Stonehenge Aqua Heavy Watercolor Block, 300lb, Cold Press, 9 x 12 Inches, White, 10 Sheets

Thought I'd try this paper and am glad I did. Very nice quality. I'll buy it again.

I bought this 100% cotton, 300-pound paper a few weeks ago but was too afraid to use it. Then I got a commission and pulled it out. It was my first time using 300-pound paper. What a dream! I'm sold! Not only did the thickness of the paper give me more breathing room because it dried less quickly, but it also didn't warp much when painting. No more peaks and valleys to try and paint around or mop up water every few seconds. I did a seashell painting with multiple wet washes over the whole piece, and while there was some bowing at the edges, it wasn't enough for water to pool anywhere. I'll flatten the paper like I always do: wet the back; sandwich it between cardboard; lay heavy books in two side-by-side stacks over the top; and let it dry for a few hours. Works like a charm on even 90 lb paper, so 300 pound paper should straighten beautifully. I found the paper itself comparable to arches. I think I still like arches just a tad bit more (maybe because of familiarity?), but they're darn close in performance. And since this paper is a little bit less expensive, I'll definitely buy more in the future.

Super thick, durable watercolor paper. Nice cold press texture.However, you CANNOT use tape or masking fluid with it. I don’t know why but it always rips.Great cost, comparatively.

For 300 lbs I think the quality is good because it can take a lot of scrubbing. Would recommend.

I’m changing my original review from 2 Stars to 5 Stars. Yes the pad has too much glue around the pages, with just a small area with no glue...but I bought an X-acto knife and I’m able to safely separate the pages. I read a tip where someone uses a credit card to separate the pages, and that worked for me, too.As far as the quality of paper, it’s really nice. The 300 lb weight really makes a difference. The page did not warp, nor did it scuff up when I used rough brush strokes. I’ll definitely be being more of this paper going forward. I still wish they didn’t use as much glue, though...but I’m happy there’s ways around that issue that doesn’t damage the paper.Original review:It’s ridiculously difficult to separate pages from the block. I don’t care how good the paper is if I can’t separate pages to use without damaging them.

Ok, first let me state a couple caveats. I am currently learning mixed media. And when I say learning I mean that I occasionally drink the rinse water for my brushes. My mom (a professional artist for many years) recommended this paper. I strongly believe that even beginners will fail with poor supplies. This paper is so much more than "paper." Its more like maybe canvas for watercolors. It also works well for acrylics. I did some stencils, painting, and even hot glue. The paper held up better than some canvas board I have used - only the very faintest hint of distortion to the flat surface.. Good grief its expensive but I do think you get what you pay for in this case.

The paper holds water well giving you a plenty of time to work with your blending but I find the paper is not up to the task. The disturbance of the paper makes it pill very quickly. I tore the paper just trying to remove a piece of transparent tape.The color accuracy is fine. The size is accurate.The durability is highly questionable. Scrubbing is out of the question and I won’t even attempt masking fluid.Value for money, not for me I’m sad to say.

This watercolor paper block is gorgeous. Highly recommend