Resuming the reviews of the
Exaclair paper samples, we will take a look at this
A5 (5.8" x8.3") Rhodia Pad No. 16 Uni-Blank with blank pages and test how well it handles a variety of sketching tools. So far, I had only tried the popular
grid version of Rhodia pads. Thus I was quite excited to try this blank sketch pad with the high quality vellum paper surface that I have grown to appreciate in such a short time. The pad itself features the solid construction, easy-to-tear micro-perforated sheets, and signature orange fold-over cover of this iconic brand.
Both graphite and ink sketching tools glided smoothly on this paper surface. All the test brush pens and pigmented liner pens performed well on this paper with no bleed through. For all their convenience,
brush pens sometimes can be a tad temperamental regarding the support used yielding unwanted dry-brush effects and fraying their nib tips on rougher-surfaced papers. The smooth
Rhodia paper is a good choice when aiming to draw clean uniform flowing brush strokes while minimizing brush nib wear.
While making this
Copic Multiliner SP doodle chart, I noticed that even the smallest pens (0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 mm) did not skip nor felt scratchy on this pad.
The
Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pen colored India inks used on the red crab did not bleed through the
Rhodia paper that even accepted a couple of light watercolor washes on the blue crab. Though its thin paper warped too much for my liking. The Pentel Outline marker used to write the page title also worked well on this paper. 
The alcohol-based
Copic Sketch marker inks used on the coral and sandy bottom did bleed all the way through staining the sheet below a bit. Thus I would not recommend this paper if you plan to sketch mainly with alcohol markers.
The
Rikota Brush Markers color chart displayed quite brightly against this support and did not bleed through. This
Rhodia Classic Staple Bound Blank Paper A5 Pad makes a handy doodle pad to efficiently explore design ideas with a wide range of sketching media.
Resuming the reviews of the Exaclair paper samples, we will take a look at this A5 (5.8" x8.3") Rhodia Pad No. 16 Uni-Blank with blank pages and test how well it handles a variety of sketching tools. So far, I had only tried the popular grid version of Rhodia pads. Thus I was quite excited to try this blank sketch pad with the high quality vellum paper surface that I have grown to appreciate in such a short time. The pad itself features the solid construction, easy-to-tear micro-perforated sheets, and signature orange fold-over cover of this iconic brand.
Both graphite and ink sketching tools glided smoothly on this paper surface. All the test brush pens and pigmented liner pens performed well on this paper with no bleed through. For all their convenience, brush pens sometimes can be a tad temperamental regarding the support used yielding unwanted dry-brush effects and fraying their nib tips on rougher-surfaced papers. The smooth Rhodia paper is a good choice when aiming to draw clean uniform flowing brush strokes while minimizing brush nib wear.
While making this Copic Multiliner SP doodle chart, I noticed that even the smallest pens (0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 mm) did not skip nor felt scratchy on this pad. 
The Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pen colored India inks used on the red crab did not bleed through the Rhodia paper that even accepted a couple of light watercolor washes on the blue crab. Though its thin paper warped too much for my liking. The Pentel Outline marker used to write the page title also worked well on this paper. 
The alcohol-based Copic Sketch marker inks used on the coral and sandy bottom did bleed all the way through staining the sheet below a bit. Thus I would not recommend this paper if you plan to sketch mainly with alcohol markers.
The Rikota Brush Markers color chart displayed quite brightly against this support and did not bleed through. This Rhodia Classic Staple Bound Blank Paper A5 Pad makes a handy doodle pad to efficiently explore design ideas with a wide range of sketching media.
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6 comments:
Another terrific review.
Do you find this sketchbook is in anyway like the Graf It 90 series?
Well both pads that I have tried and reviewed are both A5 size, with the scored fold over cover, micro-perforated sheets, and sturdy backing board. The Rhodia paper is ultra bright white with a smoother surface feel while the Graf It 90 paper is off-white with a slightly rougher texture that readily accepts graphite (but still a pretty smooth paper).
Thanks. Your response helps so much.
I have the Graf It 90, and have done some tests, mostly markers, and some wet material.
I was wondering, therefore, if I'd also like this Rhodia version.
Best wishes.
You are welcomed! Glad I could help. The Rhodia paper at 80 gsm/21.3 lb is a bit thinner than the Graf It 90 gsm/41 lb.
haha. i saw your comment on Gentian's blog and thought i'd come by and say Hi! :)
Out of curiosity, where'd you get the zip-up case for the Rhodia pad in this entry from? Brick and Mortar or online? It'll fit an A5 sized sketchbook i assume.
Thanks for dropping by. The Leed's zipper pad folio was a convention giveaway I believe. I had it for years in a storage bin. It holds a A5 pad inside, and a second one on the outside zippered pocket.
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