Still, it’s a good starting point for newcomers."

"I never realized how much using top-quality watercolor paper could transform my painting. After watching influencers praise this paper, I tried it for a commission, and the difference was astounding. Colors blend smoothly, the thickness prevents buckling, and mistakes are easy to fix. Even masking fluid lifts cleanly without damaging the surface. You can feel the superior cotton quality as soon as you touch it."

"When I started watercolor, I used cheap store paper and my art looked terrible. The moment I switched to fine cotton watercolor paper like this, everything changed. My paints behaved predictably, lifting and blending beautifully, with minimal curling or warping. I could finally be proud of my work. For hobbyists and beyond, I believe this is the best all-around watercolor paper."

"This is truly the best art paper for anyone serious about painting. The texture and thickness are perfect, and my paintings look professional. It’s pricey, but if you want to create high-quality artwork, this is the paper to use!"

"As a watercolor artist, I really appreciate the large, high-quality sheets in this pack. The paper is very absorbent and sturdy, making it ideal for vibrant watercolor work. For the price, I believe it's an excellent value and delivers results that truly stand out."

"As a professional artist, I'm consistently impressed by Strathmore's watercolor paper. It doesn't bleed through, even with acrylics, and the large sizes are perfect for my needs. I love that it's versatile for both wet and dry media, and the quality holds up with heavier applications."

"This paper is thick and robust, and it can handle a lot of water without curling. The pages are loose rather than in a pad, which isn't my favorite, but the quality is lovely—I've already used it for creative projects like wedding name tags."

"As someone who enjoys working with watercolors and various media, I find this sketchbook exceeds my expectations. The paper is nice and thick, and it handles both regular and water brushes without buckling. I was pleasantly surprised by the generous page size (thanks to the way Canson measures the sheets), and I only wish there were more pages or a hot pressed option. Overall, I’m very impressed and will keep buying these."

"I'm a watercoloring novice, and this pad has been perfect for my needs during social distancing. The paper quality is excellent—thick, with no smearing onto other sheets, and I can even paint on both sides. The only drawback is that it’s a bit smaller than I expected, but I’ll definitely stick with this brand and get a larger one next time."

"After trying several brands, I can say this is the best watercolor paper I’ve used. It stands up to scrubbing, wet-on-wet techniques, and even allows a bit of correction without pilling. The high water-absorbency is fantastic, and I really appreciate that it comes in both pull-off pads and spiral-bound formats. I won’t be buying any other brand from now on."

"I've tried many types of paper, but this one absorbs both spray watercolors and acrylics beautifully. Even when I really saturate it, it dries flat and feels almost like canvas. For mixed media and stenciling, the thickness and texture make my work more vibrant. I highly recommend it—this is the best paper I’ve found so far."

"For the price, this paper is impressive—it’s not quite like the premium brands, but for the size and thickness, the quality is very satisfying. I’d suggest it to anyone with some experience who knows how to handle watercolor paper, though beginners might want to start with more expensive papers to avoid confusion about technique. Still, it’s a solid, affordable choice."

"This pad is my go-to for watercolor because I can easily cut it into smaller pieces for collages or separate paintings. It holds watercolor well, and being able to pull the sheets apart and take them along for urban sketching is incredibly convenient."

"I've tried various papers, and this one stands out for its excellent quality and durability. The sheets are easy to tear from the pad, and I appreciate how well they hold up to watercolors and frequent use. It's a great buy for anyone who needs reliable art supplies."

"I purchased this for a young artist, and it was a hit! The paper’s weight and absorbency are impressive—no bleed-through at all. I was so pleased with the affordable price for such quality that I'll definitely buy it again."

"While I like how the paper doesn't buckle much with water and performs well for practice, I did notice the texture has visible lines running top to bottom. For beginner work, it's fine, but if I'm gifting a painting, the lines can be a bit distracting. Still, it's a good budget option."