Most artists believe that any thick sheet of paper works for pastels. This is a mistake because the surface texture is the only thing that holds your pigments in place.
Choosing the Best Papers for Pastels requires an understanding of how grit catches dust. Your success depends on matching your medium to the right tooth. Let us examine what separates a professional surface from a simple sketchbook.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize high tooth or sanded surfaces if you intend to layer many colors without clogging the grain.
- Select a paper weight of at least 80 lb or 120 gsm to ensure the sheet remains rigid under heavy pressure.
- Consider the specific hue of the paper since neutral or dark backgrounds change the temperature of your final work.
- Match the paper type, such as oil-specific versus dry pastel surfaces, to prevent the medium from soaking through the fibers.
- Verify the total sheet count and dimensions early to ensure your supply aligns with the scale of your intended art.
| The Reliable All-Rounder |  |
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad | Excellent pigment grip | Versatile color range | Acid-free archival quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best Budget Value |  |
U.S. Art Supply Pastel Pad | Great bulk value | Neutral background tones | Handles oil pastels well | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Surface Quality |  |
Handbook Paper Pastel Premier | High-end professional texture | Beautiful Italian Clay color | Excellent pigment retention | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Superior Layering Control |  |
Uart Sanded Pastel Paper | Exceptional tooth for layering | Consistent 400 grit texture | Professional archival standard | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best For Crafts |  |
PrintWorks Assorted Pastel Paper | Affordable bulk quantity | Eco-friendly recycled content | Made in the USA | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Oil Specialist |  |
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | Heavyweight for oil media | Convenient square size | Prevents oil bleed-through | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Artistic Standard |  |
Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad | Iconic honeycomb texture | Dual-sided surface options | Wide range of colors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sturdy Sanded Surface |  |
Somime Heavyweight Sanded Pad | Extremely heavyweight 600gsm | Gritty sanded texture | Excellent for charcoal | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best Large Format |  |
GR DZPLUS Large Oil Pad | Large drawing area | Substantial paper weight | Good for oil pastels | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dark Tone Expert |  |
Mungyo Professional Pastel Pad | Unique dark-toned sheets | Versatile for dry or oil | Standard A4 size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad
If you are looking for a dependable workhorse that handles soft pastels with ease, this pad is your best bet. The textured surface is specifically designed to grip pigment, ensuring your colors stay where you put them.
Because it comes in assorted colors, it provides a ready-made background that can shift the tone of your entire piece. Just keep in mind that the 80 lb weight is sturdy enough for light layering, but it might buckle if you get too heavy-handed with wet media.
- Brand Name:Strathmore
- Paper Type:Pastel Paper
- Sheet Dimensions:11 x 14 inches
- Total Count:24 Sheets
- Weight Or Gsm:80 lb
- Surface Texture:Textured
- Additional Feature:Tape bound for easy removal
- Additional Feature:High quality archival paper
- Additional Feature:Ideal for soft pastels
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U.S. Art Supply Pastel Pad
This option is perfect for students or those who go through paper quickly. You get two pads in one package, making it an economical choice for daily practice and quick studies.
The neutral tones offer a soft base that won't distract from your work. While it handles oil and soft pastels well, the 80 lb paper is thinner than professional grade sanded surfaces, so it is better suited for standard drawing techniques rather than heavy mixed-media work.
- Brand Name:U.S. Art Supply
- Paper Type:Pastel Paper
- Sheet Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Total Count:32 Sheets
- Weight Or Gsm:80 lb
- Surface Texture:Textured
- Additional Feature:Two pack bundle
- Additional Feature:Suitable for mixed media
- Additional Feature:Acid-free construction
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Handbook Paper Pastel Premier
When you want to take your work to a serious level, this Italian Clay surface provides a sophisticated base. It is designed to hold heavy applications of pigment, allowing you to build up rich, luminous layers without the surface clogging.
The surface is quite specialized, so it might feel a bit intimidating if you are accustomed to smooth drawing paper. Expect to use more pigment than usual, as the surface is hungry for color.
- Brand Name:Handbook Paper
- Paper Type:Pastel Premier
- Sheet Dimensions:12 x 16 inches
- Surface Texture:Medium grit
- Additional Feature:Professional grade surface
- Additional Feature:Durable for heavy layering
- Additional Feature:Consistent tooth throughout
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Uart Sanded Pastel Paper
Sanded paper is the gold standard for artists who love to blend and layer. The 400 grit surface acts like fine sandpaper, grabbing the pastel particles and locking them into place, which is perfect for intricate details and fine linework.
Because the surface is abrasive, it is tough on your fingers and your soft pastels. You will notice your sticks wear down faster here than on any other paper, but the level of control it provides is truly unmatched.
- Brand Name:Uart
- Paper Type:Sanded Pastel Paper
- Sheet Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Total Count:10 Sheets
- Surface Texture:400 Grit
- Additional Feature:Off-white base color
- Additional Feature:Professional grade abrasion
- Additional Feature:Allows for fine detailing
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PrintWorks Assorted Pastel Paper
If your project involves light sketching, crafts, or school assignments, this paper is a light and accessible choice. It offers a smooth finish that works well for light crayon or pencil work.
Do not expect this paper to hold heavy layers of soft pastel, as it lacks the necessary grit. It is a lightweight option meant for quick, casual projects rather than finished fine art pieces.
- Brand Name:PrintWorks
- Paper Type:Colored Pastel Paper
- Sheet Dimensions:8.5 x 11 inches
- Total Count:100 Sheets
- Weight Or Gsm:20 lb
- Additional Feature:30 percent recycled material
- Additional Feature:SFI certified
- Additional Feature:Five assorted colors
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GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad
This little pad is built for those who love working with oil pastels. Its heavyweight construction prevents the oils from seeping through, which is a common headache with thinner papers.
The square format is fun and encourages a focused composition. Since it is on the smaller side, it is better for quick sketches or testing color combinations rather than large, sweeping landscapes.
- Brand Name:GR DZPLUS
- Paper Type:Oil Pastel Paper
- Sheet Dimensions:5.9 x 5.9 inches
- Total Count:50 Sheets
- Weight Or Gsm:123 lb
- Additional Feature:Thick paper density
- Additional Feature:Portable square format
- Additional Feature:Smooth drawing surface
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Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad
Ask any artist about pastel paper, and they will likely mention this brand. The honeycomb texture on one side is legendary, providing just enough grab for your pastels while the other side remains smoother for different effects.
It is a versatile medium that feels right at home in a studio setting. Be aware that the texture is quite distinct, so it will show through your work if you apply the pastel lightly.
- Brand Name:Canson
- Paper Type:Mi-Teintes
- Sheet Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Total Count:24 Sheets
- Surface Texture:Textured honeycomb
- Additional Feature:Acid-free and fade-resistant
- Additional Feature:High cotton content
- Additional Feature:Professional artist favorite
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Somime Heavyweight Sanded Pad
If you need something that can stand up to heavy abuse and multiple layers, this 600gsm paper is a beast. The sanded surface provides a gritty bite that keeps your charcoal and pastels firmly on the page.
Because it is so heavy, it does not require mounting, which makes it great for plein air work. It is a bit stiffer than traditional pads, so make sure you have a good clip to keep it secure.
- Brand Name:Somime
- Paper Type:Sanded Pastel Paper
- Sheet Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Total Count:12 Sheets
- Weight Or Gsm:600 gsm
- Surface Texture:Sanded
- Additional Feature:Includes six light colors
- Additional Feature:Rigid, board-like feel
- Additional Feature:Durable for heavy media
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GR DZPLUS Large Oil Pad
This is the bigger sibling to the square pad, offering plenty of room for full-scale compositions. The 123 lb paper is dense enough to handle the wax and oil in your pastels without warping or soaking through.
It provides a consistent experience that is great for artists who want to move away from small sketches. It is a straightforward, reliable pad that gets the job done without any unnecessary frills.
- Brand Name:GR DZPLUS
- Paper Type:Oil Pastel Paper
- Sheet Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Total Count:30 Sheets
- Weight Or Gsm:123 lb
- Additional Feature:High weight density
- Additional Feature:Smooth surface finish
- Additional Feature:Ideal for oil media
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Mungyo Professional Pastel Pad
Dark-toned paper can add a dramatic flair to your work, and this pad offers a thoughtful selection of dark colors. It is specifically formulated to work with both dry and oil pastels, making it a flexible addition to your supplies.
The A4 size is a standard, comfortable choice for most desk spaces. While it handles standard use well, the dark colors require you to think about your light values differently than you would on white paper.
- Brand Name:Mungyo
- Paper Type:Professional Pastel Paper
- Sheet Dimensions:A4
- Total Count:30 Sheets
- Additional Feature:Dark assortment included
- Additional Feature:Dual-media capability
- Additional Feature:Professional grade quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular drawing paper for pastels?
Technically, yes, but you will likely find it frustrating. Regular drawing paper lacks the necessary tooth to grab pastel particles, which causes the color to sit loosely on the surface. You will spend more time trying to keep the pigment in place than actually creating your image.
How do I choose between sanded and unsanded paper?
Sanded paper acts like fine-grit sandpaper and provides a strong grip for heavy layering and detailed work. Unsandied paper is typically smoother, making it better for soft, blended effects where you want a more delicate, painterly look. Pick based on your preferred style of mark-making.
Does the paper color really matter?
It matters quite a bit because the paper acts as a mid-tone base. If you choose a bright color, it will influence every shade you apply on top of it. Using a neutral tone is a safer choice for beginners who are still learning how to balance warm and cool colors.
Should I use a fixative on my pastel work?
Many artists use a light spray fixative to prevent smudging, but be careful. Too much fixative can darken your colors and destroy the velvety texture that makes pastels unique. Use it sparingly or rely on high-quality framing with glass spacers instead.
What is the best way to store finished pastel art?
Pastels are notoriously delicate and prone to dusting off. Store your finished pieces with a sheet of glassine paper over the surface to prevent rubbing. Ideally, you should frame your work behind glass as soon as possible to keep it protected from moisture and physical contact.
