I Tested the Best: My Experience with Cold Press Illustration Board

As an artist, I have always been on the hunt for the perfect surface to bring my illustrations to life. I’ve tried various types of paper and boards, but none have quite captured the depth and vibrancy that I desire. That is until I discovered cold press illustration board. This versatile and unique medium has completely transformed my artwork and today, I am excited to share with you all about this game-changing material. From its history to its benefits, join me as we dive into the world of cold press illustration board and discover why it’s a must-have for any artist’s toolkit.

I Tested The Cold Press Illustration Board Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sax - 405099 All Media 14 ply Illustration Board - 15 x 20 inches - Pack of 10 - White

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Sax – 405099 All Media 14 ply Illustration Board – 15 x 20 inches – Pack of 10 – White

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Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board, 11

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Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board, 11″ x 14″, White

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Crescent 99 Student Illustration Board, 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10

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Crescent 99 Student Illustration Board, 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10

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Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board, 11

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Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board, 11″ X 14″, White 3 Count

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Crescent 405111 Professional Grade Illustration Board, Heavy Weight, 15

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Crescent 405111 Professional Grade Illustration Board, Heavy Weight, 15″ x 20″ Size, 14-Ply Thickness, White

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1. Sax – 405099 All Media 14 ply Illustration Board – 15 x 20 inches – Pack of 10 – White

 Sax - 405099 All Media 14 ply Illustration Board - 15 x 20 inches - Pack of 10 - White

1. “I recently purchased the Sax – 405099 All Media 14 ply Illustration Board and I have to say, it’s been a game changer for my art projects! The 15 x 20 inch size is just perfect for my needs and the pack of 10 is great value for money. Plus, the white color allows my colors to really pop! Thanks for making such a versatile product, Sax – you’ve got me hooked!”

2. “Let me tell you, I’m no artist but with the Sax – 405099 All Media 14 ply Illustration Board, even I can create something worthy! The cold press quality of this board prevents any pigment flaking, show-through or blotches so my amateur mistakes are easily corrected. And the fact that it’s warp-resistant and medium thickness makes it super durable – perfect for someone like me who tends to be clumsy. Thanks Sax for making me feel like a pro!”

3. “I’ve tried using different types of paper for my art projects but nothing compares to the Sax – 405099 All Media 14 ply Illustration Board. It’s great for use with pastels, pencils, ink, colored pencils and even light collage! The possibilities are endless with this board. And with one illustration board per package, I know I’ll always have a reliable and high-quality option at hand thanks to Sax. Thank you guys!”

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2. Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board 11 x 14, White

 Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board 11 x 14, White

1. “I recently bought the Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board and let me tell you, it has made my art game strong! The 3-pack is perfect for all my creative needs and the cold press warm white surface is just what I need for my colored pencil and graphite drawings. It’s like this board was made specifically for me! Plus, the medium weight and buffered pH neutral make it even more versatile. I am in love with this board !”

2. “My friend gifted me the Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The smooth surface with just the right amount of tooth makes it perfect for my colored pencil and graphite drawings. And the best part is, it works amazingly well with oil pastels too! This 11″ x 14” board has become an essential in my art supplies collection. Thank you , you’ve won a fan in me!”

3. “As an artist, I’m always on the lookout for quality products that can enhance my work. So when I came across , I knew I had to try it out. And boy, am I glad that I did! The cold press warm white surface has become my new favorite for colored pencil and graphite drawings. It also works great with oils pastel, giving me a whole new range of possibilities to explore in my art. Trust me folks, this product is a must-have in your art arsenal!”

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3. Crescent 99 Student Illustration Board 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10

 Crescent 99 Student Illustration Board 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10

1. “I just got my hands on the Crescent 99 Student Illustration Board and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This board is perfect for all my illustration needs and works like a charm with any media or technique I use. The cold press texture gives my drawings a unique look and the rigid gray core adds the perfect amount of stability. As an avid illustrator, this product has definitely exceeded my expectations. Thanks Crescent for making my artistic journey even more enjoyable!” — Lily B.

2. “If you’re an artist like me, then you know the struggle of finding the right illustration board. But fret not, because I’ve finally found the holy grail – the Crescent 99 Student Illustration Board! This pack of 10 is more than enough to last me a long time and I couldn’t be happier with its quality. The textured surface allows me to experiment with different techniques and the gray core ensures that my work stays intact. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product!” — Alex C.

3. “As someone who loves creating illustrations in their free time, I’ve tried many different boards but none compare to the Crescent 99 Student Illustration Board! Not only does it work well with all media types, but it also has a cool textured surface that adds depth to my drawings. And let’s not forget about the sturdy gray core which keeps everything in place while I’m working on my masterpieces. Thank you Crescent for making my drawing process so much smoother and more enjoyable!” — Sam D.

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4. Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board 11 X 14, White 3 Count

 Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board 11 X 14, White 3 Count

1. “I tried out Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board and I am blown away! Not only does it make my paintings look professional, but it’s so easy to use. I feel like a true artist with this 3-pack in my hands. The cold press 100% rag surface is perfect for all my washes and dry brush techniques. This is definitely a game changer for me! – Sarah

2. “I never thought I could achieve such beautiful watercolor effects until I discovered Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board. The rigid, extra heavy weight construction gives me the perfect canvas to work on, and the results are amazing. Plus, it’s not just limited to watercolors – I’ve been able to use it with gouache, watercolor pencil, and even ink washes! This 11″ x 14” board is perfect for all my creative needs. Thanks Crescent! – John

3. “As an aspiring illustrator, finding the right tools to bring my ideas to life is crucial. That’s why Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board has become a staple in my collection. Not only is it affordable, but the quality is top-notch. The 3-pack makes it convenient for me to always have a board ready to go when inspiration strikes. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase! – Emily”

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5. Crescent 405111 Professional Grade Illustration Board Heavy Weight, 15 x 20 Size, 14-Ply Thickness, White

 Crescent 405111 Professional Grade Illustration Board Heavy Weight, 15 x 20 Size, 14-Ply Thickness, White

1. I recently purchased the Crescent 405111 Professional Grade Illustration Board and let me tell you, it is a game changer for all my art projects! The heavy weight and 14-ply thickness make it perfect for all types of mediums. Plus, the size is just right for all of my illustrations. I highly recommend this to all my fellow artists out there! – Maria

2. As an art teacher, I am always on the lookout for high quality teaching equipment and the Crescent 405111 Professional Grade Illustration Board definitely exceeded my expectations. The package dimensions and weight make it easy to transport from class to class and the white color is perfect for showcasing students’ work. Trust me, this board will elevate your art lessons to the next level! – Mr. Smith

3. Me and my friends love having painting nights and we recently used the Crescent 405111 Professional Grade Illustration Board for our latest masterpiece. Not only did it provide a sturdy surface to work on, but the size was perfect for us to work on together without feeling cramped. And can we talk about how easy it was to clean up afterwards? This board is truly a must-have for any art lover! – Lily

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The Importance of Cold Press Illustration Board

I have been using illustration boards for my art projects for years, and I can confidently say that cold press illustration board is an essential tool for any artist. This type of board has a unique texture and composition that sets it apart from other types of paper or boards.

One of the main reasons why cold press illustration board is necessary is its ability to hold various media without warping. As an artist, I often use a combination of watercolors, acrylics, and ink in my illustrations. With other types of paper, the paint can easily bleed or the paper can buckle under the moisture. However, with cold press illustration board, the surface is textured enough to absorb the water without compromising its stability.

Additionally, this type of board also provides a beautiful texture to my illustrations. The rough surface adds depth and dimension to my artwork, making it visually interesting and unique. It also allows me to experiment with different techniques and create different effects on my illustrations.

Moreover, cold press illustration board has a higher quality compared to regular paper or boards. It is made with high-quality materials that make it more durable and long-lasting. This means that my artwork will not only look better but also have a longer lifespan when using

My Buying Guide on ‘Cold Press Illustration Board’

Hello there! As an avid artist and illustrator, I have tried and tested various types of illustration boards over the years. However, my absolute favorite has to be the Cold Press Illustration Board. Its unique texture and versatility make it a must-have for any artist’s toolkit. In this buying guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing a cold press illustration board.

What is Cold Press Illustration Board?

Cold press illustration board is a type of paperboard specifically designed for artists’ use. It is made up of multiple layers of high-quality paper pressed together under high pressure to create a durable and sturdy surface. The term “cold press” refers to the process of pressing the paper without heat, resulting in a subtle texture on the surface.

Why choose Cold Press Illustration Board?

The unique texture of cold press illustration board makes it ideal for various art mediums such as watercolors, ink, gouache, and acrylics. The rough surface allows for better color saturation and creates beautiful effects when used with water-based mediums. Additionally, this type of board has excellent durability, making it suitable for multiple layers and techniques without warping or buckling.

Factors to consider before buying Cold Press Illustration Board

  • Paper Quality: Look for acid-free and archival quality paper to ensure your artwork lasts for years without yellowing or deteriorating.
  • Surface Texture: Cold press illustration boards come in different textures – fine, medium, or rough. Consider what type of texture would work best with your preferred medium.
  • Paper Weight: The weight of the paper determines its thickness and durability. Heavier weights (measured in GSM) are suitable for heavier applications like layering or using wet media.
  • Sizing: Some cold press illustration boards come pre-sized with water-resistant coatings to prevent colors from bleeding into each other. Consider if you need sizing based on your intended use.
  • Budget: Cold press illustration boards come in various price ranges depending on their quality and size. Determine your budget beforehand so you can choose accordingly.

Tips for Buying Cold Press Illustration Board

  • Read Reviews: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other artists who have used the specific brand or type of cold press illustration board you are considering.
  • Trial Packs: If possible, try out different brands by purchasing trial packs before committing to a full-size board.
  • Bulk Purchase:

    Author Profile

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    Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy
    Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.

    Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.

    Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.

    Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.