{"product_id":"st-cuthberts-mill-saunders-watercolor-paper-block-12x9-inch-white","title":"St. Cuthberts Mill Saunders Watercolor Paper Block - 12x9-inch White","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the St. Cuthberts Mill Saunders Watercolor Paper Block 12x9 in, the bottom line is clear: this block is for painters who want archival, warp-resistant watercolor sheets ready to work straight from the pad. The review finds the pH-neutral 100% cotton and mold-made 140 lb construction deliver a durable, absorbent surface that handles heavy washes, scrubbing and masking fluid removal without falling apart. Artists who value surface texture and long-term stability will appreciate how the block removes the need to soak and stretch sheets while still drying flat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% cotton:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pH-neutral cotton fiber gives an absorbent, archival surface that resists discoloration and lasts when stored properly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMold-made 140 lb weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e The substantial sheet weight provides surface stability and feels substantial under washes and mixed media work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRough finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural woolen felts create a textured surface that preserves granulation and adds depth to watercolor and gouache techniques.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo warping on the block:\u003c\/strong\u003e The collated four-sided block holds sheets flat while painting, eliminating the need to pre-soak and stretch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGelatin sizing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Surface sizing supports controlled paint flow and withstands erasing, scrubbing and masking fluid removal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMold-crafted heritage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produced by St. Cuthberts Mill using traditional methods for consistent archival quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis block is ideal for watercolorists, illustrators and mixed media painters who prefer working on a pad and need sheets that dry flat and endure aggressive techniques. The textured rough surface suits artists seeking pronounced granulation with pigments or who work in gouache, ink, charcoal and pencil on the same sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProfessional artists and serious hobbyists will benefit most from the archival qualities and strength; beginners on a tight budget or those who always stretch their own paper may prefer single loose sheets or lower-cost cellulose papers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent archival quality from 100% cotton and mold-made construction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDries flat on the block so you can paint immediately without prepping sheets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRough surface and gelatin sizing combine to support texture, controlled paint flow and endurance through scrubbing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVersatile for watercolor, gouache, ink, acrylic, pencil and charcoal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher-cost archival cotton paper may be more than casual beginners need.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly available in fixed block format, so artists who always stretch sheets may find it less flexible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSAUNDERS WATER FORD SERIES\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 sided collated block\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSheet size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 x 9 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSheets per block\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 sheets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e140 lb (approx)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% cotton, pH-neutral\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSurface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRough finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Saunders Waterford 12 x 9 in 140 lb rough watercolor block is a solid investment for artists who value archival cotton paper and a textured surface that accepts heavy techniques without warping. It saves time by eliminating stretching, and the gelatin sizing and mold-made stability make it a reliable choice for professional work and long-term preservation, offering good value to those who need durable, high-quality paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use masking fluid and scrub the surface?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The gelatin sizing and 140 lb mold-made construction resist masking fluid removal and scrubbing better than cellulose papers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the block require soaking or stretching?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The four-sided collated block is designed to keep sheets flat while painting so soaking and stretching are not necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat media can be used on this paper?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is suitable for watercolor, gouache, ink, acrylic, pencil and charcoal thanks to its rough texture and strong surface sizing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SAUNDERS WATER FORD SERIES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48183388799195,"sku":"B004V8LLDW","price":34.52,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/710eTL0ZPEL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1769607018","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/st-cuthberts-mill-saunders-watercolor-paper-block-12x9-inch-white","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}