The Strathmore Series 300 Watercolour Paper Pad 11" x 15" is filled with 12 sheets of 300gsm (140lb) NOT (cold pressed) texture paper. It is available in both spiral and gum bound formats.
Strathmore Series 300 Watercolour Paper is an economical surface ideal for students, new artists or as a surface intended for experimentation and practicing new techniques. Both sides of the pad can be used - the top (felt side) of each sheet has a traditional NOT textured surface ideal for a wide variety of watercolour techniques. The under side of each sheet has a smoother surface that is ideal for working in finer detail.
Sheets are actual size when removed from wire binding.
This turned out to be poor quality watercolour paper with distinct, fine, horizontal grooves creating an unpleasant texture which traps pigment in a linear fashion. I'm now sorry I bought four pads of it. The reverse has a better texture, but a bit too smooth for my liking. I've now ordered and received Saunders Waterford NOT in the same weight and the difference is huge for only a small price difference (£46.20 for 40 sheets as opposed to around £35 for 48). Of course the latter is a cotton fibre paper which the Strathmore Series 300 is not.
David A Collins (Cupar, United Kingdom) on 5 Mar 2022
Ken Bromley's replies:
We are sorry you are not happy with your paper, please contact us if you would like to return the unused pads for a refund.
With regards to the paper itself, the Strathmore 300 series is an entry level student grade paper. It is has two surfaces as you mentioned, the top is a NOT surface and the other side is smoother. The Saunders paper on the other hand is 100% Cotton and a professional grade paper, far superior to the Strathmore 300 series, but this is reflected in the price.
