9 Best Mixed Media Paper in 2023 - Paint Like a Pro!

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Are you in the market for the best mixed-media paper? You're in luck! With all so many kinds of mixed media paper available today, it can be hard to find the best one. However, with the right buying guide, you can decide which is best suited for your needs.

This post will round the 9 best mixed media papers on the market today. Whether you are looking for heavyweight or something for light, we have you covered. We will also include a guide for you to be able to choose one that suits your expertise and budget. 

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: UCreate Mixed Media Art Paper, Heavyweight READ REVIEW Runner-Up: Canson: 100516254 XL Mixed Media Paper READ REVIEW Best for Hobbyists: Canson 100510926 XL Mix Media Paper Pad READ REVIEW Best Budget option: Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad READ REVIEW Best for Beginners: Bachmore Drawing Pad READ REVIEW Most Portable: Grumbacher Mixed Media Paper READ REVIEW Best professional Grade: Arteza Mixed Media Sketchbooks, Pack of 2 READ REVIEW Best for Painters: Pacon PAC4843 Art1st Mixed Media Art Paper READ REVIEW Most Versatile: C&T Publishing Lutradur Mixed Media Sheets READ REVIEW

1. Best Overall: UCreate Mixed Media Art Paper, Heavyweight

Why We Think Its Great

• EXCELLENT VERSATILITY: You can use it for all types of media.
• HEAVYWEIGHT: Allow you to use it for encaustic painting.
• SUFFICIENT SUPPLY: The set includes 500 sheets, enough to last longer.
• ACID-FREE: It can last longer without turning yellow. 
• RECYCLABLE: Allow you to use it more than once.

What We Don't Like 

• Not as thick as described

What Our Editors Say 

"When choosing the best mixed media paper, it is important that it works with any type of media, and that is what we like about this product. You can use acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, and ink. 

We also like that the sheets are heavyweight, making them work with heavy painting. So if you are a fan of painting with many layers, this set of mixed media paper best suits you."

Product Dimensions: 9 x 12 inches | Item Weight: 4.4 Pounds | Number of Sheets: 500 

Related: Best Papers for Oil Painting

2. Runner Up: Canson: 100516254 XL Mixed Media Paper

Why We Think It's Great

• ACID-FREE: Prevent the paper from turning yellow. 
• PERFECTLY- SIZED: Allow you to use it for various projects and designs. 
• VERSATILE: Allow you to use it with various supplies making or perfect for beginners and pro artists. 
• REZISEABLE SHEETS: You can cut the papers according to your project needs.

What We Don't Like

• A little thin to hold a ton of water
• Some users complain about banged corners

Product Dimensions: 12 x 2 x 18 inches | Item Weight: 5.16 Pounds | Number of Sheets: 100 

3. Best for Hobbyists: Canson 100510926 XL Mix Media Paper Pad

Why We Think It’s Great

• SERVES MULTI-PURPOSE: You can use it for sketching, drawing, collage, journaling, and more,
• ERASABLE: Allow you to redo and improve your work.
• BLENDABLE: Allow you to use different media on your project without looking messy.
• PERFORATED PAGES: These allow you to easily tear the pages off

What We Don't Like

• It might buckle when too wet.
• Edge warps when used with watercolor painting.

What Buyers Say

"This is my favorite drawing pad to use. I'm impressed with the weight of this pad. The paper is also slightly textured, which I like. The pages are perforated, so you can make a clean page pullout which is very nice. I like the various pad sizes they offer as well. I use a lot of pen ink in my drawings and haven't had any bleed-through happen."

Product Dimensions: 12 x 2 x 18 inches | Item Weight: 5.16 Pounds | Number of Sheets: 100

4. Best Budget Option: Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad

Why We Think It’s Great

• GREAT VERSATILITY: You can use it with any type of ink, alcohol markers, and watercolor markers.
• THICK SHEETS: Performs well for heavy use giving your artwork great depth. 
• WELL-MADE PAPER: You can paint and erase over and over without it getting deteriorated.
• AFFORDABLE: Suitable for those who are starting to paint. 

What We Don't Like

• Not perforated pages 
• A little bit warping

What Our Editors Say

"Unlike other mixed media paper, the Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad only has 15 sheets in the set; however, it is good enough to make artwork. The set contains acid-free, heavyweight paper with a smooth vellum surface that won't buckle with watercolor.

If you are a beginner experimenting with mixed media, we believe this product will greatly add to your art tools."

Product Dimensions: 12 x 0.5 x 9 inches | Item Weight: 11.7 ounces | Number of Sheets: 15

5. Best for Beginners: Bachmore Drawing Pad

Why We Think It’s Great

• TOP SPIRAL DESIGN: Makes it suitable for right and left-handed painters.
• EXCELLENT VERSATILITY: Allow you to use it with wet and dry media.
• PERFORATED DESIGN: Makes it easier to turn and tear the pages off.
• SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: You can have a replacement or a refund once you are unhappy with the product. 
• STURDY COVERS: Secure the pages and your artwork.

What We Don't Like

• The paper may lift when too wet.
• Soft texture that makes the color bleed through

What Buyers Say

"Very good quality and you get a lot more paper for the price. I have no issues with using acrylic paints on it, and I am left-handed mostly, but I also use my right hand; this pad is better for me because it's held together at the top instead of on the side (left side, lol).

Most notepads and things like them are made for right-handed people unless I want to pay more money to find paper pads for a lefty, but happily not an issue for me with this."

Product Dimensions: 13.46 x 9.02 x 1.14 inches | Item Weight: 1.96 pounds | Number of Sheets: 60

6. Most Portable: Grumbacher Mixed Media Paper

Why We Think It’s Great

• VERSATILE: You can use it perfectly for dry media and light washes of wet media.
• WIRED CONSTRUCTION: Allow you to remove sheets from the sketchbook for painting and other artworks.
• PORTABLE: You can take it everywhere or easily store it on the shelf.
• MULTI-PURPOSE: Allow you to use it for journal writing and artwork.

What We Don't Like

• A bit hard to fold
• The sheets are smaller than the others

What Buyers Say

"I always either used a sketchbook for dry or wet media. I've never really experimented with both for some reason. So I fell in love with using both, and this awesome little sketchbook was a big help.

I just came back and ordered another one for personal use. It is also a great portable size; I found it not too big or small. It fitted in all my bags and was easy to carry around and use. My new go-to sketchbook!"

Product Dimensions: 8.88 x 7.13 x 0.88 inches | Item Weight: 14.4 ounces | Number of sheets: 40

7. Best Professional Grade: Arteza Mixed Media Sketchbooks, Pack of 2

Why We Think It’s Great

• VERSATILE: These sheets are suitable for a variety of dry media as well as light washes of wet media.
• GOOD QUALITY: Prevent the sheets from turning yellow and deteriorating over time.
• USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Allow you to easily turn the pages. You can also tear off the page easily when you make a mistake.
• RELIABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE: If you have any product issues, you can reach them anytime. 

 What We Don't Like

• It may not work with many layers of paint.

What Our Editors Say

"What we like about the Arteza Mixed Media is the size that fits any artwork. We also love the heavy-duty and support of all mediums, including acrylics, oil pastels, graphite, and many more.

But what caught us is the dual surface, smooth and tooth beneficial if you want to work with the other side while waiting for the other one to dry. Overall, this product is a wise buy!"

Product Dimensions: 14.09 x 13.39 x 1.65 inches | Item Weight: 5.98 pounds | Number of Sheets: 120

8. Best for Painters: Pacon Art Street Mixed Media Journal

Why We Think It’s Great

• EXCELLENT VERSATILITY: Allow you to use it for sketching, drawing, or painting. You can also use it with wet or dry media.
• HEAVYWEIGHT: Ideal for different applications.
• SPIRAL BOUND DESIGN: You can easily tear and turn the pages. Also, allow you to lay flat for more comfortably using. 
• SAFE TO USE: You can have it used by young children.
• RECYCLABLE: Allow you to use the sheets more than once.

What We Don't Like

• The pages are not perforated.
• The paper buckled up with watercolor.

What Buyers Say

"The paper is thick enough for markers - some bleed, but I put a super thick piece of paper between the sheets. It is a fantastic value for those who like to do Zentangles daily. I go through a lot of paper pads, and finally, I've found a pad that is kind of a pocketbook. I only purchase spiral notebooks, so that's another plus. I'm a fan of Art Street!"

Product Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 0.75 inches | Item Weight: 1.1 pounds | Number of Sheets: 60

9. Most Versatile: C&T Publishing Lutradur Mixed Media Sheets

Why We Think It’s Great

• FABRIC-LIKE PAPER: Allow you to use it for various applications such as sewing, painting, inkjet painting, stenciling, stamping, and many more.
• DURABLE: It cannot be ripped out by your bare hand unless you have a mechanical cutting machine.
• WORKS WITH VARIOUS MEDIA: You can use it with watercolor, ink, graphite, and even stencils and prints.
• TWO WEIGHT VARIANTS: Allow you to make airy and thicker layers.

What We Don't Like 

• It cannot hold too wet paint.
• Only 11 sheets are included in the set.

What Our Editors Say

"In terms of versatility, we can say that this product stands out from the crowd. Unlike other similar products, this one can be used for stitching. Well, it might not sound new to others, but for us, it's a plus. Regarding durability, most mixed media paper can be torn just by hand, but this is different.

So, if you want one that can tear off easily, this product is not for you. However, if you are after excellent durability, you'll be amazed by what it can offer. When it comes to results, you can get a vibrant color using acrylic, watercolor, ink, graphite, and even stencils and prints."

Product Dimensions: 9.22 x 0.14 x 11.39 inches | Item Weight: 2.26 ounces | Number of Sheets: 10

Final Verdict

Mixed media paper is indeed a great addition to every artist's tool. It can make painting, crafting, and many types of artwork more detailed. You can use different media on its surface, making your painting look vibrant and alive.

In this round-up review, the UCreate Mixed Media Art Paper, Heavyweight, got the best overall title. Aside from its low price tag, we love that it included 500 sheets making it sufficient for long usage.

We also chose it as it can be used for both beginners and professionals. This product will get your painting to the highest level if you are not after fancy sketchbook covers.

Mixed Media Buying Guide

To get the result you want with mixed media paper, it is important to consider some factors. However, the decision will still depend on you. We've compiled some essential features and characteristics that might help you choose the mixed-media paper you need.

•  Size

If you are just starting, size may not be an issue. After all, you may only want to test if the paper can perform well for watercolors and different media. However, as time passes, you will require a particular size for a project.

If you work on multiple pieces of art in one sheet, you will need large sizes to accommodate all your artwork. If portability is important to you, then small sizes or pocket-sized pads are the way to go. 

• Binding

If you want a mixed media paper that can be flattened when working on it, a spiral bound is the ideal one. This design is also great for flipping your pages easier. However, if durability matters to you, most hardbound variants best suit you. No matter what you pick, make sure that it won't affect the product's quality. 

• Weight

Mixed media paper has various weight variants: lightweight and heavyweight. These two factors are important to consider as they will affect the result of your artwork.

For instance, if you work with watercolor, you should go for a heavyweight as it can hold water preventing your paper from buckling and warping. On the other hand, if you will be working on graphite drawing, a lightweight one will do.

Elena Zimmerman a former art teacher, and a current illustrator said “ I work primarily with watercolor paints, and the best paper for this is of course traditional heavy weight mixed media paper. However, after my paint has dried I also like to color over the image using colored pencils and pen and ink.”

• Tooth

Another factor to consider is the tooth. You can identify it by touching the paper's surface. The type of paper tooth you use will vary depending on the medium. If you are working with charcoal and wet media, tooth paper is what you need.

This is because it retains more water and color. On the other hand, the smooth mixed paper will perfectly work for ink, pencils, and markers.

• Paper Quality

Are they acid-free? If yes, then they are great! Acid-free paper can last longer without yellowing and fading over time. This means you can store your artwork for longer years without worrying about it deteriorating. 

Tips for First-time Users of Mixed Media Paper

If you are a first-time user of mixed media paper, chances are you are not sure where to begin. It can be intimidating, especially if you are a beginner artist or craftsperson. Luckily, we have some tips that can help you get started with mixed media paper.

Mixed media paper is a bit different than regular sketchbook paper.

If you are new to mixed media paper, you should know a few things. First, watercolor pencils work best on this type of paper. You can also use water-soluble crayons or acrylic paint on this type of paper. If you want to use markers or paint pens, make sure they are oil based so they will not bleed through the pages.

Be prepared to use more water.

It is important to remember that water is your friend. It can help you blend, create texture and add a wash. Water is also great for creating backgrounds and washes in your artwork.

Remove the gummed edge on your mixed media paper.

Remove the gummed edge on your mixed media paper. Use a rubber eraser to rub off any white residue left behind. Alternatively, you can use a Xacto knife or paintbrush dipped in water to remove the gummed edge.

Don't be Afraid to Experiment

Mixed media paper is a great way to experiment with various creative techniques. For example, you can use it to draw, paint, collage, or add other materials. You can create a photo collage or a mixed media collage by cutting out photos and gluing them onto the paper's surface.

Alternatively, you could use your paints and brushes to create a mixed-media painting on this type of paper.

Know that you can paint right onto the mixed media paper.

Mix media paper is a great way to create a mixed media painting with acrylic paint, watercolor, or ink. You can paint right onto the mixed media paper and add layers of color. Use brushes, sponges, and even your fingers to apply the colors.

If you want to use water with your paint, try diluting it with a little bit of water before you begin so that you don't accidentally get too much liquid in one area and cause the paper to buckle or warp.

Want to see how to paint on mixed-media paper using acrylics? Check out this video!

Use mixed media paper when you want to create a mixed media collage.

When you're ready to create a mixed-media collage, start by choosing some interesting papers and materials. Try using old magazines and newspaper pages, wrapping paper from holiday gifts, torn-up pieces of an old book cover (hint: this will give your collage a vintage feel!), or even glitter!

Also, when working with mixed media paper in collages, it's important to have enough space to work on it. It's easy for things to get cluttered when you're trying to glue items onto a piece of paper. If possible, try laying out all your supplies before starting, making them accessible while creating your project.

Pro Tip: If you are going to use book pages for your mixed media collage, ensure that they are matte. This will make the glue adhere to the paper easily.

Mixed Media Paper FAQ

What is the best paper to do a collage on?

When collaging is your forte, wood or a board can be a great surface. A paper will also do; however, if you are not backed up with proper tools, it may be hard to get perfect results. It is no secret that mixed media paper can be used with various surfaces. Having mixed media paper as your tool will help when working with wet painting.

Is mixed media paper good for Watercolour?

The answer to the questions may vary depending on the variant of your mixed media paper. As mentioned above, mixed media paper has two variants: heavyweight and lightweight. If you are working on watercolor painting, the heavyweight will give better results as they bleed less and absorb water better. 

What is the best mixed media for alcohol markers?

As we all know, alcohol-based marker ink will fade gradually over time, so you'll want your paper to have particular chemical properties to help your finished work remain longer. The acid-free paper is the answer as it does not fade and turns yellow even for a long time. So, if you prefer alcohol markers as your media, acid-free paper should be considered.

What are mixed media sketchbooks used for?

Mixed media sketchbooks are great for artworks journal. If you are an artist, this can be an excellent tool for many different kinds of art without breaking your bank spending on different papers for every medium you will work on. 

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