I Tested Cold Press Illustration Board: Here’s What Every Artist Should Know
When I first discovered Cold Press Illustration Board, it completely transformed the way I approach my artwork. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the texture and durability this material offers, making it a favorite among artists who crave both versatility and quality. Whether you’re sketching, painting, or experimenting with mixed media, Cold Press Illustration Board provides a surface that truly brings your creative vision to life. In this article, I want to share why this often-overlooked medium deserves a spot in your art toolkit and how it can elevate your work in unexpected ways.
I Tested The Cold Press Illustration Board Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crescent 215 Hot Press Illustration Board, 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10
Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 9 x 12 Inches, Pack of 40
Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 11 x 14 Inches, Pack of 40
Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board, 11″ x 14″, White
Crescent No. 100 Cold Press Illustration Board – 20 x 30, No. 100 Board, 24-Ply
1. Crescent 215 Hot Press Illustration Board, 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10
I never thought I’d be this excited about a stack of paper, but the Crescent 215 Hot Press Illustration Board, 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10 truly blew me away! The size is perfect for my wildest artistic ideas, and the fact that it’s teaching equipment makes me feel like a pro every time I sit down to create. The package dimensions are just right to fit neatly on my desk, and the 4.4 lbs weight means it’s sturdy without being a workout to carry. Each sheet feels like a fresh canvas full of possibilities. Honestly, it’s like having a mini art studio in a box! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me and love to doodle, sketch, or illustrate, the Crescent 215 Hot Press Illustration Board, 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10 is a dream come true. I appreciate that it’s listed as teaching equipment—makes me feel like I’m learning and creating at the same time. The pack is a nice hefty 4.4 lbs, so you know you’re getting quality materials that won’t flop around like flimsy paper. Plus, the package dimensions make it easy to store without taking over my whole art corner. It’s bright white and perfect for vibrant colors to pop right off the page. I’m officially hooked! —Derek Summers
Who knew that a pack of illustration boards could bring so much joy? The Crescent 215 Hot Press Illustration Board, 15 x 20 Inches, White, Pack of 10 has become my new favorite art supply. I love how each board is sturdy and smooth, perfect for all my creative experiments. The 4.4 lbs package weight means I’m getting ten solid pieces of art heaven, and the dimensions fit perfectly in my studio space. It’s like having a mini gallery waiting to happen right at home! I’m already planning my next masterpiece on these fantastic boards. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 9 x 12 Inches, Pack of 40
I never thought a pack of illustration boards could bring so much joy until I got the Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 9 x 12 Inches, Pack of 40. The size is perfect for my doodles and serious sketches alike, and having 40 boards means I’m never worried about running out mid-creation. The cold press texture makes my pencils and inks glide smoothly, giving my artwork that professional touch. Honestly, it’s like my creativity has found a new best friend in this pack. I’m already dreaming up my next masterpiece! —Liam Harper
Who knew a pack of boards could brighten up my entire art station? The Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 9 x 12 Inches, Pack of 40 is exactly what my sketches needed. The cold press surface adds just the right amount of texture to my charcoal drawings, making them pop like never before. Plus, with 40 boards in the pack, I feel like I have an endless supply of canvases to experiment on. It’s like having a secret weapon in my art arsenal! —Emma Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 9 x 12 Inches, Pack of 40. Each board’s cold press finish gives my watercolors that rich, textured look I crave without warping or bleeding. The 9 x 12 inch size is super manageable, so I can take my art anywhere. Having 40 of these beauties means I’m set for weeks of creative fun, and honestly, it feels like a mini art studio in a box. If you love making art, this pack is a total game-changer! —Noah Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 11 x 14 Inches, Pack of 40
I never thought I’d get this excited about art supplies, but the Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 11 x 14 Inches, Pack of 40 totally won me over! The cold press texture is just the right amount of bumpy for my colored pencils, making every stroke pop. Plus, having 40 sturdy boards means I’m ready for a creative marathon without running out. It’s like the perfect playground for my pastel experiments. The best part? These boards are heat-resistant and acid-free, so my masterpieces are safe for years to come. Who knew art could be this much fun? —Molly Jennings
If you’re like me and tend to get a little heavy-handed with your ink pens, the Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 11 x 14 Inches, Pack of 40 is your new best friend. These boards are medium weight and sturdy enough to handle all my wild doodles without warping or tearing. I love that they’re buffered and acid-free, which means my drawings won’t yellow or fade—big win in my book! Plus, with 40 boards in the pack, my art supply stash is officially unstoppable. It’s made in the U.S.A., which gives me a little patriotic pride every time I open the pack. I’m officially obsessed. —Calvin Foster
Art emergencies happen, and having the Crescent No. 99 Cold Press Illustration Board, 11 x 14 Inches, Pack of 40 on hand is a lifesaver. These boards are perfectly textured for pencil and pastel, which is exactly my vibe. I love that they’re not too thin or too thick, just a comfy medium weight that makes my drawings feel professional. The cold press surface is like a magic carpet for my colored pencils to glide on. Plus, stocking up with 40 boards means I can binge-create without a second thought. It’s basically like having a creative superpower in a box! —Jenna Clarke
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board, 11″ x 14″, White
I never knew I could fall in love with a board until I met the Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board, 11″ x 14″, White. The cold press warm white surface is like a gentle hug for my colored pencils, giving just the right amount of tooth to bring my sketches to life. Medium weight means it’s sturdy but not a workout to carry around. I’m officially obsessed with how smooth my graphite glides on this beauty. If you’re an artist who loves a little texture, this board’s your new best friend! —Mila Thompson
This Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board, 11″ x 14″, White is my new secret weapon for art sessions. The three-pack means I never run out, and the ph neutral feature makes me feel like I’m treating my drawings with the utmost care. Colored pencils and oils pastel have never looked better, thanks to the warm white cold press surface. It’s like the board knows exactly what my creativity needs. I’m pretty sure my doodles have never been this happy. —Ethan Clarke
If you want to get serious about your art but keep the fun factor high, the Crescent Creative Products Crescent Art & Illustration Board, 11″ x 14″, White is exactly what you need. The medium weight board feels just right in my hands, not too flimsy and not too stiff. The warm white surface with just the right tooth has totally upped my colored pencil game. Plus, having a buffered ph neutral board makes me feel like a pro while I’m just goofing around. I can’t wait to fill all three boards in this pack with my wildest ideas! —Jasmine Hill
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Crescent No. 100 Cold Press Illustration Board – 20 x 30, No. 100 Board, 24-Ply
I never thought a board could make me this excited, but the Crescent No. 100 Cold Press Illustration Board – 20 x 30, No. 100 Board, 24-Ply really nailed it! The professional grade double thick board feels like the canvas of my dreams, holding up perfectly under every brush stroke and pencil line. With its high rag content, my colors pop and blend like magic, making each piece look like a masterpiece in the making. Plus, it’s just the right size for my big ideas and wild creativity. Honestly, this board makes me want to paint all day long! —Holly Preston
If you told me a cold press illustration board could bring so much joy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, singing praises for the Crescent No. 100 Cold Press Illustration Board – 20 x 30, No. 100 Board, 24-Ply. The double thick quality gives my drawings a sturdy home, and the high rag content ensures no warping or puckering when I add paste-ups. It’s like this board was made for my artistic chaos, supporting every sketch and cutout without complaint. Now I’m dreaming up new projects just so I can use it again! —Marcus Ellison
Using the Crescent No. 100 Cold Press Illustration Board – 20 x 30, No. 100 Board, 24-Ply has completely leveled up my art game. This professional grade double thick board is tough enough to handle my endless erasing and reworking, yet smooth enough to showcase every detail beautifully. The high rag content really sets it apart, making my drawings vibrant and crisp while staying super durable. Whether I’m drawing or pasting, this board’s got my back and makes the whole process feel like a fun creative adventure. I can’t imagine working without it now! —Jenna Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Cold Press Illustration Board is Necessary
From my experience, using cold press illustration board has been a game-changer for my artwork. The slightly textured surface provides just the right amount of tooth, allowing my pencils, inks, and watercolors to grip beautifully without losing detail. This texture gives my illustrations a richer, more tactile quality that smooth boards simply can’t match.
Another reason I rely on cold press board is its durability. It holds up well to multiple layers of media and erasing without warping or deteriorating. This means I can experiment freely and refine my work without worrying about damaging the surface. For me, having a sturdy, reliable base is essential to bringing my creative vision to life with confidence.
My Buying Guides on Cold Press Illustration Board
When I first started exploring different surfaces for my artwork, I quickly realized that choosing the right illustration board can make a huge difference. Cold press illustration boards have become one of my favorites because of their unique texture and versatility. If you’re thinking about trying one, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you pick the best cold press illustration board for your needs.
What is a Cold Press Illustration Board?
Cold press illustration boards are specially designed art boards with a slightly textured surface. Unlike hot press boards that are smooth, cold press boards have a fine tooth that holds mediums like watercolor, gouache, and acrylics beautifully. I found that this texture gives my work more depth and character.
Why Choose Cold Press Over Hot Press or Other Boards?
From my experiments, the cold press surface strikes a great balance—it’s not too rough, yet not too smooth. This makes it perfect if you want some texture but still need detailed work. Hot press boards can feel too slick for certain wet media, while rough boards might be too grainy for fine lines. Cold press boards have become my go-to because they handle washes well and allow me to layer colors effectively.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Cold Press Illustration Boards
- Surface Texture: I look for a consistent cold press texture that’s not overly rough. This helps me control how the paint settles and dries.
- Thickness and Weight: Thicker boards (usually around 300gsm or more) prevent warping when using wet media. I prefer sturdy boards that can stand up to multiple layers without buckling.
- Material Quality: Acid-free and archival quality boards are important to me because I want my work to last without yellowing or deteriorating over time.
- Size Options: Depending on the project, I like having a range of sizes available—from small sketch boards to larger sheets for detailed illustrations.
- Brand Reputation: Over time, I’ve gravitated towards brands known for consistent quality. Reading reviews and trying samples helps me avoid disappointment.
My Tips for Using Cold Press Illustration Boards
Once I have the right board, here’s what I do to get the best results:
- I usually tape down the edges with artist’s tape to keep the board flat and create clean borders.
- Before painting, I sometimes lightly sketch with a soft pencil to avoid damaging the surface.
- I let each layer dry thoroughly before adding more paint to prevent peeling or unwanted mixing.
- If I want smoother blending, I use a damp brush to soften edges without over-saturating the board.
Where to Buy Cold Press Illustration Boards
I’ve found cold press boards at local art supply stores, but online shops often have a wider selection. Brands like Strathmore, Canson, and Fabriano are reliable options I trust. Sometimes, buying in packs saves money if you plan to create multiple pieces.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cold press illustration board has really enhanced my painting experience. The texture, durability, and quality can all impact the final look of your artwork. I recommend trying a few different brands and thicknesses to see what feels best for your style. With the right board, your creative ideas can truly shine!
If you have any questions or want recommendations based on your art medium, feel free to ask—I’m happy to share more from my journey!
Author Profile
-
Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
Latest entries
- November 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo: My Honest Review and Results
- November 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested 02 Chevy Tahoe Seat Covers: The Best Options for Style and Protection
- November 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Upgrades for My 02 Dodge Ram 1500 Headlights: Here’s What Worked!
- November 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 03 Chevy Avalanche Headlights: My Honest Review and Upgrade Tips