Review: Canson XL Mixed Media Pad (300gsm)
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- čas přidán 19. 09. 2016
- Canson XL Mixed Media comes in different sizes and paperweight. Texture on the 160gsm and 300gsm are supposedly different from reviews I've read but I wasn't able to test myself (yet).
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to avoid the texture of the paper: just use the back of the sheet. It's all smooth there
Dagmaru the back is only useful for sketching right?
@Oswah Hotpress ? I suggest hahnemuhle akademie watercolor journal. The paper that they used there is pretty good. :O
Exactly backside is pretty smooth but it does have some texture to it which isn't very noticeable.
I have this brand in the watercolor paper.. It's inexpensive, and good for practice or small works.. But nothing beats a good watercolor paper like Arches or Fabriano.
Trig: Thank you for this informative video. Loved your sketches!!
I LOVE this paper and will always purchase it. I have the 90lb though, and it is lovely for light wash watercolor and all dry media, even pastel. I recently returned to my XL Sketch pad. It's huge, 100 sheets, and fantastic for thumbnails. I fell in love with it today. Very smooth bright white paper.
thanks Teoh, I have used the 90lb Canson xl mixed media pads and I like them, the paper is very well sized and smooth. I did not know they made a 300gsm version with 30 sheets, the 90lb has 60 sheets and much smoother. I will do watercolor and ink on it with good results and it is cheap, around $6 for a 9"x12" in the USA
I also wanted to share about the Canson XL watercolor paper 140# 9"x12" because it is also about $6 for 30 sheets here. It is really nice for pen and ink and rubber stamping as it has a smoother surface. I use it to swatch out my colors for my pigment info binder and I can also do quick paintings on it just fine. It is OK for practice but can't take the abuse of scrubbing, lifting or glazing much without pilling. It is perfect for rubber stamping or pen work though as the smooth surface and sizing keeps ink from feathering and skipping. Have you tried the hot press Fabrino studio? It is not as good as Arches but it is a heck of a deal and the 25% cotton content brings the quality up a notch without breaking the bank.
Hi Lindsay! **O**
+thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich I've tried Fabriano Studio 200gsm. It is nice but i suppose the 300gsm paper will be more enjoyable to draw and paint on.
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich omg I did not expect to see you here 0v0
@@thefrugalcrafter I love the 90lb canson mixed media personally! I hadnt tried it bc I hated the watercolor paper bc I couldn't layer like AT ALL but I totally can with the mixed media and its so CHEAP. I use it for my every day sketchbook now and I swear I like it more than my stillman and birn and MUCH MUCH MORE than my handbook travelodge watercolor journal.
I use this paper in my experimental/practice journal for testing colors, techniques, etc. I have only used the 160 gsm and I don't notice it having the lines that you mention. The texture is like hot pressed paper with no lines at all. The 160 gsm paper buckles a bit but that doesn't bother me. Thank you for all the reviews you do. I really appreciate them and always check them before purchasing watercolor stuff. 🙂
the mixed media paper works better than the watercolor paper. Canson XL watercolor paper pills immediately when you put water on it. I hatedddd using it. It was the first paper I ever bought and I'm so glad I bought other watercolor paper afterwards.
LOL. I must buy one to see how horrible it is.
I remember using masking fluid on it and it was only on for a few minutes and it tore the paper to pieces. I switched to strathmore 200 series after and in comparison, it was the most amazing i had ever experienced lol. I remember being so frustrated. I was using really cheap watercolors at first too. Reminds me of those pebeo ones you reviewed on your blog LOL
Me to use both papers.The watercolor paper pills a lot ,not good.
I've noticed that too. Their papers as a whole don't stand up to resists and distress too easily.
Mix media paper is OK but went watercolor paint brought this paper suck .I painting very dry so ,It not worth buying. Cason is not a bad brand but student watercolor paper is bad so is skill Strathmore .The Strathmore 300, 400 paper is good for practice .
I use this in USA for both pin and water coloring, and some watercolor pencil work. The Mix Media XL is nice with a slight tooth and lends itself well to practice and color mixing and practice sketching. The XL watercolor paper is the one, here, that has a noticeable grain. Thanks for the great sketching ideas and tutorial videos!
Canson is famous for their Mi Teintes paper used by professionals for soft pastels. I wonder if the linear texture of this paper was intended for pastels?
I have the watercolor one. I don't love the grain either but it is cheap and great for practice
Hey! Can you tell me if on the watercolor version it has the same pattern as the xl one?
Also if you are that type of person who want to experiment with the water color paint but you don’t want to do on your high quality paper then that mix Medea might do the trick.
Thanks for the review! :)
Cheap and good for practise.
I have 11.7x16.5 300gsm of Mix media and the watercolour version. If i want to try something i use these Papers, but i like Mix media more.:)
I find smooth papers for small detailed drawing. Textured paper nice for larger softer drawings, like portraits. (Graphite)
Great review. You've saved me some money. I thought of testing their Multi-media pad and now I'm glad not to have even tried. I still have Canson pads of various papers, mostly because I would test a couple of sheets and get disappointed. Then the pad goes on the shelf, or gets donated. I've never been fond of any Canson product. I classify their papers for beginners only. Even then, I would prefer to have new students become accustom to good papers. Thank you again!
+Maurine Starkey Yeah, so far I have not found any Canson product that is top quality.
My pads,U.S.A., DO NOT have this texture/pattern--
We love using it.(within it's own limits, of course.)
Thnx for gteat videos!
as an artist... I love your videos... keep doing what you are doing!
+Lockheed Lee Thanks 😁
In Brazil they sell this spiral bound book under the XL brand, but canson strangely also sells the same weird textured paper under "watercolor academic brand" paper. It's the pad almost every watercolor beginner artist buy. I honestly prefer the XL watercolor paper for its texture. I haaaaaate this mixed media paper texture, I prefer using the smooth back for pen and ink :P
Love it! I just bought some
I will be looking for this paper next time! I just bought the Bee Brand.
hi teoh, i have the aquarelle version in A3 300gsm, 30 sheets. it dosen't have any obvious patern or grain, it's cold pressed and is quite smooth, i've been using it for my colour swatches and alike with no problem. it is definately a cheap solution, a good way to get some nice watercolour paper. thanks for the review.
+HomeAbroad68 I've read that the watercolour version does not have the line texture.
Thank you Teoh for all of your videos, particularily this video. I'm new to watercoloring, after xmas I got a Canson Watercolor sketchbook for practice because I didn't want to waste my Stillman & Birn alpha, delta, episilon, or gamma new sketchbooks that my husband got me for xmas. I figured I'd use this to log my palettes, etc. I thought because I'm new, the buckling and grain markings, texture was just me. Can you recommend a smoother textured practice sketchbook? I'm going to continue watching your videos, I'm learning so much. Thanks again!
+Ceme612 Most watercolour sketchbooks are textured. Perhaps you can try the Moleskine watercolour sketchbook (it is cheaper sold on Book Depository).
Please do a review on the Arteza watercolour paper pad. I 'm a beginner and I don't know which of the two to buy
thanks! i love your videos! Im using XL watercolor and it's okay.
Thx fot the review, nice work btw.
Mine doesn't have the pattern. From the comments it seems that you need to get the 90lb version to get smoother paper, and that is the one I have. So far, it is my favorite paper to work on because it's inexpensive, clean white, and BIG. I like to work big, so I'm surprised to see something this good of a quality for the low price.
Hi! I agree about this paper being just ok but can you recommend a smooth finish paper for pen and ink and watercolor?
If you want smooth finish, those would be hotpress paper. Arches and Fabriano Artistico are good, but expensive. There are cheaper hotpress paper but I just don't like them.
Thanks Teoh
in the other side of the paper there is a smoother Surface, almost like hot press paper. you should try to paint on it,maybe would be better.😊
+Carmen Samur Thanks
I don’t have the top spiral, I have the side spiral(if that’s even how you say it) and I love it. I guess I like the texture and I love how thick it is. It does warp when I use watercolors, so I just use it to practice. In this video it has “lines” through the paper, this has not showed up on my sketch books. It is textured, but nothing like this. I am very surprised. Their watercolor paper, despite people saying it pills and warps at the slightest touch of water, is very good, especially for beginners. Yes it does warp a bit, but it does not pill unless you rub it for a while. I like canson a lot and from my experience it’s great quality.
Ps. My paper is the 160g sketchbook
Hi just wanted to know is your paper cold pressed or rough?
Hi. Does anybody know the difference between the Canson XL with top and side spirals?
The back of the paper is more smoother, maybe you can use pastel like medium at the back ( maybe this will solve the pattern problem ).
Thanks for the heads up on this paper. It should be labeled with a warning: "good if you want linear texture". Unless it sells for about $2 a pad, I won't be wasting my $$ on it.
Their 160g paper is much better
Thanks for another helpful review. I do not like the texture, especially with pencil.
Have you tried the back of the paper. I get mine on big individual sheets and they have a smother coldpress-y texture on the back. I heard somewhere that canson make their papers with two different side often (specially the student grade papers)
The back is smoother
Just for the record, is that a Pelikan Demonstrator the pen that you briefly show? and if so, what nib size you use? Thanks Teoh for your videos
+Daniel Corona Cunillé It's a Pelikan M200 with Fine nib.
I have been using this paper for Realism on back side, its definitely not suitable for watercolors but other mediums its really good. Especially acrylics. Back side of this paper is best for use.
OMG now i realize why i damege when i used the back side for watercolor. thankyou for this statement!
I have the same Canson XL Mixed Media too and the size is 9 x 12. But when I use watercolor it warps up no matter how flat I try to make the paper be. Perhaps this was an older version you were having (300gsm is really great for watercolor) or a regional difference (I bought mine while in the US)?
It’s because this one is used for mostly acrylic
Have you tried turning the paper over? Mine is quite smooth on the other side or is that a no-no?
This paper has a vellum finish in the USA. It is nearly identical to Strathmore vellum finish multimedia, but half the cost.
+Rebecca Page Is that the 160gsm version? I heard the 160gsm and 300gsm texture is different.
You're right--it is the 160 gram.
Rebecca Page the 90 lb is great for watercolor or watercolor pencils..I've also uses it quite a bit fir line and wash..I am a big fan😁
I like your art
Hello, i want to know if i want to remove the cover to draw on it with acrylic i can return it back to the binder?
The spiral bound is not meant to be removed
@@teohyc ok
Did you try to paint on the other side or did the texture appear on both sides ?
+Tracy Lustick The other side is smooth and can be used too.
Have you tried the 'fluid mixed media' pad? I'm looking for something without that grain you mention that could handle some watercolor, ink, and acrylic😅. I know the fluid mixed media is only 250g though..
250gsm is thick. For watercolour you need watercolour paper. Generally speaking watercolour paper is a better mixed media paper than mixed media paper.
I wish I watched your video before buying this sketchbook
Just wondering if they changed the cover? cuz I can't seem to find this particular one. Thanks
+Rowena Miniaci They do change designs for the cover sometimes. Just look for the right name and ignore the cover design.
Thank you 😊
actually the one your video is not available for purchase in Canada:( it's too bad I really like the texture on that paper. they only have the other kind which is 98 lbs./160 g. it has a smooth surface
YOU ARE GREAT! :)
thank you for the reviews, I don´t like those horribles lines nor squares very common in canson products
Best best best review
That texture of lines reminds me of a block i bought online at Jacksons. Soon as i clapped eyes on it i knew i wouldnt like it. This is the problem with buying online and yes the paper was as bad as i first thought!. But Jacksons stuff is generally good bang for the pound.
do you recommend this sketchbook for aclohool based markers?like copics,touch twin,prismacolor markers etc...
+Nedim Günsür It's not the best paper for markers. For markers, it's better to use smooth paper. You can check out Stillman and Birn's Zeta series sketchbook.
thank you!
May I know if this is available in any shops in singapore?
You can find it at Straits Art store.
Hi did you use canson graduate natural? Do you recommend it, thanks
I've not used that before
@@teohyc thank you. I am new with watercolor. Your videos help me a lot. Thanks again 🌹
I have the watercolor sketchpad. It's not a pretty sketchbook--dislike the cover-- but it is very inexpensive. I don't mind the pattern at all. Have not really tried pencil--just microns, fountain pen, and watercolor. I used to prefer their Montval sketchbook, for watercolor. However, they changed the cover from one with a minimal logo and firm cover to a lighter cover and huge logo.
But actually the sides of the paper are different, I used that book and I realized the other side was the smooth one. Around 4:15, U can clearly see that it's rough, but flip the paper for the back side. It's different. So I used the other side to draw sketches better.
what about the back side its smoother , did anyone used it for painting ??
It's smoother but not as smooth as hot press paper or bristol. It's gonna feel like painting on cartridge paper.
Would you say this paper would be good to use with Copic or Prismacolor markers?
It can be used, but it's not the more appropriate paper. Markers are better used on smooth paper.
Oh awesome! Thank you for your help :)
Because it is mixed media, it is designed to hold the watercolor you potentially put on it.Therefore sucking all the ink out of your marker and shortening the life of it.
Have you tried painting on the back? I have this as well and use it for my color charts. Better than the Watercolor XL block anyway - that one actually resists water.
+Meda Halmaciu I did not know the XL watercolour pad is that bad. 😂
+Meda Halmaciu I did not know the XL watercolour pad is that bad. 😂
I think it might work with guache or thick watercolor, but as soon as you add a thin wash it pools up like there was oil on the page. But the surface is nice and smooth for other mediums.
I use the xl watercolor paper and like it. Easy for pen & ink. I don't use thin watery washes though. I paint direct but will also charge in other colors to the wet paint and it works beautifully for me. Colors stay vibrant. I have spiral sketchbooks made from this paper. Each artist works differently.
Have you used acrylic pains on this paper?
I’ve not. You should be able too. It is quite thick
How does this paper responds to acrylics?
I bought it for the acrylics and i an scared to test it out.. 😅
Please, does this paper still have the same issue, with that linear texture on it? Was that a flaw on that specific batch, or it's always like that? It was suggested to me, for coloured pencil drawing, but I don't think I'm getting it, if it is like that. Can anyone help? Does it still have that issue? Thanks in advance
For coloured pencil work, get fine grain or smooth paper. There's no need for mixed media or watercolour paper.
@@teohyc Thanks! Artists and pages suggest, Fabriano Artistico Watercolour paper for Polychromos. Many Artists, use only hot press watercolour paper for their colored pencil drawings. It's the tooth I need to be deaper, so that I can add more layers, mix colours etc. That being said, you're 100% right, I just thought, I could make my drawings look a bit better! Thank you very much for the response!!!
Nice video.. I truly dislike sketchbooks with perforated sheets. It makes them feel fragile, especially if you want to archive your drawings.
I don't really have the problem with the pattern. My watercolor comes out patternless.
It's good for sakura koi nd transparent watercolor
Like his video if you think his voice is sosososo soothing
Thanks. I always thought my voice is quite boring. LOL. ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪
Really your voice is just so Nice
Btw the paper isn't as rigid on the back of each page :)
Yeah I love your voice so much it's not boring at all! I'm from America btw and I love hearing different accents!
Low-key asmr
Not a fan of this paper at all. I believe the xl is for extra-large
XL refers to the number of pages not the page size. Cansol carries a whole range of XL blocks for different mediums. They are made for students.
+Meda Halmaciu How does XL equate to the number of pages? There are 30 pages in those pads. XL is 40 in Roman numerals, so It must be something else.
It may still just be "eXtra-Large" in reference to a page quantity. Rather than being a roman numeral signification. (if shirt sizes were secretly in roman numerals, it should be odd that an L doesn't fit me while an XL fits fine)
I think it is just a stylized way of saying "EXCEL", and has nothing to do with the paper itself, other than calling it excellent for its price, maybe.
Anyway, I have a small pack (of 10 sheets) of XL smooth Bristol in the studio; and from the touch of it, the paper doesn't feel that bad, but I am yet to test it. So cannot say much about the quality.
Curiously, though, why not a fan? That bad?
That paper pattern is a big red flag. I think I'm going witth the Strathmore brand. Thanks!
would you mind to explain please?
I ended up getting both to test them out. The Strathmore was by far the best quality. If this is for casual drawing get the XL but for serious drawing get the Strathmore.
I use it for airbrushing.
Cool \ (•◡•) /
is this can be used with alchohol markers? thx
Yes.
It is a mixed media pad not persay a wet medium pad. There is a difference there. Tho with some albums I am left mindpuzzeled as well. The dylusions is The go to journal for wet mediums they say but I find that without a grounding from my talens bucket wet eats up that paper. I dont get why as Inks used in that album are often with water, so it is weird :) canson has an aquarell spiral as well wich is more expensive than the mixed media but non the less might be worth a test review for you. Forget the montval jumboblock, it is useless unless you stretch it first for studio paper practice first. Dont use that block without stretching knowhow, you will be disapointed :P
Great video. What did you use to draw and color your own artwork as it looks amazing?
Pen, ink and watercolour
Is it good for color pencils ?
Not good, too rough. Go with smoother paper.
is it okay with using marker?
Yes
Could it be good for oil pastels?!
It should work. Paper is thick enough.
@@teohyc thank u! 😊
How can I learn to draw? I really want to be able to draw like you
+Jacob B You can get the book called 'Keys to Drawing'. I also have an online drawing course that I am selling at gumroad.com/parkablogs
ok thanks!!
thanks!
This sketch book is for normal watercolor paintings
Is it good for paint?
For gouache and acrylic, yes. For watercolour, no.
@@teohyc ok thanks!!
Actually, mine doesn't make the lines. its exactly the same brand and type of paper, just different size and mine is more like a notebook. I don't know but my paper is very smooth.
Maybe they changed the way they make the paper :-P
Teoh Yi Chie probably but yours is better suited for watercolor than mine
Same, it angers me how so many people hate it. I have heard that their 160g paper is different than their 300g paper. I have the 160g paper and it’s great!
Is it cotton paper??
No
XL = excel ?
XL means extra large
Actually, Canson's "XL" means "excel".
Xl means extral large lol
I use this for pen and mechanical pencil works great check out my channel
your art style is very weird.