Review: Canson XL Watercolor Paper (300gsm)

[@cris_ad]

Hey, thank you for making a review on such basic paper, and everything you said about this paper is most certainly true. I know a lot of people don't like it, but here are some positives. Inks, acrylic ink, colored pencils, gouache, and even copic markers work well on this. If you're a mixed media artist, this is great news. The colors don't flow as much, but I personally don't want them to, so to some people this is a positive. Because the grooves are somewhere between hot and cold press, it does give a smoother overall look, if you're into that. I like the option that I can have some areas be smooth and then can create texture myself in other areas. It's readily available, and pretty cheap, which means it's accessible to the new artist or to the advanced artist that has certain preference. What if you like to do A LOT of paintings but can't afford Arches? Money is a real issue for a lot of people. I've had some people tell me that even students should paint on higher end paper because if they learn on "shitty" paper then they won't know how to use "real" paper. Well, the thing is, there is a learning curve for every art supply, which includes paper. Every new kind of paper you'll need to learn how to use. And if you've learned how to blend on crappy paper, then using the higher end paper will end up being easier, if that's the route you're going. This is not my favorite paper, it's not even great, but it's good. It's versatile and affordable, and even if you can afford higher end stuff, it's okay to use this simply because you like it or because it works better with your style. Don't let anyone make you feel bad just because it's cheap. Create art with what you like and what you can. Thank you again for the wonderful and honest review!

[@merc065]

I know I'm super late, but I love the glasses you're wearing in your profile picture.

[@Drumaier]

I agree with all your points here. Another positive thing about this paper (or any decent pulp wc paper) is that you can loosen up a lot knowing that is not that expensive, and there are tons of things you can experiment with that will translate no problem when you use 100% cotton. People seem to be a little stupid about this, they talk about Cotton paper as if it is absolutely nothing alike to pulp paper but hey, if you mix yellow and blue in either paper you will get a green right? what...maybe 5% or 10% more or less saturated? Who cares? The brushstrokes you practice in the XL paper will suddenly stop working in a cotton paper and you have to re think your life again from the beginning? C'mon. Cotton paper is great for layering without disturbing previous layers (though good luck trying to lift colors once they are dry) and is amazing for soft transitions of colors which are impossible to get in pulp paper. The important thing when using pulp paper is to work fast and precise from the let go and know that some kind of soft blends are not possible and that is not your fault. If you know all this you wont get frustrated because you already know what to and what not to expect.

[@MKANDRESTINPEACE]

@@Drumaier thanks slot to all you kind people I just bought 3 of this as they were selling for $6.5 dollars on Amazon.

[@watercolorsofmidnight6373]

OMG - Thank you so much for this thought out comment!!!! I was just freaking out thinking all the money I would have to spend! I've been recycling totally bad watercolor paper, and yes sometimes that is all you can afford, and also that doesn't make you a bad artist. I have seen many people do art in really weird mediums and recycle stuff, just to paint in. So what? I really resonate with "don't let anyone make you feel bad, just because is cheap". Anyways using high-quality paper will help the quality of your work, but yeah I can agree that some artists and people do not think about other factors when recommending a student or people that can't afford to use this high-quality stuff as their only choice!! Me personally I enjoyed very much this video! it gives a clear overview of what to expect from this paper.

[@realfingertrouble]

". I've had some people tell me that even students should paint on higher end paper because if they learn on "shitty" paper then they won't know how to use "real" paper. " Yeah I've heard that - I have mixed feelings, I learnt on really bad paper, well I came back to watercolour using that, and even though I used to use Langton etc. I'd forgotten that the problems I was having with the paper were the paper and not me. The cheap paper faded the artist quality watercolour fast, and disintegrated really easily. But I know that if I'd been using cotton paper there is NO way I'd have even started at many pounds per sheet! So I do think people should learn on mid-range paper - Cass, Daler Aquafine, that sort of thing. Or indeed this paper, it seems very similar to that, the non-spreading etc. Thing is I learnt some bad habits which i struggle to shake now - one is using too much water/pigment (used to piling it on to get any colour at all!) and having issues with spreading too much. I prefer the handling of the pulp paper, actually when it comes to control. I find cotton papers can be a little too absorbent?

[@reneeeatchel1471]

I really appreciated this review. I have used this paper for some time and as a beginner with watercolor, I always thought that my problems with blending were because of my paints. It hadn't occured to me that the paper could be the problem! I will use up what I have for smaller paintings and practice and will look for some cotton based paper. Thank you!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Renee Eatchel Yes, paper matters!

[@sarlee.du94]

It also comes with practice. I used to do shit watercolor paintings on not so good papers but now they are decent.

[@duck-ss6pt]

@@rubenspaul5271 well username sure checks out

[@blackdemonheart9696]

I'm a intermediate watercolor artist now, and I used this paper when I was a beginner (still have it now) and I was using some very crappy paints. My work wasn't as good as it could've been due to the art supplies and I blamed the paper instead of the paints. I avoided the paper and bought new paper. Then, I came back that that paper and realized the paper was absolutely fine, it was mostly the paints hindering my art in the case of art supplies.

[@XDamainI]

I am still somewhat new to watercolour but I have used Arches, Strathmore 400 series and Daler-Rowney. I personally choose Canson over the others for most of the paintings I do. I started as an acrylic painter and I do portraits more than any other types of art. I like how the paper acts when using a dry brush. The paints easily lift off if I make a mistake and I can control the blending more easily than with cotton. I wouldn't use it for washes or watercolour effects but it does seem to be better (or at least as good as the others) for more direct control of the paints.

[@MDCampbell]

In my opinion, you are using WAY too much water for this product, Teoh. The sizing - if any - is not like a higher grade paper, so the key to this product is to use a heavier load of paint and a very light load of water. To me, it's like painting on cardboard with little absorbancy and a lot of resistance. I totally agree this is perfect for pen and ink, but for watercolor, it's ideal for testing, studies, and swatching. Not for final artwork, even for students. The same, I think, is true for their Canson XL Mixed Media paper. The price points are great, but performance just leaves me always wishing I'd used something else. Cheers, Teoh, and thanks for another great review!

[@teohyc]

I was trying to use the increased water load to move the paint and even so the colours don't want to move much, unless it's the water actually moving.

[@Echo-Of-Noise]

It is a good way to compare this paper to a better paper, then. It is useful for begginers and studens so they know how this paper behaves in comparison to better paper and how they may improve their techniques with it.

[@MDCampbell]

Definitely agree with you both on this. I had the same issues with this paper as the Strathmore 200 series paper. I had high hopes for both brands, but they are what they are. I used the Canson XL in the classroom and the kids hated it, saying I had spoiled them with the Fabriano paper I had donated earlier in the year! lol! Cheers to you both! :)

[@MDCampbell]

Just my opinion, but for student grade paper, I really like the Strathmore 400 or 500 series, Fabriano is good, and another worth checking out is Bee Paper's watercolor paper. All are good for amateur or beginners, and what I've recommended to students for years.

[@teohyc]

Fabriano Studio is good but will still have the same limitation as the Canson above. But painting of the Fabriano Studio feels way better. In UK, Daler Rowney Aquafine is good for beginners but has the same limitations too.

[@RadTrashed]

I think it's a good paper for people just getting into watercolor. While I feel like there isn't as much freedom with granulation and blending, I think it's suitable for those who might prefer a bit more tight control with their paint. It's certainly not the worst watercolor paper out there, but it's not the best either. To be honest when I bought this paper for what it was worth, I had expected it to be a lot worse. The paper isn't the best, but for the most part it can get the job done. Oddly enough, this paper works pretty well with Gouache.

[@teohyc]

I bought it because the price was really attractive.

[@PhilChandlerArts]

I was amazed just how flat the paper stayed. I thought it would've buckled a LOT more.

[@leahevergreenart]

Even thought this paper isn't perfect, I do really like using it. The price and ease of access is so convenient, plus colours do pop. Thanks for the review, love seeing others takes on the paper

[@ANonymous-rx6lu]

Dime Culture I really do like it too. I feel like it is sturdy and cheap, and psychologically that means a lot for my learning process… I feel like I can make a whole bunch of swatches and big messy washes to play with ideas about color theory and different techniques that I'm learning about. Teoh had a blog post about the 12 colors that a number of artists would pick for their 12 color palette, and many of them had a lot of overlap but a lot of them had something really unique to their color selections. I got out a big sheet of this and made a grid and compared the palette swatches side by side by artist in columns, (I either used paint for my Daniel Smith dot card or an identical pigment from another brand that I had) and then went to their websites and looked at the colors in their artwork. I feel like I'm definitely a hands-on learner, and I have to play with the color & the paint quite a bit to see what they do together. knowing this is inexpensive makes me not care about it as much and I just go for it. If I also make a big swatch chart, I like that this is very sturdy because I can show it to people and it can take a lot of handling without getting beaten up because it's a pretty stiff 140 pound paper. Maybe I use it enough that I'm happy with the results that I get. To me it's just like having a blank slate that I know how it's going to perform so when I want to try something new that thing becomes the variable, rather than the paper. Once I've kind of learned what it is I was trying to mess with then I can use one of my sketchbooks or something like that. I also really like that alcohol markers don't go through this paper. I've been experimenting with gray scales markers like in Ian fennely's work. I've also been using them to do sort of an under tone in some paintings because the alcohol marker won't move when I want to put a wash or details over it, but it still will tone the paper so that any granulation that I use over it really makes a nice texture. Then I don't have to worry about the value going anywhere differently than my alcohol Marker layed down.

[@asmarkhwahany727]

So which watercolor paper is best ?

[@leahevergreenart]

@@asmarkhwahany727 I find it comes to personal preference because of what you paint. Personally I really love Stonehenge’s Legion Watercolour 300lb paper. fabriano has some wonderful watercolour paper as well.

[@asmarkhwahany727]

@@leahevergreenart thank you so much 😊

[@ArtBrain]

I love this paper because it's so available and cheap and I can play in ways I could never justify with expensive paper. It's not perfect by any means but anything that gives license to create is good.

[@callmekite]

I always use Canson and I had no idea they were established in 1557! Holy smokes. I definitely only use this paper as affordable practice stuff, but it’s neat to learn more about it.

[@Doubleoreviews]

Interesting, I've never tried using cotton paper. I am a beginner to watercolor, I've only used this Canson type paper. It does work well for small paintings. I like the paper it is not terrible but now that I see the two differences I would like to try some real Arches cotton paper. Also I should mention I use Van Gogh student grade paint in combination with royal talens Ecoline watercolor paints. I appreciate the review and tips thank you.

[@garthok6224]

Well... Arches is a premium Canson brand. The quality is better, but better spent some of the pads on the review before using those. There are other brands in the middle, i don't think going from this pad to Arches makes a great difference without practice

[@Doubleoreviews]

Thank you for your help. I will consider both of your suggestions. :)

[@Kyomiibrown]

Garthok Arches is not a Canson brand anymore and hasn’t been for some time.

[@Kyomiibrown]

Yasmine S. I agree with you. I like Claire Fontaine cotton paper too better than Arches. My favourite is Mulin Du Roy cold press - very similar to the Fontaine. Arches is good paper but there are so many other papers that are just as good and some are better IMHO.

[@realfingertrouble]

@@Kyomiibrown My favourite is Fabriano Artistico...love that paper. And as Teoh advised in another video, Rosapina. I have liked the Clairefontaine papers I've used, but never used their cotton papers/

[@isabellecade277]

I don't like this paper much, the brand is very famous here in France, but I think professionals really prefer a different paper quality for their watercolors. Personally I use it only when I want to test new pencil, new ink, new brushes or make a qiuck sketch ... thanks for being frank and impartial in your videos Teoh.

[@moonram2569]

Thanks for the review !! Now u have confirmed the problems that I faced with this paper :)

[@jay_thedog_man5169]

I have planned to go buy this paper today. It’s like the universe wants me to get it after see this. I’m just wanting it to practice on. Nothing fancy.

[@zeerap5401]

I remember I used this paper and I thought all the problems I had were my fault but now I see that it was the paper’s fault. It discouraged me and I haven’t touched my watercolors since. Maybe I should buy better paper and give watercolors another shot

[@euo95]

I agree with everyone in the comments. I have been using this paper for years and I am now realizing it's time for me to switch over to high quality, cotton paper. This is student grade paper and it BUCKLES A LOT if you try to do wet in wet techniques and the paper also yellows over time. Its great for students and testing paints but I agree not for final artwork!

[@astrog8tr]

I'm just sketching. I liked the Canson Sketchbook (5x8 inch/12x20 cm). I was really happy with it for my use-- small ssketches, not a lot of working/discourages overworking. It handles pen and ink/washes really well and pencil drawing well. Your review is excellent, and would not have minded seeing it before.

[@Earthlycousin]

I love this paper. This is the best convenient watercolor paper to find in any art store in my area. I can stretch at least 6 layers when painting, but maybe I’m not using as much water as you are using in your example. Great video btw 😊

[@teohyc]

6 layers O_o

[@annasmessyart]

My paper is lifting ugh

[@sakasu870]

i bought this paper recently and i love it. i love the texture and the effect. it loos so messy and thats beautiful.

[@lauralbriar]

I too am new to Watercolour and bought this paper because it was readily available and I had no idea if it was good or not. I assumed where it didn't look good (especially areas that I was trying to blend), it was due to my lack of ability and knowledge. However, after watching your review and seeing that you are having the same results as me in the blending and also in graduations, I think it might be the paper and I will try another type. Thank you so much for the review - I have subscribed

[@ReyMisa]

Thank you for reading my comment last video and making a review on this paper. 😁

[@teohyc]

I actually made this video a few weeks ago 😂

[@ReyMisa]

Teoh Yi Chie oh nvm then either way great video👍

[@zintlebophela9650]

thanks so much for this review. I’m a super freaking beginner haha - started painting last week. and I was going to order this paper because I thought it was good paper. so you’ve saved me some money, and educated me a whole lot. thank you! 🙏🏾

[@GrandmaAbby1]

I wish I had found this review sooner. Being a super freaking beginner too lol, I already invested in this paper thinking it was good too. Oh well, will give it to my ink sketching friends...

[@pompom2621]

I would always notice my paper peeling from the page itself whenever I try to take off some paint and my painting would be completely ruined. Same with blending, I have to do it myself and gently dab the colors together since I can’t rub that hard or else it’ll rip. I’m still a beginner in watercolor and I think this paper is good for me to practice on but it is quite frustrating to have something like that happen and never be able to know what my painting would truly look like if i had paper of better quality. I draw eyes and I often have to blend the colors together to create natural looking skin rather than having hard edges or blocks of colors. will definitely invest in better quality paper in the future. Thank you for this review, I’ve learned a lot.

[@maymay2769]

I used to use this paper when I was just starting out since it can be found cheap in grocery stores here easily in the US. It's not fantastic paper but easy to find for beginners. Great comparison to show the limitations! Also, I always love you're reviews, thanks for making so many!

[@beatrizamorim7513]

I already used this paper at university, but I realized it's not good to make a lot of layers or even use a lot of water. It just falls apart after the 2nd layer. Despite this, I recommend it for who is just starting and doesn't have much money for art supplies. I definitely prefer this one than the mix media version, because of the texture. Your reviews are amazing, thank you! I'm a fan from Brazil.

[@jenniefiedler9854]

I have a pad of that paper and I've found that it works great with maybe one or two layers of inktense and fine liners but it doesn't take much to overwork it. It's good for the price though and I got it to practice on. I'd definitely use cotton paper for finished work but this paper is quite handy!

[@RoyScardina]

I really like this paper I am a disabled painter I Emme Abi Abi painter this paper works great for me I can’t afford 100% rag I only pink so good so this is a much better advantage for me I recommended to everybody especially if you’re just doing preliminary studies way less expensive than use the really really top shelf paper I can I recommended for kids to people starting out or justTo use it to practice and before you get to the expensive paper

[@alejandracarranza361]

Thanks for this review, it has been very useful to confirm the limits of this type of paper (I use it a lot).

[@sam_evy]

Thanks for this review! I just started looking at diving into watercolour or gouache painting for something I'd like to start this Fall or Winter. I'm trying to get supplies and found this really helpful to see your product review

[@mmveelee]

This is the best review I've seen so far about this paper. Thank you for sharing and reviewing!

[@senthestem9683]

I use this paper in my art journal and its fantastic for that, the paper is rather smooth so i can easily add lettering and funky washes that add a pop of color to my sketches. It can handle some abuse without the surface peeling, basically its a great alternative for people that like mixed media or just want a guilt free space to experiment on. It can be frustrating to paint on if you want to layer and actually learn how to use watercolors, the layers easily lift and dry terribly uneven. I think the Canson Montval is a better alternative for beginners, still cheap but the paints look vibrant and smooth on it ( still an issue with lifting but you wont avoid this unless you opt for a cotton paper), its a joy to work on with looser pieces in mind. As for paper that is great for refined pieces my fav hot press would be the Fabriano Artistico and for the cold press either Sounders Waterford or the Arches.

[@alejandromorales9516]

This is great paper for me to take to my life drawing sessions as I love to draw in ink and somethimes create washes from my lines and the sizing allows the ink washes to be a little more free. It will take paint, but I find that I have to paint on it the way I paint in my sketchbook. Throw some color at it and maybe a second layer once it dries. But uniform washes and glazing and the like I save for cotton paper.

[@lockeyarts]

You pretty much confirm my own experiences. The first painting I tried on Canson XL was of an apple where I needed to glaze some red over a few layers of greens and yellows and I just couldn't get a vibrant enough red layer like I could on other papers. I also had a lot of trouble getting smoothly blended backgrounds in several paintings. Diluted colors in general don't seem to look as good as on cotton paper. I now use this paper for the odd sketch or for swatching out new palettes. It's indeed great for small paintings like those of single autumn leaves, which is what I'm doing right now.

[@realfingertrouble]

glazing is not a technique that really works with wood pulp paper...you need cotton for that. Be careful though, as I find pulp paper just disintegrates when it gets wet so you have a sort of enforced water control, and stop overworking things. I find I can overwork stuff and use too much water with cotton paper.

[@verotab4208]

I just bought canson watercolor paper and i will try it soon! I will take some advice that you told in this review Btw, I love your review!

[@johnnywhite1681]

I have been trying to learn watercolors and using this paper. Im so glad to see your review. I will be trying some better paper.

[@bretoner2]

Thanks for this review. I tried two larger paintings and felt so frustrated and wanted to give up. This paper is not good at all for larger washes. I'll be trying cotton paper next time

[@MalamikArt]

It's possible you had a different result because you did Canson horizontal and the Fabriano vertically. It's pretty good paper, super economical. My favorites are cotton, but I use this when I want to throw out an idea and sometimes a finished piece :)

[@jilliancrawford7577]

Even though this paper doesn't allow the saturation and luminosity to shine, this might be a good thing if you're painting something with a light and soft or pastel palette. This paper dulls out the saturation quite a lot in my experience, but the results are still something I think could work perfectly with the right piece.

[@gosiaplummer4794]

I am a beginner too, and omg what a difference paper makes!!!! Tried arches ( super good) winsor and newton professional and blick premium. Paints just flow and listen to you! Canson is used for testing colors and sketches. I bought a lot of expensive paints and tried to save on paper. Not worth the frustration!

[@GrandmaAbby1]

Thanks for your comment--very helpful.

[@barbaraverser1056]

Tech, thanks for this review. I just bought a huge pad of this paper that I plan to cut down, hole punch, and with which I'll start the first of my swatch/mixing binders.

[@ineedsIeep]

I love your voice! It's very relaxing, I actually just put this video on a separate tab without realizing it and did my homework and it was very calming. Thank you, I will actually watch the video too when I have time haha 😄 edit: question, what watercolor brush did you use? it's exactly the shape I wanted!

[@grayven123]

I use this for color roughs of larger paintings so as not to waste higher grade paper.

[@BlueTulipe]

I've worked with small paintings with this paper it's ok but really not great. I much prefer coton paper, like sennelier. I try to use Canson when I can because the company is close to where I live. Supporting local companies as much as I can. Thanks for your review. 😊

[@BlueTulipe]

@Yasmine S. thank you yes I know 😉 merci c'est gentil, je connais bien les produits de la marque. J'ai malgré tout mes préférences. ❤

[@elsagrace3893]

I love this paper for test mixing and swatching colors and I also use it for watercolor sketches in figure drawing class. That way I’m not worried about cost of paper or mistakes because it is all practice.

[@talitamunoz2130]

An excellente review! Thanks so much from Peru

[@2Spunck]

This is a great demo. Rosapina is 60% cotton. This Canson is likely closer to what Fabriano calls "soft" press, which is still a cold press, though Canson is with no cotton, Fabriano Artistico soft press is 100% cotton. And I agree, this is not best for wet on wet.

[@chubbyjaydraws]

I use Canson for my cartoon drawings (hey it’s cheap 😀) but I have several types of Canson’s 100% cotton I’m looking forward to trying out on the future 👍🏻 (I thought you were doing a Bob Ross when you talked about putting clouds in 🤣 )

[@bicali_pierfishing1567]

I have this similar canson Skechbook but the one I have is a mix Medea sketchbook paper

[@koskey06]

This paper is best used for paintings that you want more control over where your paint goes/ runs/blooms to. I use a brush pen then watercolor over top.

[@jendesign5537]

Great review Teoh

[@asamandhiry8648]

Thank you Teoh this was very useful.

[@peacefultahitti379]

Thank you, Teoh! Very helpful 👍 What brand or what is the white gel pen did you use? Again, thanks 🥰

[@zuheyr1]

Hi Thank you! Please also compare the grain and price

[@DzAgiS321]

You have made a review for XL Mix Media. Could you compare these 2 sketchbooks? Which should i get for a watercolour?

[@teohyc]

XL Mixed Media paper has a texture pattern that's too obvious to ignore. www.parkablogs.com/picture/review-canson-xl-mix-media-paper-300gsm

[@not_myosotis813]

Great video, I usually only use this paper for swatches and light sketches.

[@Argyll9846]

For sketching this paper is probably fine. I question the validity of comparing a sketch type cellulose paper with a cotton watercolour paper that's made specifically for finished watercolours. I think that perhaps you need to cut back on the amount of water you use with this paper when using pigments.

[@dianadiaz3770]

OBSERVATION!! I noticed it says, "Cold Press" on the bottom left in english as you said but right under it in the transtlations it says, "Fine Grain."

[@strawburrycat5029]

Teoh can i paint on both sides of this paper if i dont use too much water? like an artwork on the front and another one on the back. i use aquash brush pens to paint

[@teohyc]

You can paint on both sides

[@trashlover3495]

I didn't like this paper because of the same reason.. the visual journal from starthmore that ı started with was much better and it was your recommendation:)

[@sokinecola9361]

I love diffuse effect. Could I know what paint you use ? Thank you

[@gretcharts]

Seems quite nice for a paper and it is fairly cheap. Can you also do a full review on a Fabriano Artistico paper?

[@teohyc]

Fabriano Artistico is very good watercolour paper. Quality is similar to Arches.

[@gretcharts]

Hi. I haven't tried Arches yet. Maybe I will buy next time. A friend gave me a fabriano artistico 5x7 as a bday gift. I want to try it out but not sure what to paint. I know it is expensive so I'm still thinking what to do with it.

[@gretcharts]

Mine is traditional white cold pressed. My friend gave it as a gift. I painted a landscape following a tutorial of paitykat.

[@doon99]

I've used the xl watercolor paper and I like that it lays flat once it dries. The paper is pretty soft and has more tooth than I normally like though. I actually prefer the Canson XL Multi Media paper for watercolor. It's thinner and smoother than the xl watercolor paper but still takes watercolor ( and pen) really well....but I'll admit that you use s a lot more water than I normally do ;)

[@teohyc]

It's only for this demo that I used more water. I wanted to see if the water could move the paint if the wet paper surface can't.

[@letsgetit443]

In the future could you maybe do a review on the strathmore series 400 watercolor paper? I’ve been meaning to try it out but I’ve heard good and bad reviews so I’m sort of contemplating. I’d like to hear what you think about it.

[@babixillo]

seems like this paper is actually very durable, from canson website: it complies with ISO Standard 9706, acid-free and without optical brightness additives also has mould-resistant treatment. that makes this paper will not yellow overtime thus makes it archival. not sure how that compare to cotton paper which generally accepted as the most archival paper

[@babixillo]

yes and because they dont use optical brightness additives which is some kind of paper whitening bleach

[@maddiehensley1126]

I use watercolor on this paper and it literally buckles so bad even when i tape it down and kinda like shreds off in tiny paper bits?? What am i doing wrong?

[@teohyc]

It's not you. It's the paper. Some paper will buckle more than others. You can check KZbin videos on how to stretch watercolour paper

[@jobsuyu]

This is really good, comparing that I find these a Walmart for under 15 dollars.

[@pompom2621]

Yeah honestly it’s really good for the price. At my Walmart I got mine for 6 dollars

[@SheilaNorthcutt]

Would different pigments react differently on the same paper? I would have liked to see the same colors on the different papers.

[@teohyc]

It's not because of the pigment. I've compared them here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpy5q2BjjZtrh8U

[@skfhdsjknldgfv]

Do you notice a difference between the front and back? They definitely have different texture

[@ademojalefa537]

This helped me alot ,thanks

[@vangogo6819]

Thanks for sharing Teoh, it seems like you keep getting water dams because of the low quality of the paper. It's great price wise but I personally feel that it's frustrating to use unless you are really skilled with watercolors. I realize that can be a tough challenge if you are teaching a class or on a tight budget, you are skilled enough that you managed a nice painting!

[@syafiq6907]

Between this and the aquafine, which one do you prefer?

[@teohyc]

Aquafine. I like the texture there more. And the colours are slightly more vibrant because the paper is very white.

[@syafiq6907]

Thanks a lot.

[@sweetheartcool7929]

I think this is the video for me..because im confused because i want to know if this paper is good with miya gouache paint

[@karinpellaers6897]

Very helpful. Thank-you so much.

[@Echo-Of-Noise]

Great review!! Would it be possible to compare this canson xl paper to canson montval or torchon paper? Both are around the same price.

[@Echo-Of-Noise]

@Yasmine S. oh no i mean one that is in the range of montval, actually i think it is called "montval torchon"

[@merc065]

Does gouache work (An acrylic-watercolor hybrid that looks like watercolor when well diluted in water and feels like it)?

[@teohyc]

It should work well on this paper

[@merc065]

Teoh Yi Chie Ok thank you

[@DzAgiS321]

On other videos you use ball point or fountain pen why don't you use liners like Micron and others?

[@teohyc]

The felt tips on technical pens wear out fast on watercolour and fine grain paper. Fountain pen is more economical because you can refill from a huge bottle of ink. And I like the blotches from ball point pen lines.

[@DzAgiS321]

@@teohyc what ball point pen could you recommend?

[@toadie2929]

Lovely practice piece :) I can’t get that paper where I live so I use Fabriano studio paper for practice. Cotton paper for the win though.

[@teohyc]

Fabriano Studio is good. It has similar limitations, but it's still good paper. I like that paper.

[@dwh862]

Hi Teoh, thanks for posting this review as well as your other excellent videos. I have this same pad and please tell me if you have this problem, doing wet on dry paper wash ... I find the water paint mix repelling in random areas on the paper as if there was an invisible oil spill. The appearance looks as if I was doing a dry brush effect yet the mop brush I am using is loaded with water and paint (Holbein Gamboge Nova) I also had this issue with other colors also. I hope this make sense to you. I bought the pad for color test as not to waste my Arches. Have you had this experience? Cheers, Dave.

[@teohyc]

It happens rarely but I'm not sure why. Maybe it could be the oil from fingers, or the sizing is not done properly, so certain areas have more sizing that repels water

[@dwh862]

Thank you Teoh, I was thinking the same thing about finger prints, though it has been happening on more then one sheet...and odd shapes of different sizes, so your suggestion of "areas have more sizing that repels water" sounds likely. Thanks again!

[@charlonmamangun2626]

I use this for copic doodles I have to switch with the marker canson paper but atleast I can use it for both styles

[@bionicplanet]

are there any big papered sketchbooks?...i cant seem to find good ones or rather i don't know what types are there in the market

[@teohyc]

Not many good ones. Try Global Art Materials sketchbook

[@BlueTeaArt]

The Canson XL Watercolor paper doesn’t say acid free but on the website it does state that’s what I don’t like about that paper but overall good for practice but not for professional I suggest the canson heritage it’s Hot press acid free and 100% cotton not a wood pulp watercolor which the Xl watercolor is

[@reginavaquero2783]

I agree with your review. I personally don't like it. For ink I have found really good. But watercolours? I have been frustrating by the lack of movement between colours, basically you have to do most of the work yourself. I created lots of puddles which I found myself blotting out a lot! It leaves a lot of hard edges, even if you soften it , it doesn't look great. I have bought it because I wanted a cheaper alternative for doing studies...I don't think I will buy this one anymore. What brand do you recommend for this type of work? Thank you!

[@reginavaquero2783]

@@teohyc thank you very much! I use Arches, Saunders Waterford, Bockingford and I will have to try that bee cotton paper, but it is not easily available. I found the Paul Rubens quite good and a very good price!!! It will be nice for you to review it? Thank you again!!!

[@miraxterrik]

What brand would you recommend for watercolor, apart from Arches? I would like a better quality one but Arches is a bit crazy for me. Thanks!

[@teohyc]

Arches is one of the best. Why don't you like it? Others to consider are Fabriano, Lanaquarelle and Legion Paper. Check out reviews online first.

[@miraxterrik]

@@teohyc Arches is super pricy, and i'm not sure my average talent would deserve that quality :D Thanks!

[@teohyc]

@@miraxterrik Maybe check out the Fabriano Studio 25% cotton paper. Or the Khadi Papers sketchbook with 100% cotton. Check Jackson's Art UK or eBay goo.gl/uvKUqz

[@dristyfy]

Can you pls tell me the name of tha watercolor brush and number you uses here?

[@teohyc]

Nevskaya Palitra, Russia, size 5

[@dristyfy]

@@teohyc Thank You

[@towardsthelight4919]

What is the difference between the Canson XL and the Canson Montval please is there a difference in the texture of the paper, or anything else. Please let me know or if any of the other viewers know that will be helpful.

[@Vladimok]

Apart from the paper ARCHERS, very expensive, what good paper to use ?

[@teohyc]

Cotton paper are going to perform significantly better but they are also much more expensive. Other paper similar in quality to Arches that I know of are Fabriano Artistico, Fabriano Rosaspina, Lanaquarrele

[@glorioskiola]

Winsor & Newton makes a 100% cotton paper also. It might be less expensive where you live. Fabriano Artistico also, make sure it says Artistico.

[@Niseryusei]

Why’s the acid free paper better?

[@teohyc]

It won't turn yellow over time.

[@PcakeTheMadDoodler]

Do you have a link to the Fabriano paint?

[@teohyc]

Paint?

[@PcakeTheMadDoodler]

@@teohyc The Fabriano paper you mention in the review.

[@teohyc]

@@PcakeTheMadDoodler I usually use either Fabriano Studio (25% cotton) or Fabriano Artistico (100% cotton)

[@PcakeTheMadDoodler]

@@teohyc Thanks - I sometimes use Fabriano Studio, but haven't tried the Artistico yet.

[@kalingebert]

I love this paper

[@Finity_Dust]

Thanks! I never knew this.

[@omtarotangelicallakshmi6503]

Hi, does it work good on Guache paint?

[@3ooth]

yes, it's excellent for gouache

[@ayeshamubarik1064]

Thx this is really helpful

[@not_myosotis813]

Have you ever used toned watercolour paper? What is it like?

[@teohyc]

I've not tried those. I've not seen toned watercolour paper before

[@not_myosotis813]

aww, I was hoping it'd exist for watercolor

[@angryduck1067]

Is this good for gouache?

[@raisaratri3752]

What’s the name of the paper on the right side again??

[@teohyc]

The one in the sketchbook? Fabriano Rosaspina

[@garthok6224]

Not surprising, that pad is cheap compared to the premium products from Canson, you should try those papers instead. That pad is still a decent paper to practice, sketching etc.

[@hoaithuong5729]

Name of paintbrush??? :3

[@academicweapon181]

The only issue I have is the layout. I mean, you have to tear each page out, otherwise it will fall out. I wish it had rings so you wouldn’t have to worry about that. Ik they have one with rings but I don’t see why you would need a book like this

[@yagami6372]

Ist white or off white

[@dustymew]

I used to use this for my pieces but realized its just not good for actual pieces. I switched to Hahnmule cotton paper, you get about 300 sheets for $50 CAD, and its like night and day. I DO use this however for swatching colors, testing colors, etc. Otherwise its pretty much unusable.

[@teohyc]

Yeah, I use this for my pen and ink sketching tutorials, but not the watercolour ones.