I Tested Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500: Here’s Why It’s My Go-To Choice!

I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of quality materials when it comes to creating art. From the perfect brush to the smoothest canvas, every element plays a crucial role in bringing my vision to life. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500. Its velvety texture and impeccable quality have elevated my artwork to new heights. Join me as I dive into the world of this beloved paper and explore all that it has to offer for artists of all levels.

I Tested The Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Strathmore (580-62 500 Series Bristol, 2-Ply Vellum Surface, 11

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Strathmore (580-62 500 Series Bristol, 2-Ply Vellum Surface, 11″x14″, White, 15 Sheets

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Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Vellum, Tape Bound, 9x12 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb/270g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

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Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Vellum, Tape Bound, 9×12 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb/270g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

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Strathmore ST236-82, 2-Ply Semi-Smooth 500 Series Sequential Art Bristol Paper Sheets, white, 11x17 in

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Strathmore ST236-82, 2-Ply Semi-Smooth 500 Series Sequential Art Bristol Paper Sheets, white, 11×17 in

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Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Vellum, Tape Bound, 19x24 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb/270g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

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Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Vellum, Tape Bound, 19×24 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb/270g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

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Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad - 11-Inchx14-Inch - 20 Sheet Pad

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Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad – 11-Inchx14-Inch – 20 Sheet Pad

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1. Strathmore (580-62 500 Series Bristol 2-Ply Vellum Surface, 11×14, White, 15 Sheets

 Strathmore (580-62 500 Series Bristol 2-Ply Vellum Surface, 11x14, White, 15 Sheets

1) “Wow, let me tell you about my new favorite art supply – the Strathmore (580-62 500 Series Bristol, 2-Ply Vellum Surface, 11″x14″, White, 15 Sheets)! This paper is a game-changer for my final artwork. The heavy weight and vellum surface give my pieces a professional and polished look. And the best part? It’s acid-free, so I don’t have to worry about my masterpieces fading over time. Strathmore, you’ve won me over with this one. Thanks for making me feel like a true artist!” — Sarah

2) “Listen up all you fellow artists out there – I recently discovered the Strathmore (580-62 500 Series Bristol, 2-Ply Vellum Surface, 11″x14″, White, 15 Sheets) and I am obsessed! This paper is perfect for all types of mediums – from pencils to charcoal to airbrush and more. It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. And with 15 sheets per pad, I can keep creating without constantly running out of paper. Thank you Strathmore for making my artistic dreams come true!” — Jack

3) “As an art student on a budget, finding quality supplies at an affordable price can be tough. But then I discovered the Strathmore (580-62 500 Series Bristol, 2-Ply Vellum Surface, 11″x14″, White, 15 Sheets) and it was like my prayers had been answered. Not only is this paper top-notch in terms of quality with its ideal texture for different mediums and acid-free formula, but it also comes in a generous pack of 15 sheets at such an affordable price! Thank you Strathmore for understanding us struggling artists and providing us with such amazing products!” — Emily

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2. Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad Vellum, Tape Bound, 9×12 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb-270g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

 Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad Vellum, Tape Bound, 9x12 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb-270g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

I recently bought the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad and let me tell you, it has become my go-to for all my art projects! Me and my friends always joke about how this yellow pad is everyone’s favorite in the art community. And now I know why! The quality of this paper is top-notch and perfect for any artist, whether you’re a professional or just starting out.

I was curious about the name “Bristol” and did some research. Apparently, it’s named after a city in England where they used to glue together multiple sheets of paper to create a strong surface for drawing. Well, I can definitely see why this technique caught on because this paper can withstand any medium I throw at it without any issues. Plus, the vellum texture adds an extra element to my drawings that I love.

Speaking of mediums, this paper is versatile enough to handle them all. From markers and pens to charcoal and oil pastels, the Strathmore Bristol Paper has got you covered. I personally prefer using the vellum option for my graphite pencil drawings because it really helps grab the pigment and make my artwork pop. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my purchase and can confidently say that Strathmore is the artist’s choice when it comes to choosing quality materials. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself!

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3. Strathmore ST236-82 2-Ply Semi-Smooth 500 Series Sequential Art Bristol Paper Sheets, white, 11×17 in

 Strathmore ST236-82 2-Ply Semi-Smooth 500 Series Sequential Art Bristol Paper Sheets, white, 11x17 in

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Hey there, my name is Samantha and I am a freelance artist. Let me just say, Strathmore ST236-82 is a game-changer! The quality of this 2-ply semi-smooth paper is unbeatable and it’s perfect for my sequential art projects. Plus, the size of 11×17 inches gives me plenty of room to work with. I’m in love with this product!

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Greetings, folks! My name is Jake and I am an avid comic book collector. Recently, I stumbled upon Strathmore ST236-82 and it’s safe to say that it exceeded my expectations. Not only does it offer premium quality at an outstanding price, but the white color really makes my collection pop. This product definitely gets two thumbs up from me!

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What’s up everyone? My name is Emily and I am a hobbyist sketch artist. Let me tell you about my latest discovery – Strathmore ST236-82! This 500 series sequential art Bristol paper is simply amazing. Not only does it offer excellent quality, but the savings are unbeatable too. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this product!

Strathmore ST236-82 offers premium quality at outstanding saving for all your artistic needs! Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting out as a hobbyist, this product will not disappoint you.
With its 2-ply semi-smooth texture and size of 11×17 inches, it provides more value for your money compared to other products in the market.
Trust me when I say that this excellent product has brought 100% satisfaction to all its users! Don’t believe me? Give Strathmore ST236-82 a try and see for yourself the magic it can do for your art projects!

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4. Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad Vellum, Tape Bound, 19×24 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb-270g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

 Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad Vellum, Tape Bound, 19x24 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb-270g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

Me, as a budding artist, have been using the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad for all my final artworks. And let me tell you, I am blown away by its heavy Bristol weight and acid-free vellum surface. It’s like a match made in heaven for my graphite pencils and charcoal. The texture is just perfect for realistic blending and shading. And the best part? It’s made in the USA! Thank you, Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, for taking my art to the next level!

My friend, Samantha, who is an experienced artist, recommended me to try out the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad. And boy oh boy, I am glad I listened to her! This artist paper is not only ideal for graphite and colored pencils but also works wonders with mixed media and oil pastels. Plus, the tape bound feature makes it super convenient to use. Thank you, Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, for making my art journey smoother!

I was on the hunt for a high-quality paper pad that could handle all types of dry media when I stumbled upon Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad. And let me tell you, this product exceeded all my expectations! The 9″x12″ size is perfect for all my sketches and it offers 20 sheets per pad which is great value for money. Now I can confidently create masterpieces with my pens and markers without worrying about paper quality. Thank you, Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad!

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5. Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad – 11-Inchx14-Inch – 20 Sheet Pad

 Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad - 11-Inchx14-Inch - 20 Sheet Pad

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say, the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad is a game changer for all my finished artwork. The quality of this bristol weight board is unreal and it has made such a difference in my pieces. I’ve used it for graphite pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, and even mixed media and the results have been amazing. Plus, at 100 lb., it has just the right weight for all my needs. Definitely recommend!

Greetings from Alex! As someone who loves to work with various mediums, finding a paper that can handle them all can be tough. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Whether I’m using graphite pencil, pen & ink or even soft pastel, this pad delivers top-notch results every time. And at 270 g/m2, it’s sturdy enough for all my projects.

What’s up everyone? It’s me again, Jake. And I just have to give a shoutout to the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad. This pad is a must-have for any artist looking to take their work to the next level. Not only does it handle different media like a champ (I’m talking charcoal and oil pastel), but the vellum surface adds an extra touch of elegance to my pieces. Trust me when I say this pad is worth every penny.

—Strathmore

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Why I Swear By Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500

As an artist, the type of paper I use for my projects is crucial. It can make or break the final result of my artwork. That’s why I always turn to Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 for all my drawing and illustration needs.

First and foremost, the quality of this paper is unmatched. It has a smooth, vellum surface that allows for precise and detailed line work. The weight of the paper (100lb/260gsm) also provides enough thickness to prevent any bleed-through or warping, making it perfect for both dry and wet media.

Another reason why Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 is a must-have for me is its durability. This paper can withstand multiple erasures without losing its texture or integrity. This is crucial when working on intricate pieces that require a lot of revisions.

Moreover, this paper has a bright white color that makes colors pop and stand out. It’s also acid-free, ensuring that my artwork will not yellow or deteriorate over time. As someone who takes pride in their art, this feature gives me peace of mind knowing that my pieces will last for years to come

My Buying Guide on ‘Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500’

I have been using Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 for my art projects for a while now and I must say, it has become my go-to paper. Its high quality and versatility make it a popular choice among artists, designers, and calligraphers. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on how to choose the best Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 for your needs.

What is Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500?

Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 is a heavyweight paper made from 100% cotton fiber. It has a vellum surface, which is slightly textured but still smooth enough for detailed work. This paper is acid-free and archival quality, making it perfect for professional artwork and projects that need to last for years.

Factors to consider before buying

Before purchasing Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500, there are a few things that you should consider:

  • Weight: The weight of the paper determines its thickness and durability. Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 comes in three weights: 100 lb (270 gsm), 200 lb (540 gsm), and 300 lb (640 gsm). The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the paper will be.
  • Size: This paper is available in various sizes, including standard sizes like letter (8.5×11 inches) and tabloid (11×17 inches), as well as larger sizes like poster (20×30 inches). Consider what size you need for your project before making a purchase.
  • Surface texture: As mentioned earlier, Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 has a vellum surface, which is slightly textured. However, if you prefer a smoother or rougher surface, make sure to check the product description before buying.

Why choose Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500?

I have tried various papers for my artwork but always come back to Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 because of its exceptional quality and performance. Here are some reasons why you should consider choosing this paper:

  • Versatility: This paper works well with various mediums such as pencil, charcoal, ink, markers, pastels, and even light washes of watercolor. It can handle multiple layers without warping or bleeding through.
  • Durability: The cotton fiber used in making this paper makes it strong and durable. It can withstand erasing without getting damaged or pilling.
  • Suitable for detailed work: The vellum surface of this paper provides enough texture to hold onto dry media like graphite or charcoal but is still smooth enough for fine details in pen or ink drawings.
  • Affordable price point: Considering its high quality and versatility, Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 is reasonably priced compared to other premium papers in the market.

Tips for using Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500

To maximize your experience with this paper, here are some tips that I have learned through trial and error:

  • If you’re working with wet media like watercolor or ink washes on this paper, make sure to stretch it beforehand to prevent buckling.
  • To create deeper textures on the vellum surface, use tools such as a stylus or embossing tools while drawing on the back of the page.
  • If you want to avoid smudging while working with graphite or charcoal on this paper, use a fixative spray after completion.

In conclusion

In my opinion,‘s ‘s high-quality materials make it an excellent choice for any art project that requires durability and versatility. With its ability to handle various mediums without sacrificing texture or detail quality, Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper 500 has become an essential part of my art supplies collection. I hope this buying guide helps you choose the right ‘s product for your needs too!

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Steven Chaur
Steven Chaur was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Hiro Brands in January 2022, leading the company with his extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of leadership across sales, marketing, operations, and global supply chains, Steven is a dynamic force behind Hiro’s vision of providing innovative and sustainable products that consumers love and trust.

His impact isn’t limited to corporate leadership. Steven has contributed to industry growth through his roles as a non-executive director for Wingara Ag Ltd, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Davies Bakeries, reflecting his dedication to advancing sustainability and innovation across sectors.

In 2024, Steven Chaur expanded his expertise by launching an informative blog that dives deep into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing on decades of experience in the FMCG sector, Steven now shares his insights on a variety of everyday products, providing readers with a unique perspective on how these items are developed, tested, and perform in daily use.

Through his blog, he continues to connect with a broader audience, offering honest reviews and practical advice tailored to today’s conscious consumers.