Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper Review

Strathmore Bristol Smooth

There are many types of drawing papers that are available for graphite artists.

The different types of paper will give your drawing a distinct look.

The texture of the paper makes a significant difference in how the graphite adheres to the surface.

In this “strathmore 300 series bristol smooth pad Review,” you will be able to decide if this is the paper that would work best for your finished projects.

What Is A Bristol Board Pad

Bristol board is a thick type of paper that artists use.

The paper can be used with a large variety of media like graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, pen, and ink.

The thickness is comparable to a postcard.

Many artists use the Bristol board for their original and commissioned jobs.

Bristol board comes in two varieties, smooth and vellum. In this review, I will discuss the smooth Bristol paper.

Strathmore 300 Series Paper Review

Most common size available:

• Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper Pad 9″ x 20″
• Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper Pad 11″ x 14″
• Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper Pad 11″ x 17″
• Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper Pad 19″ x 24″
• Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper Pad 9″ x 20″
• Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper Pad 11″ x 14″
• Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper Pad 11″ x 17″
• Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper Pad 19″ x 24″

What Media Can Be Used With Bristol Board

Bristol board’s thickness makes it suitable for a broad range of media, including: 

• Acrylic 
• Watercolor 
• Marker 
• Pen 
• Ink
• Graphite

These are just a few of the different media used with Bristol board.

Is Smooth Bristol Board Right For Your Project

In this Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper review, I will compare the difference between smooth and vellum.

The review will give you information about the two, so you can make a better decision for your project.

Smooth Bristol Board

The smooth surface works well for graphite, pen and ink, acrylic paint, and marker.

The paper is treated on both sides, allowing you to work on both sides.

The texture is different between the front and the back.

Practicing on both sides will allow you to decide which side of the paper will work best for your project.

Smooth has less “tooth” than vellum.

The paper’s ” tooth ” allows the graphite or media to adhere to the surface.

If you are a graphite artist, smooth works well for realism work.

It allows you to bend the values with ease.

The downside is that because there is less “tooth,” you might find it difficult to draw real dark values.

Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Vellum Pad

Vellum has more “tooth” or texture.

Vellum’s texture makes it an ideal drawing surface for charcoal, pastels, and crayon.

If you use graphite and draw a subject with very dark values, vellum will work well for you.

The smooth might be a better choice if you draw something with light values (like an infant).

Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper Review Pros And Cons

Pros

• Heavyweight paper
• Finished on both sides, so you will have the option of what side to draw on
• Smooth paper perfect for shading and blending
• Perfect for finished projects

Cons

• Less texture makes it harder to get dark values

Final Thoughts – Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper Review

Smooth and Vellum Bristol board work perfectly for a large variety of media. It also works well with mixing media. A good practice would be to try both and learn what will work best for your particular crafts.

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