Canson
Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
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Customer Rating
Best for
Ideal for art students and illustrators who want a heavyweight recycled drawing pad that handles dry media and light washes at an accessible price.
AI Score Review
Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 is a heavy-duty, eco-friendly drawing pad perfect for mixed media, offering great value for students and professionals.
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Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
The Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 is a versatile, eco-conscious choice for artists working with pencil, charcoal, pastel, and light ink washes. This drawing pad, part of the Canson XL Series, is designed for the Arts & Crafts category and delivers professional-grade performance from 100% recycled fibers.
Who it's for
This pad is ideal for students, illustrators, and hobbyists who need a reliable, mixed-media surface at an affordable price.
- Art students who need a durable pad for daily drawing and classroom projects.
- Illustrators who work with charcoal, graphite, or pastels.
- Hobbyists exploring mixed media who want a recycled paper option.
- Eco-conscious shoppers seeking PEFC Certified paper products.
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | Recycled, medium grain surface |
| Size | 11x14 inches (also in 9x12) |
| Sheet Count | 40 sheets (heavyweight) |
| Weight | 70 lb (115 gsm) |
| Binding | Wirebound on top |
| Origin | Made in France |
| Packaging | Recyclable paper wrap |
How it compares
Compared to the Strathmore 400 Series Recycled pad, the Canson XL Series offers a slightly heavier paper weight (115 gsm vs 90 gsm), making it better suited for light washes and wet media. It is more affordable than premium options like the Stillman & Birn Epsilon, but still delivers strong performance for dry media. Bee Paper Co-Mo Sketch Pad is a direct competitor at a similar price point.
What to know before buying
- Choose the 11x14 size for larger sketches or if you need full-page compositions.
- Check the wire binding: keeps the pad flat but can be less durable for heavy erasing.
- Understand the surface: the medium grain works well for charcoal but may not be smooth enough for fine detail in pencil.
- Consider sheet count: 40 heavyweight sheets ensures each page feels substantial and can withstand erasing.
I've used Canson pads for years. The XL Recycled is just as good as the virgin paper version, and I feel good about using recycled materials. — Verified buyer
Sustainability & ethics
Canson is committed to sustainable sourcing, and this pad is FSC and PEFC certified, guaranteeing wood fibers come from responsibly managed forests. The paper is made in France with recycled content, and the packaging uses recyclable materials. Canson also follows ISO 14001 environmental management standards, reducing water and energy use in production.
Pro tip
For charcoal drawings, spray a light coat of fixative from a distance to avoid oversaturating the paper. Canson recommends their own Fixative Spray for best results.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad good for pastels?
Yes, the medium grain tooth holds pastel well, but you may need to work in layers for best results.
Does this pad work for ink or markers?
It can handle light ink work, but thicker markers may bleed through the 115 gsm paper.
How does Canson XL Recycled compare to Strathmore 400 Series?
Canson XL has a heavier paper weight (115 gsm vs 90 gsm), making it slightly better for wet media, while Strathmore offers more sheet count.
Is the Canson XL Series Recycled pad acid-free?
Yes, the paper is acid-free and archival quality, ensuring your artwork lasts.
Pros
- ✓Heavy 115 gsm paper resists erasing and light washes.
- ✓Recycled and FSC/PEFC certified for sustainability.
- ✓Affordable price for a high-quality drawing pad.
- ✓Great for charcoal, pencil, and light mixed media.
Cons
- ✗Wire binding may bend during shipping.
- ✗Not enough sheets for heavy daily use (only 40 sheets).
Key Facts
- Brand
- Canson
- Category
- Arts & Crafts
- QuickRatey Score
- 82/100
- Price Range
- $$ (≈ $12.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.5/5 (2800 reviews)
- size
- 11x14 inches
- origin
- Made in France
- weight
- 70 lb (115 gsm)
- binding
- Wirebound (top)
- material
- Recycled paper, medium grain
- packaging
- Recyclable paper wrap
- sheet count
- 40
- Certifications
- FSC Certified, PEFC Certified
🌱 Sustainability
FSC and PEFC Certified, made in France, recyclable paper packaging.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
100% recycled paper fibers; acid-free, no optical brighteners.
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Sources & Citations
Every score is traceable. These are the public references QuickRatey consulted for this product.
What Reviewers Say
"A solid choice for eco-friendly artists, this pad delivers excellent performance for dry media at a low cost."
"Canson's XL Series Recycled pad is a top pick for its combination of sustainability and durability."
"Perfect for everyday sketching and drawing, with a great feel and eco-friendly credentials."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 by Canson ethically made?+
Yes. Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 82/100, backed by third-party certifications including FSC Certified, PEFC Certified. Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 is a heavy-duty, eco-friendly drawing pad perfect for mixed media, offering great value for students and professionals.
What certifications does Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 hold?+
Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 holds the following certifications: FSC Certified, PEFC Certified. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14?+
FSC and PEFC Certified, made in France, recyclable paper packaging.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14?+
100% recycled paper fibers; acid-free, no optical brighteners.
How much does Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 cost?+
Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 is priced in the $$ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14?+
Canson XL Series Recycled Drawing Pad 11x14 is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Customer Reviews
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