Artists working with pastels need paper that can hold colors, resist warping, and showcase texture. The following handpicked options span assorted colors, textures, and weights to suit both soft and oil pastels. Each choice offers acid-free durability and reliable performance for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Read on to compare papers by weight, surface, and intended use, helping you select the best match for your pastel techniques and style.
| Product | Brand | Type / Surface | Weight / GSM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad | Strathmore | Assorted Colors, Textured Pad | 80 lb / 118 gsm | Glue Bound, 24 sheets |
| GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | GR DZPLUS | Pastel Paper, Neutral / Acid-Free | 123 lb / 200 gsm | 50 sheets, 5.9 x 5.9 in |
| U.S. Art Supply Pastel Paper Pad (2 Pack) | U.S. Art Supply | Pastel Paper, Textured | 80 lb / 180 gsm | 9″ x 12″, 32 sheets total |
| PrintWorks Pastel Paper | PrintWorks | Pastel Colored Paper, Recycled | 20 lb / 75 gsm | 100 sheets, 5 colors |
| Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Paper | Canson | Pastel Paper, Dual Texture | 98 lb / 160 gsm | 9 x 12, 24 sheets |
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad
The Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad provides a textured surface ideal for pastel applications. With 80 lb (118 gsm) weight and acid-free construction, it holds soft and hard pastels, as well as charcoal, with less color feathering. The 24-sheet glue-bound pad offers a compact size for on-site sketching and study studies, while the assorted colors expand the palette options for studies and experiments. Artists benefit from its dependable texture that enhances color transfer and blending without excessive paper show-through.
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad
This pad features a heavyweight 123 lb / 200 gsm paper designed for both hard and soft pastels as well as oil pastels. The 50 sheets of compact 5.9 x 5.9 inch pages are ideal for small studies or thumbnail sketches. Its neutral, acid-free formulation helps preserve color integrity over time, reducing yellowing and providing stable color reproduction. The compact format encourages quick ideation and color testing, making it a good choice for travel or daily sketch practice.
U.S. Art Supply Pastel Paper Pad (2 Pack)
The U.S. Art Supply Pastel Paper Pad comes in a two-pack, totaling 32 sheets of 9″ x 12″ textured pastel paper at 80 lb (180 gsm). The mix of neutral toned colors helps artists plan color harmony and layering, while the durable surface supports both soft and oil pastels. This pad suits mixed-media projects and on-the-go sketching, offering flexibility for students and hobbyists seeking reliable color handling with minimal wear.
PrintWorks Pastel Paper
PrintWorks Pastel Paper delivers colored 20 lb / 75 gsm stock with five pastel hues across 100 sheets, providing a colorful base for school and craft projects. While lighter weight than typical pastel papers, its solid dyed core minimizes white edges on cut or torn pieces, making it suitable for die-cut projects and layered compositions. It works with printers and copiers for quick DIY color accents and educational activities.
Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Paper
Renowned for pastel work, Canson Mi-Teintes features dual-texture surfaces on 98 lb / 160 gsm paper, offering a traditional 50% cotton blend with gelatin sizing. The heavier textured side enhances pigment grip, while the smoother side addresses line work and precision. The foldover pad format supports portability and quick studies, making it a trusted choice for classroom use and studio practice alike.
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad (9×12)
This GR DZPLUS pad includes 30 sheets of 9 x 12 inch heavyweight paper (123 lb / 200 gsm) designed for hard or soft pastels and oils. It provides strong surface stability and acid-free construction, reducing color bleed and improving blending. The medium-to-large format helps artists achieve detailed scenes while maintaining transportability for plein-air or study work in a studio setting.
Uart Sanded Pastel Art Paper
Uart Sanded Pastel Art Paper offers grade options on off-white sheets, specifically designed for pastels, colored pencils, and charcoal. The 10-sheet packs in 9″ x 12″ provide archival-quality paper with neutral pH, ensuring colorfastness and longevity. The sanded surface enables rich pigment deposition and smooth blending, making it suitable for both soft and oil pastels and demanding creative studies.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Paper selection depends on technique, medium, and project goals. Consider these factors to choose the best option for your pastel work:
- Weight and texture: Heavier papers (90–123 lb / 160–200 gsm) with moderate grain hold color better and resist tearing, while lighter papers are suited for studies and quick sketches.
- Surface finish: Textured surfaces enhance pastel grip and layering, whereas smoother surfaces support fine line work and blending with tools.
- Color range: Colored or neutral-toned papers help set mood and can influence color choices; for vibrant results, textured white or light-toned papers are common.
- Acid-free and archival quality: Ensures longevity and color stability, especially for finished pieces.
- Format and portability: Pads and smaller sheets support sketching on the go, while larger pads suit studio work and expansive scenes.
- Compatibility: Some papers are optimized for hard pastels, soft pastels, or oil pastels; check if the surface supports your media without excessive pigment loss.
- Environmental and manufacturing considerations: Recycled content and USA-made options may align with sustainability goals.
In addition to technical fit, it can be helpful to test a few sheets from different brands to compare texture, tooth, and color response. For learners, a mix of neutral and colored papers offers the opportunity to study color interaction and layering techniques across media. For professionals, prioritizing archival quality and a surface that supports delicate blending will influence the final presentation of artworks.