BAOHONG Academy Grade Watercolor Block, 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB/300GSM, Cold Press Textured, 20 Sheets per Block (2 of Cold Press 10.2"x7" Block)

I’m not a professional artist, so this is coming from the perspective of a hobbyist. I love using a watercolor block and this fits the bill. It’s glued on all 4 sides with a small opening to use the included tool to separate the pages. This prevents the page from warping while you are getting it wet for painting. The page lays very flat once it is dried and removed from the block. The paper holds water for wet on wet painting. Paints blend well and apply as expected for 100% cotton paper. The thickness and durability are top notch on this. I load up with water and I load up with paint and none of it shows through the other side. The block size is my personal favorite size to work with. I often put 1/2 inch tape around the edges to make a crisp border. A full block is sturdy to work with, but not unwieldy. You definitely do not need to tape your paper down when using this block. I will be buying this on repeat for as long as it’s available. I’m included a recent painting that used this paper for reference (try not to judge it too hard)

This is great paper for the price. It does have a bit of texture to it, and is not perfectly smooth. This means there tends to be more absorbency to the paper, which can be important depending on what you are doing with your watercolor. The paper is thick and feels like a good quality. I used gouache watercolor on this paper, and it turned out great with the color accuracy. The paper size is a bit odd for people in the US, and finding a frame for my work is proving to be difficult unless I go custom. The most difficult part is getting the page off once you are finished. The glue is well done on the edges, but it does mean you have to use a sharp xacto knife. You have to be very careful not to cut into the paper while getting the page off. Overall, I am very impressed with this paper compared to more expensive alternatives. I wish there were more sizes to choose from so I can more easily frame my pieces, but that is really the only complain that I have. For what it is, it is GREAT!

As a beginner in watercolors, I’ve often heard that while you can use inexpensive paints and brushes, you should never skimp on paper—always aim for the best quality you can afford. I also read that 100% cotton paper is ideal for achieving the best results. I already own a pad of Arches cold-pressed watercolor paper, but I didn’t want to “waste” it while I’m still learning the basics. That’s when I came across the BaoHong brand and decided to give it a try. They offer both artist-grade and student (academy) grade options. I chose the student grade, as both versions are 100% cotton. Wow, what a difference! Even as a beginner, I can tell this paper is leagues ahead of the non-cotton papers I was using before. It stays wet longer, allowing for smoother blending, and I’m seeing fewer harsh lines and edges. The texture feels very similar (if not identical) to higher-end papers I’ve tried. Overall, I’m genuinely impressed with BaoHong’s student-grade paper. If this is considered “student” quality, I can only imagine how incredible the artist-grade version must be. For anyone starting out in watercolor or looking for quality paper at a reasonable price, this is an absolute win!

Good quality watercolor paper. It handled 2 layers fine, will continue to work with this paper because it grabs water well and it is a great price for a watercolor block.

Love this watercolor block. Perfect paper to learn on. It super thick, barely buckles, even with a lot of water used. I'm new to watercolor and already used up the block. The size of it is also nice-an upgrade from a sketchbook, but not as intimidating and scary as the 9x12. It's a great option all around for price+quality

I've been using this block for a couple months. I have now used 18 of the 20 included sheets. So, I've had sufficient experience with this 5 x 7 Academy block by Baohong. I like to do wet on wet and I like using watercolor blocks. I have tried several, and this is the first that has impressed me. Firstly, it comes with 20 sheets. Secondly, the texture is beautiful under my paintings. Thirdly, this is very much the nicest paper I've worked with. Yes, I use a lot of water. Yes, the paper does buckle a little, but not like others I've worked with. Yes, my work has become more complex and detailed than in the past and I'm always growing as an artist, but still, I think this paper improves the look of my work. A lot, my friend. However, I don't recommend you purchase this block. Why, you might ask? I bought this block to test the brand, and found I strongly prefer it over others I've tried. (Excluding expensive Arches.) Because I like it so much, I've purchased the full roll of Baohong Cold Pressed for a very reasonable price here on Amazon. I would recommend you purchase the roll yourself, but I know that's a big leap. I would suggest you purchase the Baohong Sample Pack to see if you also approve of the quality and then buy the roll if you find the paper to your liking. Additionally, I would like to end by letting you know I'm a legit watercolor supply snob. I prefer top quality. I use Daniel Smith paints and Princeton Aqua Elite brushes. If this sounds like you, you'll probably like this paper. If you're happy with the products you use, don't switch! Stay wet, my friend.

Wonderful!

One of the best!!

First time using this paper with water soluble graphite. Takes many layers, love that it is in a block so I don’t have to tape down to a board. Reasonably priced. I think this paper will now be my go to for watercolor.

This is really nice,thick, textured paper. You paint while the paper is still on the pad as there is a thick layer of glue around the pages that keeps the paper from buckling, and when you are done you detach it! Reasonably priced for the quality.

The quality of paper is so good

Why isn't there a letter opener? I heard from artists that it should be included in a Baohong block. Failing that use a butter knife to separate the pages after painting or even before if you prefer

This paper is a very good alternative to the more expensive Arches watercolour paper. You may find if you are a professional artist that Arches works better. As a non-professional I feel this paper is definitely one of the better alternatives for the cost.