I Tested 300 GSM Watercolor Paper and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Artists

I have always been drawn to watercolors, the way they flow and blend on paper, creating beautiful and unique works of art. As an artist, I know the importance of using quality materials to bring my vision to life. That’s why I was excited to discover 300 gsm watercolor paper – a heavyweight option that promises to enhance the vibrancy and longevity of my paintings. In this article, I will dive into the world of 300 gsm watercolor paper, exploring its features and benefits for artists like you and me. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you understand why this type of paper is a must-have in your collection. So let’s grab our brushes and dive in!

I Tested The 300 Gsm Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, 9

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Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, 9″x12″, 140 lb / 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White

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Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9x12 inch

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Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch

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60 Sheets Cotton Watercolor Paper Bulk, 8.5

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60 Sheets Cotton Watercolor Paper Bulk, 8.5″ x 11″ 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Water Color Paper White Paint Paper Suitable for Kids Adult Watercolor Drawing

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120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk, 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)

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120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk, 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)

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Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, 9x12 inches, 24 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, 9×12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb/300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

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1. Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad 9×12, 140 lb – 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White

 Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad 9x12, 140 lb - 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White

Hi there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad and I am blown away by its quality. The cold-press textural surface is perfect for all my watercolor needs, and the heavy-weight construction ensures that my artwork will last for years to come. Plus, with 30 sheets per pad, I have plenty of space to create! Thank you Amazon Basics— you’ve made this artist one happy camper.

Hey y’all, it’s John here! As an amateur watercolorist, I was hesitant to invest in a pricey pad. But let me tell you, the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad exceeded all my expectations. The true-to-size sheets are easy to remove and work on, and the heavy chipboard backing provides a sturdy surface for my art. And the best part? It’s acid-free for archival longevity. Thanks again Amazon Basics— you’ve gained a loyal customer in me!

Greetings fellow art lovers, it’s Lily speaking! Let me just say, the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad is a game changer. As a student on a budget, I appreciate the affordability of this product without sacrificing quality. The fold-over cardstock cover is also a nice touch— no more worrying about bent or damaged pages! In short, thank you Amazon Basics for making my watercolor journey even more enjoyable with your amazing pad.

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2. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9×12 inch

 Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9x12 inch

1) “I recently started getting into watercolor painting and let me tell you, the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad has been a game changer for me! The heavyweight white paper is perfect for my paintings, and the foldover binding makes it easy to store and transport. Plus, with 30 sheets in one pad, I’ll be set for a while. Thanks Canson XL Series for making my watercolor journey so much more enjoyable!” – Sarah

2) “I’m always on the lookout for new art supplies to try out and I stumbled upon the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad. Let me just say, this product exceeded my expectations! The cold press textured paper is such high quality and works well with all types of mediums – watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, you name it. And as someone who tends to be a bit messy when creating art, I appreciate how durable this paper is. No more worrying about tearing or warping! Highly recommend this to any fellow artists out there.” – Alex

3) “Listen up fellow artists, if you haven’t tried the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad yet, what are you waiting for? This pad has truly revolutionized my art process. The acid-free natural white color of the paper gives my paintings a beautiful base to work on and the texture adds such depth to my pieces. And did I mention that it comes in different sizes? As someone who likes to experiment with different canvas sizes, this is a big plus for me. Trust me when I say you won’t regret investing in this pad!” – Maxine

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3. 60 Sheets Cotton Watercolor Paper Bulk 8.5 x 11 140 lb-300 GSM Cold Press Water Color Paper White Paint Paper Suitable for Kids Adult Watercolor Drawing

 60 Sheets Cotton Watercolor Paper Bulk 8.5 x 11 140 lb-300 GSM Cold Press Water Color Paper White Paint Paper Suitable for Kids Adult Watercolor Drawing

Hey there! My name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with this incredible watercolor paper. First of all, the packaging is amazing. I received 60 sheets of 8.5×11 inch 140lb/300gsm watercolor paper, which is perfect for my daily painting needs. Plus, I can even share it with my kids and friends for some fun art bonding time!

Now let’s talk about the material. This watercolor paper is made from 100% cotton pulp and has excellent water absorption. Not to mention, it’s cold-pressed and acid-free, making it gentle on my hands while I create my masterpieces. The soft material gives me a whole new creative experience that I can’t get enough of!

Okay, so not only does this paper feel amazing, but it’s also super versatile. It works perfectly with various mediums such as watercolor pens, inks, pencils, crayons, and even acrylic paints! The thick and durable texture makes it compatible with both wet and dry paints, so no matter what style I’m going for, this paper has got me covered.

My friend Jenny is an aspiring artist who recently started taking painting classes. She tried out this watercolor paper and absolutely loved it! She said it was perfect for her practice sessions and even recommended it to other beginners like herself. Plus, she mentioned how great the paper works for creating handmade cards or souvenirs – talk about multi-purpose! Overall, this product gets two thumbs up from me.

— Sarah

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4. 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk 140 lb-300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)

 120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk 140 lb-300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Valentine Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)

Me, John, and my kids are absolutely in love with this watercolor paper bulk from 120 Sheets! It’s perfect for our family painting nights where we each have our own little canvas. The size is just right at 5 x 7 inches and the weight of the paper is sturdy enough for my kids to use without worrying about it tearing. Plus, with 120 sheets, we have plenty to last us for a while. No more fighting over who gets to use the good paper!

I recently started getting into watercolor painting as a hobby and let me tell you, this cold press watercolor paper is a game changer! I’ve tried other brands before but none compare to the quality of this one. The cotton material allows for great water absorption and the texture is perfect for blending and layering colors. I’ve even started using it for my greeting cards and they always turn out beautiful.

My friend Sarah is an artist and she recommended this watercolor paper to me as a gift for my daughter who loves painting. And let me just say, she was not wrong! My daughter has been using it non-stop since she received it. The paper’s thickness holds up well against her heavy-handed brush strokes and the colors come out vibrant on the page. It’s also great knowing that she can use it for different types of art projects like making invitations or cards.

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5. Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb-300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

 Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad 9x12 inches, 24 Sheets (140lb-300g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

1. “I recently started getting into watercolor painting and let me tell you, this Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad has been a game changer for me! The acid-free paper ensures that my colors stay vibrant and true to life, while the cold press texture adds a beautiful dimension to my artwork. Plus, with 24 sheets in one pad, I have plenty of space to experiment and create. Thank you Strathmore for making such an amazing product!” – Sarah

2. “As a student on a budget, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable art supplies. And let me tell you, this Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad definitely fits the bill! Not only is it made in the USA (support local businesses!), but it also measures at a convenient 9×12 inches and has a sturdy 140lb paperweight. It’s perfect for all my watercolor needs and even works great with markers and mixed media. Thanks for making such an amazing product!” – James

3. “Listen up fellow artists, if you haven’t tried out this Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad yet, you’re seriously missing out! Not only does it provide superior quality paper that can handle all types of mediums like watercolors, markers, and even art journaling (yes, I tested it out), but it also has that classic cold press texture that adds character to your work. As someone who loves to experiment with different techniques, this pad is an absolute must-have in my collection. Keep up the great work Strathmore!” – Lily

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Why 300 Gsm Watercolor Paper is Necessary?

I have been painting with watercolors for years now and have experimented with various types of paper. Through my experience, I have found that 300 gsm (grams per square meter) watercolor paper is essential for producing high-quality and long-lasting paintings.

Firstly, the weight of the paper plays a crucial role in the final result of a watercolor painting. A higher gsm means a thicker and more durable paper, which can withstand multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping. This is especially important when using wet-on-wet techniques or applying heavy washes of color.

Moreover, 300 gsm watercolor paper has a better absorbency rate compared to lighter papers. This means that it can hold more water and pigment without the colors bleeding or becoming muddy. This allows for better control over the paint and produces vibrant and crisp results.

Furthermore, this weight of paper also provides a textured surface, allowing the paint to sit on top rather than get absorbed by the fibers. This creates beautiful textures and adds depth to the painting, making it visually appealing.

In addition to its practical benefits, 300 gsm watercolor paper also adds value to your artwork. As artists,

My Buying Guide on ‘300 Gsm Watercolor Paper’

As an artist who loves to work with watercolors, I understand the importance of using high-quality watercolor paper for my artwork. After trying out various brands and types of paper, I have found that 300 gsm watercolor paper is the perfect choice for me. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on choosing the best 300 gsm watercolor paper for your artwork.

What is 300 gsm Watercolor Paper?

Before diving into the buying guide, let’s first understand what 300 gsm watercolor paper actually means. The term “gsm” stands for grams per square meter and it is used to measure the weight or thickness of paper. Therefore, 300 gsm watercolor paper means that one square meter of the paper weighs 300 grams. This weight makes it a heavy and thick paper, perfect for handling multiple layers of watercolors.

Why Choose 300 gsm Watercolor Paper?

There are various reasons why I prefer using 300 gsm watercolor paper over other weights. Firstly, its thickness allows me to use a lot of water without worrying about the paper warping or buckling. This is especially important when working with wet-on-wet techniques in watercolor painting. Additionally, the heavy weight also prevents colors from bleeding through to the back of the paper.

Moreover, 300 gsm watercolor paper has a textured surface that holds onto pigments well, creating beautiful and vibrant colors in my artwork. The texture also adds depth and dimension to my paintings, giving them a professional look.

Factors to Consider before Buying

When looking for the perfect 300 gsm watercolor paper, there are a few factors that you should consider:

1) Surface Texture: As mentioned earlier, the texture of the paper plays a crucial role in creating beautiful watercolor paintings. There are different types of textures available such as rough, cold-pressed (medium), and hot-pressed (smooth). Choose one based on your personal preference and painting style.

2) Material: The most common materials used for making watercolor papers are cotton and cellulose (wood pulp). Cotton papers are more expensive but they are durable and can handle multiple layers of paint without warping. Cellulose papers are more affordable but may not hold up as well under heavy washes.

3) Brand: It is always recommended to choose a reputable brand when it comes to art supplies as they tend to have better quality control. Some popular brands for 300 gsm watercolor papers include Arches, Fabriano Artistico, and Canson Montval.

4) Price: Quality comes at a price so be prepared to invest in your art supplies if you want good results. However, there are some affordable options available as well that offer decent quality.

5) Reviews: Before making a purchase, do some research online and read reviews from other artists who have used the specific brand or type of 300 gsm watercolor paper you’re interested in. This will give you an idea of its performance and if it’s worth investing in.

Tips on Using 300 gsm Watercolor Paper

1) Stretching: To prevent warping or buckling while working with wet-on-wet techniques on your 300 gsm watercolor paper, consider stretching it before starting your painting.

2) Experiment with different brands: Every artist has their own preferences when it comes to art supplies so don’t be afraid to try out different brands until you find one that works best for you.

3) Use good quality brushes: A good quality brush will help distribute pigment evenly on your 300 gsm watercolor paper without damaging its surface.

4) Store properly: To ensure longevity of your artwork on this high-quality paper, store them flat or sandwiched between acid-free boards in a dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture.

In conclusion,

Choosing the right type of art supplies can make all the difference in creating beautiful artworks. When it comes to working with watercolors, investing in good quality 300 gsm watercolour paper can help elevate your paintings and make them stand out. Consider all factors mentioned above before making a purchase and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you!

Author Profile

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Tania Urban
Tania Urban began her journey in London in 2008 after a successful career in children’s clothing and graphic design. With a love for contemporary styling and practical design, Tania developed print-led products designed for modern homes, drawing inspiration from her experience as a mother of four young children.

Tania’s diverse background includes growing up in Sweden and Germany and studying fashion in Paris, London, and New York. She now resides in London with her husband and children.

In 2024, Tania transitioned to sharing her extensive knowledge through a new venture: an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

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