Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad + 300 Series Bristol Pad

In this review the reviewer compares two classic Strathmore pads aimed at artists who need reliable surfaces for mixed techniques and detailed drawing. The bottom line: the 400 Series Mixed Media Pad delivers a heavy, absorbent surface that stands up to wet and dry media, while the 300 Series Vellum Bristol gives a stiff, toothy sheet ideal for pencil, charcoal and colored pencil. Together they form a compact kit for studies and finished pieces when paper weight, texture and consistent performance matter most.

Key Features

• Mixed media versatility: The 400 Series blends watercolor qualities with a drawing finish, so washes and pen work behave predictably on the same sheet.
• Heavy weight support: The 400 Series paper is 184 lb and resists buckling, which benefits artists using multiple wet layers or collage elements.
• Vellum Bristol texture: The 300 Series vellum surface holds pigment from graphite, charcoal and colored pencil for crisp, controllable marks.
• Stiff, two-ply Bristol: The 300 Series is a heavyweight, two-ply sheet that displays work without extra mounting thanks to its firm construction.
• Familiar classroom standard: The yellow-covered 300 Series is a long-standing art-school staple, useful for students and instructors who want predictable paper behavior.
• Made in the United States: The 400 Series pad is manufactured in the United States, offering consistent build and paper quality.

Who It's For

The combined offering suits intermediate and advanced hobbyists, art students and professional illustrators who need a heavy mixed media sheet plus a separate Bristol pad for finished drawings. The 18 by 24 mixed media size is especially helpful for larger studies or small canvases where wash work and collage are part of the process.

Those who prefer ultra-smooth papers for technical ink work or who only paint large-format watercolors might look elsewhere; the 300 Series vellum Bristol favors dry media and textured grip, while the 400 Series is intended for mixed applications rather than dedicated fine art watercolor on stretched paper.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Paper quality is consistently high, giving smooth vellum finishes that work well with colored pencil and graphite.
• Thickness and weight make the sheets durable and less translucent, so colors lay down vividly and hold.
• The mixed media pad accepts tube acrylics, gouache and watercolor without immediate failure, enabling layered techniques.
• The Bristol pad offers a stiff, presentable surface that often requires no mounting for display.

Cons

• The mixed media pad is heavy but not a replacement for specialty cold-pressed watercolor paper for long wet lifts or heavy soaking.
• The vellum Bristol texture may be too toothy for those who need ultra-smooth marker or mechanical drawing performance.

Specifications

Our Verdict

These two Strathmore pads together make a practical kit: the 400 Series mixed media pad for wet/dry experiments and the 300 Series vellum Bristol for crisp, display-ready drawings. For artists who rotate between washes and detailed dry media, the pair represents good value because each sheet performs reliably in its intended role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pads good for watercolor and acrylic?
The 400 Series mixed media paper accepts watercolor, gouache and tube acrylics well for studies and layered work, though it is not a substitute for heavyweight cold-pressed watercolor paper under heavy soaking.

Which pad is better for pencil and charcoal?
The 300 Series Vellum Bristol is preferred for graphite, colored pencil and charcoal because its textured surface grabs pigment and produces crisp marks.

How stiff are the sheets for display?
The 300 Series is a two-ply Bristol with enough stiffness to present drawings without mounting, while the thicker 400 Series sheets are substantial but more intended for mixed techniques than unsupported display.