Top picks for soft pastels prioritize durable surfaces, toothy textures, and color integrity. This guide compares the best pastel papers to help artists choose the right pad for blending, layering, and long-term preservation. Best suited for students, hobbyists, and professionals alike, these options balance texture, weight, and ease of use across a range of pastel styles.
Below is a quick overview of five highly compatible pastel papers, including what each is best for and who should consider them. If you’re unsure which to start with, the table highlights strengths like tint variety, grit, and surface texture to match your technique.
| Product | Best For | Surface Type | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strathmore 400 Series Tape Bound Pastel Pad | Beginner to intermediate pastelists | Textured surface | 80 lb | Great all-around surface with assorted colors |
| Somime 9×12 Sanded Pastel Paper Pad (600gsm) | Color layering and luminous effects | Sanded, abrasive | 600gsm | Excellent for soft and hard pastels; includes glassine |
| Canson Mi-Teintes Pastels Paper Pad (9×12) | Proportionate textures for varied techniques | Dual-texture | Not stated on data | Widely recognized for pastel work |
| Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad (11×14) | Creative texture and varied color work | Textured surface | 80 lb | Acid-free and good for mixed media |
| Somime 9×12 Sanded Pastel Paper Pad (600gsm, 12 sheets) | Rich color transitions and deep effects | Sandened, abrasive | 600gsm | Additional color variety and glassine |
Strathmore 400 Series Tape Bound Pastel Pad
Brand: Strathmore. This 80 lb textured paper is designed for oil pastels as well as soft pastels and is sold in assorted colors. The texture helps pigments grip, supporting layering without excessive mud. Best for beginners and students who want reliable surface performance without complex preparation.
Best for: Beginners and students seeking a dependable all-around surface that accepts soft and oil pastels with even color uptake.
Why chosen: Its balanced texture and accessibility make it a versatile starter pad that accommodates a wide range of pastel techniques.
Caution: The surface is lighter weight than heavy texturing papers; very heavy, thick applications may warp the pad over time if not stored flat.
Somime 9×12 Sanded Pastel Paper Pad (600gsm, 12 Sheets)
Brand: Somime. This pad features a thick 600gsm weight with a durable, textured surface that enhances color vibrancy. Each sheet includes glassine for protection. Stock includes 12 sheets across six light colors, providing a varied palette for dynamic blending.
Best for: Artists pursuing rich layers and complex color transitions, particularly with soft pastels and blends that require strong tooth and durability.
Why chosen: High resilience on sanding surfaces supports multiple layers without tearing, helping achieve luminous results.
Caution: Heavier weight paper may require stronger pencils and may not be ideal for extremely delicate line work or ultra-fine detail on every layer.
Canson Mi-Teintes Pastels Paper Pad (9×12)
Brand: Canson. Recognized as a go-to for pastel artists, this pad uses 50 percent cotton gelatin-sized paper with dual textures—one side heavy, the other lighter—for versatile techniques and varied mark-making.
Best for: Advanced artists who want dual-texture surfaces to experiment with different pastel methods and blending strategies.
Why chosen: The dual texture offers flexibility in approaches, enabling both delicate washes and stronger pastel marks on the same sheet.
Caution: The exact weight isn’t specified in the data provided; consider your preferred balance of stiffness and tooth before committing to large areas.
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad (11×14)
Brand: Strathmore. This 80 lb pad is specifically noted for pastel artwork and features reliable texture and color groundwork. It is acid-free, making it suitable for archival quality work in mixed-media projects.
Best for: Artists who want a larger format for bold pastel pieces and mixed-media experimentation.
Why chosen: The combination of texture, weight, and acid-free status supports broader technique exploration while preserving color integrity.
Caution: Larger sheets may require more storage space and careful handling to prevent warping if not kept flat between uses.
Somime 9×12 Sanded Pastel Paper Pad (600gsm, 12 Sheets, Assorted Colors)
Brand: Somime. This variant adds more tones within the same heavy 600gsm weight class, offering six different colors. The abrasive surface enhances layering while reducing mud during color transitions.
Best for: Pastelists who want a compact, color-rich pad with strong tooth for deep layering and glow in tight compositions.
Why chosen: The repeating 600gsm surface paired with varied color options helps artists build sophisticated pieces with controlled blending outcomes.
Caution: Sanded surfaces can be more demanding on tools and require careful maintenance of pencils to retain sharpness for fine details.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Paper For Soft Pastels
What weight and tooth should I look for?
Soft pastels perform best on papers with a pronounced tooth and sufficient weight to prevent buckling under multiple layers. For beginners, 80 lb (about 118 gsm) papers with a visible texture provide forgiving results. More experienced artists often prefer 600gsm or higher sanded papers for intense layering and vibrant color transitions.
Should I choose textured surface or dual-texture options?
Textured surfaces grip pastel particles, enabling smooth layering without muddy blends. Dual-texture papers offer versatility by providing two surface options in one pad, allowing experiments with different mark-making styles on the same sheet.
What about paper acidity and archival quality?
Acid-free papers better preserve colors over time and reduce yellowing that can affect contrast. If longevity is important, select pads explicitly labeled acid-free or archival.
Which pad size should I start with?
9×12 and 11×14 are popular sizes that balance detail work with enough workspace for larger pieces. Larger formats are ideal for bold statements, while smaller pads are more portable for on-the-go sketching.
How important is color variety in the pad?
A varied palette within a paper pad can support experiments with complementary and analogous color schemes, especially when using light-tinted sheets. This can reduce the need to switch pads mid-work.
What are common limitations to anticipate?
Sanded papers can wear down pencils faster and require sharper tools. Heavier, textured papers may demand stronger pressure or techniques to avoid tearing. Also, glassine protection helps keep artwork pristine between sessions on multilayer pads.
Practical tips for buying
- Match weight to your technique: light for line work, heavy for layering.
- Consider a mix of smooth and rough textures to expand technique options.
- Opt for acid-free options if planning to keep artworks long-term.
- Check that the pad includes protection sheets like glassine to prevent smudging.
FAQ
- What is the best paper for soft pastels?
There isn’t a single best; it depends on technique. Sanded papers at 600gsm or higher are ideal for rich layering, while 80 lb textured papers are beginner-friendly. - Can I use hard pastels on all pastel papers?
Yes, but surface texture will affect blending. Softer papers grip more while smooth papers may require more blending. - Is acid-free necessary for pastel work?
It helps with long-term preservation and color stability, especially for artwork intended for display over years. - Should I buy a multi-color pad or individual color pads?
A mixed-color pad provides flexibility and reduces the need to switch papers for tonal experiments. - Are dual-texture pads worth it?
They are beneficial for artists who want to explore two textural results within a single pad. - Do larger pads require special storage?
Yes, store flat or in a portfolio to prevent warping and keep edges pristine.