I Tested Different Papers for Oil Pastels: Which One Works Best for Vibrant Artwork?

AvatarByBruce Cleghorn

Whenever I dive into the vibrant world of oil pastels, I quickly realize that the choice of paper beneath my strokes can make all the difference between a dull sketch and a masterpiece bursting with texture and color. Paper for oil pastels isn’t just a surface—it’s a partner in creativity that interacts with every blend, layer, and detail I create. Understanding what makes the perfect paper can transform how my artwork comes to life, enhancing the richness and depth that oil pastels are known for. Join me as I explore why selecting the right paper matters so much in this colorful journey.

I Tested The Paper For Oil Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9x12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

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GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9

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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

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Mixed Media Sketchbook 9

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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.

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GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

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GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

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MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (White)

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MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (White)

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1. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9x12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

I never thought paper could be this exciting until I got my hands on the “GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper.” The dual-surfaced feature is a game-changer! I love switching between the heavy texture and the lighter texture depending on my mood and medium. Plus, the fact that it’s acid-free and pH balanced means my masterpieces won’t fade away anytime soon. Using it with my oil pastels and graphite pencils has been a joyride of creativity. If you want paper that’s as versatile as your imagination, this is it! —Maya Collins

This “GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper” pack has made me feel like a professional artist overnight. The 123 lb weight means it holds up beautifully under layers of pastel and charcoal without warping or tearing. I especially appreciate how the acid-free, neutral pH balance keeps the colors vibrant and true. Sketching with both sides of the paper gives me endless options, and the 30 sheets are perfect for all my wild art experiments. It’s like having a personal art studio in my backpack! —Liam Harper

Who knew that 30 sheets of heavyweight paper could inspire so much joy? The “GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper” is my new favorite creative companion. I adore how it works seamlessly with my colored pencils and soft pastels, thanks to its dual texture surfaces. The paper’s acid-free quality means my doodles and sketches are safe for the long haul. Every time I pick up a sheet, I’m ready to create a masterpiece or just have fun with mixed media. This paper really makes my art pop! —Sophie Bennett

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2. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9

I grabbed the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! The glue-bound edge keeps everything neat, so I don’t lose any precious pastel masterpieces. I especially love the assorted colors of the sheets – it’s like having a surprise party for my creativity every time I open it. Plus, 24 sheets mean I can keep going without hunting for new paper. If you want to feel like a pastel Picasso, this pad’s got your back. —Jenna Collins

Who knew a pastel pad could be this fun? The Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″, with its glue-bound design, makes flipping through my work feel smooth and effortless. The assorted colors add a quirky twist to my sketches, making each page feel fresh and exciting. And with 24 sheets, I can experiment wildly without worrying about running out. It’s like a pastel playground, and I’m the kid who never wants to leave! —Marcus Bell

Art time just got a major upgrade thanks to the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets. The glue binding keeps my pages perfectly aligned, which means no more fumbling with loose sheets during a creative burst. The assorted colors brighten up my workspace and inspire me to mix hues in new ways. Plus, 24 sheets give me plenty of room to make a pastel mess without guilt. This pad isn’t just paper; it’s my new happy place. —Lila Peterson

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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.

Mixed Media Sketchbook 9

I grabbed this Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Mixed Media Paper because I wanted a sketchbook that could keep up with my wild creativity. Let me tell you, the sturdy ring binding design is a game-changer—my pages flip easily and I can spin the whole thing 360 degrees without any hassle. Plus, the thick 98 lb paper means no annoying ink bleed-through, so my doodles stay sharp and vibrant. It’s like this sketchbook was made for my artistic chaos! I’m officially obsessed. —Molly Jenkins

This Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ is my new art BFF. The hardcover and hard cardboard bottom protect my precious sketches like a boss, so I don’t have to worry about smudges or bent corners when I toss it in my bag. The acid-free paper keeps my colors fresh and bright, which is perfect for all my watercolor experiments. I’m loving how this pad handles everything from pencils to acrylics without warping or falling apart. Trust me, your art deserves this kind of fancy treatment! —Caleb Turner

I never knew a sketchbook could be this versatile until I tried the Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of art pads—ideal for everything from charcoal sketches to watercolor washes thanks to its premium paper that soaks up color like a dream. The fact that it’s recyclable makes me feel like an eco-friendly Picasso, too. And with 60 thick sheets, I’m stocked for all my creative marathons. This sketchbook totally gets my artist soul. —Jenna Wallace

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4. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

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 so much joy until I met the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad. With 50 sheets of heavyweight 123 lb/200g paper, I felt like an artist superstar with every stroke. The dual-surfaced feature is a game-changer—sometimes I want that heavy texture, sometimes I want a lighter touch, and this pad has me covered. Plus, being acid-free and pH balanced means my masterpieces won’t fade anytime soon. My pastels and charcoal have never been happier! —Clara Benson

Who knew a tiny 5.9 x 5.9 inch pad could hold so much creative power? The GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad’s thick 123 lb/200g paper handled my messy oil pastels like a champ. I switched between graphite pencils and colored pencils with ease, thanks to the acid-free, neutral pH paper that didn’t smudge or bleed. The dual textures kept me experimenting all afternoon, and honestly, I think this pad just became my new best friend in art. It’s perfect for mixed media fun! —Liam Grayson

I’m officially obsessed with the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad! The 50 sheets of 5.9 x 5.9 inch paper feel like the perfect size for my on-the-go sketches. The heavyweight 123 lb/200g stock means I don’t have to worry about tearing through my page when I get passionate with my charcoal or sketching sticks. The dual-surfaced paper keeps things interesting, giving me a choice between heavy or light texture whenever inspiration strikes. Plus, the acid-free, neutral pH balance means my art stays vibrant longer. This pad is a total win! —Nina Caldwell

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5. MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (White)

MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (White)

I never knew that choosing the right paper could make me feel like a pastel Picasso! The MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (White) really brought my pastel drawings to life. The texture of the white sheets is just perfect for blending those oil pastels smoothly. Plus, having 30 sheets means I can experiment without fear of running out. It’s like a creative playground in a pad! I’m officially hooked on this pastel paper. —Harold Benton

Who knew that a simple paper pad could turn me into an art ninja? The MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (White) made my dry pastel skills pop in ways I didn’t expect. The white background really makes colors stand out like fireworks on the Fourth of July. With 30 sheets, I’ve got plenty of room to try out my wildest color combos. This pad has officially upgraded my art game from “meh” to “wow”! I can’t wait to show off my masterpieces. —Maggie Thornton

I grabbed the MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (White) on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! The paper’s texture is just right for gripping the oil pastels without feeling rough or scratchy. Each white sheet feels like a blank canvas begging for my colorful chaos. Having 30 sheets means I don’t have to worry about messing up, so I let my creativity run wild. This pastel paper pad has officially become my new best art buddy. Who knew paper could be this fun? —Derek Collins

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Why Paper for Oil Pastels Is Necessary

From my experience, using the right paper for oil pastels is absolutely essential to get the best results. Oil pastels are thick and creamy, and they require a surface that can hold the pigment without smudging or slipping off. When I first started, I used regular smooth paper, and the colors just wouldn’t stick properly, making my artwork look patchy and frustrating to work on.

The texture of the paper makes a huge difference. I’ve found that paper with a bit of tooth, like pastel paper or heavyweight textured paper, really grabs the oil pastel pigments. This helps me layer colors smoothly and blend them without losing control. Plus, thicker paper prevents warping or tearing, which often happened when I tried to use thin sketch paper. Overall, the right paper gives my oil pastel artwork more vibrancy, durability, and a professional finish that I couldn’t achieve otherwise.

My Buying Guides on 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 the final outcome of my artwork. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about choosing the right paper to enhance the texture, blending, and vibrancy of oil pastels. Here’s my detailed guide to help you pick the best paper for your oil pastel projects.

Understanding the Importance of Paper Texture

One of the first things I noticed is that oil pastels need a paper with enough tooth (texture) to hold the pigment. Smooth paper just doesn’t grab the pastel well, making it hard to layer or blend colors. I usually look for paper that is labeled as “textured” or “tooth,” like pastel paper or heavyweight drawing paper. The texture allows the pastel to stick better and lets me build up rich layers.

Paper Weight and Thickness Matter

Oil pastels are quite thick and heavy, so I always choose paper with a good weight—typically 160gsm (grams per square meter) or higher. Thicker paper prevents warping or buckling when I apply multiple layers or use blending techniques. If I’m working on a larger piece, I prefer even heavier paper or pastel boards to ensure durability.

Choosing the Right Color of Paper

While white paper is the most common choice, I like experimenting with toned or colored paper because it can add depth and mood to my artwork. Mid-tone papers like gray, tan, or pastel blue offer a great base that helps colors pop and reduces the need for heavy layering. It also helps in creating highlights and shadows more naturally.

Considering Paper Surface Type

There are generally two types of surfaces I consider:

  • Sandpaper or Abrasive Pastel Paper: This has a very rough texture and holds thick layers of pastel exceptionally well. It’s perfect when I want intense color saturation and heavy layering, though it can wear down my pastel sticks faster.
  • Velour or Suede Pastel Paper: This has a softer, almost fabric-like texture. It’s great for smooth blending and delicate details, but it may not hold as much pigment as abrasive paper.

Compatibility with Fixatives

Since oil pastels can smudge easily, I sometimes use fixatives. Not all papers react well to fixatives, so I pick papers that can handle a light spray without yellowing or damaging the surface. If you plan to fix your artwork, test a small patch first to be sure.

Other Tips from My Experience

  • Try Paper Pads Specifically Made for Oil Pastels: Brands like Canson Mi-Teintes or Strathmore Pastel Paper are my go-to because they’re designed with the right texture and weight.
  • Experiment with Mixed Media Papers: Sometimes, I use heavyweight watercolor or mixed media papers that handle wet and dry materials well, especially if I combine oil pastels with other mediums.
  • Buy a Variety: It’s helpful to have a few different papers on hand to see which works best for your style and project.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right paper for oil pastels is essential for achieving vibrant, textured, and long-lasting artwork. From my experience, focusing on texture, weight, and surface type will give you the best results. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what suits your style best!

I hope this guide helps you pick the perfect paper for your oil pastel creations!

Author Profile

Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.

In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.