The single most important factor separating a frustrating drawing session from a masterpiece is the tooth of the paper. Soft pastels need a textured surface to grab onto, otherwise the pigment simply slides right off the page like dust on glass.
Choosing the Best Papers for Soft Pastels requires understanding how different surfaces hold pigment layers. Let us look at what makes certain pads worth your hard-earned money.
Key Takeaways
- Look for a heavyweight paper rating of at least 80 lb to prevent buckling under heavy pastel application.
- Choose a sanded surface if you plan to build up multiple layers using fixatives or heavy blending techniques.
- Check the sheet count and dimensions carefully so you do not end up with pads that are too small for sweeping strokes.
- Consider assorted color packs to experiment with toned backgrounds that dramatically shift the mood of your artwork.
- Prioritize acid-free construction to ensure your pastels do not yellow or degrade over decades of display.
| Ultimate Everyday Standard |  |
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad 9×12 | Reliable paper tooth | Convenient tape bound pad | Good for multi-layering | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Studio Choice |  |
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad 11×14 | Generous working area | Assorted backing colors | Sturdy 80 lb weight | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic European Favorite |  |
Canson Mi-Teintes Pastels Paper Pad | Famous honeycomb texture | Dual sided versatility | Rich assorted colors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Heavy Grit Powerhouse |  |
Somime 9×12 Sanded Pastel Paper Pad | Aggressive sanded tooth | Heavy 600gsm weight | Six assorted colors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Miniature Study Expert |  |
Somime 5×7 Light Sanded Pastel Pad | Ultra portable size | Luminous light colors | Heavy 600gsm backing | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Vibrant Pocket Companion |  |
Somime 5×7 Mixed Color Pastel Pad | Twelve unique colors | Heavyweight 600gsm paper | Highly portable format | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mixed Media Generalist |  |
GR DZPLUS Heavyweight Drawing Pad | Substantial 200g weight | Modern square format | Generous 50 sheets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Expansive Pastel Canvas |  |
Somime 11×14 Light Sanded Pad | Large 11×14 format | Heavy 600gsm weight | Soft light hues | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Working Surface |  |
Somime 9×12 Light Sanded Pad | Versatile 9×12 size | Heavy 600gsm paper | Luminous light colors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quick Study Essential |  |
Somime 5×7 Assorted Sanded Pad | Professional sanded grit | Handy 5×7 size | Heavy 600gsm weight | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad 9×12
Choosing the right surface can make or break a pastel drawing because soft pastels rely heavily on tooth to grab and hold pigment particles. This 9×12 pastel pad works wonderfully for artists who want a reliable, traditional surface for everyday sketching and finished studies. You get 24 sheets of textured paper that hold multiple layers of color without immediately clogging up the tooth.
The 80 lb weight provides a sturdy foundation that resists buckling under moderate pressure or light blending. But do keep in mind that traditional vellum surfaces lack the aggressive grip of heavy-grit sanded papers, meaning you will need a fixative if you plan on layering heavily or transporting your work frequently.
- Brand:Strathmore
- Type:Pastel Pad
- Size:9 x 12 inches
- Weight:80 lb
- Sheet Count:24 Sheets
- Color:Assorted Colors
- Additional Feature:Textured surface for pigment adherence
- Additional Feature:Tape bound for easy removal
- Additional Feature:Traditional art paper quality
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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad 11×14
Working larger often requires more physical room to sweep your arm and capture expressive gestures. This 11×14 pastel pad gives you that extra workspace while maintaining the exact same dependable qualities found in smaller formats. The assorted color palette allows you to skip the white background and start working immediately on mid-tones that make your highlights and shadows pop.
Each sheet features a dependable textured surface designed to grip soft pastel sticks securely. The main drawback here is storage, as larger pads take up more space in your bag and require larger portfolio cases for safe transit.
- Brand:Strathmore
- Type:Pastel Pad
- Size:11 x 14 inches
- Weight:80 lb
- Sheet Count:24 Sheets
- Color:Assorted Colors
- Additional Feature:Tape bound construction
- Additional Feature:Acid free paper
- Additional Feature:Generous 11 by 14 size
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Canson Mi-Teintes Pastels Paper Pad
Generations of pastel artists have relied on this specific paper because of its unique honeycombed texture. This Canson pastel pad offers a dual-sided experience with one side featuring a pronounced honeycomb texture and the other offering a smoother finish. The 24 assorted sheets provide a rich variety of hues that complement landscapes, portraits, and still life setups alike.
The heavyweight cotton content gives the paper exceptional longevity and lightfastness. However, the lighter weight compared to heavy sanded boards means you might reach for a fixative sooner when building up thick, buttery layers of soft pastel.
- Brand:Canson
- Type:Pastels Paper Pad
- Size:9"X12"
- Sheet Count:24 Sheets
- Color:Assorted Colors
- Additional Feature:Honeycomb side grips pigment
- Additional Feature:Smooth side for fine details
- Additional Feature:Acid free manufacturing
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Somime 9×12 Sanded Pastel Paper Pad
When you need your pastels to stick like glue without requiring endless fixative sprays, sanded paper becomes your best friend. This 600gsm sanded pad provides an aggressive micro-abrasive surface that acts like sandpaper for your pastels, letting you pile on dozens of layers. The 9×12 dimensions hit the sweet spot between portability and a generous drawing area.
You can blend with your fingers, tools, or solvents without destroying the paper integrity. The downside is that this heavy grit will chew through your soft pastel sticks much faster than traditional smooth papers do.
- Brand:Somime
- Type:Sanded Pastel Paper Pad
- Size:9×12
- Weight:600gsm
- Sheet Count:12 Sheets
- Color:6 Assorted Colors
- Additional Feature:Micro abrasive surface
- Additional Feature:Handles heavy layering
- Additional Feature:Six mixed colors included
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Somime 5×7 Light Sanded Pastel Pad
Not every drawing needs to be a grand masterpiece, and quick studies are fantastic for working out tricky color compositions. This compact 5×7 pad fits easily in your hand or a small coat pocket for sketching on the move. The light colors selection provides a luminous background that works magic for delicate floral studies or bright morning landscapes.
The heavy 600gsm sanded surface ensures your pastels stay put even on a miniature scale. Because the sheets are quite small, detailed fine work requires your sharpest pastel pencils to avoid messy overlapping.
- Brand:Somime
- Type:Sanded Pastel Paper Pad
- Size:5×7
- Weight:600gsm
- Sheet Count:6 Sheets
- Color:6 Light Colors
- Additional Feature:Miniature format
- Additional Feature:High grit tooth
- Additional Feature:Pastel friendly surface
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Somime 5×7 Mixed Color Pastel Pad
Small formats encourage experimentation because there is zero pressure to create a museum-ready piece. This mixed color pad supplies a dozen sheets featuring twelve distinct hues to test unexpected color combinations. The 600gsm sanded grit matches the performance of professional-grade pastel boards in a miniature footprint.
You can pack this pad anywhere for spontaneous plein air sketching sessions. Keep in mind that the small 5×7 inch size will frustrate you if you prefer sweeping, large arm movements in your drawing style.
- Brand:Somime
- Type:Sanded Pastel Paper Pad
- Size:5×7
- Weight:600gsm
- Sheet Count:12 Sheets
- Color:12 Mixed Colors
- Additional Feature:Twelve distinct shades
- Additional Feature:Sanded abrasive coating
- Additional Feature:Compact sketch size
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GR DZPLUS Heavyweight Drawing Pad
Sometimes you want to jump between soft pastels, oil pastels, and wet media without switching sketchbooks. This heavyweight drawing pad provides a substantial 200g framework that handles heavier applications with ease. The square 5.9 by 5.9 inch layout offers a modern framing format for symmetrical compositions or Instagram-ready artwork.
The thick pages resist warping and curling when moisture is involved. But note that this surface lacks the specialized tooth of dedicated sanded pastel paper, so soft pastels will require a careful hand and a fixative layer.
- Brand:GR DZPLUS
- Type:Oil Pastel Pad
- Size:5.9 x 5.9 inch
- Weight:123 lb/200g
- Sheet Count:50 Sheets
- Additional Feature:Heavyweight drawing paper
- Additional Feature:Square dimension style
- Additional Feature:Large sheet capacity
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Somime 11×14 Light Sanded Pad
Large scale pastel work demands a surface that will not buckle under heavy pigment loads. This 11×14 sanded pad delivers maximum working space paired with a toothy texture that grabs soft pastels instantly. The light colors palette provides a gentle, glowing base that shines through transparent pastel washes and subtle blending.
The ultra-thick 600gsm paper feels more like a mounting board than a flimsy sheet of paper. As with most large sanded pads, the main limitation is the higher price point per sheet and the extra care required for storage.
- Brand:Somime
- Type:Sanded Pastel Paper Pad
- Size:11×14
- Weight:600gsm
- Sheet Count:12 Sheets
- Color:6 Light Colors
- Additional Feature:Light color assortment
- Additional Feature:Sanded texture grip
- Additional Feature:Oversized drawing pad
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Somime 9×12 Light Sanded Pad
Finding the ideal middle ground in paper sizing can transform your daily art routine. This 9×12 sanded pad offers enough physical space for detailed compositions while remaining light enough to hold on your lap. The light color selection acts as a neutral foundation that does not overpower subtle yellow and pink pastel tones.
The heavy 600gsm sanded grit lets you layer colors indefinitely without hitting slick spots. Be prepared for your pastel sticks to wear down quickly against this abrasive surface, which acts much like fine sandpaper.
- Brand:Somime
- Type:Sanded Pastel Paper Pad
- Size:9×12
- Weight:600gsm
- Sheet Count:12 Sheets
- Color:6 Light Colors
- Additional Feature:Sanded abrasive surface
- Additional Feature:Light shade palette
- Additional Feature:Multi-layer capability
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Somime 5×7 Assorted Sanded Pad
Quick compositional thumbnails help you establish values and lighting before starting a major piece. This 5×7 assorted pad gives you a rapid testing ground with a professional-grade sanded tooth. The six assorted sheets provide a quick sampling of different background colors for your mini studies.
The 600gsm thickness prevents warping even if you use alcohol or water blenders on the surface. Because there are only six sheets included, you will likely finish this pad faster than standard sketchbooks.
- Brand:Somime
- Type:Sanded Pastel Paper Pad
- Size:5×7
- Weight:600gsm
- Sheet Count:6 Sheets
- Color:6 Assorted Colors
- Additional Feature:Compact pad format
- Additional Feature:Assorted color backing
- Additional Feature:High friction tooth