Canson XL Series Micro Perforated Watercolor Paper Pad, 60-Sheet

Last updated: August 6, 2023


For mixed-media artists, the Canson XL Series 98 lb. Mix Media Paper Pad is the most versatile choice. You'll get 60 pages in each pad to ensure you get the most out of each purchase. This pad was also designed with the help of art professors to ensure they meet the needs of art students.

Canson XL Series Micro Perforated Watercolor Paper Pad, 60-Sheet

We looked at the top Watercolor Pads and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Watercolor Pad you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This Canson XL Series 98 lb. Mix Media was designed with the help of art professors, meaning they are ideal for students playing with multiple media.

In our analysis of 18 expert reviews, the XL Mix Media, 60-Sheet placed 5th when we looked at the top 6 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Canson XL Mix Media Pads were developed as the answer to the demand for a heavyweight, fine texture paper with heavy sizing for wet and dry media. This paper can be used for: sketching, drawing, light washes of ink and watercolor, collage, journaling, and more. It has quickly become the most popular paper in the Canson paper family. Mix Media paper erases well and blends easily. The wire bound pads have micro perforated, true size sheets. These pads were developed in consultation with art professors and combine performance with value for the art student. These pads contain 60 sheets of 98 pound/160 gram paper, acid free, 7 x 10 inch paper.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Mix Media paper erases well and blends easily. The wire bound pads have micro perforated, true size sheets. These pads were developed in consultation with art professors and combine performance with value for the art student. These pads contain 60 sheets of 98 pound/160 gram paper, acid free, 7 x 10 inch paper.
Superb balance of quality and price. Holds up to blending and erasing.
It is suitable for a variety of mediums such as pencil, charcoal, watercolor, etc. This sketchbook has perforated pages so you can remove your projects any time you’d like to. It is lightweight and portable
This one is a lot cheaper, especially in the US, at more like 11c per sheet (in the UK more like 20p per sheet)- and it’s big with 60 sheets. But again the paper is only 160gsm, and this paper feels even more prone to buckling, meaning you won’t really want to paint on both sides. It doesn’t seem to be designed for painting on both sides anyway as sheets are perforated for easy removal. The paper is bright white and isn’t as absorbent as I’d like meaning drying times were longer.
Heavy weight slightly textured paper for acrylics and light watercolor applications, Spiral Binding with Tearable Sheets, Affordable Price Range.
Its acid-free heavyweight 160 gsm paper is unbelievably sturdy and will survive literally every material, from inks and soft pencils to acrylic paints, and they can be used simultaneously in different techniques. It also allows easy erasing and blending, without crinkling and deforming.

What reviewers didn't like

60 pages in total may not last that long for an architect who sketches a lot and goes through a lot of paper.
But again the paper is only 160gsm, and this paper feels even more prone to buckling, meaning you won’t really want to paint on both sides. It doesn’t seem to be designed for painting on both sides anyway as sheets are perforated for easy removal. The paper is bright white and isn’t as absorbent as I’d like meaning drying times were longer.
View our Watercolor Pad buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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