Canson is one of the oldest and most respected names in art paper. Founded in 1557 in Annonay, France, the company has been manufacturing paper for nearly five centuries. Picasso used Canson paper. Ingres used Canson paper. And there’s a very good chance that if you’ve taken an art class at any point in your life, you’ve used Canson paper too.
But Canson’s product range is enormous, spanning dozens of lines across drawing, painting, printmaking, and digital art. Choosing the right Canson paper for your specific medium and style can be confusing, especially when product names like «XL,» «Montval,» «Mi-Teintes,» and «Moulin du Roy» don’t immediately tell you what they’re for.
This review breaks down every major Canson paper line, explains what it’s designed for, how it performs in real-world testing, and whether it’s worth your money.
Canson’s Paper Lines: An Overview
Canson organizes its products into tiers and categories. Here’s a simplified map:
| Line | Category | Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL Series | Multi-medium | Student | Practice, studies, learning |
| Montval | Watercolor | Intermediate | Watercolor, gouache, ink wash |
| Mi-Teintes | Pastel/Drawing | Professional | Pastels, charcoal, colored pencils |
| Moulin du Roy | Watercolor | Professional | Professional watercolor |
| L’Aquarelle | Watercolor | Premium | Exhibition-quality watercolor |
| Edition Etching | Printmaking | Professional | Etching, lithography |
| Infinity | Digital Print | Professional | Giclée prints, archival output |
For most readers of this site, the first four lines are the ones that matter. Let’s dig into each.
Canson XL Series: The Workhorse
The XL series is Canson’s student/practice range, and it’s by far their best-selling product line. You’ll find XL pads in virtually every art supply store, and for good reason — they deliver surprisingly good performance at a very accessible price point.
XL Marker Pad
Weight: 70 gsm (18 lb)
Texture: Ultra-smooth
Sheets per pad: 100 (9×12 size)
This is the paper we recommend most often for alcohol marker work on a budget. The XL Marker Pad is specifically engineered to resist alcohol ink bleeding. At 70 gsm, it’s thin — deliberately so. The thinness and smooth surface prevent ink from feathering, and the coating resists bleed-through better than papers twice its weight.
In our testing, Copic Sketch markers blended beautifully on this paper, with smooth transitions and minimal feathering. Ohuhu and Arrtx markers also performed well, though we noticed slightly more bleed-through with Ohuhu’s inks (which tend to be wetter). Best alcohol markers buyer guide
Pros:
- Excellent bleed-through resistance for alcohol markers
- Ultra-smooth surface enables clean, crisp lines
- 100 sheets per pad — outstanding value
- Light enough to use on a light table for tracing
Cons:
- Too thin for wet media (watercolor, gouache)
- Not suitable for heavy layering or erasing
- The thinness makes it feel fragile — not great for portfolio pieces
- Slight ghosting on the reverse side (usable for practice, not presentation)
Verdict: The best budget paper for alcohol markers, period. If you go through a lot of marker paper, this is your everyday workhorse. For finished pieces, step up to something heavier.
XL Mix Media Pad
Weight: 160 gsm (98 lb)
Texture: Fine grain
Sheets per pad: 60 (9×12 size)
The XL Mix Media pad is Canson’s do-everything paper, and it genuinely handles multiple media acceptably well. It’s thick enough for light watercolor washes, smooth enough for ink and marker work, and textured enough for pencil and charcoal.
In our marker testing, it performed adequately but not spectacularly. Alcohol markers blend less smoothly than on the dedicated marker pad — the slight grain catches the ink and can create subtle texture in supposedly flat fills. For colored pencils, it’s quite good, providing enough tooth for layering without being so rough that it eats through pencil cores.
Pros:
- Truly versatile — handles markers, pencils, ink, light watercolor, and more
- Heavy enough for light wet media
- Good value at 60 sheets per pad
- Fine grain suits most dry media
Cons:
- Master of none — doesn’t excel at any single medium
- Grain can interfere with smooth alcohol marker blending
- Buckles with heavy watercolor application
- Not acid-free in all variants (check packaging)
Verdict: A solid choice if you work in multiple media and want one pad that handles everything reasonably well. Not the best choice if you’re dedicated to a single medium.
XL Watercolor Pad
Weight: 140 gsm (90 lb)
Texture: Cold press (moderate grain)
Sheets per pad: 30 (9×12 size)
The XL Watercolor pad is Canson’s entry-level watercolor paper, and it’s important to set expectations correctly: this is practice paper. At 140 gsm, it’s the minimum weight for watercolor, and it will buckle with heavy washes unless you tape it down or stretch it first.
The cold-press texture provides acceptable tooth for pigment to grab onto, and the paper holds up to two or three wet layers before beginning to pill. For learning watercolor techniques, practicing color mixing, and testing compositions before committing to better paper, it serves its purpose well.
Pros:
- Affordable entry point for watercolor practice
- Adequate texture for basic techniques
- Available everywhere
Cons:
- Buckles badly with heavy washes
- Pills after multiple wet layers
- Not acid-free — work will yellow over time
- 30 sheets per pad (fewer than other XL products)
Verdict: Buy it for practice and studies. Don’t use it for work you want to keep or sell. When you’re ready for real watercolor paper, step up to Montval or better.
XL Drawing Pad
Weight: 160 gsm (96 lb)
Texture: Smooth to fine grain
Sheets per pad: 60 (9×12 size)
The XL Drawing pad is optimized for graphite and colored pencils. The surface has just enough tooth to hold pencil pigment without being rough, and it erases cleanly — a critical feature for pencil artists who rely on erasing as part of their technique.
For graphite work ranging from light sketching (2H–HB) to dark shading (4B–8B), this paper performs admirably. It holds up well to blending stumps and can handle moderate pressure without denting or tearing.
Pros:
- Excellent for graphite pencil (all grades)
- Good for colored pencils
- Erases cleanly
- 60 sheets at a competitive price
Cons:
- Not suitable for wet media
- Can feel waxy under heavy colored pencil application
- Smooth variants may be too slick for charcoal
Verdict: A reliable everyday drawing paper. Nothing fancy, nothing disappointing.
Canson Montval: The Watercolor Workhorse
Montval is where Canson starts getting serious about watercolor. Made from cellulose (wood pulp) rather than cotton, Montval sits in the intermediate tier — significantly better than the XL Watercolor pad but not in the same league as cotton papers.
Weight: 185 gsm and 300 gsm options
Texture: Cold press
Acid-free: Yes
The 300 gsm Montval is the version worth buying. It resists buckling far better than the XL, holds multiple wet layers without pilling, and allows for lifting (removing dried paint with a wet brush) — something that the XL paper can’t handle.
The cold-press texture is moderate, suitable for both detailed work and expressive washes. Colors stay vibrant on the surface, though they don’t glow quite the way they do on 100% cotton papers — a limitation inherent to cellulose.
Pros:
- Acid-free and archival
- 300 gsm version resists buckling well
- Affordable compared to cotton papers
- Good color vibrancy for cellulose paper
- Allows basic lifting techniques
Cons:
- Cellulose doesn’t match cotton for wet-on-wet techniques
- Some pilling with aggressive brushwork
- Limited size options compared to professional lines
- Granulation effects are less pronounced than on cotton
Verdict: The best watercolor paper for intermediate artists who have outgrown the XL line but aren’t ready to invest in cotton. If you’re learning watercolor seriously, Montval 300 gsm is your paper. Sakura Koi watercolor review
Canson Mi-Teintes: The Pastel and Colored Pencil Standard
Mi-Teintes is arguably Canson’s most iconic product. Available in over 50 colors, this dual-textured paper (honeycomb pattern on one side, fine grain on the other) has been the go-to surface for pastels and colored pencils for decades.
Weight: 160 gsm
Texture: Honeycomb (front) / Fine grain (back)
Acid-free: Yes
The honeycomb texture on the front side grabs and holds pastel and charcoal pigment effectively, allowing for multiple layers without the paper becoming slick. The fine grain on the reverse side is better suited for colored pencils and detailed work.
The color range is where Mi-Teintes truly shines. From deep blacks and rich burgundies to subtle grays and warm creams, the colored paper becomes part of the artwork itself, providing a mid-tone base that saves time and adds depth.
Pros:
- Over 50 colors available
- Dual-textured surface offers versatility
- Excellent for pastels, charcoal, and colored pencils
- Acid-free and archival
- Heavy enough for framing without backing
Cons:
- Not suitable for wet media
- The honeycomb texture can be too aggressive for some tastes
- Color consistency can vary slightly between batches
- Individual sheets are more cost-effective than pads
Verdict: If you work in pastels or colored pencils, Mi-Teintes is practically mandatory. The colored paper options alone make it indispensable for artists who want to work on toned surfaces. Faber-Castell vs Prismacolor colored pencils
Canson Moulin du Roy: Professional Watercolor
Moulin du Roy is Canson’s professional watercolor paper, made from 100% cotton. This is where you start seeing the qualities that serious watercolorists demand: exceptional wet strength, beautiful pigment granulation, and the ability to withstand aggressive techniques like scrubbing and lifting.
Weight: 300 gsm and 640 gsm
Texture: Hot press, cold press, and rough
Acid-free: Yes
The 300 gsm cold press is the most popular variant. It handles heavy washes without buckling (though taping is still recommended for very wet techniques), and the cotton fiber allows pigment to sit on the surface in a way that cellulose can’t match — colors glow with an inner luminosity.
Lifting is where cotton paper dramatically outperforms cellulose. On Moulin du Roy, you can remove dried pigment cleanly with a damp brush, enabling corrections and deliberate textural effects that are impossible on cheaper papers.
Pros:
- 100% cotton — superior wet strength and pigment behavior
- Available in three textures (hot, cold, rough)
- Excellent for lifting and advanced techniques
- Archival quality — work will last centuries
- 640 gsm option eliminates buckling entirely
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than Montval
- Overkill for practice work
- Limited availability at some retailers
- Some artists find the surface slightly less characterful than Arches
Verdict: Professional-grade watercolor paper at a more accessible price than Arches. If you’re selling your watercolor work or entering it in exhibitions, Moulin du Roy is a strong choice.
Canson vs. the Competition
Canson vs. Strathmore
Strathmore is Canson’s main competitor in the North American student/intermediate market. Generally, Strathmore’s papers have slightly more texture and feel slightly more premium at comparable price points. Canson counters with better value (more sheets per pad) and smoother surfaces. For marker work specifically, Canson’s XL Marker pad outperforms Strathmore’s equivalent.
Canson vs. Arches
Arches is actually owned by Canson’s parent company (Hamelin), but the two brands serve different markets. Arches is strictly professional watercolor paper — 100% cotton, mould-made, and significantly more expensive. If Moulin du Roy is good, Arches is exceptional. For watercolorists willing to pay the premium, Arches is the gold standard.
Canson vs. Fabriano
Fabriano, the Italian paper maker, competes directly with Canson at the professional level. Fabriano Artistico (100% cotton) is comparable to Moulin du Roy, while Fabriano’s Accademia line competes with Canson’s XL series. It’s largely a matter of personal preference — both brands produce excellent paper at their respective tiers.
Which Canson Paper Should You Buy?
Here’s a quick decision guide:
For alcohol markers: XL Marker Pad — no contest. How to choose paper for markers
For colored pencils: Mi-Teintes (toned surface) or XL Drawing (white surface)
For graphite: XL Drawing Pad
For watercolor (practice): XL Watercolor or Montval 300 gsm
For watercolor (portfolio/sale): Moulin du Roy 300 gsm
For mixed media: XL Mix Media Pad
For pastels/charcoal: Mi-Teintes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canson XL Marker paper good for Copic markers?
Yes, it’s one of the best budget options for Copic and other alcohol markers. The ultra-smooth surface and bleed-resistant coating allow for smooth blending and clean lines. There will be slight ghosting on the reverse side, but bleed-through is minimal. For practice and studies, it’s excellent. For finished pieces, consider upgrading to Copic’s own marker paper or smooth bristol board. How to use Copic markers guide
What’s the difference between Canson Montval and Moulin du Roy?
The primary difference is the fiber content. Montval is made from cellulose (wood pulp), while Moulin du Roy is 100% cotton. Cotton paper is stronger when wet, produces better pigment granulation, allows for cleaner lifting, and has a more luminous surface quality. Montval is significantly cheaper, making it ideal for practice and intermediate work. Moulin du Roy is for professional output.
Is Canson paper acid-free?
Not all of it. The XL Watercolor pad, in particular, is not acid-free in all versions — check the packaging. However, Montval, Mi-Teintes, Moulin du Roy, L’Aquarelle, and most professional-tier Canson papers are acid-free and archival. As a general rule, if long-term preservation matters, buy the Montval line or above.
Can I use watercolor on Canson XL Mix Media paper?
Yes, but with limitations. The XL Mix Media pad (160 gsm) can handle light washes and wet-on-dry techniques. It will buckle with heavy wet-on-wet washes, and you can’t do multiple layers of wet media without risking pilling. Tape the edges to reduce buckling. For serious watercolor work, the Montval or Moulin du Roy lines are far better choices.
How does Canson compare to Strathmore for drawing?
Both brands produce excellent drawing paper at comparable price points. Canson’s XL Drawing pad tends to be smoother and includes more sheets per pad, making it better value for high-volume practice. Strathmore’s 400 Series Drawing pad has slightly more tooth, which some artists prefer for charcoal and soft pencil work. For most purposes, you can’t go wrong with either — try both and see which surface you prefer.
