Yes, you read that correctly!
Bristol Paper creates some amazing SMOOTH watercolor effects.
Bristol Smooth Surface Paper by Strathmore is not traditionally used for watercoloring. In fact, it is meant for pencil and ink.
It is acid free and heavyweight at a 100 lb. weight. This makes it PERFECT for using on cards, mixed media and scrapbooking.
Why should you use this paper?
Well, it is the best paper for someone who is starting out and feels a little intimidated by watercoloring. I like using it because I don't do shading, highlighting or blending. I simply want some even color on my image. I generally use this on an image that I have stamped with memento tuxedo black ink. Unlike watercolor paper, which will soak in some color initially, this paper tends to allow the color to float for a little bit before seeping in.
What types of watercolors work well on this paper?
I specifically wanted to try this paper with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers. I was very pleased with the results. It also worked incredibly well with my Tim Holtz Distress Markers and Staedler Ergosoft Watercolor Pencils.
What if I am more advanced?
Since I am a novice at watercolor I can only recommend what I've seen other professionals recommend. If you want to do "proper" watercolor techniques then you may want to try Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper or Canson XL Watercolor Paper. I have used Canson XL before and experienced no pilling even with heavy saturation and a lot of brush strokes.
If you have been struggling with watercoloring for cardmaking, this just may be your answer. Remember, your surface is just as important as your medium. The same watercolor can look terrible on one paper and beautiful on another!
