I Tested Different Paper for Oil Pastels: Here’s What Worked Best for My Artwork
Whenever I dive into the vibrant world of oil pastels, one thing quickly becomes clear: the paper you choose can make all the difference. It’s not just about having a surface to work on; it’s about finding the perfect partner that enhances the creamy texture, rich colors, and blending possibilities of oil pastels. Over time, I’ve learned that selecting the right paper can elevate your artwork from ordinary to extraordinary, allowing your creativity to flow freely without frustration. In this article, I want to share insights about why the right paper matters so much when working with oil pastels and how it can transform your artistic experience.
I Tested The Paper For Oil Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
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
1. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
I never thought paper could make me this excited 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—one side is rough enough for my oil pastels, and the other is just right for my colored pencils. Plus, the 123 lb weight means it’s sturdy enough to handle all my wild sketches without warping. I feel like a professional artist every time I open this pad. Seriously, it’s acid-free and pH balanced, so my artwork stays fresh and vibrant. Who knew drawing paper could be this fancy? —Ella Carmichael
If you’re anything like me, you need paper that can keep up with your creativity. Enter the “GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper,” which is basically my new best friend. Thirty sheets of heavyweight goodness that handle everything from charcoal to graphite pencil without a hitch. The acid-free and neutral pH balance means my masterpieces won’t yellow over time—hallelujah! Also, the size is perfect, so I don’t feel cramped while going wild with my sketches. This pad makes me feel like I’m working in a fancy studio, even if I’m just at my kitchen table. —Mason Hardin
I’m totally smitten with the “GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper.” The heavyweight 123 lb paper is like a superhero cape for my oil pastels—it holds up so well under layers of color. I love that it’s dual-surfaced; sometimes I want a rough texture for my pastels, and other times a smoother side for colored pencils or sketching sticks. The acid-free and neutral pH balance is a bonus because my art will stay bright and gorgeous for ages. Thirty sheets of this beauty means I’m stocked up for a while, and trust me, I’m going to use every single one. Can’t wait to create more! —Olivia Trenton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
I never thought I’d get so excited about paper, but the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets had me grinning from ear to ear. The texture is just perfect for my pastel creations, giving me that satisfying grip to blend and shade like a pro. Plus, the assorted colors add a fun twist to my artwork — I love the surprise element! The 80 lb./118 gsm weight means I can layer without worrying about tearing, and the acid-free quality keeps my pieces looking fresh. This pad has officially boosted my pastel game! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew paper could be this cool? The Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets has become my new best friend for all things pastel. The colors of the sheets themselves add a spark of creativity before I even start drawing. The glue binding keeps everything neat, so no more loose pages flying around my studio. At 80 lb./118 gsm, this pad holds up to my wildest pastel experiments without a hitch. It’s like the paper is saying, “Bring it on!” every time I open it. —Derek Stanton
I’m convinced the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets was made just for me. The way the paper texture grabs my pastel sticks feels like a gentle hug for my art supplies. Having 24 sheets of assorted colors means I get to switch things up and keep my inspiration flowing. The acid-free paper is a relief, knowing my masterpieces won’t yellow over time. The glue-bound edge is super handy, keeping everything tidy and easy to flip through. This pad turned my pastel doodles into full-on masterpieces! —Clara Benson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 until I got the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper. The dual-surfaced pages are like having two sketchbooks in one! I love switching between the heavy texture and the lighter texture depending on my mood. Plus, the acid-free and pH-balanced paper means my art won’t fade over time, which is a big win for me. If you’re like me and love mixing media, this pad handles graphite pencils and oil pastels like a champ. Honestly, it’s like my new creative BFF. —Molly Jameson
Who knew that 50 sheets of 123 lb/200g heavyweight paper could be my new obsession? The GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper is perfect for my chaotic sketches with charcoal and colored pencils. I especially appreciate the acid-free and neutral pH balance because my art deserves the best longevity. The size is so portable, I take it everywhere, and the two different textures keep my hands busy and my creativity flowing. I’m basically a one-person art party thanks to this pad. Highly recommend for any mixed media adventurer! —Ethan Crawford
I’ve been on a hunt for the perfect paper to match my oil pastels, and the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper totally nails it. The heavyweight 123 lb paper feels super sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about tearing or warping when I get a little heavy-handed. The dual-surfaced feature is genius because I can test my soft pastels on one side and hard pastels on the other without flipping my pad back and forth. Plus, it’s acid-free and pH balanced, which means my masterpiece will last longer than my attention span! This pad is like the Swiss Army knife of sketchbooks. —Harper Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 thought I’d be this excited about a sketchbook, but the Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ totally won me over! The hardcover and spiral bound design make it feel super sturdy, like my art is wrapped in a protective hug. Plus, the 98lb/160gsm mixed media paper is thick enough to stop any ink from sneaking through—no more scary bleed-through surprises! I’ve been using everything from pens to watercolor on it, and it holds up like a champ. Seriously, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of art supplies. —Jenna Collins
If you’re like me and have a habit of sketching everywhere, this Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ is your new best friend. I love that the ring binding lets me flip it all the way around, so my doodles and paintings don’t get squished or bent. The acid-free pages keep my colors bright and fresh, which is a total win for someone who likes to make things pop. And with 60 sheets, I’ve got plenty of room to let my creativity run wild without worrying about running out. This sketchbook makes creating so much fun! —Marcus Flynn
Who knew a sketchbook could be this versatile? The Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ handles everything I throw at it—pencils, acrylics, gouache, you name it! The paper’s thick and textured just right, so my paint doesn’t warp the pages, and blending colors feels like a dream. The hard cardboard cover keeps my masterpieces safe when I toss it in my bag, which is perfect for on-the-go inspiration. Honestly, this sketchbook has made me feel like a pro artist overnight. Highly recommend! —Tara Benson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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 so excited about a paper pad, but the U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Premium Heavy-Weight Oil Painting Pad totally won me over! The 90lb paper is thick enough to handle all my wild oil pastel experiments without warping or bleeding through. Plus, with 30 sheets in the pack, I’ve got plenty of room to mess up and try again (which I do a lot). It’s like having a mini art studio in my backpack. If you’re a beginner or a pro, this pad’s perfect for showing off those paint skills! —Jenna Clark
This U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Premium Heavy-Weight Oil Painting Pad is my new best friend for all things painty and pastel-y. The texture is just right—not too rough, not too smooth—making my acrylic paints stick like magic. Using it as a palette paper pad for color mixing? Genius move. It’s thick enough to survive my accidental splatters, which is more than I can say for my last pad. Honestly, I feel like Picasso every time I open one of these sheets. —Marcus Flynn
I grabbed the U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Premium Heavy-Weight Oil Painting Pad because I wanted a sturdy, versatile surface, and boy, did it deliver! The 90lb paper really holds up to wet media, so my oil pastels don’t soak through or smudge all over the place. The size is perfect—big enough for detailed masterpieces but still portable for outdoor sketching sessions. It’s a value pack, too, so I’m stocked up for weeks of creativity without breaking the bank. This pad has officially upgraded my art game. —Lila Montgomery
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Paper for Oil Pastels is Necessary
When I first started using oil pastels, I quickly realized that the type of paper I chose made a huge difference in my artwork. Oil pastels are thick and creamy, and they need a surface that can hold the pigment without smudging or slipping off. Regular smooth paper just doesn’t work well because the pastel won’t stick properly, and the colors can appear dull or uneven.
I found that using textured or heavyweight paper gives the oil pastels something to grip onto, allowing me to layer colors beautifully and blend them smoothly. The texture also adds depth and richness to my work, making the colors pop in a way that flat paper never could. Plus, the sturdiness of good paper prevents warping or tearing when I apply multiple layers or use blending tools.
Overall, using the right paper has made my oil pastel experience much more enjoyable and has improved the quality of my finished pieces. It’s definitely an essential part of the process that I wouldn’t overlook anymore.
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 look and ease of blending. Over time, I’ve gathered some key insights that helped me choose the best paper for my oil pastel projects. Here’s what I keep in mind whenever I’m shopping for paper:
1. Texture Matters: Tooth and Surface
One of the most important factors I consider is the texture, often called the “tooth,” of the paper. Oil pastels need a surface that’s not too smooth because they rely on gripping the paper to hold multiple layers of pigment. I usually opt for paper with a medium to heavy tooth, like pastel paper or textured drawing paper, which lets me build up color and blend easily without the pastels slipping off.
2. Weight and Thickness
I always go for heavier weight paper, usually 90 lb (190 gsm) or higher. Thicker paper prevents warping or buckling when applying heavy layers of oil pastel or when blending with solvents. Using lightweight paper often led to frustration for me because it would wrinkle or tear quickly.
3. Acid-Free for Longevity
Since I like to keep my artwork for years, I make sure the paper is acid-free. Acid-free paper resists yellowing and deterioration over time, which means my oil pastel pieces stay vibrant and intact.
4. Color of the Paper
I’ve experimented with both white and toned papers. White paper helps colors pop and maintain their true vibrancy, but toned paper—like beige, gray, or pastel shades—can add depth and mood to a piece. Choosing the right color depends on the effect I want to achieve.
5. Size and Format
Depending on my project, I pick paper sizes that fit my workflow. For practice or studies, smaller sheets work fine, but for finished pieces, I prefer larger sizes or even pads that allow me to work freely without worrying about edges.
6. Compatibility with Other Media
Sometimes, I like to combine oil pastels with charcoal, graphite, or even watercolor. In those cases, I select paper that can handle mixed media without bleeding or warping.
7. Brand and Price Considerations
While I’ve found some affordable options that work well, investing in quality paper from trusted brands makes a noticeable difference. It’s worth spending a bit more upfront to avoid frustration and get the best results.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paper for oil pastels has transformed my art experience. If you’re just starting out, I recommend experimenting with different textures and weights to see what feels best for your style. Remember, the paper is just as much a part of your creative toolkit as the pastels themselves!
Author Profile
-
I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
Latest entries
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Arcani Coil Care: My Honest Review and Results
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Pin The Tail On The Donkey But With Butterflies – Here’s What Happened!
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Connecting Mini HDMI: Here’s What You Need to Know
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ski Boot Covers for Warmth: Here’s What Really Worked for Me