Artecho A3 Watercolour Paper Pad (300gsm) – 40 Sheets with Watercolour Brush and Pencil

If you’re learning watercolour, or you just want a pad that doesn’t feel flimsy halfway through a wash, this Artecho A3 watercolour paper pad is designed for exactly that kind of use. The set comes with a watercolour brush and a pencil, and the paper is positioned as a thicker, more absorbent option than standard sheets—handy when you’re trying to get predictable results.

That said, it’s still a budget-friendly pad, so it won’t replace top-end watercolour boards for people who are very specific about paper behaviour under heavy wet-on-wet sessions. Over the paper’s main draw here is its “learn and create” practicality: enough surface for sketches, paintings and mixed media without having to be precious about the page.

What it is and what it’s for

This is an A3 watercolour sketchbook/pad from Artecho with 40 sheets of 300gsm watercolour paper. It’s meant for water-based practice and for pairing watercolour with dry media.

On paper, the promise is fairly straightforward: a white, acid-free, neutral pH paper that’s made from a highly absorbent material, with cold-pressed texture on one side and a smoother side on the other. In real-world terms, that typically means you can attempt both looser watercolour washes (using the more textured side when you want texture) and cleaner marks or less tooth (using the smoother side).

A useful micro-example: if you’re sketching out a composition first in pencil, then doing a light first pass of diluted watercolour—this pad’s thicker, denser approach is meant to help the sheet cope better than thinner paper that can buckle or take colour unevenly.

The essentials: paper feel, texture and suitability

The pad uses a cold-pressed style with a double-sided surface: one side is rough and the other is smooth. That’s a practical mix because it gives you options without needing separate pads for “textured” and “detailed” work.

The paper is described as: - 300gsm (so, noticeably substantial) - more absorbent than “normal” paper, aimed at holding watercolour pigment - 100% acid-free with neutral pH, which matters if you care about long-term stability (for example, avoiding yellowing over time)

For dry media, the description positions it as suitable for things like graphite pencils, colour pencils, charcoal, pastel, and mixed media. That’s the kind of range that makes a watercolour pad useful even on days you’re not doing full wet washes.

Key features that matter during use

Where this pad looks strongest is in how it supports mixed practice.

• Thicker paper for less fuss: 300gsm and a “more dense” construction are the sort of details that can help when you’re learning or experimenting, because the sheet is less likely to feel delicate.
• Two textures in one pad: rough and smooth sides can save you time when you’re switching between watercolour effects and finer work.
• Neutral pH / acid-free approach: even if you’re not framing everything, it’s a sensible baseline for artworks you might keep.
• Includes brush and pencil: if you’re buying to start (or to supplement a kit), it reduces the “what else do I need?” friction.

Worth noting that “cold-pressed” can vary in how much texture you get, depending on the paper batch and how wet you work. If your practice involves very heavy washes where paper behaviour is critical, you may find you still want a more specialised artist-grade sheet.

Who it suits best (and who should be cautious)

It’s a solid match if you: You’ll like it if you’re after a versatile A3 pad for regular watercolour practice, class projects, or everyday creative sessions where value matters. It also makes sense if you use a mixture of wet and dry tools—like painting and then drawing over the top, or keeping things exploratory rather than perfectly controlled.

It may not suit you if you’re: Not the best choice if you’re very particular about how paper handles extreme wet-on-wet, lifting, or glazing over long sessions. Also, if you already have a preferred brush and pencil setup, the included extras may not be a deciding factor.

Pros and limitations in plain terms

What stands out - The overall “teaching-friendly” angle: thick, absorbent, and designed to cope with watercolour. - Acid-free and neutral pH—these details are often overlooked in cheaper packs. - Rough/smooth double-sided format for flexibility.

Where it can be a bit limiting - It’s positioned as an economical option, so if you’re chasing consistent, premium-level paper performance for advanced watercolour techniques, you might feel it’s more “middle-of-the-road” than “top shelf”. - The description doesn’t specify things like paper tint (e.g., pure bright white vs off-white) or how it behaves with specific pigments, so you’ll want to judge it against your own materials.

Getting more from it (practical tips)

If you’re using the rough side, try starting with lighter washes and build up. Textured surfaces often look best when you let them breathe a little instead of flooding everything at once.

If you’re using the smoother side, it can be better for crisp sketch lines, controlled shading, and when you want less paper grain interfering with detail.

Because the pad is intended for mixed media, it’s also worth thinking about your workflow: sketch in pencil first, then apply watercolour, then finish with dry marks if needed. That sort of layering is where a thicker sheet and the two surface types can really pay off.

The essentials tech summary

• Name: Artecho Watercolour Paper A3 Pad
• Type: Watercolour paper pad / sketchbook
• Size: A3
• Capacity: 40 sheets
• Material: Watercolour paper (300gsm)
• Colour: White
• Format: Pad with double-sided sheets (rough and smooth)
• Paper properties: Acid-free (100%) and neutral pH

Is it worth it?

It’s a good fit if you want a thicker, absorbent A3 watercolour paper pad that’s set up for both wet and dry work, and you prefer the reassurance of acid-free, neutral pH paper. The included brush and pencil make it particularly straightforward if you’re getting started or supplying a learning group.

It might not be a great match if your watercolour practice depends on very specific paper behaviour during heavy wet work, or if you already know you want a more demanding, specialist artist-grade sheet. In that case, you may want to compare against options that are tuned for advanced watercolour techniques.

Mini FAQ

Do the sheets handle watercolour better than standard thin paper?

The description is clear that the paper is thicker and more absorbent than normal sheets, which is usually the point of moving up to 300gsm for watercolour.

Is it suitable for pencil and drawing too?

Yes—dry media use is part of the intended range, including graphite pencils, colour pencils, charcoal and pastel.

Is the pad double-sided?

It’s described as having a double-sided surface with one rough side and one smooth side.

Is it acid-free?

Yes, it’s stated as 100% free of acids and with a neutral pH, aimed at reducing yellowing over time.

What’s included in the set?

You get the 40-sheet A3 watercolour pad, plus a watercolour brush and a pencil.