Why does your pastel work look muddy on some pages but vibrant on others? The foundation you choose acts like the essential stage for your pigments.
Selecting the right surface is the most critical decision for your composition. Understanding how various textures hold color is the key to finding the Best Papers for Pastels that suit your unique style. Keep reading to see how these surfaces measure up.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize paper with a sanded or textured surface to ensure your pigment grips the paper rather than sliding off.
- Check the weight in gsm because heavier paper prevents buckling when you apply multiple thick layers of pastel.
- Choose archival quality paper if you intend to preserve your finished artwork for display or future sale.
- Match your paper color to your subject matter, as a toned background can significantly reduce the amount of pigment you need to apply.
- Evaluate the size and sheet count to match your project scale and ensure you have enough materials for your planned series of works.
| Professional Artist Standard |  |
Canson Mi-Teintes Black Pastel Pad | Excellent pigment adhesion | Heavy duty durability | Professional grade quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Robust Oil Essential |  |
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | Resists oil bleeding | Durable heavyweight stock | Perfect for practice | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Textured Paper |  |
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad | Convenient color variety | Reliable surface tooth | Clean page removal | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Superior Grip Surface |  |
Somime Sanded Pastel Paper Pad | High friction surface | Holds many layers | Very thick stock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Grand Scale Canvas |  |
Strathmore 400 Series Large Pad | Large working area | Consistent surface quality | Good color range | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sturdy Oil Canvas |  |
GR DZPLUS Large Oil Pad | Handles heavy oil | Good standard size | Durable weight | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Casual Sketching Choice |  |
BAZIC Pastel Multipurpose Paper | Affordable bulk option | Multipurpose use | Standard letter size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Color Specialist Tool |  |
Canson Mi-Teintes Assorted Pad | Distinctive honeycomb texture | Beautiful color selection | High quality construction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Light Duty Crafting |  |
PrintWorks Pastel Assorted Paper | Eco friendly materials | Soft aesthetic colors | Large volume pack | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Canson Mi-Teintes Black Pastel Pad
This paper is the gold standard for many, acting like a sturdy foundation for serious pastel work. The honeycomb texture holds layers of pigment exceptionally well, allowing you to build up intensity without the page becoming saturated.
It is ideal for artists who prefer a heavyweight surface that resists buckling under pressure. The black tone is a fantastic choice for making vibrant colors pop, though you might find the texture slightly too aggressive for very fine, detailed pencil work.
- Brand:Canson
- Paper Type:Mi-Teintes Pastel Paper
- Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Sheet Count:24
- Paper Weight:98 lb
- Surface Texture:Honeycomb
- Additional Feature:Foldover pad design
- Additional Feature:Acid free archival paper
- Additional Feature:Great for varied media
-
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad
Working with oil pastels requires a paper that can handle heavy saturation without soaking through. This pad provides a dense surface that prevents oils from bleeding into your table, keeping your studio workspace tidy.
The paper weight is substantial, making it a reliable pick for students who tend to press down hard while experimenting with blending. Just keep in mind that the square format is quite small, so it works best for quick studies rather than sprawling landscapes.
- Brand:GR DZPLUS
- Paper Type:Oil Pastel Pad
- Dimensions:5.9 x 5.9 inches
- Sheet Count:50
- Paper Weight:123 lb
- Additional Feature:Thick drawing paper
- Additional Feature:Compact size
- Additional Feature:Easy to store
-
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad
If you want variety in your palette, these assorted colors provide an instant background for your compositions. The paper offers a consistent tooth that is gentle enough for soft pastels but firm enough to hold charcoal as well.
It is a dependable choice for mid-level artists who move between different subjects and need a versatile surface. The tape bound edge allows for clean removal, though the paper is lighter than professional artist-grade boards.
- Brand:Strathmore
- Paper Type:Pastel Pad
- Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Sheet Count:24
- Paper Weight:80 lb
- Surface Texture:Textured
- Additional Feature:Tape bound spine
- Additional Feature:Acid free sheets
- Additional Feature:Good for mixed media
-
Somime Sanded Pastel Paper Pad
Sanded paper is a different beast entirely, functioning like fine-grit sandpaper to lock pigment in place. This makes it a dream for artists who enjoy building up complex, multi-layered pastel paintings that require a serious bite.
The 600gsm weight is exceptionally thick, ensuring the paper stays flat even when you apply heavy pressure or use fixatives. Because the surface is abrasive, it will wear down your pastel sticks much faster than traditional paper.
- Brand:Somime
- Paper Type:Sanded Pastel Paper
- Dimensions:11 x 14 inches
- Sheet Count:12
- Paper Weight:600 gsm
- Additional Feature:Includes six light colors
- Additional Feature:Professional weight
- Additional Feature:High durability
-
Strathmore 400 Series Large Pad
Sometimes you need more room to breathe, and this 11 by 14 inch pad offers just that. Like its smaller counterpart, it features a reliable tooth that accepts layers of soft or hard pastel without clogging quickly.
This is a great option for artists working on larger compositions or sketches that require expansive gestures. You might notice that the tape binding requires a steady hand when tearing pages out to avoid ragged edges.
- Brand:Strathmore
- Paper Type:Pastel Pad
- Dimensions:11 x 14 inches
- Sheet Count:24
- Paper Weight:80 lb
- Surface Texture:Textured
- Additional Feature:Tape bound edge
- Additional Feature:Acid free
- Additional Feature:Versatile drawing surface
-
GR DZPLUS Large Oil Pad
When you need a larger surface for your oil pastels, this 9 by 12 inch pad is a solid contender. The heavyweight construction ensures the paper stands up to the thick, buttery application typical of oil-based media.
It is a straightforward, no-nonsense paper designed for those who want to focus on their technique rather than worrying about paper degradation. Keep in mind that it lacks the pronounced tooth found in sanded papers, so it is better for smooth blending.
- Brand:GR DZPLUS
- Paper Type:Oil Pastel Pad
- Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Sheet Count:30
- Paper Weight:123 lb
- Additional Feature:Heavyweight stock
- Additional Feature:Smooth drawing surface
- Additional Feature:Reliable thickness
-
BAZIC Pastel Multipurpose Paper
This multipurpose paper is better suited for light sketching or classroom projects than serious gallery work. It is thin, so it lacks the deep tooth required to hold multiple dense layers of professional-grade pastels.
Use this for quick color studies or casual practice where you do not need the paper to last a lifetime. It is not an archival product, so steer clear of it if you are creating finished pieces intended for display.
- Brand:BAZIC Products
- Paper Type:Multipurpose Paper
- Dimensions:8.5 x 11 inches
- Sheet Count:100
- Additional Feature:Pastel color tones
- Additional Feature:Lightweight
- Additional Feature:Convenient pack size
-
Canson Mi-Teintes Assorted Pad
Canson’s Mi-Teintes is famous for its unique texture, which mimics the look of a woven fabric. By choosing a pad with assorted colors, you can pick a background that complements your subject matter, creating a harmonious base for your colors.
It is a fantastic tool for artists who want to experiment with color theory by letting the paper show through in certain areas. Like other heavyweight papers, it is quite durable, though the deep texture might be tricky if you prefer drawing fine lines.
- Brand:Canson
- Paper Type:Mi-Teintes Pastel Paper
- Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Sheet Count:24
- Additional Feature:Assorted color pad
- Additional Feature:Archival quality
- Additional Feature:Textured surface
-
PrintWorks Pastel Assorted Paper
If your work leans toward crafting and scrapbooking rather than fine art painting, this paper is a useful resource. It comes in a pack of five soft colors, making it great for layering in mixed media projects.
Because it is quite thin, it is not appropriate for heavy pastel layers or aggressive blending. Think of this as a utility paper for school projects or light drawing rather than a canvas for professional pastels.
- Brand:PrintWorks
- Paper Type:Colored Paper
- Dimensions:8.5 x 11 inches
- Sheet Count:100
- Paper Weight:20 lb
- Additional Feature:30 percent recycled
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
- Additional Feature:SFI certified
