Best Pastel Paper of 2026

Corey Phillips Avatar
Corey Phillips
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2026

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Pastel paper is a type of paper that is specifically designed for use with pastels. It has a unique texture that allows the pastel pigment to adhere to it, making it an ideal surface for creating vibrant and detailed artwork. Pastel paper comes in a range of colours and textures, allowing artists to choose the perfect paper for their particular project. Whether you are a professional artist or a hobbyist, pastel paper is an excellent choice for creating stunning and unique pieces of art.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Strathmore Assorted Colour Pastel Paper Pad Cover #TOP 1
Strathmore Assorted Colour Pastel Paper Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Talens Art Creation A4 White Pastel Paper Cover #TOP 2
Talens Art Creation A4 White Pastel Paper
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Winsor & Newton Earth Colours Pastel Paper Cover #TOP 3
Winsor & Newton Earth Colours Pastel Paper
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Pastel Paper

#TOP 1

Strathmore Assorted Colour Pastel Paper Pad

403-11
Transparent
11"x14"
Strathmore Assorted Colour Pastel Paper Pad Cover
Pro-Art Strathmore Assorted Color Pastel Paper Pad 11-inch x 14-inch, 24 Sheets

The Strathmore Pastel Paper is an excellent choice for your creative projects. Made from high-quality material, it ensures durability and a professional finish. With 24 sheets in an 11 x 14-inch size, it is perfect for scrapbooking, allowing you to bring your ideas to life. The design prioritises easy usage and storage, meaning you can effortlessly organise your supplies and focus on your creativity. Plus, it is proudly made in the USA, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy product.

What We Like
High-quality material
Ideal for scrapbooking
Easy to use and store
Made in the USA
#TOP 2

Talens Art Creation A4 White Pastel Paper

Talens Art Creation A4 White Pastel Paper Cover
Talens Art Creation A4 Pastel Paper 50 Sheets, 21.1 x 29.7 x 0.9 cm, White

The Talens A4 Pastel Paper offers high-quality material that ensures a smooth drawing experience. The ring-bound design keeps your paper perfectly flat, making it easier for you to create without any hassle. Once you finish your artwork, the sheets can be easily removed, allowing for a tidy presentation of your work. This paper is ideal for various activities, including drawing, journaling, and urban sketching, catering to artists, students, and travellers alike.

What We Like
High-quality material
Ring-bound for flatness
Easy to remove sheets
Versatile for various uses
Great gift for creatives
#TOP 3

Winsor & Newton Earth Colours Pastel Paper

6660766
Earth Colours
11.7" x 16.5"
Winsor & Newton Earth Colours Pastel Paper Cover
Winsor & Newton 6660766 Pastel Paper in Pad with Earth Colours - 24 Sheets DIN A3, 160 g/m², FSC, Acid-Free, No Optical Brighteners, Archival Quality, Stable and Resistant to Ageing

Winsor & Newton Pastel Paper is perfect for artists looking to create vibrant studies and drawings with pastels, graphite, and charcoal. The assortment of earth colours offers extremely lightfast shades, ensuring your artwork remains vivid over time. Made from FSC-certified cellulose, this paper promotes forest conservation and sustainability. Additionally, its production utilises hydropower, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is a great benefit for environmentally conscious users.

What We Like
Suitable for various drawing media
Lightfast earth colour options
Eco-friendly FSC-certified material
Sustainable production methods
#TOP 4

Clairefontaine Pastelmat Block with Dividers

96052c
Multicolored
18x24 cm
Clairefontaine Pastelmat Block with Dividers Cover
Clairefontaine 96052C Glued Pad Pastelmat n°7 - 12 Sheets Special Card for Dry Pastels - 18x24 cm 360g - 4 Assorted Colors - Crystal Paper Dividers

The Clairefontaine Pastelmat Block is an ideal choice for artists using dry pastels. Its unique 360g card surface allows you to layer pigments without saturation, enhancing your creative possibilities. You can achieve both bold and delicate strokes effortlessly. The paper's ability to handle wet techniques without losing its texture ensures versatility in your artwork. Additionally, the crystal paper dividers protect your creations, making it easier for you to keep your work in pristine condition.

What We Like
High-quality 360g card
Versatile for various techniques
Protective crystal paper dividers
Acid-free for longevity
#TOP 5

Daler-Rowney Murano 160gsm Pastel Paper Pad

DR438032612
Cool Colours
16X12 COOL
Daler-Rowney Murano 160gsm Pastel Paper Pad Cover
Daler-Rowney Murano 160gsm 16 x 12in Pastel Paper Pad, Honeycomb Texture, Glued 1 Side, Cotton Content, 30 Cool Colours Sheets, Ideal for Professional Artists & Students

The Daler-Rowney Pastel Paper is a high-quality option for artists, featuring a 160gsm weight that ensures durability and a smooth surface. With its acid-free and light-resistant properties, your artwork remains vibrant over time. The honeycombed texture is perfect for both hard and soft pastels, allowing you to create depth and detail effortlessly. Additionally, the cotton content gives the paper a luxurious feel, making it a delight to work with for both professionals and hobbyists alike.

What We Like
High-quality cotton content
Durable and light-resistant
Honeycomb texture for versatility
Ideal for all skill levels
#TOP 6

Moonlove Thickened Textured Oil Pastel Paper Sheets

S-221117
Yellowish
20*20cm
Moonlove Thickened Textured Oil Pastel Paper Sheets Cover
50 Sheets Oil Pastel Paper Thickened Textured Surface Drawing Painting Sheet for Pastel Eye Protection Multifarious Oil Painted Paper

The Moonlove Oil Pastel Paper offers high-quality, thickened sheets designed for oil stick painting. Its fine textured surface makes colouring easier and allows natural transitions, helping you achieve smooth and professional results. Available in two practical sizes, the paper suits various artistic needs, from landscapes to portraits, providing flexibility for your projects. The thick, durable paper prevents colour from showing through and resists tearing, while its soft yellowish tone protects your eyes, reducing strain during long painting sessions. This makes it ideal for artists who spend hours creating detailed works.

What We Like
High-quality textured surface
Two useful sizes available
Thick and tear-resistant
Soft yellow colour reduces eye strain
Flexible and easy to bend
#TOP 7

Paul Rubens A5 Hot Pressed Oil Pastel Paper Pad

LWBT-2101003-AU
White
Paul Rubens A5 Hot Pressed Oil Pastel Paper Pad Cover
Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Paper, Sized A5 Hot Press Wooden Pastel Paper for Artists and Beginner, 112lbs/240gsm, 30 Sheets, Excellent Paper Pad for Oil Pastel Painting.

The Paul Rubens Pastel Paper is made from high-quality, durable, and odourless materials, ensuring a clean and pleasant experience while you create your artwork. The hot-pressed texture provides a smooth surface that helps your colours appear bright and vivid, making it perfect for oil pastel painting. With 30 sheets included, each measuring 148 by 210 mm and weighing 240gsm, you have plenty of space to practice and complete your art projects. The included paper case adds convenience by keeping your sheets organised and protected.

What We Like
High-quality, durable material
Smooth hot-pressed texture
Bright, vivid colour display
Includes 30 sheets
Convenient storage case
#TOP 8

Clairefontaine 696019C Pastelmat A3 Paper Pack

696019c
darkgray
A3 (29,7x42 cm)
Clairefontaine 696019C Pastelmat A3 Paper Pack Cover
Clairefontaine 696019C - One Pastelmat Paper Pack - 5 Sheets Special Card for Dry Pastels - Dimensions: A3 29.7x42 cm 360g - Dark Grey - Ideal for Pastels

The Clairefontaine Pastelmat Paper is perfect for artists who use dry pastels. Its unique 360g cardstock offers a soft yet adherent surface, allowing you to build multiple layers of pigment without worrying about saturation or needing fixatives. This innovative paper strikes a balance between abrasive and velvet textures, giving you the freedom to experiment with energetic strokes or gentle shading. Sized at A3, the pack includes five dark grey sheets, ideal for exploring different tones and techniques in your pastel artwork.

What We Like
Thick, durable 360g cardstock
Allows multiple pastel layers
Supports wet and dry techniques
A3 size with five sheets
Soft, adherent, non-abrasive surface
#TOP 9

Daler-Rowney Murano Pastel Paper Pad, 30 Sheets

D438031612
6 Assorted Colours
16X12' NEUTRAL
Daler-Rowney Murano Pastel Paper Pad, 30 Sheets Cover
Murano Pad 16 x 12' Neutral 30SH

The Daler-Rowney Murano Pad features 30 sheets of high-quality pastel paper, perfect for both professional and amateur artists. With a weight of 160gsm, this acid-free and light-resistant paper ensures your artwork remains vibrant and protected over time. The honeycombed texture is designed for use with hard, soft, and oil pastels, allowing you to create stunning effects with ease. Its cotton content gives the paper a luxurious feel, enhancing your overall drawing experience.

What We Like
High-quality, acid-free paper
Honeycomb texture for versatile use
Luxurious cotton feel
Ideal for all skill levels
#TOP 10

MUNGYO Professional White Pastel Paper Pad A4

MPPP
White
MUNGYO Professional White Pastel Paper Pad A4 Cover
MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (White)

The MUNGYO Pastel Paper Pad is ideal for artists working with oil and dry pastels. It comes in a convenient A4 size, giving you ample space to create detailed artworks. The white colour of the paper helps your colours stand out clearly and vibrantly. With 30 sheets included, you have plenty to practice and experiment with. The woven textured finish provides a perfect surface for pastels to grip, ensuring your art stays vibrant and smooth. Plus, it’s acid-free, so your artworks won’t yellow or degrade over time, keeping them fresh and lasting longer.

What We Like
Ample 30 sheets included
Woven texture for better grip
Acid-free for longevity
White colour enhances colours
Convenient A4 size
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What paper is best for pastel pencils?

Generally speaking, any surface that will accept the mark is suitable for use with pastel pencils. Drawing paper, illustration board, and bristol paper will all accept the mark. That being said, a paper with a heavier tooth or texture will provide the best results. Canson Mi-Teintes paper is my paper of choice.

2. Is pastel used on special paper?

The Artists' Choice in Pastel Papers The most popular papers for general pastel and chalk drawing are colored, textured specialty pastel papers such as Strathmore Pure Tints and Canson Mi-Teintes. These textured surfaces typically have a fine, irregular texture pressed into the surface during manufacture.

Editor's Notes

During our pastel paper research, we found 121 pastel paper products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,694 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pastel paper list. We found that most customers choose pastel paper with an average price of £19.76.

The pastel paper are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pastel paper, including Strathmore, Talens Art Creation, Winsor & Newton, Clairefontaine, Daler Rowney.

Written by
Corey Phillips Avatar

Corey Philips is an electrician and lighting expert. He graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering. Corey is a specialist contractor in lights. He sells and installs and recommends lights and lamp sheds, and other lights accessories. Aside from that, Corey is vast in installing and maintaining electrical appliances like air conditioners, water heaters, and the likes.