Hi, friends! I bought Grabie watercolor pad for this review not expecting much. However, I was pleasantly surprised! At the time of purchase (Amazon Prime price of CAD$13 and change), this was the cheapest 100% cotton watercolor paper I have used. So, how does this perform?
Satisfaction guaranteed!
First of all, this is a pad, not a block. Grabie watercolor pad measures 8.3″x5.8″ and comes in 15 sheets. The paper is 140 lb, cold pressed 100% cotton with a medium grain. Prior to this review, I have never tried Grabie products before, though I have seen them on Amazon. I prefer not to read other people’s reviews so I can be completely objective, so I bought this without knowing how it performs.
By the way, I think this is the first time I have seen a satisfaction guarantee on a paper pad!
The texture is perfect! Not too rough, not too smooth. For comparison purposes, it is a bit more textured than Craftamo’s and Arteza’s cotton paper.
The paper feels good, even before I painted on it. When you know, you know. 😉
I painted a quick fall-themed piece with Rosa Gallery watercolor on this paper. I did not use any heavy wash, but I did paint two layers on the road. The paper held up very well and I felt the paint going on without issues, just like Arches paper.
Next, I painted Rising Full Moon from Stunning Watercolor Skies on the back of the first painting. This tested the paper fully! First, I covered the moon with masking fluid. Then, I painted the sky with four layers, all in heavy washes and wet on wet. The paper held up beautifully. The painter’s tape and the masking fluid did not damage the paper either. In addition, the paper remained flat after painting on both sides. I was really surprised how well this paper worked.
Overall Grabie Watercolor Pad Review
Grabie Watercolor pad performed very well. I didn’t expect to love it but I do! It has the perfect texture, holds heavy washes well, and did not warp. At its regular price this is a great find, but at sale price, even better! I wish I bought a few pads. It is that good! I actually prefer Grabie watercolor pad to Craftamo, Paul Rubens, Strathmore and Arteza cotton paper.
