Best Pastel Paper
Pictured above is a UART roll that has been cut into an 18 inch length and a 27×39 inch sheet of Pastelmat.
The Contenders
What They Have In Common
Versatility
Whether you use soft pastels, hard pastels, pastel pencils, or a combination of these mediums UArt 400 pastel paper and Clairefontaine Pastelmat provide a reliable surface. Both are versatile and can accommodate various pastel techniques, including layering, blending, and detailing.
Archival Quality
They are both acid-free and pH-neutral, which ensures the longevity of the artwork by preventing yellowing, fading, and deterioration over time. This makes them suitable for professional artists who require archival-quality materials for their creations.
Ease of Use
The paper’s consistency and surface texture make it easy to work with for both experienced artists and beginners alike. It allows for experimentation and exploration of different pastel techniques.
Suitable for Framing
Finished artwork on both papers can be easily framed without the need for additional mounting or support due to their weight and durability.
Alcohol Wash
Not all pastel papers are suitable for an alcohol wash. It’s best to experiment on a small section of the paper that you are using first to see how it reacts. I can use an alcohol wash with 70% isopropyl alcohol on both of these surfaces with zero issues. I also use alcohol in a continuous spray bottle sometimes as a fixative to set my darker layers before applying lighter colors.
Where They Differ
Surface Texture
Pastelmat has a velvety smooth surface with a fine-grained texture. UArt is essentially fine-toothed sandpaper. When you rub your finger across it the texture is very scratchy and abrasive. (It reminds me of running your fingers against the grain of a shark’s skin if you have ever done that!) Since I enjoy blending with my fingers, after a good painting session my fingers are pretty sore. Sore enough that warm water hurts them sometimes. Note – I am a rock climber and DO NOT have delicate hands that need to be pampered. UArt also has a curl to it and Pastelmat lays flat. This does not affect framing.
Pastelmat Left - UArt Right
Detailing
In my opinion, the velvet texture of Pastelmat allows me to get ever so slightly crisper lines and finer details. However, the surface of UArt 400 allows me to easily achieve a nice broken texture when lightly scumbling.
Minimal Dust
Both papers create less dust than surfaces that are not textured. I feel though that the Pastelmat makes a little less dust. It’s a fact of life with pastels that you will always get some dust regardless of your paper choice.
Durability
Both are very durable but UArt is a beast. I have literally taken a failed painting, rinsed it off in the sink, and started over once the paper dried. I wouldn’t feel as comfortable doing that with pastelmat.
Colors
Clairefontaine Pastelmat is available in more colors than UArt allowing you to choose the perfect background for your artwork without the need for additional priming or preparation. This isn’t important to me because I always select the lightest colors.
Pastelmat Left - UArt Right
Price
UArt is more affordable and can be purchased in 56” x 10 yard rolls bringing the price down even further.
What Do I Prefer
If I could only pick one paper I would choose Clairefontaine Pastelmat. I love that I can blend to my heart’s content without sore fingers. I also enjoy that the paper lays flat which makes it a little easier to tape to my easel. I always purchase a light color of pastel paper because you can make it whatever color you desire with an alcohol wash.
The Most Affordable Way To Purchase Pastel Paper
I prefer to work on 9”x12” paper. At the time of writing this If you buy UArt or Pastelmat precut at that size the price comes out to around $4 per sheet. If you buy the large roll of UArt and cut it yourself then it is around $1.50 per sheet. If you buy Pastelmat in the largest size offered, 27”x39”, in a bulk quantity of 5 or more then cut it yourself that brings the cost down to around $2.80 per sheet.
The UArt roll is obviously the most affordable option. I have purchased this before and cut it all down to size. IT IS A LOT OF WORK. The roll is massive and difficult to wrestle and you are fighting the curl of the paper when cutting. If you go this route I recommend cutting the whole roll into more manageable sizes before cutting your sheets. I used an electric saw to cut mine into three 18 inch lengths. Due to all that work, I have come to prefer the large Clairefontaine Pastelmat sheets. It’s a little more money but it is easier to cut and doesn’t hurt my fingers.
How I Cut Pastelmat
