Comments about Saunders Waterford Sheets and Blocks:

I've tried a lot of different watercolor papers, but the new 200 lb Saunders Waterford high white is my favorite. Thanks Dick Blick for stocking this wonderful paper. No need to stretch it either!

Comments about Saunders Waterford Sheets and Blocks:

I use this paper with conventional tube watercolor and water-soluble crayons such as Neocolor II and Cretacolor. Every artist-grade watercolor paper has it's merits -and sometimes its flaws - but for me this is the most accomodating. I don't have to think about the limitations or quirks of the paper - because there aren't any. It doesn't curl, and colors can be lifted or scrubbed (within reason) without marring the surface. I am a pretty heavy-handed painter, and I usually lift and scrub colors, pour paint and generally get tough with my paper. If that's your style, give this paper a try!

I use the 140-lb paper which is perfect for my needs. Not overpriced for what you get.

Comments about Saunders Waterford Sheets and Blocks:

Saunders has been a popular paper choice for many decades going back to John Pike and other watercolorists of an early milieu...That alone says that Saunders Waterford has maintained its high quality CONSISTENTLY. No more surprises (like Arches) that look like scuffs or oil contamination, like some of the higher priced papers. I've tried them all and for my money, I choose Saunders or Winsor Newton 140# CP paper. The new HWhite Saunders is spectacular!

Comments about Saunders Waterford Sheets and Blocks:

I concur with the other reviews. The 200lb. is an excellent product. I have even used it with acrylics, and it works well.

Comments about Saunders Waterford Sheets and Blocks:

The extra weight of the 200 lb waterford makes it easy to use and less prone to buckling when wet. I like the way that this paper responds to wet-in-wet, and does not fade excessively as it dries. The slightly creamy color will not make it ideal for the brightest intentions, but for more subdued or earthy watercolors, this paper is excellent.

Comments about Saunders Waterford Sheets and Blocks:

I don't understand why other major manufacturers like Arches and Fabriano don't carry a 200 lb weight of watercolor paper, because it is so much better than 140 lb (which tends to buckle, dries too quickly and doesn't accept as much paint) or 300 lb (like blotter paper, takes forever to dry and can give dulled colors). The surface of Saunders Waterford in 140 or 300 cold-pressed is quite similar to that of Arches, a solid, reliable, uniform, tough working surface. I highly recommend trying the 200 lb weight for everything but the largest work (like larger than half-sheet - it depends on how wet you work). I don't want to mess around with stretching my paper, so the 200 lb cold-pressed Saunders Waterford is ideal. I've used it for years - it used to be available in the USA only from that "Cheap Guy." I'm glad to see it stocked at Blick's.

Comments about Saunders Waterford Sheets and Blocks:

I had been painting on Arches 140# paper and it was suggested that I go to the Saunders 200# --- WOW! What a change in feel and paint acceptance-- I love it!

Comments about Saunders Waterford Sheets and Blocks:

I'm an illustrator, and I have depended on Saunders/ Waterford HP, alongside Arches, Strathmore Kid, Coventry Rag, and Fabriano for years. They are all good; Saunders falls in the middle of the price range, has a deckel edge-which isn't particularly important-and a watermark, which helps me keep track of what papers work well. Saunders is one of them.