One of the most common questions I’m asked by students is “What pastel paper should I use?” It’s a great question — because the paper you choose can make a huge difference to both your results and your enjoyment of working with pastels.
Why Pastel Paper Matters So Much
Pastels rely on the surface beneath them. Unlike paint, there’s no binder to glue the pigment in place — the paper does all the work. The right pastel paper grips the pigment, allowing you to build layers, blend smoothly, and make corrections without frustration.
Using the wrong paper can lead to:
Pastel dust falling away instead of sticking
Colours looking dull or muddy
Limited layering
A surface that fills too quickly, forcing you to stop before your piece feels finished
Many beginners believe their struggles are down to lack of skill, when in reality, it’s often the paper holding them back.
My Go-To Choice: Pastelmat by Clairefontaine
After a lot of experimenting, I use Pastelmat by Clairefontaine, and it’s the surface I recommend to my students.
Pastelmat has a fine, velvety texture that grips pigment beautifully without feeling harsh. It allows for multiple layers, soft blending, and even light wet techniques, making it incredibly versatile for both beginners and more advanced artists.
What I love most about Pastelmat is how forgiving it is. You can:
Layer far more than on traditional pastel paper
Lift colour if you make a mistake
Achieve rich, realistic detail without overworking the surface
It supports the way I teach realism and helps students see better results faster, which builds confidence and enjoyment.
How the Right Paper Supports Your Learning
When your paper works with you instead of against you, learning becomes much more enjoyable. Good pastel paper allows you to focus on technique, colour, and observation — not on fighting the surface.
If you’re serious about improving your pastel work, investing in the right paper is just as important as choosing the right pastels. It’s one of the simplest changes you can make, and often the most transformative.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “perfect” pastel paper for everyone, but choosing a quality surface designed specifically for pastels will elevate your work immediately. For me, Pastelmat by Clairefontaine offers the perfect balance of grip, softness, and control — and it’s a surface I trust for both my own artwork and my teaching.
If you’re struggling with pastels or feeling stuck, take a look at your paper first. Sometimes, the solution is simpler than you think.