Canson 1557 Drawing Pad, A3+, 180gsm, 30 Sheets, Spiral Bound Fine Grain Acid-Free Paper

Size: A3+ (329 x 483 mm). Paper Weight: 180 gsm. Sheets: 30. Surface: Fine grain. Binding: Spiral for easy flat work and page removal. Suitable for charcoal, pencil, and ink drawing.

Charcoal, pencil, and ink draw beautifully on the fine-grain surface. The 180 gsm weight helps minimize bleed-through and warping. For wet media, use light washes carefully and let pages dry to avoid cockling.

The spiral binding lets you lay the pad completely flat for clean shading and easy page turning. It also makes tearing out sheets smooth if you want to remove a finished page without damaging others.

You can generally use both sides for graphite and light shading, but heavier media (like very dark charcoal or ink) may show some ghosting or slight show-through. Test on a scrap page first if you’re unsure.

Yes. The pad uses acid-free paper, which helps prevent-yellowing and colour deterioration over time, making it suitable for longer-lasting drawings.

The Canson 1557 is a drawing pad with a fine grain suited for dry media and shading, while the Strathmore 400 Series Smooth Bristol Pad offers a smoother surface geared toward ink and marker work. If you prefer a slightly rougher texture for charcoal and pencil, the Canson 1557 is a better fit. Compare here: https://fepy.com/product/strathmore-400-series-smooth-bristol-pad

The Canson XL Mixed Media Pad is designed for a wider range of media, including light watercolor washes, whereas the 1557 is optimized for dry media like pencil, charcoal, and ink with a finer tooth. If you need versatility for wet and dry media, consider the XL Mixed Media Pad: https://fepy.com/product/canson-xl-mixed-media-pad-9x12-in

Ideal for detailed pencil portraits, charcoal shading studies, ink line work, and master sketches where a smooth yet toothy surface helps control pressure and layering without excessive smudging.

Store the pad in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. When starting a new page, lightly outline with a graphite pencil to minimize initial impressions, and erase gradually to avoid tearing the surface. If you’re planning a multi-page study, consider using a light spray fixative on finished graphite works to minimize smudging.

The paper is acid-free, which supports archival quality. It’s designed for safe drawing with standard art materials and is recyclable where facilities exist. The spiral binding is metal, so handle with care to avoid sharp edges near skin.

With 30 sheets of 180 gsm acid-free paper in a durable spiral-bound format, this pad offers solid value for dry-media drawing practice and finished studies. If it isn’t a fit, you can look into Fepy’s standard return options for returns on eligible items.