This is my favorite cheap watercolor paper. It is true that it's very fragile and pills under too much water and working, but knowing the weaknesses of the paper helps so I know what to avoid doing. The texture is pleasant, and it's amazing as a mixed media paper. Alcohol marker doesn't bleed through, watercolor pencils can dissolve fully because of the smoothness, and my water-based markers work great as well. I can use all types of mediums on it. Actual watercolor techniques on the paper can be done, just not as good as 100% cotton paper obviously. The crazy buckling and funky absorption can be remedied with prewetting the paper, which to save money, I will continue to do.
This is my favorite cheap watercolor paper. It is true that it's very fragile and pills under too much water and working, but knowing the weaknesses of the paper helps so I know what to avoid doing. The texture is pleasant, and it's amazing as a mixed media paper. Alcohol marker doesn't bleed through, watercolor pencils can dissolve fully because of the smoothness, and my water-based markers work great as well. I can use all types of mediums on it. Actual watercolor techniques on the paper can be done, just not as good as 100% cotton paper obviously. The crazy buckling and funky absorption can be remedied with prewetting the paper, which to save money, I will continue to do.