Strathmore Bristol Smooth Pad 19x24, 20 sheets vs Arches Watercolor Pad 12-sheet 100% cotton, 140 lb rough
Overall winner: Arches Watercolor Pad 12-sheet 100% cotton, 140 lb rough
Key Differences
Arches (A) is 100% cotton, natural white, rough textured with gelatin sizing to the core and has a higher average customer rating (4.80 from 7,740 reviews), so pick Arches if you want traditional watercolor cotton paper and strong user approval. Strathmore (B) is heavy Bristol smooth board (19x24) suited for detailed pen, ink, and repeated erasing, so pick Strathmore if you need a smooth, heavyweight surface for drawing and erasing
Strathmore Bristol Smooth Pad 19x24, 20 sheets
Heavy Bristol weight paper suitable for final artwork; ideal for pen, ink, drawing, air brush, and marker. Customers note smooth texture, durability, and ease of erasing with multiple sessions
Pros
- heavy Bristol weight
- smooth texture for detailed work
- durable under erasing
- suitable for multiple mediums
Cons
- limited to Bristol surface only
Arches Watercolor Pad 12-sheet 100% cotton, 140 lb rough
Arches watercolor pad with natural white 100% cotton paper, 140 lb rough texture. Excellent color luster and blending with core gelatin sizing; ships easily removed from edge-glued pad. Customer praise for texture and color accuracy
Pros
- 100% cotton paper for durability
- Rough texture enhances texture in paintings
- Gelatin sizing improves luster and blending
- Edge-glued pad enables easy sheet removal
Cons
- Mixed views on value for money
Head-to-Head
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Price | Arches |
| Durability | Arches |
| Versatility | Tie |
| User Reviews | Arches |