XL Mixed Media Paper 98 lb 12 x 18 in - Large Sheet Studio Pad

In this review of the XL Mixed Media Paper pad, the bottom line is simple: it is a versatile, large-format paper best for artists who need a textured, multipurpose surface for drawing and light painting. The pack of 100 sheets at 12 x 18 in provides a lot of workspace and value for practice, sketching, and mixed-media experiments. Our review found it especially useful for graphite, charcoal, pastels and markers, with enough tooth to hold dry media while still accepting light washes and acrylics when used carefully.

Key Features

• Acid-free design: Keeps finished pieces safer for scrapbooking and archival use so artworks do not yellow quickly over time.
• Large 12 x 18 in sheets: The oversized pages give ample room for architectural sketches, larger compositions, or practice studies without having to tape pieces together.
• 98 lb textured surface: Offers noticeable tooth that grips graphite, charcoal and pastels while remaining usable with pen and pencil for detailed work.
• Multipurpose compatibility: Works with a wide range of supplies including marker, conte, light washes, acrylic and watercolor for mixed-media experiments.
• 100 sheets per pad: A substantial quantity that makes it easy to practice often or dedicate sheets to separate projects without frequent repurchase.

Who It's For

The pad is a solid match for students, hobbyists and professional artists who need a large, economical sheet for sketching, studies and mixed-media practice; its textured 98 lb surface is particularly friendly to dry media like charcoal and pastels. The size and quantity also make it useful for classroom settings and studios where multiple attempts or large layouts are common.

Artists who require heavy, soaked watercolor techniques or expect sheet-to-sheet consistency for gallery framing should look for heavier, dedicated watercolor or archival paper; a few customers reported occasional creasing or thinner-than-expected sheets, so those needing heavyweight board-like rigidity may prefer a heavier stock.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good value: 100 large sheets give dependable practice space at a reasonable cost.
• Versatile surface: Holds graphite, charcoal, pastels and ink with a pleasant texture.
• Acid-free construction: Better suited for scrapbooks and keeping work archival than ordinary paper.
• Accepts light washes and acrylics: Allows mixed-media exploration without immediate buckling when used sparingly.

Cons

• Not heavyweight: Some users reported the paper can crease or feel thin for very wet techniques.
• Inconsistent durability reported: A minority of sheets may tear or slice apart under heavier abrasion.

Specifications

Brand	Canson
Product type	Mixed media paper pad
Sheet weight	98 lb
Sheet size	12 x 18 in
Sheet count	100 sheets
Color	White
Surface	Textured

Our Verdict

The XL Mixed Media Paper pad is a practical choice for artists who want large, textured sheets for drawing, pastel work and light mixed-media applications; it delivers strong value with 100 sheets and an acid-free surface for safer keepsakes. Buy this pad if you need room to experiment and good tooth for dry media, but consider heavier watercolor or board stocks if you routinely work with very wet paints or require maximum sheet rigidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this paper handle watercolor?
The paper accepts light washes and very light watercolor techniques, but it is not a heavyweight watercolor sheet and will buckle with heavy wet applications.

Is the paper archival?
Yes, the pad is acid-free which helps preserve work for scrapbooking and longer-term storage compared with standard paper.

Which media work best?
Dry media like graphite, charcoal, conte and pastels perform very well on the textured surface, and markers, pen and light acrylic washes are also suitable.