GenCrafts 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper Pad - A4 8.3x11.7-20 Sheets (140lb/300gsm) - Cold Press Acid Free Art Sketchbook Pad for Painting & Drawing, Wet, Mixed Media

This is decent paper. Not my favorite but would use again. It has a unique-grid-like texture. Came well packaged so it came undamaged. Comes in a pad so it’s easier (my opinion) to use than a block. Holds up well to heavy water washes much better than any cellulose paper can. Good price for cotton just can’t get with the texture.

Used it to try new small paintings of sketches I’ve attempted

The paper performs beautifully. The texture is nice, and the paint/water soaks in as it should. Will be my go to paper for daily use.

I bought this paper to make my own watercolor journal because I liked the size and number of sheets, that it was 100% cotton, and the price was good considering those factors.I would consider this a decent upper-student paper, good for learning, sketching and playing around with. I would probably NOT consider this for a commissioned piece or final finished hanging art.So positives first:The texture is a decent middle-ground texture. It is relatively subtle cold press, with a nice texturing and no obnoxious repetitive patterns. Not a huge difference between the front and back.The price-point at currently $15 is decent. I definitely wouldn't pay more for it. I would be even more likely to buy again if it was a couple more dollars off.As I said, the fact that you get 20 sheets and that the size of it is nice to work on is a big plus.In working some areas multiple times it was fairly sturdy and did not pill or tear. I used masking fluid without damaging it. It handled fairly wet washes without bleeding through, although if I hadn't taped it then the paper would have warped.Some issues I had with it: I am not sure what sizing is used in the paper, but it left something to be desired. One of the reasons for using a cotton paper is to be able to use multiple washes and have a smooth and subtle gradient. On this paper the paint seemed more inclined to sit on the top, so later washes tended to pick up and slide around the previous layers. And I had a hard time getting smooth, flat and even washes. This meant I wasn't able to get as smooth a finished effect as I was aiming for. The overall effect had more blooms and cauliflowers, and harder watercolor edges. The final look was nice, just not what I was trying to achieve.If that distinctly 'Watercolor Look' is your style, then this paper would fit your needs perfectly. If you want a more smooth and realistic finish you might find yourself fighting with the paper.I would definitely rate this paper as better quality than Canson, not as nice as Arches paper, and probably pretty comparable to the Strathmore cotton paper.

I really love this watercolor paper from GenCraft. 100% cotton, 140 Lb coldpress, nice weight and texture. Cotton paper allows for a lot of water , dries flat, watercolors blend beautifully. Although GenCraft seems to cater to beginner artists, I find this paper to be as good or better than more expensive and supposed “ professional “ artist paper. I try other papers but keep going back!

Not an expert but I do have arches and Boahong paper, this is maybe a step below those but so much better than the wood pulp$16 for 20 sheets for beginner is perfect. Plus I always use backside since im learning so it’s like 40 for me! And I really like cutting it down and using it for my swatches. From the other reviews I seen it looks as though they may have adjusted their price accordingly, and the other review talking about Asian watercolor being used on rice paper is correct and they may be right about it being made for those watercolors instead I do have a set of them, and they do perform better than western watercolors. I think they might just be good for beginners as well they seem easier to control? In my opinion. I also found that the paper worked well with my derwent inktense pencils and prisma color watercolor pencils worked like a dream compared to other papers. An I really liked using my brush pens on it. If it were more than 20$ I would would go for Arches or Boahong paper, Boahong offers quality and more sheets and many professionals swear by it. Saves $ over arches.

I guess I expected more from a 140lb 100% cotton paper. It buckles with washes. It hasn't pilled so far so that is good. But I guess what I really find off-putting is the weird texture. The tooth looks more like it is canvas rather than the typical texture. That being said, it is a good value for the money and I will probably continue to use it to develop paintings. But I wouldn't use it on a final piece. However, it would be good for a beginner I think. I am just a few steps away from being one and it's difficult to justify spending the money on the "good stuff" because most of it will get thrown in the recycle bin.

I'm new to watercolor, and I can see the difference with this paper.