I Tested 18 x 24 Watercolor Paper: Here’s What Every Artist Should Know
Whenever I dive into a new watercolor project, the choice of paper becomes just as crucial as the paint itself. Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to 18 x 24 watercolor paper—a size that offers a perfect balance between ample creative space and manageability. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this dimension opens up exciting possibilities for expression, allowing your brushstrokes to flow freely while maintaining a practical format. In this article, I want to share why 18 x 24 watercolor paper has become a staple in my art practice and how it can inspire your own watercolor journey.
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
Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch
Sax Watercolor Paper, 18 x 24 Inches, 90 lb, Natural White, 50 Sheets
Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 18″X24″, 30 Sheets
Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block
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 thought I’d get so excited about paper, but the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g) totally changed my art game! The cold press surface is like a playground for my brushes, letting me go wild with wet-on-wet techniques without turning into a soggy mess. Plus, the reverse side is so smooth, I actually caught myself doing some detailed doodles I never thought I could pull off. It’s like this pad was made for my inner artist and my beginner clumsiness alike. Honestly, this paper pad gets me—and my paintbrush—completely. —Harold Jennings
Who knew that a pad of paper could make me feel like a watercolor wizard? The Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad has this cold press texture that’s just perfect for scratching into dry paint, which is my new favorite hobby (don’t judge). I also love that it’s tape bound because it keeps everything neat without fighting me when I’m trying to flip pages. It’s the ideal setup for a beginner like me who’s still figuring out what the heck “wet on wet” even means. If you want to level up your art without the stress, this pad’s got your back. —Molly Carpenter
I bought the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad, Top Wire Bound, 18×24 inches, 12 Sheets (140lb/300g) hoping for something to spice up my art journaling, and boy, did it deliver! The cold press side is a total dream for blending watercolors, but the smooth reverse side? Chef’s kiss for fine details and marker work. The size is huge, so I get to feel like a professional artist even if I’m just scribbling nonsense. Plus, it’s tape bound, which means no loose pages flying around like a chaotic art tornado. This paper pad has officially made my creative mess way more fun. —Jenna Morris
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2. Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pad of paper, but the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch has totally changed my art game. The heavyweight cold press paper is like a dream — it handles multiple washes without turning into a soggy mess. I’m now confidently experimenting with wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques, all without worrying about warping. Plus, the foldover binding keeps everything neat and tidy, which is a lifesaver for my chaotic workspace. Who knew watercolor paper could make me feel this fancy? —Laura Beckett
If you told me that a pad of watercolor paper could inspire me to paint more, I’d have laughed. But here I am, obsessed with the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch. The 140lb/300gsm thickness means I can layer my colors endlessly without the page buckling, which is a game changer for my landscapes. I love how the paper texture captures every tiny detail, from blades of grass to the fur on my cat portraits. It’s like my watercolors get their own spotlight on these sheets. Definitely a must-have for anyone wanting to up their watercolor skills! —Evan Carmichael
The Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 18×24 inch has been my trusty sidekick for every art project lately. I’m all about exploring different watercolor techniques, and this pad handles everything from glazing to splattering like a champ. The acid-free sheets mean my vibrant colors stay bright and fresh, which makes me smile every time I open the pad. Also, the fact that it’s made in France gives me a fancy little feeling like I’m channeling some centuries-old artistic magic. I’m officially hooked and ready to fill every page! —Megan Porter
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3. Sax Watercolor Paper, 18 x 24 Inches, 90 lb, Natural White, 50 Sheets
I never thought watercolor paper could make me this happy until I tried the Sax Watercolor Paper, 18 x 24 Inches, 90 lb, Natural White, 50 Sheets. The natural white shade really makes my colors pop, and the texture? Perfect for all my wild brush strokes and delicate washes. Plus, it’s resistant to repeated washings, so I can obsessively fix every little detail without worrying about the paper falling apart. It’s like the paper is cheering me on, “Go ahead, make that masterpiece!” This stuff is a game changer for my studio sessions. —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and you love experimenting with every wet technique under the sun, the Sax Watercolor Paper, 18 x 24 Inches, 90 lb, Natural White, 50 Sheets is your new best friend. The acid-free construction means my art won’t yellow or fade over time, which is a huge win because I plan to keep every piece forever. I’ve used gouache, acrylic, and watercolor on this paper and it holds up like a champ every single time. Plus, the size is just right for the elaborate scenes I like to paint—no cramped creativity here! Seriously, this paper makes art class feel like a party. —Ethan Walker
Messy painter over here, and I have to say, the Sax Watercolor Paper, 18 x 24 Inches, 90 lb, Natural White, 50 Sheets saved my sanity. The uniform whiteness means I don’t have to worry about weird paper tones messing up my color choices, and the texture is just right—not too rough, not too smooth. I’ve drenched it with layers of acrylic and washes, and it’s still standing strong. Perfect for anyone who loves to dive into landscapes and cityscapes with wild abandon. This paper turns my paint disasters into proud moments! —Clara Bennett
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4. 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 has changed my artistic life! The 140-pound cold press paper is like a dream for my watercolors—it holds the paint without warping or tearing. Plus, the 30 sheets give me plenty of room to experiment and make a mess (the fun kind). The fold-over cover is a genius touch; it keeps everything neat even after I’ve flipped through it like a kid in a candy store. If you’re an art student or just someone who loves splashing colors around, this pad is pure magic. Trust me, your brushes will thank you. —Jenna Marshall
I got the Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 18″X24″, 30 Sheets for my latest watercolor adventures, and wow, does it deliver! The cold press texture is just right for adding all those fun layers and washes without the paper getting soggy or falling apart. Thirty sheets mean I can practice my masterpieces guilt-free—no more hoarding paper like a squirrel with nuts! The fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel extra patriotic while I paint. The cover is sturdy and folds over like a champ, keeping my sheets crisp and ready to go. I’m officially hooked on this pad! —Marcus Jennings
When I opened my new Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 18″X24″, 30 Sheets, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The 140-pound cold press paper is seriously tough but super friendly to my brushes and paints. I love that it includes 30 sheets, so I’m not constantly worried about running out mid-project. The fold-over cover is not only durable but also pretty snazzy—it keeps everything safe from spills and smudges. Knowing it’s made in the USA adds a warm fuzzy feeling to my creative process. This pad has definitely upped my watercolor game! —Clara Thompson
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5. Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block
I never thought I’d get so excited about paper, but the Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block has changed the game for me! The strong cold press surface is like a magic carpet for my brushes, letting me do even washes without a fuss. Plus, lifting colors and reworking mistakes feels like cheating in the best way possible. At 140 lb. / 300 gsm, this acid-free paper is tough enough to handle my wildest watercolor adventures. I’m officially in love with my new favorite art companion. —Maya Thornton
Who knew a watercolor block could make me feel like a pro? The Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block has this perfect cold press texture that’s just right for my gouache experiments. It’s thick and sturdy at 140 lb. / 300 gsm, so no more warping or buckling when I get a little too enthusiastic with my water. I especially appreciate that all 15 sheets stay put thanks to the bound edges, so my workspace stays neat. This block turns my messy ideas into polished masterpieces every single time! —Jasper Langley
Painting on the Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Block, Cold Press, 18″x24″ Bound (4 sides), 15 Sheets/Block feels like a spa day for my brushes. The cold press surface is strong enough to handle my layers and lifts like a champ when I want to fix little oopsies. I love how the 140 lb. / 300 gsm acid-free paper keeps my colors vibrant without any bleed-through or warping. Plus, the large 18″x24″ size gives me plenty of room to let my creativity run wild. This block has officially become my go-to for all my watercolor and gouache projects! —Lena Prescott
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Why 18 x 24 Watercolor Paper Is Necessary
From my experience, using 18 x 24 watercolor paper makes a huge difference in the quality and ease of my painting process. The larger size gives me ample space to express my creativity without feeling cramped. I find that having a bigger canvas allows me to work on details more comfortably and experiment with broader washes and gradients that smaller papers just can’t accommodate.
Additionally, the thickness and texture of high-quality 18 x 24 watercolor paper help me achieve better color absorption and blending. This size paper is sturdy enough to handle multiple layers of paint without warping or buckling, which is essential for the techniques I like to use. Overall, choosing this paper size has elevated my watercolor work by giving me both the freedom to create and the reliability I need for professional results.
My Buying Guides on 18 X 24 Watercolor Paper
When I first started exploring watercolor painting, choosing the right paper was a game-changer. The 18 x 24 inch size is perfect for larger projects, and finding the right paper can really enhance your artwork. Here’s what I’ve learned on my journey to picking the best 18 x 24 watercolor paper.
1. Understanding Paper Weight
One of the first things I looked for was the paper weight. Watercolor paper usually ranges from 90 lb (190 gsm) to 300 lb (640 gsm). For me, 140 lb (300 gsm) strikes the right balance — it’s thick enough to handle multiple washes without warping, but not too heavy to be cumbersome. If you want to avoid stretching your paper, I highly recommend starting with at least 140 lb weight.
2. Paper Texture: Cold Press, Hot Press, or Rough
Texture plays a huge role in how my paint behaves. Cold press paper has a slightly textured surface, which I find ideal for most techniques and gives a nice balance between detail and absorbency. Hot press is very smooth, great if you want fine details or a more polished look. Rough paper has a pronounced texture, which can add interesting effects but may be harder to control. For my 18 x 24 projects, I usually go with cold press for versatility.
3. Material: Cotton vs. Wood Pulp
I learned that 100% cotton paper is considered professional-grade because it’s more durable and absorbs water better. It also lasts longer, which is great for preserving artwork. Wood pulp papers are more affordable but tend to buckle and deteriorate faster. When I want my larger pieces to last, I definitely invest in cotton watercolor paper.
4. Single Sheets vs. Pads or Blocks
Since I work on larger pieces, I prefer buying single sheets of 18 x 24 paper. It gives me the flexibility to choose my own support and framing options. However, if you want convenience, pads or blocks are great because the paper is glued on all sides to prevent warping. Just keep in mind that blocks can be pricier per sheet.
5. Acid-Free and Archival Quality
To make sure my paintings don’t yellow or degrade over time, I look for acid-free and archival quality paper. This is especially important for larger works that I might want to display or sell. It gives me peace of mind knowing my art will stay vibrant for years.
6. Brand Recommendations
Over time, I’ve found a few brands that consistently deliver great results in 18 x 24 size: Arches, Canson, and Strathmore. Arches is my top choice for premium cotton paper, while Canson offers a good balance of quality and price. Strathmore is excellent for beginners and intermediate painters.
7. Budget Considerations
High-quality watercolor paper can be pricey, especially in larger sizes. I balance my budget by buying fewer sheets of premium paper rather than many sheets of lower quality. Sometimes I experiment on cheaper paper before committing to a final piece on better stock.
8. Where to Buy
I usually buy my 18 x 24 watercolor paper from specialized art supply stores or reputable online retailers. This way, I can be sure of authenticity and quality. Some local stores also let you feel the paper texture before buying, which I find helpful.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 18 x 24 watercolor paper made a huge difference in my painting experience. Paying attention to weight, texture, material, and quality helps me create artwork I’m proud of. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect paper for your watercolor journey!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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