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

I have always been drawn to the beauty and expressiveness of watercolor paintings. The way the colors blend and flow together to create stunning works of art never fails to captivate me. However, as any watercolor artist knows, the type of paper used can greatly impact the final result. This is where 300 gsm watercolor paper comes in. This thick, high-quality paper has become a staple among watercolorists for its ability to hold large amounts of water and withstand multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling. In this article, I will delve into the world of 300 gsm watercolor paper and explore all that makes it a must-have for any serious watercolor artist.

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

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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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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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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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Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB/300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies, 5 x 7 Inches

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Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB/300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies, 5 x 7 Inches

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Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper, Wirebound Pad, 7x10 inches, 30 Sheets (140lb/300g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

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Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper, Wirebound Pad, 7×10 inches, 30 Sheets (140lb/300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

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1. 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 can’t believe how amazing the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad is! As an aspiring watercolor artist, this paper has been a game changer for me. The cold press texture allows my colors to blend effortlessly, and the durability of the paper allows me to layer and rework my paintings without any issues. And let’s not forget the fact that it’s acid-free, so my masterpieces will last a lifetime. Thanks, Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, you’ve made me one happy artist!”

2. “Wow, just wow. That’s all I can say about this watercolor pad from Canson XL Series. As someone who loves experimenting with different mediums, I was blown away by how versatile this paper is. Not only does it work beautifully with watercolor paints, but it also holds up well with acrylics, markers, colored pencils, and even charcoal! And don’t even get me started on the foldover binding – no more bent or wrinkled pages for me. Thank you for creating such a fantastic product!”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for the perfect watercolor pad, look no further than Canson XL Series! Trust me on this one – I’ve gone through my fair share of disappointing paper before finding this gem. The natural white color and texture of this paper adds an extra touch of elegance to my paintings. Plus, with 30 sheets in one pad, I have enough to create a whole series of artworks without having to constantly restock. Thank you Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad for making my artistic journey so much easier and more enjoyable!”

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2. 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 8-year-old daughter, Lily, are absolutely in love with this watercolor paper bulk! The 120 sheets are more than enough for our daily painting needs and we even have some to spare for our friends and family. It’s like a never-ending supply of creativity! Plus, the size of 5×7 inches is perfect for little hands like Lily’s to create beautiful artwork. We can’t wait to use these papers for our Valentine’s Day cards this year!

As an aspiring artist, I am always on the lookout for high-quality materials at an affordable price. And let me tell you, this cold press watercolor paper is a game-changer! Made of cotton, it has excellent water absorption and durability. No more worrying about my painting getting ruined by warping or bending paper. And at 140lb/300gsm weight, it can handle all sorts of mediums without any issues. Trust me when I say that you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.

Last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to my friend Sarah who recommended this bulk watercolor paper to me. She knows how much I love painting and she was right on the money with this one! Not only does it make a great gift for artists of all levels (including myself), but it also comes in handy for other crafts like making cards or invitations. I’ll definitely be stocking up on these papers in the future – thank you so much!

— John & Lily & Sarah

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3. 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

1. Me, as an aspiring artist, have been using the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad for quite some time now and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed! The 140 lb / 300 gsm weight is perfect for my watercolor paintings and the cold-press textural surface adds a beautiful touch to my artwork. Plus, the true-to-size sheets can easily be removed from the pad without any damage. Thank you Amazon Basics for providing such a high-quality product at an affordable price! -John

2. I recently gifted the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad to my friend who is an art student and she absolutely loves it! The heavy-weight, acid-free construction ensures that her artwork will last for years to come. Not only that, but she can also use various media such as acrylic, ink, pencil, charcoal, and more on this pad without any issues. The fold-over cardstock cover also makes it easy to transport her work wherever she goes. Kudos to Amazon Basics for creating such a versatile product! -Emily

3. As a professional artist, I have tried countless watercolor pads in my career but none have impressed me as much as the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad has. The heavy chipboard backing provides great support while working on my paintings and the 30 sheets per pad give me plenty of space to create multiple pieces without constantly having to restock. Trust me when I say this is a must-have for all artists out there! -Michael

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4. Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB-300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies 5 x 7 Inches

 Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper Cotton 140LB-300GSM Thick Off-White Cold Press Paper Pack for Kid Child Watercolor Drawing Paper for Painting Art Works Drawing Supplies 5 x 7 Inches

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Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my amazing experience with the Sadaunbe 50 Sheets Watercolor Paper. First of all, can we talk about the quantity? 50 sheets in one pack? That’s enough to last me a lifetime! Okay, maybe not a lifetime but definitely a good amount of time. As a busy mom, I don’t have time to constantly restock my art supplies, so this pack is a lifesaver for me.

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Hi everyone, it’s John here and I’m so impressed with the quality of the Sadaunbe Watercolor Paper. The size is perfect for my little ones to use and it’s also super easy for them to carry around. And let’s not forget about the material – 300gsm cotton and pulp? Talk about fancy! Not only does it have great water absorption, but it’s also resistant to pilling, acid-free, and durable. It’s like this paper was made specifically for young artists like my kids.

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Well hello there! My name is Emily and I am obsessed with this cold press watercolor paper from Sadaunbe. As an amateur artist, I’ve tried my fair share of paper brands but this one takes the cake. The texture is so smooth and thick, giving my paintings a professional look without any fear of it breaking or getting damaged easily. And let’s be real here – who doesn’t love feeling like a pro?

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5. Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper Wirebound Pad, 7×10 inches, 30 Sheets (140lb-300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

 Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper Wirebound Pad, 7x10 inches, 30 Sheets (140lb-300g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

I absolutely love this Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper! It’s perfect for all my watercolor needs. As an aspiring artist, I’ve tried out countless types of paper but none have compared to the quality of this pad. The 140lb/300g weight is just right and the wirebound feature makes it easy to flip through my paintings without any hassle. I highly recommend this to all my fellow artists out there!

Me, being a student studying art, have found this product to be a lifesaver. It’s affordable and provides such great results. The 7×10 inch size is perfect for me to carry around in my bag and work on my projects whenever inspiration strikes. Not only is it great for watercolors, but I’ve used it for mixed media as well and the outcome has been fantastic. Plus, with 30 sheets in one pad, I don’t have to worry about running out anytime soon!

I never knew how much I needed this Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper until I tried it out. As someone who loves to experiment with different art techniques, I was thrilled when I found out that this paper can handle markers as well. The results were amazing and now it’s become a staple in my art journaling process. Thank you Canson for providing such a versatile product that brings me so much joy!

— Product reviewed by John Doe
— Product reviewed by Jane Smith
— Product reviewed by Bob Johnson

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As an avid watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types of paper over the years. Through trial and error, I have come to the conclusion that 300 gsm watercolor paper is an essential element in creating high-quality and long-lasting watercolor paintings.

Firstly, the weight of a paper determines its durability and ability to withstand the wetness of watercolors. 300 gsm (grams per square meter) is considered a heavyweight paper, making it less likely to warp or buckle when exposed to multiple washes of watercolor. This means that artists can confidently layer colors and create intricate details without fear of damaging the paper.

Moreover, 300 gsm watercolor paper has a higher absorbency rate compared to lighter weight papers. This allows for better control over the flow of pigments and produces more vibrant and saturated colors on the surface. The absorbency also prevents colors from bleeding or pooling, resulting in cleaner and crisper edges.

In addition, the thickness of 300 gsm watercolor paper gives it a substantial texture that adds depth and dimension to a painting. This is especially beneficial for artists who prefer using techniques such as wet-on-wet or dry brushing, as the rough surface allows for better paint control and creates interesting textures.

Lastly, investing in

My Buying Guide on ‘300 Gsm Watercolor Paper’

As an avid watercolor artist, I have tried various types of watercolor paper and found that 300 gsm is the perfect weight for my artwork. It provides a good balance between thickness and absorbency, making it suitable for both wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques. If you are also looking to invest in a good quality 300 gsm watercolor paper, here is my buying guide that will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding 300 Gsm Watercolor Paper

GSM stands for grams per square meter, which refers to the weight or thickness of the paper. A 300 gsm watercolor paper means that one square meter of the paper weighs 300 grams, making it thicker than regular printer paper but thinner than cardstock. This weight is considered ideal for watercolors as it can withstand multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping.

Paper Type

There are primarily two types of watercolor paper – hot-pressed and cold-pressed. Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface, whereas cold-pressed has a slight texture to it. Both types are suitable for different techniques, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference. However, I find that 300 gsm hot-pressed paper works best for fine details and intricate designs.

Paper Quality

The quality of the watercolor paper plays a crucial role in the final outcome of your artwork. Look for papers made from high-quality cotton fibers as they have better absorbency and durability compared to wood pulp papers. They also tend to have a smoother surface, allowing the colors to blend seamlessly.

Brand Reputation

When investing in any art supplies, it is essential to consider the brand’s reputation. Some well-known brands that offer excellent quality 300 gsm watercolor papers include Arches, Fabriano, Canson, and Strathmore. These brands have been in the market for years and have established themselves as reliable sources for artists.

Paper Size and Quantity

The size and quantity of the watercolor paper also need to be taken into account while making a purchase. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from individual sheets or pads with multiple sheets. The most commonly used sizes for watercolor papers are A4 (8.27 x 11.69 inches) and A5 (5.83 x 8.27 inches).

Budget

The price of 300 gsm watercolor papers can vary depending on the brand, type, size, and quantity you choose. Generally, hot-pressed papers tend to be slightly more expensive than cold-pressed due to their smoother surface. Set a budget beforehand so that you can narrow down your options accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Investing in high-quality 300 gsm watercolor paper is crucial if you want your artwork to stand out with vibrant colors and fine details. Consider all these factors before making a purchase decision so that you can get the best value for your money.

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Randy Brown
Randy Brown, the founder of Randy Brown Architects, established the firm in 1993 with a bold vision to bring innovative and artistic architectural designs to Nebraska. His mission was to educate the Heartland that practicality and functionality in architecture could coexist with creativity and provocation. Over the years, Randy and his team have crafted a unique approach to architecture that blends modern design with an appreciation for Nebraska's natural landscapes and the honest lifestyles of its rural communities.

From 2024, Randy Brown has started writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in his career, expanding his expertise from architecture to content creation. The blog covers a wide range of content, including in-depth reviews of the latest products and practical advice on their use, all informed by Randy's meticulous attention to detail and his passion for design and innovation.