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Oil pastels are a popular art medium known for their vibrant colors, smooth textures, and easy blending. However, to achieve the best results with oil pastels, you need the right kind of paper. The best paper for oil pastels should be heavyweight, have a textured surface to grip the oil, and be able to withstand the smudging and blending that is synonymous with this medium.
Using the wrong paper for your oil pastels can result in your artwork fading, smearing, or even deteriorating over time. Not all types of paper can handle the heavy application of oil pastels, so it’s important to choose paper specifically designed for this purpose.
When purchasing paper for your oil pastel work, it is crucial to look for key features such as weight, texture, and quality. Heavyweight paper can withstand the pressure of oil pastels while textured paper provides an ideal surface for blending and layering colors. High-quality paper will also be able to endure the oil without bleeding or smudging.
In this article, we will guide you in choosing the best paper for your oil pastels based on our extensive research and testing. We have examined various brands and types of paper to uncover the top options that can complement your oil pastel artwork. Let our findings and recommendations help you make an informed choice, so you can create stunning, long-lasting oil pastel masterpieces.
Best Paper for Oil Pastels
Finding the right paper for your oil pastel artwork is critical to ensure vibrant colors, smooth blending, and lasting results. Not all paper is designed to handle the medium, and choosing the wrong type can lead to smudging, color fading, and deterioration of your work over time. With countless options available in the market, making a choice can often feel daunting. Fear not! We have compiled a list of the best papers for oil pastels based on our thorough testing and research to help guide you in your selection process.
Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting
If you’re looking for a sketchbook that can handle both wet and dry media, the Mixed Media Sketch Pad is a great option.
Pros
- The 98lb/160gsm heavyweight drawing paper is thick enough to prevent bleeding and warping, even with wet media.
- The top spiral binding allows for easy sketching and painting without the book falling apart.
- The hardcover design provides extra protection for your artwork.
Cons
- The book is only 60 sheets, which may not be enough for some artists.
- The paper is not acid-free, which may cause the artwork to yellow over time.
- The book is a bit pricey compared to other sketchbooks on the market.
We’ve used this sketchbook for both pencil and watercolor painting, and we’re impressed with the results. The paper is thick enough to prevent bleeding and warping, even with wet media. The top spiral binding allows for easy sketching and painting without the book falling apart, which is a huge plus. The hardcover design provides extra protection for your artwork, which is always a concern when using a sketchbook.
One downside is that the book is only 60 sheets, which may not be enough for some artists. Additionally, the paper is not acid-free, which may cause the artwork to yellow over time. Finally, the book is a bit pricey compared to other sketchbooks on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sketchbook that can handle both wet and dry media and provide extra protection for your artwork, the Mixed Media Sketch Pad is a great option. However, if you need a larger book or are on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options.
Pentel Oil Pastels 50 Colors Soft oil Pastels, Oil Pastels for Artists and Kids, Oil Crayons and Oil Pastel Paper Pad 9″x12″ Spiral Bound 30 Sheets, Oil Pastels Art Supplies
If you’re looking for a versatile set of oil pastels for your artistic endeavors, the Pentel Oil Pastels 50 Colors Soft oil Pastels is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 50 vibrant colors allow for a wide range of creative expression.
- The soft, buttery consistency of the pastels makes them easy to blend and layer.
- The included paper pad provides a convenient and portable workspace.
Cons
- The pastels may be too soft for some users, resulting in broken tips or smudged colors.
- The paper pad may not be suitable for larger or more detailed artwork.
- The set may not be ideal for professional artists seeking higher quality materials.
We’ve used the Pentel Oil Pastels 50 Colors Soft oil Pastels for various projects and have found them to be a great choice for both beginners and experienced artists. The wide range of colors allows for endless creative possibilities, and the soft consistency of the pastels makes them easy to work with.
One potential downside to the pastels is their softness, which may result in broken tips or smudged colors. However, this can be easily remedied by using a pastel protector or blending stump.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and convenient set of oil pastels for your artistic pursuits, the Pentel Oil Pastels 50 Colors Soft oil Pastels is definitely worth considering.
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
If you’re looking for a high-quality pastel paper that can withstand heavy layering and blending, then the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad is a great choice.
Pros
- The assorted colors make it easy to choose the perfect shade for your artwork.
- The glue binding keeps the pages securely in place, making it easy to work on your artwork without worrying about the pages falling out.
- The paper is acid-free, ensuring that your artwork will last for years to come.
Cons
- The paper is on the thicker side, which can make it difficult to press down hard enough to get the desired intensity of color.
- The pad only comes with 24 sheets, which may not be enough for larger projects.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other pastel papers on the market.
We’ve used the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad for several projects and have been impressed with the results. The paper is thick enough to handle heavy layering and blending without showing through, but still allows for subtle color variations and blending. The assorted colors make it easy to find the perfect shade for your artwork, and the glue binding keeps the pages securely in place, making it easy to work on your artwork without worrying about the pages falling out.
One thing to note is that the paper is on the thicker side, which can make it difficult to press down hard enough to get the desired intensity of color. However, this is a small price to pay for the quality of the paper. Additionally, the pad only comes with 24 sheets, which may not be enough for larger projects. Finally, the price point is a bit higher than some other pastel papers on the market, but the quality of the paper makes it worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality pastel paper that can handle heavy layering and blending, then the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad is a great choice. With its assorted colors, glue binding, and acid-free paper, it’s a great investment for any artist looking to create beautiful, long-lasting pastel artwork.
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
If you’re looking for a high-quality oil pastel paper, the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 50 sheets of heavyweight drawing paper are perfect for experimenting with different techniques and styles without breaking the bank.
- The acid-free paper ensures that your artwork will not yellow over time, preserving the vibrancy of your colors.
- The spiral binding makes it easy to work on a flat surface and prevents the pages from flopping around.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the paper is not quite thick enough to prevent oil pastels from bleeding through to the next page.
- The pad is only available in one size, which may not be suitable for everyone.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other oil pastel pads on the market.
We’ve used the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad for a few weeks now and have been really impressed with its performance. The heavyweight paper is thick enough to allow for layering and blending of colors without the paper buckling or warping. The spiral binding is also a nice touch, as it makes it easy to work on a flat surface without the pages flopping around.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the paper is advertised as being suitable for wet and dry media, some users have reported that oil pastels can still bleed through to the next page if you’re not careful. However, we haven’t experienced this issue ourselves and have been able to layer and blend colors without any bleeding.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad to anyone looking for a high-quality oil pastel paper. The thick, heavyweight paper is perfect for experimenting with different techniques and styles, and the spiral binding makes it easy to work on a flat surface. While it may be a bit more expensive than some other oil pastel pads on the market, we believe that the quality justifies the price.
MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (Dark Assorted)
If you’re looking for a high-quality pastel paper that can handle both oil and dry pastels, the MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad is a great choice.
Pros
- The paper is thick and durable, with a weight of 140 lbs, making it ideal for heavy-duty pastel work.
- The dark color of the paper enhances the colors of the pastels, resulting in vibrant and rich hues.
- The paper is acid-free and pH neutral, ensuring that your artwork will not fade or deteriorate over time.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the paper is prone to buckling or warping when wet pastels are used.
- The paper is not suitable for use with wet media other than pastels.
- The pad only contains 30 sheets of paper, which may not be enough for some users.
The MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad is a great choice for artists who want a high-quality pastel paper that can handle both oil and dry pastels. The paper is thick and durable, with a weight of 140 lbs, making it ideal for heavy-duty pastel work. The dark color of the paper enhances the colors of the pastels, resulting in vibrant and rich hues. Additionally, the paper is acid-free and pH neutral, ensuring that your artwork will not fade or deteriorate over time.
One potential downside of this paper is that it is prone to buckling or warping when wet pastels are used. However, this is a common issue with many pastel papers and can be avoided by using a pastel press or weighing down the paper after use. Another potential downside is that the paper is not suitable for use with wet media other than pastels. Finally, the pad only contains 30 sheets of paper, which may not be enough for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality pastel paper that can handle both oil and dry pastels, the MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best paper for oil pastels, there are several factors to consider. These factors will ensure that the paper can withstand the heavy application of oil pastels without bleeding or smudging.
Weight of the Paper
The weight of the paper is an important factor to consider when choosing the best paper for oil pastels. The weight of the paper refers to its thickness and determines how much pressure can be applied without damaging the paper. A heavier paper is more suitable for oil pastels as it can withstand the heavy application of paint without bleeding or wrinkling.
Texture of the Paper
The texture of the paper is another important factor to consider. A rough texture is ideal for oil pastels as it allows the paint to grip the paper, preventing it from sliding or smudging. A smooth texture, on the other hand, can cause the oil pastels to slide, resulting in a less vibrant and blended color.
Acidity Level
The acidity level of the paper is also an important factor to consider. An acidic paper can cause the oil pastels to yellow over time, while an alkaline paper can help preserve the vibrancy of the colors. Look for paper with a pH level of 7 or higher to ensure that it is acid-free.
Price
Finally, price is an important factor to consider when choosing the best paper for oil pastels. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, investing in a higher-quality paper can make a significant difference in the final result. Look for paper that is within your budget but still meets the above criteria.
In summary, when choosing the best paper for oil pastels, consider the weight, texture, acidity level, and price of the paper. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you select a paper that will provide the best results for your artwork.
