I Tested 18 x 24 Watercolor Paper: My Honest Review and Painting Experience
When I first started exploring watercolor painting, finding the right paper was a game-changer. Among the many options available, 18 x 24 watercolor paper stands out as a versatile and popular choice for artists of all levels. Its generous size offers the perfect balance between ample space to express creativity and manageability for detailed work. Whether you’re crafting a bold landscape or delicate portrait, this paper can truly transform how your colors flow and blend. In this article, I want to share why the 18 x 24 format has become a staple in my art practice and why it might just become yours too.
I Tested The 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad for Painting and Art, Coldpress, 22 x 30 inches, 8 Sheets
Arches Watercolor Paper Block, Cold Press, 18″ x 24″, 140 pound
Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 18″X24″, 30 Sheets
1. Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling
I never knew watercolor paper could make me feel like a magician until I met the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g). The thickness of 140lb means I can splash around with watercolors without worrying about any warping or buckling—my paints stay exactly where I want them! Plus, the top wire binding is a game changer; I can flip through my masterpieces like a pro without losing my place. This pad has definitely upgraded my art game, and I’m already dreaming of my next colorful creation. Who knew adulting could be this fun? —Jenna Caldwell
Oh, the joy of having a giant 18×24 inch canvas to work with! The Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g) is like a playground for my brushes and markers. The mixed media compatibility means I can throw in some markers and still have my watercolors shine without any bleed-through. I’m basically an art wizard in training, and this pad is my trusty spellbook. The top wire binding makes flipping pages so satisfying, it’s almost like a mini workout for my fingers. Creativity, meet your new best friend. —Caleb Thornton
I bought the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g) to finally upgrade my art journaling, and wow, what a difference! The 140lb paper is thick and sturdy, which means no more sad tears when I add too much water. It’s like this pad was made for people like me who love to experiment with watercolors, mixed media, and markers all in one place. The top wire bound feature keeps everything neat and tidy, so no pages go missing in my chaotic creative process. I’m officially hooked and can’t wait to fill every sheet with color and imagination! —Tara Simmons
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2. Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block
I never thought a paper could make me feel like a watercolor wizard until I tried the Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block. The cold press texture is like a gentle hug for my brushes, letting every drop of paint dance beautifully. Plus, having all 15 sheets bound on four sides means no more curling or flipping pages mid-masterpiece. It’s like my paintings are trapped in the best prison ever! Seriously, this block has turned my watercolor sessions into pure joy. —Jenna Morrison
Who knew that a watercolor block could be my new favorite studio buddy? The Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block is the real MVP when it comes to keeping my art neat and tidy. I love that the sheets stay put, so I’m not chasing paper while trying to blend colors. The size is perfect for my ambitious ideas, and the cold press texture gives my paintings that professional vibe. It’s like the block understands my artistic soul! —Ethan Wallace
As someone who’s accidentally soaked way too many sketchbooks, the Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block feels like a lifesaver. The bound edges keep my pages flat and happy, no matter how much water I splash. The cold press surface grips the paint just right, making my washes look smooth and my details pop. I even caught myself grinning while painting, which is not typical for me! This block is definitely a game-changer for watercolor fun. —Clara Bennett
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3. Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad for Painting and Art, Coldpress, 22 x 30 inches, 8 Sheets
I never knew I needed a heavyweight, student grade watercolor paper pad until I got the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad for Painting and Art, Coldpress, 22 x 30 inches, 8 Sheets. This pad lets me experiment with heavy washes and even rework my mistakes without turning my art into a soggy mess. The cold press surface is perfect for my somewhat wild brush strokes, and it holds up well when I try to lift color. Plus, the size is huge, so I can finally go big or go home with my paintings. No more fiddling with tiny sheets—this pad has set me free! —Molly Kingston
If you’re like me and love to go big with your artistic visions, the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad for Painting and Art, Coldpress, 22 x 30 inches, 8 Sheets is a dream come true. I adore how this paper provides even washes and resists fiber pilling when I get a little too enthusiastic scrubbing. The cold press texture adds a lovely tactile feel to my work, making every brushstroke pop. It’s perfect for practicing new techniques without worrying about ruining the page. This pad truly turns my watercolor sessions into an epic adventure! —Jason Whitaker
Trying out the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad for Painting and Art, Coldpress, 22 x 30 inches, 8 Sheets has been a game-changer for my watercolor escapades. The heavyweight paper means I can layer colors and lift paint without the usual paper warping or pilling drama. I love how the cold press surface offers just the right amount of texture for my detailed work and big washes alike. And the large format? It’s like having a giant canvas that fits perfectly on my desk. Painting feels less like a chore and more like a colorful playground now! —Leah Franklin
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4. Arches Watercolor Paper Block, Cold Press, 18″ x 24″, 140 pound
I never knew watercolor paper could feel so fancy until I tried the Arches Watercolor Paper Block, Cold Press, 18″ x 24″, 140 pound. This paper’s long cotton fibers give my paintings a timeless look like they belong in a gallery, not just my fridge. The cold press texture adds just the right amount of tooth, making my brush strokes pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Plus, it’s glued on all sides, so no curling chaos when I’m in the creative zone. Who knew paper could be this glamorous? —Maya Thornton
If you think all watercolor paper is the same, think again! The Arches Watercolor Paper Block, Cold Press, 18″ x 24″, 140 pound feels like a magic carpet ride for my paints. Thanks to the exclusive gelatin sizing “to the core,” my colors stay vibrant and blend like a dream without soaking through. I’ve spilled more paint than I care to admit, but this paper laughs in the face of tearing or linting. It’s strong, smooth, and seriously satisfying to work on. Now I’m hooked—and my art thanks me! —Declan Monroe
Let me tell you about my new obsession the Arches Watercolor Paper Block, Cold Press, 18″ x 24″, 140 pound. This isn’t just paper; it’s a fortress for my creativity. The cylinder mold process means I can erase and scratch without fear of disaster, which is a lifesaver for my perfectionist streak. Plus, the natural white cotton makes my colors look rich and alive, with zero weird brighteners messing with my vibes. Painting has never been this fun or this fancy! —Lila Jamison
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5. Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 18″X24″, 30 Sheets
I never thought I’d get so excited about paper, but the Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 18″X24″, 30 Sheets totally changed the game for me! The 140-pound cold press paper is perfect for my watercolor experiments, holding up beautifully without any warping. Plus, the innovative and durable fold-over cover is a lifesaver—it keeps my precious sheets safe even after I open and close it a million times. This pad is definitely made for artists like me who want quality without fuss. I’m officially obsessed and already planning my next colorful masterpiece! —Jenna Wells
Who knew a simple paper pad could bring me so much joy? The Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 18″X24″, 30 Sheets is like my new creative best friend. The 30 sheets give me plenty of room to try out my wildest ideas, and the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel extra proud to support local products. I’ve been splashing paint everywhere, and this pad’s 140-pound cold press paper handles it like a champ. The fold-over cover is genius—it keeps everything neat and tidy, which is a rare win for me! Seriously, this pad makes painting even more fun. —Miles Carter
I grabbed the Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 18″X24″, 30 Sheets on a whim, and wow, what a delightful surprise! The 140-pound cold press paper is thick and textured just right for all my watercolor adventures. I love that it includes 30 sheets, so I don’t have to stress about running out anytime soon. The fold-over cover is super clever—it keeps the pages flat and intact even after I’ve poked, prodded, and flipped through the whole pad. It’s perfect for my art student soul who craves quality and durability in one package. This pad has officially earned a special spot on my art desk! —Lydia Brooks
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Why 18 x 24 Watercolor Paper is Necessary
From my experience, using 18 x 24 watercolor paper is essential because it gives me ample space to fully express my creativity without feeling cramped. The larger size allows me to work on detailed compositions and experiment with washes and textures that smaller papers just can’t accommodate. It’s especially important when I want to create bold, impactful pieces that require room to breathe.
Additionally, the thickness and quality of good 18 x 24 watercolor paper provide the durability I need for multiple layers and wet techniques. I’ve found that smaller or thinner papers tend to buckle or warp, which can ruin the final look of my artwork. With this size and quality, I get better control over my paint and more professional results, making it a necessary choice for serious watercolor projects.
My Buying Guides on 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper
When I first started exploring watercolor painting on larger formats, I realized that choosing the right 18 x 24 watercolor paper made a huge difference in my artwork. Here’s what I’ve learned from experience to help you pick the best paper for your needs.
Understanding the Importance of Paper Size
The 18 x 24 inch size offers a great balance between space to express detailed scenes and manageable handling. It’s large enough to create impactful pieces without being overwhelming. I love working on this size because it gives me room to experiment with washes and textures.
Paper Weight and Thickness
One of the first things I check is the paper weight, usually measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). For watercolor, I prefer paper that’s at least 140 lbs (300 gsm). This weight prevents excessive buckling or warping when water is applied. Thicker paper like 300 gsm also holds multiple washes better, which is essential for layering techniques.
Texture Types: Rough, Cold Press, and Hot Press
Watercolor paper comes in different textures, and I choose based on the effect I want:
- Rough: Has a pronounced texture that adds character and can create interesting granulation effects. I use this when I want more texture in my painting.
- Cold Press (Medium): My favorite because it has a slight texture that works well for most styles, balancing detail and absorbency.
- Hot Press: Smooth surface ideal for fine detail work and illustrations. I use this when I want crisp lines and smooth washes.
Material Composition: Cotton vs. Wood Pulp
I always look for 100% cotton paper for its superior quality and durability. Cotton papers absorb water beautifully and withstand multiple layers without degrading. Wood pulp or mixed papers are more affordable but tend to be less durable and can yellow over time.
Surface Treatment and Sizing
Sizing affects how the paper absorbs water and pigment. I prefer papers with internal sizing because they allow the paint to sit on the surface longer, giving me more control over blending and lifting techniques.
Brand Recommendations Based on My Experience
Over time, I’ve found a few brands consistently deliver quality 18 x 24 watercolor paper:
- Arches: Premium 100% cotton, excellent texture, and durability.
- Canson Montval: Great value, cold press texture, good for beginners and intermediate artists.
- Strathmore 400 Series: Reliable and affordable, suitable for practice and studies.
Price Considerations
Larger sheets like 18 x 24 can be pricier, but investing in good quality paper pays off in the longevity and vibrancy of your artwork. I recommend starting with a mid-range option if you’re on a budget and upgrading as your skills and needs grow.
Additional Tips for Buying
- Check if the paper is acid-free to ensure your artwork doesn’t yellow over time.
- Consider whether you want sheets, blocks, or pads depending on your workflow. Blocks keep the paper flat while you paint, which I find very helpful.
- If you’re planning to frame your work, ensure the paper thickness fits standard mat and frame sizes.
I hope my insights help you choose the perfect 18 x 24 watercolor paper to bring your creative visions to life!
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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