Pastel Paper

Discover a whole new world of Pastel Paper with ArtStore Online.

Browse through our extensive range of Pastel Paper. Whether you are an avid painter, illustrator or a complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever you're after!

We strive to bring you the best Pastel Paper brands available, and have a wide range of art & craft supplies from trusted and respected brands from around the world, including Fabriano and Jasart!

What is pastel paper?

Pastel paper is specially designed paper intended for use with pastel drawing techniques. It is formulated to accommodate the unique characteristics of pastels, including their soft texture, high pigment concentration, and tendency to smudge. Pastel paper typically has a textured surface, which provides the necessary tooth or grip for pastel pigments to adhere effectively. This texture allows pastel artists to layer colours, blend smoothly, and create intricate details in their artwork. Pastel paper comes in various colours and shades, including white, off-white, grey, and toned papers, offering artists a range of options for creating different effects and moods in their pastel drawings. Additionally, pastel paper is available in different weights and sizes to suit various preferences and applications, providing artists with the flexibility to work on small studies or large-scale pieces. Overall, pastel paper provides a dedicated surface tailored to the needs of pastel artists, allowing them to achieve stunning results with their pastel artwork.

What is the best paper for pastels?

The best paper for pastels depends on individual preferences and techniques, but generally, pastel artists prefer papers with the following characteristics:

Textured Surface: Pastel paper should have a textured surface, such as toothy or velour, which provides the necessary grip for pastel pigments to adhere effectively. This texture allows artists to layer colours, blend smoothly, and create intricate details in their artwork.

Heavyweight: Opt for heavyweight paper, typically ranging from 80 to 140 pounds (approximately 118 to 300 gsm), to prevent warping or buckling when working with wet mediums or applying multiple layers of pastel.

Acid-Free: Choose acid-free or archival-quality paper to ensure the longevity and preservation of your pastel artwork. Acid-free paper prevents yellowing and deterioration over time, ensuring that your artwork remains vibrant and intact.

Lightfastness: Select paper that is lightfast, meaning it resists fading or discoloration when exposed to light over time. Lightfast paper preserves the integrity of your pastel colours and ensures that your artwork maintains its original vibrancy and hue.

Colour Selection: Consider the colour of the paper, as it can significantly impact the appearance of your pastel artwork. While white is a common choice, pastel artists often experiment with toned papers, such as grey, beige, or pastel shades, to create different effects and moods in their artwork.

Quality Brand: Choose paper from reputable brands that specialise in art materials and have a proven track record of producing high-quality papers specifically designed for pastel drawing techniques.

Ultimately, the best paper for pastels is one that suits your artistic style, preferences, and techniques, providing the necessary texture, weight, and quality to achieve stunning results with your pastel artwork. Experiment with different papers to find the one that best enhances your creative vision and allows you to express yourself effectively with pastels.

What is the difference between pastel and watercolour paper?

The main differences between pastel paper and watercolour paper lie in their texture, weight, and absorbency:

Texture: Pastel paper typically has a textured surface, such as toothy or velour, which provides the necessary grip for pastel pigments to adhere effectively. This texture allows pastel artists to layer colours, blend smoothly, and create intricate details in their artwork. In contrast, watercolour paper has a smoother surface designed to handle the wetness of watercolour paints without buckling or warping. The smooth surface of watercolour paper allows for even washes and fluid brushstrokes, ideal for watercolour techniques.

Weight: Pastel paper and watercolour paper come in different weights, typically measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square metre (gsm). Pastel paper is generally heavyweight, ranging from 80 to 140 pounds (approximately 118 to 300 gsm), to prevent warping or buckling when working with pastels. Watercolour paper also comes in various weights, including lightweight (90 lbs or less), medium-weight (140 to 300 lbs), and heavyweight (over 300 lbs), to accommodate different painting techniques and preferences.

Absorbency: Pastel paper is relatively absorbent, allowing pastel pigments to adhere to the surface and build up multiple layers of colour. The texture of pastel paper helps to hold pastel pigments in place, preventing smudging and allowing for precise control over blending and detailing. In contrast, watercolour paper is designed to absorb watercolour paints and water washes evenly across the surface. The absorbency of watercolour paper allows for controlled pigment dispersion and fluid blending of colours in watercolour painting.

Overall, while both pastel paper and watercolour paper are suitable for specific artistic mediums, their differences in texture, weight, and absorbency make them uniquely suited to the techniques and characteristics of pastel drawing and watercolour painting, respectively.

Can you erase on pastel paper?

Yes, erasing on pastel paper is possible but can be challenging due to factors such as the type of pastels used, the texture of the paper, and the erasing tools and technique employed. Soft pastels, commonly used in pastel drawing, adhere firmly to the textured surface of pastel paper, making them less responsive to erasing. While gentle erasers like kneaded or gum erasers may lift off some pastel pigments, abrasive erasers should be used cautiously to avoid damaging the paper. Erasing requires a delicate touch and careful technique to minimise disruption to the paper surface and surrounding areas. Overall, while erasing on pastel paper may not always be entirely effective, experimenting with different tools and techniques can help achieve desired results while embracing any imperfections as part of the artistic process.