Choosing the right pastel paper

Choosing the right pastel paper can make a huge difference in your artwork. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down the main types of pastel paper, their textures, and how each one affects your results, helping you find the perfect surface for your creative style

The type of paper you use significantly impacts the outcome of your work, influencing how pastels adhere, blend and interact with each layer. This guide breaks down the types of pastel paper available and provides insight into selecting the best one for your needs.

What is...

Textured (sanded) pastel paper

Velour pastel paper

Pastel boards

Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper

Ingres pastel paper

Watercolour paper

What is textured (sanded) pastel paper?

Sanded paper is coated with a fine abrasive layer, similar to sandpaper. It has a strong 'tooth' (rougher paper wirh indents) that grips pastel pigment exceptionally well. It has exceptional holding capacity allowing for multiple layers without the colours becoming muddy so is great for achieving rich, complex effects. It is often made with high-quality, acid-free materials for longevity and is suitable for both soft and oil pastels. This paper can be rough on your fingers and tools, and is more expensive than standard paper. 

Best for: Experienced beginners or artists ready to explore more advanced layering techniques. 

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What is velour pastel paper?

Velour paper has a soft, velvety surface made from natural or synthetic fibers. It provides a plush texture that holds pastel well offering a soft, painterly effect that enhances the blending of colours. It is ideal for creating smooth transitions and delicate textures. Velour paper is perfect for animal portraits and other subjects that benefit from a soft, blended look however has a limited capacity for detail work due to its fuzzy texture.

Best for: Artists looking for a soft-focus finish or those working on portraiture.

What are pastel boards?

Pastel boards are rigid surfaces pre-coated with a textured material. They provide excellent stability and can handle a substantial amount of layering as the pastels adhere firmly to the surface. The firm base is durable and warp resistant. Because of this pastel boards are heavier and pricier than traditional paper and less flexible for beginners who may want to experiment more. 

Best for: Artists looking for a stable, professional base that can handle complex work.

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What is Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper?

Canson Mi-Teintes is one of the most popular papers for pastel work. It is a versatile heavyweight paper that features two sides: one with a more pronounced texture (honeycomb) and one smoother. It comes in a wide range of colours, which can add depth to your artwork. At an affordable price it is excellent for both soft and oil pastels, good for sketching on and initial experiments. The textured side may not be ideal for detailed work however and the smoother side holds fewer layers compared to sanded paper.

Best for: Beginners who want a dependable, economical paper to start with.

What is Ingres pastel paper?

Ingres paper has a fine, laid surface with parallel lines that create a unique texture. Lightweight, it is often used for sketches and studies. It is not as robust as sanded paper but has a subtle tooth for pastel application. Inexpensive and readily available, it provides an interesting texture that can add character to sketches. It has limited capacity for heavy layering and is prone to smudging, so a fixative may be needed.

Best for: Quick sketches and light pastel work.

If you're new to pastels, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your pastel skills.

Can you use watercolour paper for pastels?

While not specifically designed for pastels, watercolour paper is often used by artists looking for a textured surface. It’s available in different weights and textures, such as hot-pressed (smooth), cold-pressed (moderate texture) and rough (high texture). It absorbs some of the pastel pigment, creating a different effect compared to traditional pastel papers and so is versatile and great for mixed media work with the cold-pressed and rough textures offer good grip for pastels. Watercolour paper needs a fixative to prevent smudging.

Best for: Artists interested in combining pastels with watercolour or experimenting with textured surfaces.

The type of paper you choose can transform your pastel artwork. Beginners should start with versatile options like Canson Mi-Teintes or Ingres paper before exploring specialised surfaces like sanded paper or velour. As you grow more confident, you can try combining different papers to create unique effects and broaden your artistic horizons.

If you’re new to pastel art, don’t stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn about choosing the right pastels, blending techniques, framing your artwork, and keeping your creations safe. Each article is packed with tips to help you improve your skills and enjoy your pastel journey

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