Buying smooth printer paper for charcoal or soft pastels is a classic beginner mistake that usually ends in a smudged, slippery mess. You need a surface with genuine tooth and friction to grip the pigment properly.
Choosing the right substrate transforms how your artwork holds up over time. Let us look at the details so you can find the Best Pastel Papers for your studio.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize heavyweight paper above 100 gsm if you plan on layering multiple pastel strokes or using wet blending techniques.
- Look for a textured surface or sanded grit because smooth sheets simply cannot hold heavy pigment loads.
- Pay close attention to sheet count if you work quickly through drafts, or opt for fewer sheets of professional archival grade material.
- Consider pad binding types, such as tape bound or glued edges, depending on whether you prefer easy page removal or a secure studio book.
- Check the assorted colors included in the pad to ensure they match your preferred tonal palette for portraits or landscapes.
| Best Overall Choice |  |
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad 9×12 | Textured surface | Assorted backing colors | Heavyweight sheets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ultimate Sanded Surface |  |
Somime Sanded Pastel Paper Pad 11×14 | Heavyweight 600gsm stock | Six light shades | Intense toothy grip | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Perfect Square Format |  |
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad 5.9×5.9 | Heavyweight drawing paper | Compact square size | Thick 123 lb stock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Multipurpose Option |  |
BAZIC Pastel Multipurpose Paper 8.5×11 | Standard letter size | Soft pastel hues | High sheet count | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Generous Studio Size |  |
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad 11×14 | Larger working area | Reliable textured paper | Assorted background colors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Eco Friendly Crafting |  |
PrintWorks Pastel Paper 8.5×11 | Made in USA | SFI certified | Recycled content included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Traditional Artist Standard |  |
Canson Mi-Teintes Pastels Paper Pad 9×12 | Classic honeycomb texture | Assorted color selection | Trusted artist brand | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Heavyweight Oil Mediums |  |
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Paper 9×12 | Heavy 123 lb stock | Ideal for oil pastels | Generous sheet count | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Portable Mini Grit |  |
Somime Sanded Pastel Paper Pad 5×7 | Pocket sized format | High grit 600gsm stock | Light background colors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad 9×12
Finding the right foundation for your soft pastels is a bit like choosing the right pair of shoes for a marathon, because comfort and performance matter just as much as endurance. This tape bound pastel pad measures 9 by 12 inches and gives you a dependable, textured surface that grips pigment like a dry sponge. It works wonderfully for studio artists and sketching enthusiasts who want reliable performance without overthinking their materials.
You get 24 sheets of heavyweight paper that handle multiple layers of pigment with ease. And the assorted colors provide a ready-made mood for your subject before you even lay down a single stroke. But you should know that the 80 lb weight means it can buckle slightly if you go entirely overboard with liquid fixatives or heavy wet media.
- Brand:Strathmore
- Type:Pastel pad
- Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Weight:80 lb
- Sheet Count:24 sheets
- Color:Assorted colors
- Additional Feature:Tape bound binding
- Additional Feature:Textured paper surface
- Additional Feature:Multiple color sheets
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Somime Sanded Pastel Paper Pad 11×14
Serious pastel work demands a toothy grip, and this 600gsm sanded paper delivers that friction in spades. It suits professional artists who rely on heavy layering, blending, and hard-edged details that require serious mechanical tooth.
The heavy weight prevents any buckling under pressure. And the light color palette helps luminous highlights pop right off the page. But keep in mind that the coarse grit will chew through your soft pastel sticks much faster than traditional smooth paper.
- Brand:Somime
- Type:Sanded pastel pad
- Dimensions:11 x 14 inches
- Weight:600gsm
- Sheet Count:12 sheets
- Color:6 light colors
- Additional Feature:Sanded pastel surface
- Additional Feature:Twelve total sheets
- Additional Feature:Six light color variations
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GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad 5.9×5.9
Working in a compact square format changes your composition habits, forcing you to focus tightly on your subject matter. This small pad is ideal for quick studies, botanical illustrations, and artists who love sketching on the go.
The 123 lb heavyweight drawing paper handles the wax and oil binder of heavy mediums without bleeding through to the next page. But the small 5.9-inch dimensions will feel restrictive if you prefer sprawling, expansive landscapes.
- Brand:GR DZPLUS
- Type:Oil pastel pad
- Dimensions:5.9 x 5.9 inches
- Weight:123 lb / 200g
- Sheet Count:50 sheets
- Additional Feature:Heavyweight drawing paper
- Additional Feature:Compact square format
- Additional Feature:Fifty usable sheets
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BAZIC Pastel Multipurpose Paper 8.5×11
Sometimes you just need an affordable splash of color for everyday crafting, flyer making, or casual sketching. This multipurpose paper pad brings soft pastel hues to standard printer-sized sheets.
It fits nicely into standard office printers and everyday craft projects. But the lightweight stock lacks the heavy texture needed for serious, heavily layered pastel masterpieces.
- Brand:BAZIC Products
- Type:Multipurpose paper
- Dimensions:8.5 x 11 inches
- Sheet Count:100 sheets
- Additional Feature:Assorted pastel colors
- Additional Feature:Standard letter sizing
- Additional Feature:Multipurpose office compatibility
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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad 11×14
When your creative ambitions outgrow small sketchbooks, upgrading to a larger canvas makes all the difference. This 11 by 14 inch pad offers plenty of elbow room for detailed portraits and expansive still life arrangements.
The textured 80 lb surface holds multiple layers of pigment securely. But the larger footprint takes up considerably more space on your easel or desk.
- Brand:Strathmore
- Type:Pastel pad
- Dimensions:11 x 14 inches
- Weight:80 lb
- Sheet Count:24 sheets
- Color:Assorted colors
- Additional Feature:Tape bound edges
- Additional Feature:Textured drawing surface
- Additional Feature:Twenty-four sheets included
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PrintWorks Pastel Paper 8.5×11
Sustainability meets everyday utility in this conscious choice for school projects and office flyers. The 30 percent recycled content makes it a smart pick for environmentally minded creators.
It feeds smoothly through home printers and handles light drawing media well. But the 20 lb weight is much too thin for professional pastel painting and heavy blending.
- Brand:PrintWorks
- Type:Pastel paper
- Dimensions:8.5 x 11 inches
- Weight:20 lb / 75 gsm
- Sheet Count:100 sheets
- Color:5 assorted pastel colors
- Additional Feature:SFI certified sourcing
- Additional Feature:Recycled paper material
- Additional Feature:Printer compatible weight
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Canson Mi-Teintes Pastels Paper Pad 9×12
Ask seasoned pastel artists about their favorite papers, and this classic option will pop up in nearly every conversation. The honeycomb texture grabs soft pastel dust with incredible efficiency while leaving room for subtle blending.
It is a trusted staple for gallery artists and serious students alike. But the unique surface texture does require a bit of a learning curve if you are used to completely smooth drawing paper.
- Brand:Canson
- Type:Pastel paper pad
- Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Sheet Count:24 sheets
- Color:Assorted colors
- Additional Feature:Honeycomb surface texture
- Additional Feature:Twenty-four assorted sheets
- Additional Feature:Professional grade stock
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GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Paper 9×12
Oil pastels require a sturdy surface that can handle thick applications without oil bleeding through. This heavy 123 lb paper provides the structural integrity you need for impasto techniques and heavy blending.
The 9 by 12 inch size hits a sweet spot for finished standalone pieces. But the paper pad format lacks the convenient perforation found in some artist-grade blocks.
- Brand:GR DZPLUS
- Type:Oil pastel paper
- Dimensions:9 x 12 inches
- Weight:123 lb / 200g
- Sheet Count:30 sheets
- Additional Feature:Heavyweight drawing paper
- Additional Feature:Thirty bound sheets
- Additional Feature:Designed for oil pastels
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Somime Sanded Pastel Paper Pad 5×7
Miniature art is having a massive moment, and having the right surface in a small size is essential. This pocket-sized pad features a heavy 600gsm sanded grit that locks fine pastel details into place without requiring heavy fixative sprays.
It fits directly into a bag for plein air sketching sessions. But with only six sheets total, you will run through your canvas supply faster than you might like.
- Brand:Somime
- Type:Sanded pastel paper
- Dimensions:5 x 7 inches
- Weight:600gsm
- Sheet Count:6 sheets
- Color:6 light colors
- Additional Feature:Highly abrasive sanded surface
- Additional Feature:Ultra portable dimensions
- Additional Feature:Six light color options
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use fixative on pastel paper when the drawing is finished?
Using a workable fixative helps lock down layers as you build a complex piece, but final fixatives can sometimes darken your colors or dull the brilliance of soft pastels. Many artists prefer framing behind glass with a deep mat board so the dust stays safely suspended away from the glazing instead of spraying chemicals. If you must use a spray, apply it in light, even coats from a distance of at least twelve inches.
Can I use watercolor or acrylics for an underpainting on pastel paper?
You can absolutely use wet underpaintings to map out your values, provided the paper weight is heavy enough to handle the moisture without dissolving. Papers with a heavy gelatin sizing or genuine watercolor texture hold up best to liquid mediums before you apply dry pigment. Just make sure the surface is completely dry before touching a pastel stick to it, or you will ruin both the paper and your pastels.
How should I store my finished pastel drawings so they do not smudge?
Pastels never truly dry, meaning your finished pieces require immediate protection using glassine paper or custom portfolios designed for dry media. Never stack unprotected pastel drawings directly on top of each other, because the friction will transfer pigment and ruin both images. For long-term preservation, frame your artwork promptly with a spacer or mat to ensure the glass never makes direct contact with the pastel dust.
Why does my pastel paper keep filling up so quickly?
When your paper stops accepting new pigment, you have likely reached the saturation point where all the microscopic wells on the surface are totally blocked. This usually happens because you are pressing too hard with soft pastels or using a paper with insufficient tooth for the number of layers you want. Switch to a harder pastel pencil for your fine details, or move to a heavily sanded paper that can handle endless layers of color.
Are pastel papers interchangeable with watercolor or drawing papers?
Standard drawing paper is usually far too slick to hold pastel dust effectively, resulting in a frustrating drawing experience where the pigment slides right off the page. Watercolor paper can work if it has a rough cold-press texture, but it still lacks the abrasive grit found on dedicated pastel boards. Invest in purpose-made pastel surfaces to save yourself hours of fighting against slippery fibers and inadequate tooth.