Strathmore Drawing Pad 14x17 Smooth Surface, 80lb 24-Sheet — Wire-Bound, Micro-Perforated

Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad (Smooth Surface, 14"x17", 80lb, 24 sheets) is a medium-weight, cream-coloured drawing paper pad designed for precise line work, pencil, ink, and coloured pencil techniques.

This wire-bound pad pairs a polished, smooth surface with micro-perforated sheets so you can sketch, refine, and remove drawings cleanly. The 14" x 17" format provides ample space for larger studies and detailed compositions while the 80lb (121 gsm) weight balances durability with erasability. Strathmore’s 400 Series is formulated to support a wide range of dry and wet-ink tools without tooth that would interrupt fine lines; the cream tint reduces glare and gives work a subtle, warm tone.

How does this paper perform for pencil and coloured pencil work?

The smooth finish helps pencils glide for precise lines and subtle shading. Because the surface has minimal tooth, layering with coloured pencils yields clean transitions and controlled blending without fuzziness. Erasing is effective—graphite lifts cleanly—so you can refine details without damaging the sheet.

• Designed for crisp line definition and soft tonal shifts
• Comfortable erasability for reworking details
• Cream tone enhances warm palettes and reduces stark white contrast

Can I use ink, pens, or markers on this pad?

The paper accepts most pen and ink tools well, producing steady lines and minimal feathering when using fine-liners or technical pens. Markers with heavy ink laydown may show some bleed-through depending on the brand, so testing on a corner or a spare sheet is wise. Micro-perforation makes it simple to remove pages cleanly for display or scanning.

• Suitable for fine-liners, technical pens, and brush pens
• Limited marker use—test markers first to check bleed-through
• Micro-perforated edges allow tidy sheet removal for framing or storage

What makes the 14x17 size and 80lb weight practical for artists?

The 14" x 17" format gives you a generous working area for studies, compositions, and portfolio pieces without being unwieldy. At 80lb (121 gsm), the sheets handle multiple erasures and moderate wet applications while remaining flexible enough in a pad format. The wire binding keeps pages flat for uninterrupted drawing and lets you flip through finished work quickly.

• Large format for expansive sketches and detailed layouts
• 80lb (121 gsm) provides resilience for reworking and light wet techniques
• Wire-bound design lies flat and supports studio or field use

Who is this pad best suited for? The Strathmore 400 Series Smooth Surface pad is an excellent choice for students, illustrators, and hobbyist artists who need a reliable, medium-weight paper for detailed line work and controlled shading. It’s also useful for designers and technical draftspeople who prefer a smooth sheet for ink and pencil precision. If you require archival permanence or heavyweight mixed-media support, consider higher-grade or heavier-weight Strathmore lines; for versatile everyday drawing with clean erasure and a warm paper tone, this pad is a cost-effective, high-performing option.