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

While I would normally rate this product with 5 stars, (I’ve changed my review to 5 stars, see below) I have had to replace the pad teice in a row due to the item being either an obvious return or a way to sell off stock that could not be sold if on the shelf of an art store. In the past, several years ago the smooth bristol pad would arrive PRISTINE, no tears in the tape binding, perfect uncreased or otherwise damaged sheets. But the last two times I ordered, the pad was either completely separated from the tape with 3 corners crushed and oddly dirty, or with a gouge through the majority of the sheets making them unusable for tabloid illustration. I have ordered a third pad since I need it. Maybe this time it will be a proper new pad and not a return or otherwise undesireable/useless item. Strathmore store, you know better. Anyway, if you take the risk and get lucky with a new pad, you’ll LOVE the bristol boards — they are some of the best, perfect for ink and alcohol marker work.Edit: 5 Stars, on my third order, the smooth bristol pad came in and it was packaged in a box instead of an envelope, that was great! AND the product was in perfect shape, new, usable. I love the 300 series bristol so I was very happy to receive it in such good condition (after the last two debacles). I will order it agian when I need to, I am chalking up my experience to just bad luck.

perfect