Stationery & Supplies

The Best Pastel Paper

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, Amazon customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Selecting the right pastel paper is crucial for artists looking to achieve vibrant and lasting results. The texture, weight, and color of your paper significantly impact how your pastels lay down and blend. Investing in quality paper ensures your artwork's longevity and enhances the overall aesthetic of your creations.

SaleNo. 1
BAZIC Products Pastel Multipurpose Paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 100 Sheets
  • MULTIPURPOSE PAPER: 100 sheets of pastel 8.5 x 11 in multipurpose paper in 5 colors, 20 lb (75 gsm), for flyers, handouts, signs, memos, and craft pages.
  • FOR EVERYDAY PRINTING: Laser and inkjet compatible for notices, forms, schedules, classroom materials, and projects at school, home, and the office.
  • SMOOTH 20 LB STOCK: 20 lb (75 gsm) sheets feed smoothly through laser and inkjet printers for everyday documents and colorful handouts.
  • PER PACK: 100 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in paper in 5 pastel colors.
SaleNo. 2
Strathmore 400 Series Tape Bound Pastel Pad, 80 lb. Textured Surface, 9 X 12 inches, Assorted Colors...
  • Strathmore Pastel paper - Assorted colors
  • Luxurious paper offers a subtle texture ideal for oil pastel
  • Also suitable for soft or hard pastel drawings
  • 9-x-12-inch pad
No. 3
Strathmore 400 Series Tape Bound Pastel Pad, 80 lb. Textured Surface, 11 X 14 inches, Assorted Colors...
  • Great for creating artwork using a variety of pastels
  • Ideally textured and suitable colors for pastels
  • 80 lb. / 118 gsm. acid free
  • 11"x14" Glue Bound
No. 4
PrintWorks Pastel Paper 8.5" x 11" - 100 Sheets - 5 Assorted Pastel Colors - 30% Recycled Colored Paper...
  • Use this 30% post-consumer recycled pastel copy paper 8.5" x 11 to add a touch of color to your school and craft projects. Solid dyed core for cutting, folding, and tearing without white edges
  • This 20 lb/75 gsm pastel printer paper pack includes 100 sheets to meet all your creative needs. Features 20 sheets each of five pastel colors: baby blue, pink, buttercream, lilac, and mint
  • Get all the bold benefits of color by just adding black ink. This pastel colored paper is compatible with inkjet and laser printers, copiers, and die cut machines for easy DIY use
  • Our pastel color paper is acid-free, lignin-free, and SFI certified, ensuring long-lasting results while also supporting green forestry practices - an essential for every classroom, home, and office
No. 5
600 Sheets Colored Paper 8.5 X 11 - Color Printer Copy Paper 22lb/80gsm Double Sided Origami for DIY Art...
  • 【Various Pastel Colors】 5 delightful pastel colors and 120 sheets of each color. Pink, Light Blue, Light Green, Purple, Light Yellow. You'll have endless possibilities to create stunning and colorful projects
  • 【Generous Quantity】Total 600 sheets, you’ll have plenty of color paper for all your needs, whether it's crafting, note-taking, or printing vibrant materials. Perfect for keeping stocked up
  • 【Standard Letter Size】These colored printer paper measures 8.5 x 11 inches (216*279 mm ), ensuring compatibility with most printers, copiers, and your stationery projects
  • 【Lightweight Durability】Made from 80GSM/22lb paper, our colored paper offers a sturdy yet lightweight option for everyday tasks, easy handling, and excellent performance for all types of paper crafts
No. 6
Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Color Copy Paper, 8.5" x 11", 20lb, Pastel Blue, 500 Sheets
  • 500-sheet ream of recycled copy paper made with 30% post-consumer content; light pastel blue paper color helps projects stand out while remaining highly legible
  • Multipurpose printer paper compatible with laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines for versatile office and home use
  • Standard Letter size with 20lb paper weight; quick drying and jam-resistant with a smooth finish for consistent, high-contrast ink distribution
  • FSC-CERTIFIED Colored Paper (FSC N004130): Made with materials from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or other controlled wood sources
No. 7
Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Color Copy Paper, 8.5" x 11", 20lb, Pastel Canary, 500 Sheets
  • 500-sheet ream of recycled copy paper made with 30% post-consumer content; light pastel yellow paper color helps projects stand out while remaining highly legible
  • Multipurpose printer paper compatible with laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines for versatile office and home use
  • Standard Letter size with 20lb paper weight; quick drying and jam-resistant with a smooth finish for consistent, high-contrast ink distribution
  • FSC-CERTIFIED Colored Paper (FSC N004130): Made with materials from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or other controlled wood sources
SaleNo. 8
Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Color Copy Paper, 8.5" x 11", 20lb, Pastel Green, 500 Sheets
  • 500-sheet ream of recycled copy paper made with 30% post-consumer content; light pastel green paper color helps projects stand out while remaining highly legible
  • Multipurpose printer paper compatible with laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines for versatile office and home use
  • Standard Letter size with 20lb paper weight; quick drying and jam-resistant with a smooth finish for consistent, high-contrast ink distribution
  • FSC-CERTIFIED Colored Paper (FSC N004130): Made with materials from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or other controlled wood sources
No. 9
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9x12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
  • 30 sheets of 9 x 12 inch
  • 123 lb/200g paper
  • Acid Free,Neutral,pH balance. For Hard or Soft Pastel&Oil Pastel.
  • Use with Graphite Pencil,Colored Pencil,Charcoal, Sketching Stick and other Mixed Media.
No. 10
Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Color Copy Paper, 8.5" x 11", 20lb, Pastel Pink, 500 Sheets
  • 500-sheet ream of recycled copy paper made with 30% post-consumer content; pastel pink- paper color helps projects stand out while remaining highly legible
  • Multipurpose printer paper compatible with laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines for versatile office and home use
  • Standard Letter size with 20lb paper weight; quick drying and jam-resistant with a smooth finish for consistent, high-contrast ink distribution
  • FSC-CERTIFIED Colored Paper (FSC N004130): Made with materials from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or other controlled wood sources

Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Pastel Paper

Paper Weight (Grams per Square Meter/lb)

The weight of the paper affects its durability and ability to handle multiple layers of pastel. Heavier papers (around 100-160 gsm or 60-90 lb) are generally better as they resist buckling when wet media is used or when many layers of pastel are applied. Lighter papers may require mounting to prevent damage.

Surface Texture (Tooth)

The 'tooth' refers to the paper's surface roughness, which grips the pastel particles. Papers with a pronounced tooth are ideal for pastels, allowing for better adhesion and easier layering. Smoother papers might struggle to hold multiple layers, leading to smudging or a less vibrant finish.

Paper Composition and Color

Consider whether you prefer archival quality paper made from 100% cotton or cellulose. Acid-free and buffered papers resist yellowing and degradation over time. The color of the paper also plays a role; toned papers can create a sense of light and shadow, adding depth to your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'tooth' in pastel paper?
Tooth refers to the surface texture of the paper, essentially its roughness. A paper with good tooth has a grip that helps hold pastel particles, allowing for better layering and blending without excessive smudging.
Does paper weight matter for pastels?
Yes, paper weight is important for durability and handling multiple layers. Heavier papers are less likely to warp or tear, providing a stable surface for your artwork, especially when using wet techniques or heavy pastel application.
Should I use toned or white paper for pastels?
Both have their uses. White paper provides a bright base, while toned paper (like grey, tan, or blue) can help establish mid-tones and create a more unified feel. The choice often depends on the desired mood and effect of your artwork.
What is archival quality paper?
Archival quality paper is acid-free and often buffered, meaning it's treated to resist degradation over time. This ensures your artwork won't yellow or become brittle, preserving its quality for years to come.

How we compare Stationery & Supplies

1 Specifications: we compare the key features and specifications listed by the manufacturer and on Amazon.
2 Customer ratings: we take into account the average Amazon rating and the number of reviews.
3 Price: we check the current price and highlight notable deals.
4 Updates: comparisons are refreshed regularly as prices and availability change.

Our comparisons are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the latest products and prices.

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