Paul Rubens Watercolor Paper Block, Premium Leather Cover Artist Quality Hot Pressed Paper for Watercolors and Wet Media Block, 100 Percent Cotton, 7.68 x 5.31 inches, 140lb, 20 Sheets (Black)

This is my first experience with hot pressed paper so I wasn't sure what to expect. I normally paint on 100% cotton cold pressed paper and do mostly wet on wet technique. But I've been noodling around with ink and wash so I needed a smoother paper.I've done several paintings in the sketchbook, ink and wash and just watercolor. It handles washes without buckling but if you are used to cold pressed paper you need to use significantly less water. Paint will move if you do wet on wet and it will granulate but not as much as on more textured paper.It handles tape well and I erased initial sketches with no issues at all. Color looks nice and vibrant. You can lift paint well. Wet on dry works very well on this paperFor anyone reading reviews of this journal to help make your decision, remember first and foremost, this is hot pressed paper, so it will not behave like cold pressed paper if that is what you are used to. Very smooth gradients might be difficult unless you are experienced. But that said I am enjoying it and if you are looking for an urban sketchbook or wanting to try a smoother texture it's a great book for the price.

The paper seems great so far, besides the pages that have creasing and damage on them. I love the compact size and hard cover. I can't say I'm not incredibly bummed about the elastic breaking the first time I went to undo it. I wasn't even rough AT ALL, new sketchbooks are precious to me. The elastic was one thing I was very excited to have, as I want everything inside to stay together and compact, unlike my previous sketchbook which always had loose sheets falling out. Oh well, hopefully I can fix it, and still use the dented pages.Update: Despite some damage from shipping, this sketchbook is amazing! Because the paper is cotton, it can handle a beating from scrubbing, layering, etc. I was able to glue the elastic back into its original place, and it looks fine, although I have to be extra careful when using it. The dents in the paper were only an issue on the first couple of pages, and even then not much (after all it's a sketchbook not a piece I'm going to try to sell). I love the size of this journals pages, and if I so choose, I could do a panoramic landscape across a spread. The pages are perforated in case you did want to remove a piece, however I have not yet tried to remove anything. Anyway, I highly recommend this sketchbook to anyone looking for a great watercolor journal, as the paper is cotton, and it is wonderful to use. This is hot pressed paper, and so far I have not seen an option for cold pressed, but I certainly hope they make that an option as well.

This was my first watercolor sketchbook. As a beginner, I feel most comfortable painting on small sheets. The pages in this sketchbook are the perfect size for me. I even like the hot-pressed paper. My paints (Mai Liang half pans) flow nicely on the page. I can even paint wet-on-wet by spritzing the page with a water mister. I found the pages can take a lot of water. I liked this sketchbook so much that I filled it up pretty fast and ordered another in a larger size. For those who are concerned that the sketchbook doesn't have a rubber band closure, I purchased a 3-pack of small, fuzzy hair scrunchies at Dollar Tree for $1.27. One works perfectly to keep the sketchbook closed.

Update: The seller contacted me and replaced the defective sketchbook, so I've added one star. The sketchbook (when in good shape) is nice with good quality paper that takes paint well. And I appreciate the timely and helpful customer service. I do still prefer the older version's thinner/harder cover, but this one isn't bad.This is my second purchase of this little sketchbook. The first one was awesome. That's why I bought another one, about a year later. This second one has a different type of cover, feels cheaper. And the whole thing was glued into the cover crooked, so it doesn't close all the way and the edges of the pages don't sit snugly under the cover. Terrible quality control, not worth sending back. I had to take it apart and try (and kind of fail) to fix it myself. Disappointing.

BE AWARE that these pads come pre glued on all sides with a small unglued spot to separate pages after painting!! It’s like being PRE TAPED. GENIUS!!When I first opened the pad I was disappointed and couldn’t figure out why all four sides were glued together. I even went back to look at reviews that showed issues with the same thing.Thinking it was defective, I started to submit a return. The company must have this issue regularly as they have a note that says something like, “before returning see this link”. In the link it explains that the pad is purposefully glued on four sides with an opening to slip a credit card like item in between pages when ready to remove your finished painting.NOTE TO COMPANY - please attach a note with each pad explaining this so customers don’t think their pad is defective!The paper is nice and thick and the pre glued pages make it PERFECT for painting anywhere, especially traveling! I took mine on a cruise and enjoyed painting out on my balcony with no buckling issues or blowing paper!! After I finished a painting I removed the page with a credit card easy the page free and then began with a fresh new page!!

I Won one, added a second. I Love this water color block! I really can't say any more. Colors are Gorgeous after a painting, I don't think I even Want different paper.