Top 5 Best Paper For Oil Pastels in 2024

Oil pastels provide a distinctive medium with enormous potential for creativity. They consist of pigment, wax, and oil, which affords them more versatility than standard pastels. A critical element when utilizing oil pastels is your paper selection. Opting for the appropriate paper can profoundly impact the ultimate outcome of your artistic creation.

When selecting the best paper for oil pastels, there are several critical factors to consider. The first thing to keep in mind is the texture of the paper. Oil pastels require a rough surface to adhere to the paper, which allows the artist to layer and blend colors effectively. The weight of the paper is also crucial, as it affects the durability of the paper and how well it can handle the weight of the oil pastels.

Another important factor to consider is the color of the paper. The color of the paper can significantly impact the final result of the artwork. A white paper provides a clean canvas for the artist to work on, while a colored paper can add depth and dimension to the artwork.

After extensive research and testing, we have identified the best paper for oil pastels. We have considered all the critical factors, including texture, weight, and color, to provide you with the best options to choose from. In the following sections, we will discuss the top paper choices for oil pastels, their features, and why they are the best options available.

Best Paper for Oil Pastels

We know that finding the perfect paper for oil pastels can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which paper will work best for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best paper for oil pastels. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each of these papers to ensure that they are of the highest quality and will provide you with the best results. So whether you’re a professional artist or just starting out, you can trust that these papers will help you create stunning oil pastel artwork.

Zenacolor 32 Pages Oil Pastel Paper Pad Set

If you’re looking for a versatile pastel paper that can enhance your artwork, the Zenacolor 32 Pages Oil Pastel Paper Pad Set is a great option.

Pros

• The smooth texture of the paper is ideal for creating stunning art effects with hard, soft, and oil pastels.
• The detachable sheets make expressing your creative side comfortable and convenient.
• The vellum finish sketch paper is multipurpose, making it perfect for oil pastels, colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, and other media.

Cons

• The paper may be too toothy for oil pastels, and soft pastels may not lay on as well.
• The paper may curl with wet washes if not taped down.
• The paper may not be suitable for everyone’s style of artwork.

The Zenacolor 32 Pages Oil Pastel Paper Pad Set is a professional-quality set of detachable sheets that offer 4 different neutral-toned paper colors that will make your art pop and naturally enhance your masterpieces. The 67 lb or 180 gsm paper weight is thick, and the perfect texture for drawing.

If you’re looking for a high-quality pastel paper that can help you enhance your artwork, the Zenacolor 32 Pages Oil Pastel Paper Pad Set is a great choice. However, the paper may not be suitable for everyone’s style of artwork, and it may curl with wet washes if not taped down.

Overall, we would recommend this product to artists who are looking for a versatile and high-quality pastel paper.

Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad

We highly recommend the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad for anyone looking for high-quality paper for oil pastels.

Pros

• Made in the USA with superior sheet formation for advanced artists
• 24 sheets per pad, providing an ample amount of paper for multiple projects
• 80lb weight paper with a textured finish that works well with oil pastels and soft or hard pastels

Cons

• The subtle colors may not be suitable for all projects, as the color isn’t very saturated
• The paper isn’t sanded and may not accept thick layers of pigment, which may not be ideal for some artists
• The glue binding may not be as durable as other binding methods

The Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad is a great choice for artists looking for high-quality paper for oil pastels. The paper is made in the USA with superior sheet formation, making it ideal for advanced artists. The 24 sheets per pad provide an ample amount of paper for multiple projects. The 80lb weight paper has a textured finish that works well with oil pastels, soft or hard pastels.

While the subtle colors may not be suitable for all projects, as the color isn’t very saturated, the paper works great for experimenting with different techniques and styles. Additionally, the paper isn’t sanded and may not accept thick layers of pigment, which may not be ideal for some artists. The glue binding may not be as durable as other binding methods, but the pages are easy to remove and showcase.

Overall, the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad is an excellent choice for artists looking for high-quality paper for oil pastels. With its superior sheet formation, ample amount of paper, and textured finish, it’s sure to provide artists with the perfect surface for producing beautiful works of art.

Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors

If you’re looking for a great set of oil pastels that are perfect for beginners, then the Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The set includes 48 vibrant colors, making it easy to create beautiful and colorful artwork.
• The soft touch of the pastels makes blending and shading a breeze, making it easy to achieve the desired effect.
• The oil pastels come with their own independent paper sleeve, which makes them easy to transport and store without worrying about them breaking.

Cons

• The pastels are quite soft, which can make them break easily if not handled carefully.
• Some users have reported that there aren’t many shades of yellow included in the set.
• While the set is great for beginners, more experienced artists may find that the quality isn’t quite up to par with more expensive sets.

Overall, we think that the Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors is a great option for beginners or those who are just starting to experiment with oil pastels. The set is affordable, easy to use, and comes with a great range of colors that are perfect for creating beautiful and vibrant artwork.

In terms of performance, we found that the pastels were easy to work with and blended well to create a variety of different effects. The packaging is also well-designed, making it easy to transport the pastels without worrying about them breaking or getting damaged.

If you’re looking for a great set of oil pastels that won’t break the bank, then we highly recommend checking out the Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors. It’s a great option for beginners or anyone who wants to experiment with oil pastels without spending a lot of money.

Sennelier Oil Color Pastel Pad

If you’re looking for a high-quality paper for oil pastels, the Sennelier Oil Color Pastel Pad is a must-have. We highly recommend this product because of its unsurpassed performance for oil pastel.

Pros

• The machine-made, bright white paper offers a heavyweight textured surface that allows for better adhesion of oil pastels.
• The acid-free paper ensures that your artwork will not yellow or fade over time.
• The protective interleaved glassine sheets prevent the oil pastels from seeping, bleeding through, or haloing on the paper.

Cons

• The pad contains only 12 sheets, which may not be enough for some artists.
• The price point may be a bit higher than other oil pastel papers on the market.
• The pad size is 6.25″ x 9.5″, which may not be ideal for larger artworks.

We love the Sennelier Oil Color Pastel Pad for its high-quality paper that allows for better adhesion of oil pastels. The heavyweight textured surface of the paper provides a superior surface for oil pastel artwork. The interleaved glassine sheets protect your artwork and prevent any seeping, bleeding through, or haloing on the paper.

Although the pad contains only 12 sheets, the quality of the paper makes up for the quantity. The acid-free paper ensures that your artwork will not yellow or fade over time. The only downside to this product is the price point, which may be a bit higher than other oil pastel papers on the market. Additionally, the pad size of 6.25″ x 9.5″ may not be ideal for larger artworks.

Overall, we highly recommend the Sennelier Oil Color Pastel Pad for any oil pastelist looking for a high-quality paper that can enhance their artwork.

MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (Dark Assorted)

If you’re looking for a high-quality paper pad for oil pastels and dry pastels, the MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad is worth considering. With 30 sheets, this pad provides great value for money, and the woven textured finish ensures that your artwork will have a unique look and feel. Here are some pros and cons to consider before purchasing:

Pros

• The paper is acid-free, which means that it won’t yellow or deteriorate over time.
• The 25% cotton content gives the paper a nice weight and texture.
• The dark assorted colors in the pad (coffee, anthracite, blue night, and black) provide a great backdrop for your artwork.

Cons

• The A4 size may be too small for some artists.
• The woven texture may not be suitable for all types of artwork.
• The paper may not be thick enough for some artists.

Overall, we think that the MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad is a great choice for artists who want a high-quality paper pad for their oil pastels and dry pastels. The acid-free paper and cotton content ensure that your artwork will last for years to come, and the dark assorted colors provide a great backdrop for your artwork. However, the A4 size and woven texture may not be suitable for all artists, so be sure to consider your needs before making a purchase.

In our experience, the MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad is a sturdy and reliable choice for artists who want to create beautiful oil pastel and dry pastel artwork. The paper is thick enough to handle multiple layers of pastel, and the woven texture provides a unique look and feel that sets it apart from other paper pads. We would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a high-quality paper pad for their pastel artwork.

Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the best paper for oil pastels, there are several factors to consider. We understand that it can be overwhelming to choose from the vast array of options available in the market. Therefore, we have put together a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Surface Texture

The surface texture of the paper is one of the most critical factors to consider when selecting the best paper for oil pastels. The texture of the paper can significantly affect the final outcome of your artwork. A paper with a rough texture will hold more pastel and create a more textured finish, while a smoother surface will produce a more blended and even finish.

Weight

The weight of the paper is another essential factor to consider. The weight of the paper is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A heavier paper will be more durable and can handle more layers of pastel without tearing or smudging. However, a lighter paper may be more suitable for quick sketches or studies.

Color

The color of the paper can also affect the final outcome of your artwork. A white or off-white paper will provide a neutral background for your pastels, while a colored paper can add dimension and depth to your artwork. When selecting a colored paper, consider the hue and saturation of the color and how it will complement your pastel colors.

Quality

The quality of the paper is crucial to the longevity of your artwork. A high-quality paper will be acid-free and pH neutral, ensuring that your artwork will not yellow or deteriorate over time. Look for papers that are labeled as archival or museum-grade for the best quality.

In conclusion, when selecting the best paper for oil pastels, consider the surface texture, weight, color, and quality of the paper. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a paper that will enhance your artwork and ensure its longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the optimal paper characteristics for oil pastel artwork?

The best paper for oil pastels should have a toothy surface that can hold the pigment in place. A paper with a rough texture will allow the pastel to adhere better, while a smooth surface will cause the pigment to slide around and blend too easily. Additionally, the paper should be thick and sturdy enough to handle the heavy application of oil pastels without tearing or buckling.

How does paper weight (GSM) affect oil pastel application and preservation?

The weight of the paper (measured in GSM or grams per square meter) affects the absorbency and durability of the paper. A heavier weight paper will be more resistant to smudging and tearing, but may also require more layers of pastel to achieve the desired effect. Generally, a paper with a weight of 160 GSM or higher is recommended for oil pastel artwork.

Can oil pastels be effectively used on regular drawing paper, or is specialized paper necessary?

While oil pastels can be used on regular drawing paper, it is not recommended as the paper may not have the necessary tooth or thickness to handle the medium. Specialized paper designed for oil pastels will provide better results and ensure the longevity of the artwork.

What are the differences between papers designed for oil pastels and soft pastels?

Papers designed for oil pastels are typically thicker and have a rougher texture than papers designed for soft pastels. This is because oil pastels are heavier and require a more textured surface to hold the pigment in place. Soft pastel papers, on the other hand, are usually lighter and have a smoother surface to allow for blending.

How should one seal oil pastel works to ensure their longevity?

Oil pastels should be sealed with a fixative spray to protect the artwork from smudging and fading. It is important to use a fixative specifically designed for oil pastels, as some fixatives may cause the colors to darken or become dull over time. The artwork should also be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent further damage.

Are there specific brands or types of paper recommended for professional oil pastel artists?

There are several brands of paper that are specifically designed for oil pastels, including Strathmore 400 Series Oil Painting Paper, Canson Mi-Teintes Touch Pastel Paper, and Sennelier Oil Pastel Card. However, the best paper for oil pastels will ultimately depend on the artist’s personal preference and style. It is recommended to experiment with different papers to find the one that works best for your unique needs.

We independently select all products and services. This article was written by a third-party company. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission.