Arches is the best watercolor paper that is hard to find in stores. It is pricier than other brands but worth it. This is my favorite brand overall.

It is thick enough, but not too stiff. Easy to lift and blend. Wonderful gift to highlight your talents.

The paper is so grainy. It can't even take one wash without the fibers deteriorating and loosening. The problem is that it was manufactured improperly - the perforations are on the wrong side.

The sizing is terrible, the colors are absolutely not bright and it buckles terribly when you are painting. Do not attempt to use while still in coil tablet using watercolor paint. Buy arches, windsor & newton or bockingford.