Stationery & Supplies

The Best Pastel Paper

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified 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.

No. 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.
  • 5 RECYCLED PASTEL COLORS: Green, canary, pink, lavender, and blue stand out on notices and projects, and the paper is made with 100% recycled content.
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
  • 80lb - 24 sheets
No. 3
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm...
  • MORE SHEETS FOR YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL NEEDS: In this pack of 625 sheets, you will receive 125 sheets each of Mint Twist (Merry Mint), Blue Bliss (Breezy Blue), Lemon Twirl (Lively Lemon), Peach Pop (Punchy Peach) and Rose Rush (Bubble Gum...
  • AS PUNCHY AS ASTROBRIGHTS PUNCHY PASTEL ASSORTMENT: Astrobrights colored paper is 20% thicker than standard paper, so it is perfect for your documents, flyers, crafting, school projects, color-coding, DIY crafting and more!!
  • FULLY DYED PAPER: Dyed throughout for seamless cutting, folding, and tearing, without a white core.
  • HIGH QUALITY PRINT PERFORMANCE: Printing on colored paper gives you all the benefits of color without the high cost and extra time of printing with colored ink. Just add black ink!
  • ACID-FREE AND LIGNIN-FREE: Astrobrights colored paper is acid-free and lignin-free for long lasting results that won't disintegrate or yellow over time
  • ASTROBRIGHTS CARES: We are committed to conserving our natural resources through responsible business and manufacturing policies and practices. Astrobrights products are FSC certified for responsible forestry.
SaleNo. 4
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
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches (Letter size), 500 sheets per ream
SaleNo. 5
MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook 9x12, Drawing Paper Pad 60 Sheets_98lb/160gsm
  • Quality Material: The mixed media sketchbook is made of recyclable, high-quality 98 lb/160 gsm mixed media paper materials. Sufficient thickness mixed media pad can prevent ink from bleeding through the pages. Each sheet is acid-none multimedia paper...
  • Tough & Convenient Ring Binding Design: Our multi media sketch book is attached using a sturdy ring binding, which can protect the paint paper when turning mixed media paper pad pages. Meanwhile, the drawing pad is flexible, multimedia sketchbook can be...
  • Wide Application: Our sketch book mixed media drawing, writing, and painting paper is perfect for a range of different mixed media, including pencil, pen, charcoal, crayons, sketching sticks and gel pen. Multi media paper can be used as sketch pad...
  • Available in size of mixed media sketch pad 9x12 Inch, each mixed media sketch pad with 60 sheets, this mixed media pad are suitable for all your needs! A multi media sketch book can be tucked into a bag or backpack, perfect for branding your imagination...
  • Great Present & Satisfaction Service: Our mixed media sketchbook 9x12 for drawing would be an present for professional artists, art students, graffiti enthusiasts, and more. Please check the package content upon receiving the product. If you have any...
  • Versatile for Watercolor Projects: Designed to meet diverse artistic needs, this watercolor pad features premium sheets that handle washes, layering, and blending with ease. Whether you prefer a watercolor paper pad, a portable watercolor notebook, or...
  • Perfect for Painting in Multiple Mediums: This paint pad provides a sturdy surface for acrylics, gouache, and other mediums. Each paint paper pad is engineered for even pigment application, making it suitable paper for painting projects from quick...
No. 6
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
  • PrintWorks pastel computer paper has been proudly made in the USA since 1964 using domestically sourced, environmentally friendly materials for reliable quality and sustainability
No. 7
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
  • 【Multifunctional】Widely used in printing, copying, origami, cutting, and other DIY crafts, these colored copy paper provide a colorful eye-catching touch to elevate any presentation or activity effortlessly! Great for home or office use
SaleNo. 8
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
  • 24 Sheets per Pad
SaleNo. 9
BAZIC Products Pastel Color Multipurpose Paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 25 Ct
  • PASTEL COLOR PAPER: A 25-sheet pack of pastel color multipurpose paper, 8.5 x 11 in, for printing flyers, notices, and craft pages.
  • FOR PRINTING AND CRAFTS: Color paper is great for flyers, notices, signs, crafts, and projects that need a bright background at school or the office.
  • BRIGHT 20 LB COLOR PAPER: The 20 lb color paper runs through printers and copiers and adds a bright, even color to flyers, handouts, and craft pages.
  • 25-COUNT RETAIL UNIT: Each retail unit is a 25-sheet pack of pastel color multipurpose paper, 8.5 x 11 in.
  • STANDARD 8.5 X 11 IN: The paper fits standard printers and copiers at 8.5 x 11 in for flyers, signs, and colorful craft projects.
No. 10
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
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches (Letter size), 500 sheets per ream

Last update on 2026-08-31 / 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.