The 8 Best Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper Pads (2023 reviews)

This strathmore mixed media paper is capable of outshining several other products featured in this list in overall features. The paper is not completely white, it appears very slightly ivoryish next to a white mat in the frame. It works with inks, acrylics, watercolors, collage, whatever. The heavy paper stays firm, and acrylic washes go on evenly. It is perfect for mixed media.

It drys to fast. It needs to be in a box or a well padded package. The pages come out fairly easily.

Why We Like This:

Excellent smooth-surface paper for watercolor pens, markers or pencil
Great for watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, pencil, crayon, charcoal, marker and collage
Results in smooth, professional looking artwork

Best For keeping An Art Journal OF zentangle drawings: Strathmore Great Journal

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Compared with other products by Strathmore, the strathmore great journal has a convenient design. This is a heavy weight paper that can be used for zentangling or zendoodling with markers or for water colors. It is a great watercolor journal with sturdy pages that are wonderful for any kind of watercolor paint or ink. It's small, so it's easy to bring along with you anywhere, and the paper is a good quality.

The heavy duty design of this journal makes watercolors, acrylics, and your heaviest designs stay in tact and handy. It is great for quick daily painting or drawing in watercolor, ink, pencil or micropen. It is used for zentangling or zendoodling with markers or for water colors. This is great for water coloring.

Why We Like This:

Wonderful for washes, full paintings, and visual journaling
Takes watercolor, pencil and pen well, as well as collage
Perfect for mixed media art journals

Best For Water coloring: Strathmore Watercolor Paper

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The strathmore watercolor paper might be a relatively new release, but it's still nothing short of impressive this year, thanks to multiple price cuts and added new features over the past few iterations. This paper is great for watercolors. The 300 series watercolor paper pad contains 12 sheets of heavyweight, student grade, watercolor paper with a cold press surface. It allows colors to be pulled up easily and sharp and dries fast and great. It is thick and sturdy and receives the water colors well. It is suitable for experimenting and practicing techniques when heavier washes and reworking are required.

The quality of the paper is great and the watercolor look sharp and dries fast and great. This paper is fine for the beginner who has no experience.

Why We Like This:

Great paper, very thick and sturdy
Works well for projects but also use as backing for other dry mediums also
Stacks up pretty well against the heavier watercolor boards for wear/tear/re-working/re-wetting
Very thick and heavy so it doesn't crinkle with a lot of water

Best For beginners: Strathmore favorite Watercolor Paper

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate pad. The product is exactly that - it's a simple product that hits all the right notes. It is best quality art paper for anything including, pastels, watercolors, sketch drawings, and charcoal + paint drawings if you're carful enough. It is easy to remove, and you can just trim the frills off, rather than risk tearing your paper.

The paper quickly peels, dissolves and sort of unravel when it gets wetter on cheaper brands. It is also allows for plein air settings, working on new techniques. It is easy to use and high quality for a beginner that's dabbling in watercoloring. It is great for any kid to have their own pad for the watercolors.

Why We Like This:

Lifting is easy, providing you do not use staining watercolors
Good quality for beginners on water color painting
Works wonders with tombow dual brush pens
Great paper you will love the way it takes watercolors and also acrylic paints

Best For quick studies: Strathmore pro Watercolor Paper Pad

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Best part: strathmore pro watercolor paper pad costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. Strathmore Watercolor pads are top-of-the line for any art project. It's a sturdy, well-textured paper, with predictable and even saturation. It's nice and thick with light texture on one side. It takes water and the colors well, and also allows colors to be pulled up easily.

The paper is strong and easy to draw and paint. It is designed for quick studies and practice of techniques, as well as final artwork by beginning or student artists. The Colors blend beautifully on it while still being able to maintain sharp edges without bleeding like some. This is a great way to try all of the different patterns.

Why We Like This:

Holds watercolors well without running or curling
Wonderful paper, stands up to watercolors beautifully and oil pastels
Excellent paper that responds to water well
Paint dries fairly quickly, and paper does not tear or peel

Best With gouache: Strathmore Series Watercolor Paper

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate pad. The product is exactly that - it's a simple product that hits all the right notes. This felt finished paper has a strong cold press surface which allows lifting and scraping applications and is ideal for mastering watercolor techniques. It is used for acrylic, oil, airbrush, mixed media/collage, drawing, oil pastel, pen and ink, and marker.

Why We Like This:

One of the new comers and featured product
Delivers what they promise

Best For charcoal: Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper Pad

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Strathmore has been making great pad for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. One of Strathmore's most versatile sheets, this bright white translucent, layout bond paper is ideal for rough comps as well as finished work.

Why We Like This:

Delivers what they promise
Good investment for long term

Best absorbency: Strathmore intermediate grade Watercolor Paper

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The strathmore intermediate grade watercolor paper is the best desirable product on the market today. Strathmore's intermediate grade watercolor paper is popular with watercolorists of all levels because of the fine and even washes that can be achieved. It is good for works that require heavy scrubbing, but it absorbs the water like crazy.

The natural white color and traditional cold press surface make it an ideal sheet for mastering watercolor techniques or for finished artwork. It has a strong surface that will allow for lifting and scraping applications. This paper is great if you need to save money.

Why We Like This:

Lot of satisfied buyers
Good investment for long term