The 8 Best Watercolor Blocks (2023 reviews)

The arches watercolor paper's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. This paper can take the punishment of scrubbing, release of masking fluid left on for weeks without tearing, and multiple washes. It is just as thick (or just as thin) as all other 300 lb watercolor paper. It is made from 100% natural cotton fiber with no optical brightening agents, this paper has an archival, natural white color and an exquisite texture unlike other papers on the market.

These sheets are very rugged and can hold up to lots of water. It is good for heavy washes in that it won't warp. It takes even some scrubbing with a stiffer brush nicely. It provides timeless beauty and an inimitable touch. It is a nice weight and color.

Why We Like This:

Neutral paper with a harmonious natural grain and no optical brightening agents
Heavy weight and takes heavy washes without puckers or warping
Consistent quality and handles pigment and water very well

Best For practice: Canson Watercolor Block

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Canson line of block come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Canson montval watercolor blocks feature french paper that performs beautifully with all wet media. These mold-made blocks contain 15 sheets of 140 pound/300 gram, acid free, and 6 x 9 inch paper. The surface withstands scraping, erasing, and repeated washes.

Why We Like This:

Acid free 6 x 9 inch paper
French paper that performs beautifully with all wet media
Delivers what they promise

Best For Fine detailing With Watercolors: Paul Rubens Watercolor Block

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Not everyone likes to purchase block for their daily usage, but the paul rubens watercolor block would be an anomoly. If you care about permanence or plan on using lots of scrubbing, scraping, taping, and masking techniques, these papers can take a beating. The Paul Rubens watercolor paper is made of 100 cotton, so the four sides of it are glued together to keep the paper stay dry and dust. The block that comes with it is glued to the bottom ( back) of this pretty book. It is made of 100% cotton and acid-free paper, so they won’t become yellow and brittle over time.

One sheet of this paper can withstand weeks worth of work with watercolor and gouache and that is no exaggeration. It is suitable for fine detail or plan on using lots of scrubbing, scraping, taping, and masking techniques, these papers can take a beating. It’s beginner friendly, pro-friendly, budget-friendly and it does not demand you speed up your process.

Why We Like This:

Made of 100% cotton, it is acid-free and designed to endure
The advantage of using a watercolor block
Delivers what they promise

Best For Cold Press Paper: Paul Rubens Top sheet

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If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory block, paul rubens top sheet should be your first option for buying. This is a very good quality watercolor 100% cotton paper. Between Strathmore and Paul Rubens, this is a nice block and easy to take the paper off after it dries. It buckles a lot when you use a lot of water. Since all four sides are glued down, after your painting is dried, the paper will stay nice and flat. It is suitable for children under 3 years.

This is a medium quality paper. The paper holds up perfectly and dries really well back to its original condition. It is great for smaller studies. It’s convenient if you do not want to stretch your watercolor paper and are handy to take on holiday or away on trips.

Why We Like This:

Very good for a cold press paper
Gives it a plasticky feel at first
New and hot release

Best For blending And Lifting Color: Legion Watercolor Block

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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 block. The legion watercolor block is exactly that - it's a simple block that hits all the right notes. This paper works great for watercolor. It comes in a block and it has 15 sheets instead of the normal. It's much more affordable than most watercolor paper and being 100% cotton makes it work really great when using watercolors. The paper block allows your art to dry flat without any extreme warping. It doesnt have a lot of texture to it like arches or baohong paper does but it's still very absorbent and works just as well.

This paper has wonderful texture that holds pigment beautifully. The paper is great quality when you remove your finished piece from the block and it comes off so easily without leaving an edge on the block or your paper.

Why We Like This:

Stays workable ( wet ) longer
Better blending, and bleeding, and lifting pigment
Watercolors blend and bleed nicely when using wet on wet technique

Best For Artist: Arches Watercolor Block

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Arches makes beautiful and great block with classic and smartly choosen materials. These blocks contain 20 sheets of natural white, acid free, 100% cotton paper, and are glued on all 4 sides. It stands up to sketching and light erasing (use a gum eraser so you don't remove the sizing), it performs to high standards, it takes layers of colour well, allowing either light washy coverage, or deep and vibrant colours in your piece. The paper is high quality & you’ll be able to make changes with your non staining watercolors, like re-wetting & blot off areas you don’t like.

This is a wonderful size for quick on-site work. The hot press is very smooth & easier to control than the more textured cold press or rough. It retains its structure even under moderate scrubbing with the brush much better than cold-pressed. The top cover sheet needs to be removed to reveal the white paper of the block.

Why We Like This:

Come in standard sizes like 8x10, 11x14, etc
Good brand reputation

Best practice Paper: Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Block

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The stonehenge aqua watercolor block is specially designed for your regular usage and has all useful features. This paper "pills" easy when you try to lift paint. It is effortless, lifting is no longer a chore. It is good for the first 100 cotton black watercolor paper. It is available in a smooth hotpress and a more textured coldpress surface, in both 140lb (300gsm) and 300lb (600gsm) weights. It is available in sheets up to 22" x 30" and the following formats in blocks and pads. It comes with a crushed corner. Compared to wood pulp, this is a decent paper. It is as finely crafted as it is affordable.

Why We Like This:

Subtle texture, layers well, takes a bit of scrubbing
Excellent paper, no buckling, tough to remove from block
More delicate paper than most watercolor papers

Best With gouache: Fabriano Watercolor Block

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Best part: fabriano watercolor block costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. This fabriano artistico watercolor block is gluebound on all four sides, ideal for painting on the go, outside or without a surface to spread out on. It is sized both internally and externally, making it both absorbent and resilient. It is made without optical brighteners.

This block features fabriano artistico watercolor paper, which is ideal for watercolor, tempera, gouache, acrylic, ink, charcoal, graphite and drawing. The hotpress surface is smooth and extra absorbent. It is made with 100% cotton.

Why We Like This: