Massive 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper Review 

TIP: Make blocks out of watercolor paper pads. Brush a thinnish coat of Liquidtex (or other) Acrylic medium on the edges of the paper, of course leaving an inch or less open area for slitting open later. Place a weight on the pad and let dry. Easy way to save a lot of money over buying pre-adhered blocks.

Please note that papers measured in poundage is never standard throughout different brands. This is to do with how they divide up the weight. When measured in pounds they divide the whole pallet by the sheet size its manufactured at before it's cut. Because different manufacturers use different sheet sizes it will change the resulting poundage measurements resulting in inconsistent measurements. The only way to truly know a papers true weight is by grams measurement. When measured in grams they divide individual sheets rather than the whole pallet , by the sheet size. This results in a truly consistent measurements regardless of size of the sheet or pallet. Grams are the only real standard so if you want to be totally sure you have the best weighted paper never go by pounds only grams as its impossible to trick consumers with grams like they can with pounds where they deliberately vary sheet size or pallet size to skew the results. Only GSM is really reliable.

Meeden and Academy watercolor paper blocks are both Baohong and used to have the same covers. Another Baohong watercolor paper I recently discovered is Leyton (sold on Amazon as “Artists Watercolor Paper Block). It is 100% cotton, 160lb/350gsm cold pressed.

Baohong is literally my favorite paper. Even their Academy line is frickin AMAZING! Yes, Arches is my first love, but due to the price i only use it for finished pieces, not daily studies/practice pieces. Honestly, their Professional line is a literal dupe for Arches, not even exaggerating and if I could get it in super large sizes (as I am a BIG painter) then I would switch over completely.

I truly appreciate all the research involved with bringing us this info. Thank you

This video was a force of nature that took on a life of its own over the last two months of developing! As such it’s not perfect so here are some notes: - I did indeed test the Fluid 100 paper but didn’t have a cover left to show and the cellulose Fluid paper was shown by mistake. I only had one sheet left of the 100 and the cover was long gone. But all that said Fluid in general is just not my jam, regardless of its cotton content. - The prices shared at the end of the video are based on 9x12 sheets when available. Otherwise, sizes are noted: Gencrafts $1.20 Academy 10x15 $1.35 Tumuarta 8x8 .85 sheet Zen Art $1.80 Paul Rubens 10 x 15 sheet $1.04 Grabie 8x5 sheet $1.05 ArtBeek $1.60 New York Central $1.50 Artist’s Loft $1.99 Khadi $0.40 Fluid $0.93 Arteza $1.64 Meeden $0.80 Art-n-Fly $0.65 Art Whale $0.37

Baohong is my absolute favorite watercolor paper! I like the academy and artist versions! They are both phenomenal and I love that they offer you a cheaper cotton version with their academy paper which a lot of brands don't often do!

I love what you said…..”a road block to your joy”. I’m a beginner and dealing with the issues of nit being where I want to be draw8 f wise, so any and everything that road blocks me makes it so much harder. I don’t want to give up, but I’m struggling. Thank you! I’m glad I saw your video. Thank you!

By the way, I have looked forward so much to this video, and I really appreciate the work that you did in making it. It helps to not waste money on paper that we’re not gonna be happy with. Thank you so much. You are certainly a blessing.

I just found you, and YOU ARE GREAT! Not only is this content just what this beginner needed, you are hilarious! Thank so much for sharing your expertise AND your fun self!

The efforts you put towards your product reviews are incredible! Much appreciated!

Okay I’m going to shut up after this comment, I promise. So I got curious about the Meeden vs Baohong thing. And I did a search with that verbiage on RU-vid. There is a lady named Bianca Luztre who does a video comparing Arches to “Meeden Baohong.” I believe she is in another country. Anyway, she repeatedly calls it “Meeden Baohong.” Not a very scientific finding, I realize. BUT….there’s definitely something there to support your suspicions. I bet with more digging, there’s a way to confirm. Anyway, you took a lot of time to make this video, so I thought I’d reciprocate and share that. Have a great day, and thank you again for all you do for the art community!

I had been using strathmore 400 for practice. The problem is that when I pulled out a precious sheet of Arches, nothing translated! When I first took drawing I learned to invest in the best supplies that I could afford for two reasons: 1. If you learn on less than quality, you will have to relearn everything. So true! 2. It’s psychological; do I take myself serious as a creator? Isn’t what brings me joy worth using quality (yet affordable) supplies? So this is extremely helpful (it also answers question I’ve had regarding paper types) I have in mind some papers I can try to replace my practice sheets without breaking the bank. Your review is so helpful, thank you!

Sanders Waterford is my favorite, then Arches. I splurge on paper.

Also…at the end, that piece you did on the Baohong (when you flipped up the cover) is BEAUTIFUL!!

I had just commented to The Frugal Crafter about doing a video about inexpensive 100% cotton paper and you were already working on it! This is great, thank you for all your work!

Most thorough review on watercolor paper I've found. Many thanks! 🙏✌

Newbie here. Just THANK YOU! I feel like I got lucky finding your channel right off while looking for mid-range paper. I ended up with a page and a half of notes. Fun video too! :)

I've tried all of them...but I've been painting for years. For beginners I would recommend academy and when you get some brush mile you can play with other paper. I like some strange texture, and maybe extra cauliflowering from time to time. I like to play without expectations and cheap paper can be fun when you don't care about perfection.

Aaaw... what I've been wanting for a loooong time! Thank you so much Kristy, that's a lot of work and it's very much appreciate🥰

I really appreciate how methodical you are with your tests, your editing, your teaching and how you explain everything so well even from the basics. Actually you'd be a great teacher. And you have a great sense of humour too!

When you recommended Academy way back when, I started using it and I’ve been hooked since. And this video certainly reaffirmed why. I save my arches for special occasions. ;) Thanks for all the work you put into bringing such good info to us!

So many I had not heard of - thank you for all of your work and willingness to freely share - and save us frustration and money!! You are my favorite artist to follow on youtube! Thank you for being you! ❤

I'm just beginning my watercolour journey. I discovered Academy watercolour paper from Temu. The price can't be beat. I'm happy to see you like this brand too, Kristy! Another excellent video!🎨💜

I've been waiting for this video! Thank you a Million times over and your figs painting is glorious!

Boahang is what I use and enjoy the most. You mentioned it before and I tried it. Thank you!! I also love arches. Thank you so much for all your help and kindness!

I LOVE this video, and HUGE thank you Kristy!! This looked like a ton of work, and for me… very helpful!! The biggest takeaway for me was why I struggle. I’ve been using artist loft and thought those issues were MY inconsistencies. Now I know to stop changing my technique and change my paper purchases!! ❤

Ok as a somewhat new watercolor artist I have to admit I have never heard of some of these brands. Very informative video and thank you so much for your opinion. I am bookmarking this for future reference the next time I need to buy paper!

So I'm brand new at wc and am depending on tutorials and reviews to learn. By far this review of affordable cotton paper is the best I've seen. Your talent aside I love your enthusiasm. I have very little money for supplies so this was such important information. Thankyou so much ❤

Always informative and inspiring ! Thank you, Kristy !

Thank you for doing this I really appreciate all the time money & effort you spent to help us all out. I was able to remove some papers from my wishlist & keep a few that I look forward to playing with someday. This was so helpful.💕

Kristy, Your comparison videos are invaluable! Even more so because you take other’s styles into consideration. 😊 I was confused about New York Central because I think you mentioned it was cold pressed but your link and listing on Amazon is for hot pressed. I do see there are cold press blocks on Amazon though! I’m sure this has been mentioned within the 350 comments out there but I just wanted to thank you for all the time and passion you put into what you share with us. Thank you!

Thank you for this video. It will immensely benefit many new artists out there. Have a wonderful day!

Thank you for all the time, effort, and information! So very helpful. I agonize over cost because I have a limited budget and have had some costly disappointments. You may have just saved me money as well as adding a more satisfying painting experience. Thanks again. I’ve seen the New York brand on either Blick or Jerry’s.

baohong academy is my favorite now too, I've been buying it in the 10 pack full sheets and cutting it down. it ends up like 1/3 the price of getting it in blocks, so ends up being cheaper than some of the non cotton papers even! i will gave to order some meeden if its even cheaper and the same or almost as good as academy i will be ecstatic! i haven't tried all the papers and have been curious on several so really enjoyed getting to try through you and not having to spend a dime haha i hope that beautiful fig piece will be in a video someday: )

Thank you! Your videos help me a lot with my art journey. Love the swatch comparisons and detailed info. 😊

I have been wondering a lot about this particular set of options. Thank you for making this video and for sharing your findings!

I'm exhausted too...in a very good way!!! Thank you for all this information. I learned a lot, had a great time and didn't have to spend the $$$ finding it out. You are a gift!

This video ROCKS!!! Thank you so much for your efforts and critique!

Thanks for all the hard work! I've been waiting on this video and will now try a few of your recommendations!

Thanks for this. Started painting just a year ago at 70. Knew nothing about paper. Now I do.😊

Strathmore 500 Mixed Media paper is my favorite for all media, especially gouache and colored pencils. It’s the only 100% cotton mixed media paper that I’ve seen and it takes water beautifully. It also seems to have consistent sizing which is extremely important to me.

Thank you ever so much for your time and expertise making this video. So much great information presented, and it helped me understand a lot about watercolor paper. Academy/Baohong have become my favorites. I have Academy blocks of different sizes, and I absolutely love the Baohong journals! I actually started using them because of your recommendation, so now I will check out the Meeden. Like you said, I also feel like they may be sister companies. Thank you again for sharing your time, expertise, and all your JOY for creating art! I started my watercolor journey during the pandemic and fell in love with it. After sewing over 300 masks to donate, I got burned out and wanted to try something different. While I still enjoy sewing, watercolor has become my new favorite. You spread your joy, encouragement, and talents with so many, and I always look forward to your videos!

Thank you for such an in-depth video!! Extremely helpful

Thank you for all your efforts. I have saved this for future reference. Blessings

Fantastique work!! ❤

I love trying new paper. Arches is my favorite, but I am always in search of good paper that is cheaper for practice. This video helps. Thank you!

I use New York Central Blocks and really love the paper.... it tends to warp when painting but totally flattens out when dry. Jerry’s Artarama recently had a sale and I stocked up on NY Central. Worth it for sure. Thank you for this excellent video

Yay! I just bought a block of the Academy paper on a recommendation from a FB group. I haven’t laid any paint down on a sheet yet but will do so this weekend. Thanks for the awesome reviews and demonstration on applications of each paper

Last year when you recommended Academy I ordered Meeden, thinking that it was Academy off of Amazon. I still have that block and a block of Academy I ordered a few months ago. It’s the same paper. The covers are identical. New York Central does come in blocks I picked up a couple from my local Jerry’s when it was on sale in March. I haven’t used it yet because I’m working my way through some other papers. I’m really enjoying Blick’s house brand cotton block that I picked up last October from their Beaverton store when we visited my son. It’s price point was similar to the NYC if I recall correctly. Thanks for the reviews on the papers, it’s really helped me to not become as frustrated with watercolor finding affordable alternatives to Arches, St Cuthberts, and Fabriano.

I'm new to watercoloring and loved all the info. Thanks so much!

Wonderful video, thank you. Think this is the first time ever that I hit subscribe after only one minute of watching. I knew at that point that this video was no nonsense, non rambling, and filled with substance laden information. Your process for evaluating each type of paper was excellent. Re: Khadi paper was one of my very first experiences with 100% cotton watercolor paper. They made two different textures:they call them rough, and smooth. Up until that point, I had only tried Arches, and also Canson student grade. Painting on Khadi reminds me somewhat of what I experienced in painting on cotton tee shirts when I used to sell my acrylic paintings on fabric, when I was a kid. In fact, they source their cotton from a local tee shirt shop. Consequently, the “weave” of the paper is unique compared to other 100% cotton paper that I’ve used. You had asked a question or two about New York Central watercolor paper: yes, they do make watercolor blocks, in cold press and hot press. Since I mostly do portraits and botanicals, I have chosen both the block and the 10 pack of large sheets in hot press. I’d be curious to check out their cold press, also as I think both cold press and rough can be a lot of fun to work with when I’m just looking to blow off artistic steam. I think that their hot press is slightly more textured than Arches. I think it sort of falls midway between Arches hot press and cold press. Anyway, thanks for all the information, I had been curious about some of these brands, and others you mentioned are some I’ve never even heard of. Looking forward to checking out any other videos you’ve uploaded!

Definitely want to try the Khadi. If it works pretty well, it would maybe make a good paper for making a bound watercolor sketchbook.....slightly thinner paper makes for less bulk / more pages than if using regular weight watercolor paper and may be easier to work with (bookbinding wise)...Thank you for a great (and comprehensive) review, Kristy!

Your videos are amazing. Not just this one... All of them. You teach the things I need to know, and you teach them well. Not only are you an amazing artist, you are just so damn like-able 😁 And speaking from one editor to another, I KNOW and appreciate how much time you spend on filming, editing, research etc. Nice job....

I learned from dyeing wool that usually when something looks 'duller' it's because it's made to suck in a lot more color. You have no idea how much dye goes into making silk look richly colored instead of pastel; it just sucks dye in deep. But the end result is very very rich. Thus I'd be curious to see if it handles glazing and layers better!

My palette from your store is coming tomorrow!!! I can’t buy your brushes until Friday but I’m super excited!!

Wow thanks for the review ! Been using Academy for over a year now. I tried a few before that, and settled for this paper as it was the best for me. Good quality watercolor paper is very hard and expensive to get in my country, so i always have to order online (and wait ages till it is delivered). I also like the large size of Academy as it provides flexibility and i can choose to paint larger or smaller paintings depending on what i feel like.

Hey Kristy! This was a fantastic video. Thank you, thank you!! I'm taking a watercolor pencil class, and the instructor highly recommends hot pressed paper, so seeing cold pressed was interesting. He suggested using the back of cold pressed paper. His expertise/professional medium is colored pencil and watercolor pencil. Anyway, thank you for a very thorough comparison. I'm going to pass this on to him. He is like you as far as "tell me your thoughts". He's big into mixed media paper and passed around all different brands. The differences were amazing.

Thank you for putting together this paper comparison video. I was curious about some of the brands you tested, and thanks to you, my questions have been answered. I agree with you that Academy is a great value for the quality. I bought the New York Central block, and I really like it, but not as much as Academy.

For harder, cheaper oil pastels you need rough or sanded paper. If you don’t have that, 2 coats of clear gesso on yours paper. The type with texture. Blend with a paper stump not your fingers. Hope this helps ❤

Oh yes! That texture on the Art Whale would drive me nuts!

Super helpful. Thank you!

Yes this backs up my personal experience with watercolour paper as well 😃👏🙏👍🏻

I can see why Art for Joy's Sake is your mantra - you ARE the Joy! I enjoyed this video as much as I do your tutorials - not only because it was so informative but because you just have a way about you that I find engaging! OK, enough of that! I agree with many that Baohong is my favorite paper. "Right" side up for watercolor, "bottom" side for watercolor pencils. Works for me! I also think that Meeden is the same as Academy. Some of the ads I've seen show Meeden packaged in the same green cover. I just bought 4 5x7 - Meeden 20 sheet blocks from Temu for $29 - I buy all my paper from Temu! And that, too, is because I watched your video! Art on!!

Thank you for such a thorough comparison video. I learned a lot. I have been doing some testing like this of the various papers that I have and definitely like my Baohong paper. I will check out the Academy next. I saw a few other comments wondering about Bee Paper Company 100% cotton paper. That’s what I use most for practice and making my own small watercolor journals. If you ever do a part 2, I would love to hear your thoughts on Bee paper. Thanks again.👍👍👍

Thank you for such a wonderful video. Because of you, I just ordered a roll of boahong roll of paper from Ali express which I was Leary of buying until I saw this video. So thanks again. Looking forward to having paper to do practice pieces on.

This video was very helpful. I've wanted to try the Baohong, now I will for sure. I just bought NY Central and can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing your insights and experience.

Thanks very much for the great video. Absolutely amazing, well explained !!!!

Thanks for all your work to make this video. I love love love side-by-side comparisons regardless of the product- art supplies, cleaning solution, coffee pot, you name it! I used the 100% Etchr sketchbooks mostly, but I’ve had good luck with the Paul Ruben’s and, of course, Academy. I honestly don’t even think about bleeding out the $$ for arches anymore. One paper not included here was the premier 100% from Blick. I’ve found it predictable and good at staying wet. I did my Christmas cards on it last year which took a brutal amount of scrubbing for a bokeh effect and it stood up well. It’s definitely worth trying because if you like it, they often have promotions that make it a good deal. PS. The figs, the figs!

Excellent video- thanks Kristy! I love Academy! I recently purchased NYC from Jerry's - the washes are gorgeous , but I agree also that the paper dries extremely quickly - which can make it hard to work with ( since I am a slow painter). I will finish my block as practice paper - but not reach for it to create a final product. If I painted faster, then it would change my usage of it. I also like a little more traditional "tooth" for my papers.

Such great information!!! Thank you! Now to go buy some Academy

Great tutorial on paper. Thanks for all of your information.

Meeden paper is Baohong. Diane antone studios had it confirmed directly by Meeden. And I love Baohong Academy. My painting has become much more enjoyable since I bought Baohong.

Thank you so much for your hard work on this!

Thank you for making this video!

Yes Meeden is the same as baohong/academy . I have used them interchangeably for quite some time even the blocks are printed the same on the cover just a different brand name. Im sure meeden even mentioned this at one time. I buy which ever has the size and texture i need at the time, although lately I’m the biggest fan of hot pressed paper from St cuthberts mill which is better and less expensive than arches! (Imo)

I love Khadi paper! A friend of mine sent it to me for my birthday...and another friend brought me an assortment of it from India.... I am one lucky girl!

not me geeking out at 11:17 pm HAAA. this is amazing! Your video is exactly what I need right now, I am buying supplies for my first ever art class!

This is sooo helpful thank you!! And omg YES on the strathmore (I feel like canson is the same way) - I’ve often wondered if I had gotten moisturizer or random wax or something on the paper because like you said there will be spots where literally the paint will not stick!!! Good to know it’s not something weird from my hands 😹 thank you!!

Thank you for all this information! Amazon does have NY Central blocks. I didn't check all the sizes, but I just ordered a 2 pack of 5x7 blocks for $19 😊

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! You help to take out all the guess work for me, to just get started with my joy and have absolutely no joy blockers!!! I must say, first, I never purchase just cold pressed, or just hot pressed paper, because I want to see what affects and effects? I can get with my papers. Second, I made my first ever purchase of Arches Rough, CP, and HP blocks. Obviously, as you've stated, with the paper being twice the cost of Academy's, I could only afford ("for now") 3.9in x 9.8in blocks. However, I cannot wait to see first hand (because I saw what you were speaking of in your prior reviews) the inconsistencies between Arches blocks v. Arches pads. However, I still need to purchase Arches HP & Rough pads, before testing for affects and effects! For now, because you never know when I will be able to afford great supplies like better tubes of paints or larger sizes of paper blocks!!! I have also recently purchased a brand of paint palettes (I won't mention the brand here, because I still need to make sure it's other sets do not have the chance to go out of stock, like it has previously). I will just say that once I have all sets, I will conduct a full review of how their paint acts/reacts with all of my papers. Because, as we all know not only does the paper hold specific characteristics, but the paint can also decide to act wonky, depending on what other curators have chosen to use as their binders and additives. I don't know if this brand uses gradating binders. Obviously "for now", I will use your Making Art For Joy's Sake palette, until I get the remainder of my sets. But now, you've given me a whole other dilemma... I might have to test all the brands of paints I currently do have!!! But, I've seen what they do on my other papers... I just have yet to test this other brand, unless you or Lindsay (@thefrugalcrafter) happen to beat me to the punch!!! LOL!!! Which by the way, I would love for you two to do a collab., as both of you are roughly in the same area!!! Is that like a no no to say something like that? Since she's in Maine, and you're in PA!?!? I don't know. It's a total no no to say it to a San Diegan and a San Franciscan, and they're in the same state, COL!!! Even to say someone is from south county to north county... Anywho... I'd love to see two of my other favorite content creators come together!!! Dulling of color has to do with the lack of sizing in paper. You're getting the "papertowel" effect.

You or so true about all you art work an your supplies an i love your art work ❤

I think we also have to think long term. I appreciate you can’t test for this, but some papers can yellow or darken too. Obviously, we must not display paintings in direct sunlight, but I have found cheap brands sometimes discolour. I usually look for acid free.

I have just begun to watercolor so user error would be the obvious reason for any of those 'weirdness' reactions but wow, I have had exactly some of them you noted with the Artist's Loft. I was sure it was all me; now I'm going to relax a little and stop telling myself I must be doing everything wrong. So far in this video, I'm considering either Sanford or Academy for my next purchase. Meantime in this extreme newbie state, I'll continue to use up the A L sheets as I learn to handle the tools of this art form. Thanks!

This is so helpful. Thank you. I haven't tried the Academy paper yet but just put it in my cart.

Baohong has a professional paper which is AMAZING and it's less expensive than Arches AND where I live, over time, Arches yellows......... The Masters Choice is the name of the professional paper and it took years for it to be developed specifically for the western market. A shame that they've now done a student version of the same as they wouldn't have known how to do it had it not been for the Australian developers who worked with them to produce a paper thick and textured, as we like it on this side of the pond. Either way, amazing paper. It's possible the Meeden has bought from them and branded it as their own, however, there are now a few manufacturers in China who are making really good papers, now that they know what we prefer over here. I know someone at Meeden but not sure if they'd disclose this information to me.

I’ve been using the 200gsm ACADEMY watercolor blocks for practice and it’s fabulous! Especially for practice!

Thank you so much for doing the legwork for all of us watercolor artists. I've been using Academy so I definitely agree with your review of it. It's a good value for money overall. I'm glad to know about the other watercolor paper brands. I got curious about the Khadi papers so I'm excited to give it a try. Thanks again for this video.❤

I have yet to put any brush to my sketches but i really appreciate this as ive no idea to any pitfalls yet and i take no joy in mistakes.

On the Art Whale paper's texture: that "columnar" texture pattern is called a "laid" texture. I used to have a favorite watercolor paper that came in a much finer laid texture, which was a high percentage cotton rag and the rest was linen fiber. Loved that paper!

Thank you for all those comparisons. I like Meeden and Fluid. And Arteza has a very good hot pressed paper. But even Academy is expensive here., so for a few dollars more I use Saunders, just as good as Arches, but Slightly less expensive, Also Artistico paper is excellent. Love these reviews

Just got to blocks of Academy and I'm so excited

I have been always frustrated with watercolor pencils leaving lines or not dissolving well. I have discovered from Charles Evan's RU-vid channel who uses watercolor pencils for landscape artworks. The mindblowing game changer is Rough CP watercolor paper yes, Rough. I swatched out all of my large collection of watercolor pencils. I used everything from Caran d'ache Musuem to Arteza pencils. I tried the hardest pressure and was surprised that there were NO LINES at all. The colors increased in vibrance to a different level. WOW !!!!!

Thank you so much for posting this! I've really found Academy to be my favorite of the ones I've tried, and I've tried many that you reviewed. But I haven't tried Meeden yet. So when I am no longer on a no-buy (or run out of paper), I am going to give Meeden a try.

I started out my creative journey many moons ago…. sewing clothes, quilts, home decor etc., then onto crocheting, gelli printing, mixed media art journaling, and making journals. I came upon watercolors in my You Tube feed and started exploring that medium, like I need another 😊. I’m finding this medium a bit more challenging then I expected. I don’t draw, never did, so I guess I don’t know a direction that would allow me to choose quality materials. With the other mediums I understood what I needed or could substitute to meet my need. I lean towards abstract design. A bit of a ramble, sorry. This video has provided me with some really good information. Thank you.

You're still so stinkin' cute!! thanks for your help..

Hey Kristy! I love the Baohong papers since it's the most affordable but at the same time it's pretty accessible here in south east Asia. The hotpressed ones are my favorite for mixed media while the rough are my go to for soft pastels if you're keen to give these textures a go :)

I have wanted to try Baohong Academy. Thanks for showing what it can do!

Boop boop . Here for this one !!!

NY Central is Jerry’s Artarama’s in-house brand. I have a block of 5x7 on my desk right here. 😁