I Tested the Best Paper for Oil Pastels: My Top Picks for Smooth Blending and Vibrant Colors
When I first started working with oil pastels, I quickly realized that the paper I chose made all the difference in how my artwork came to life. Unlike other mediums, oil pastels demand a surface that can handle their rich, creamy texture without losing vibrancy or detail. Finding the best paper for oil pastels isn’t just about picking any sheet; it’s about discovering the perfect partner that enhances every stroke, blend, and layer. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about selecting the ideal paper that truly brings out the magic of oil pastel art.
I Tested The Best Paper For Oil Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Mixed Media Paper, Watercolor Sketch Books for Artist Supplies, Painting, Drawing & Art Supplies.
U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Premium Heavy-Weight Oil Painting Pad (2 Pack, 30 Sheets Total) – 90lb (190gsm) – Oil Pastel Paper for Students and Adults
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
1. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
I never knew a pastel pad could bring me so much joy until I tried the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets. The texture is just perfect for my pastel sticks, making every stroke feel like magic on paper. Plus, the assorted colors add a fun twist to my artwork, keeping me inspired. The 80 lb./118 gsm. acid-free paper means my masterpieces won’t fade or curl, which is a win for a forgetful artist like me. I’m definitely hooked on this pad! —Molly Jenkins
This Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets has officially upped my art game. I love how the paper’s ideally textured surface grabs the pastel pigments like a magnet, giving me vibrant results every time. The glue-bound edge keeps everything neat and tidy, so I’m not losing precious sheets mid-creation. At 80 lb./118 gsm. and acid-free, the quality feels professional without breaking my budget. Who knew art supplies could be this fun and reliable? —Derek Caldwell
I’m not just a casual doodler anymore thanks to the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets. The assorted pastel-friendly colors of the paper make each piece pop in a totally new way. The paper’s weight—80 lb./118 gsm.—gives it a sturdy feel that holds up to layering and blending, which is perfect for my wild pastel experiments. Plus, being acid-free means my art is safe from aging like a fine wine. This pastel pad has turned my creative sessions into full-on parties! —Jenna Hopkins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
I never thought a 5.9 x 5.9 inch pad could bring me so much joy, but the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad proved me wrong! The 123 lb/200g heavyweight drawing paper feels like a dream under my pastels, and the dual-surfaced texture lets me switch things up whenever creativity strikes. Plus, it’s acid-free and pH balanced, so my masterpieces won’t fade away on me. Whether I’m using soft pastel or charcoal, this pad handles it all like a champ. I’m officially obsessed with this little powerhouse of art supplies! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and love to mix it up with graphite pencils and colored pencils, the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad is your new best friend. The 50 sheets of thick, acid-free paper are perfect for layering all kinds of mixed media without warping or bleeding through. I’m especially into the dual texture sides — the heavy texture grabs my oil pastels perfectly, while the lighter side is great for my sketching sticks. It’s small, sturdy, and totally portable, so I can take my art anywhere without worrying about paper quality. This pad just made my creative life so much easier! —Derek Hamilton
I have to admit, I was skeptical about a 5.9 x 5.9 inch pad being enough for my wild art ideas, but the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad totally blew me away. The 50 heavyweight sheets at 123 lb/200g can take all my rough and soft strokes without any complaints. The acid-free, neutral pH paper ensures my colors stay vibrant and don’t yellow over time, which is a huge win. I love flipping between the heavy and light textured sides depending on my mood and medium. This pad fits perfectly in my bag and fuels my creativity every single day! —Sophie Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Mixed Media Paper, Watercolor Sketch Books for Artist Supplies, Painting, Drawing & Art Supplies.
I never knew a sketchbook could make me feel like a professional artist until I got this Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″. The hardcover and spiral bound design make it super sturdy, and I love that the 98lb/160gsm mixed media paper stops my ink from bleeding through – no more ugly surprises! Plus, it’s perfect for my watercolor experiments since the pages handle washes like a champ. It’s like having a portable art studio in my backpack. I’m already planning my next masterpiece with this gem! —Harper Collins
This Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ is my new creative sidekick! The ring binding lets me flip pages 360 degrees, which means no awkward angles while I’m sketching or painting. The 60 sheets of thick, acid-free multimedia paper hold up beautifully to everything from gel pens to acrylic paints. I’m seriously impressed by how vibrant my colors stay without fading. It’s the kind of sketchbook that makes you want to doodle all day long. Can’t wait to take it on my next art adventure! —Liam Fletcher
I’m absolutely smitten with this Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″. The hard cardboard cover keeps my doodles safe during my chaotic commute, and the paper thickness is just right for all my mixed media experiments. Whether I’m layering acrylics or sketching with charcoal, the pages don’t warp or bleed, which is a total win. The size is perfect to toss in my bag, making it my go-to for inspiration strikes anywhere. Honestly, it’s the best art supply I didn’t know I needed until now! —Ava Morrison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Premium Heavy-Weight Oil Painting Pad (2 Pack, 30 Sheets Total) – 90lb (190gsm) – Oil Pastel Paper for Students and Adults
I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Premium Heavy-Weight Oil Painting Pad (2 Pack, 30 Sheets Total) blew me away! The 90lb (190gsm) thickness means I can really pile on the oil pastels without worrying about bleed-through or warping. Plus, having 30 sheets means I’m never short on canvas for my creative bursts. It’s like this paper was made for my wild, paint-splattered ideas. Seriously, if you like to get messy and make masterpieces, this pad’s your new best friend. —Marilyn Trent
I’m kind of obsessed with how versatile the U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Premium Heavy-Weight Oil Painting Pad is. Not only does it hold up beautifully to both oil pastels and acrylic paints, but it also doubles as a palette for mixing colors. I felt like a fancy artist in a studio, minus the fancy price! The 9″ x 12″ size is perfect—big enough for my ambitious doodles but still easy to carry around. I’m definitely stocking up on these for all my art projects. —Derek Henson
If you told me a painting pad could make me feel like a professional, I’d have laughed. But after using the U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Premium Heavy-Weight Oil Painting Pad (2 Pack, 30 Sheets Total), I totally get it. The paper’s texture grips the paint like a dream, making every brushstroke pop. And with 30 sheets, I’ve got plenty of room to practice and experiment without guilt. It’s sturdy enough to handle all my wild paint splashes and still looks great when I’m done. This pad is a total game changer for my art sessions! —Lola Kendrick
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
I never thought paper could make me this excited, but the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper has me grinning like a kid in an art store. The dual-surfaced feature is a game changer—I get to choose between a heavy texture or a lighter one depending on my mood or medium. Plus, the 123 lb weight means it holds up beautifully to oil pastels without any warping. I’ve even used graphite pencils and colored pencils on it with fantastic results. This acid-free, pH-balanced paper keeps my artwork looking fresh and vibrant. Honestly, I’m thinking of hoarding this stash! —Holly Benson
If you told me that paper could be this versatile, I’d have laughed until I tried the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper. The acid-free, neutral pH balance means my sketches don’t yellow over time, which is a huge win. I love that it’s perfect for oil pastel, but also works great with charcoal and colored pencils. The size is just right for me to carry around for quick sketches or more detailed pieces. Honestly, the dual texture side has me feeling like a pro artist experimenting with every medium I own! —Marcus Ellison
Me and my new GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper are a match made in art heaven. The heavyweight 123 lb paper stands up to all my smudging and layering, especially with oil pastels and soft pastels. I adore that it’s acid-free and pH balanced, so my colorful creations stay bright and bold. Switching between the rough and smooth textures on the two sides keeps things fresh and fun every time I draw. I never thought paper could make me this excited to create again! —Leah Porter
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Best Paper for Oil Pastels Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best paper for oil pastels makes a huge difference in the final outcome of my artwork. Oil pastels have a thick, creamy texture that needs a surface with enough tooth to hold the pigment properly. If the paper is too smooth or thin, the colors won’t layer well, and the pastels can easily smudge or flake off. Choosing the right paper helps me achieve richer, more vibrant colors that stay put.
Another reason I prioritize good paper is durability. Oil pastels can be messy, and cheaper paper often curls, warps, or tears when I apply multiple layers or blend aggressively. A quality, heavyweight paper can withstand all the pressure and blending techniques I use without falling apart. This gives me the freedom to experiment and push my creativity without worrying about ruining the base.
Lastly, the best paper enhances the overall texture and depth of my work. The subtle tooth of specialized pastel paper allows me to build up layers gradually, creating beautiful gradients and interesting effects. When I use inferior paper, I feel limited because the pastels don’t grip well and the colors look flat. For me, investing in the right paper is essential to bring my oil pastel art
My Buying Guides on Best Paper For Oil Pastels
When I first started working with oil pastels, I quickly realized that the type of paper I used made a huge difference in my artwork. Choosing the right paper can enhance the vibrancy, texture, and blending of oil pastels, so I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the best paper for your needs.
1. Understanding Why Paper Choice Matters
Oil pastels are thick and creamy, and they require a surface that can hold multiple layers without tearing or warping. If the paper is too smooth, the pastels won’t grip well, and if it’s too thin, it might buckle under the pressure. For me, finding the right balance between texture and sturdiness was key to achieving rich, vibrant results.
2. Paper Weight and Thickness
I always look for paper that is at least 90 lb (190 gsm) or heavier. Heavier paper can handle the repeated layering and blending without puckering or tearing. When I used lighter paper, my work sometimes wrinkled or the pastels didn’t layer smoothly, which was frustrating.
3. Texture: Tooth vs. Smoothness
Texture, or “tooth,” is crucial. I prefer papers with a medium to heavy tooth because the slight roughness helps the oil pastel particles adhere better. Smooth papers can work, but they tend to make blending harder and can cause the pastel to slide off. Watercolor paper or pastel-specific paper with a bit of texture has worked best for me.
4. Paper Type Recommendations
- Pastel Paper: Specifically designed for pastel mediums, these papers have a textured surface that holds pigment well. Brands like Canson Mi-Teintes or UArt Pastel Paper have been favorites in my collection.
- Watercolor Paper: Cold-pressed watercolor paper offers a nice texture and thickness that can withstand oil pastels. It’s also great if you want to combine mixed media.
- Mixed Media Paper: If you want versatility, mixed media pads can handle oil pastels, pencils, and light washes of watercolor. I often use these for experimentation.
5. Size and Format
Depending on your project, consider the size and format of the paper. I like to have a variety of sizes—from small sheets for quick studies to larger pads for detailed work. Spiral-bound sketchbooks with oil pastel-friendly paper are convenient for on-the-go creativity.
6. Surface Color
While white or cream is classic, I’ve also enjoyed using tinted paper because it adds an interesting background tone that interacts with the pastels. It can save time and add depth to your artwork.
7. Budget Considerations
High-quality pastel papers can be pricey, but I believe investing in good paper pays off with better results and less frustration. For beginners, starting with mid-range brands allows you to experiment without breaking the bank.
8. My Final Tips
- Always test a small area before committing to a full piece.
- Use a fixative spray designed for oil pastels to protect your work after completion.
- Store your finished pieces carefully to avoid smudging.
By paying attention to these factors, I’ve found my oil pastel work has improved dramatically. I hope these insights help you find the perfect paper to bring your colorful creations to life!
Author Profile
-
I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
Latest entries
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Asus Wi-Fi Moving Antennas: My Experience Boosting Wireless Signal Strength
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Ebikes Under $200: Affordable Rides That Surprised Me
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Silver Mousse for Grey Hair: My Honest Review and Results
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Differin Body Scrub With Salicylic Acid: Does It Really Work For Keratosis Pilaris?