Comments about Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Board Pads:

I used to use the plate type of this paper for pencil work, until I recognized a deep-set pattern in it - the darker the value of graphite, the more evident the pattern. I recently bought Canson smooth bristol, and have found it to be far superior and without a pattern. I would recommend it for anyone looking at pencil paper in this price range. The only paper I have tried superior to the Canson is Strathmore 500 smooth bristol, but that is about 4 times as expensive.

Comments about Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Board Pads:

Just like the pads sold in stores, but half the price!

Comments about Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Board Pads:

Strathmore 400 is the absolute, perfect paper for pen and ink. I am an illustrator who works with Speedball nibs frequently and this board resists the ink so it sits on the surface. It is sturdy enough to withstand thick applications and the surface is glossy enough to provide a smooth glide with each stroke. I attempted to use Strathmore 300 when 400 was not available and the results were terrible. The 300 soaked up the ink causing it to bleed through the fibers. Thick applications cause swolen, over-saturated fibers that began to shred. If you work in inks, 400 is the paper for you!