Fine art paper for charcoal and dry media, designed to deliver a traditional laid finish that aids precise shading. The surface suits charcoal, oil pastels and crayons, giving more control when shading and layering. Is the Strathmore Charcoal Paper Pad the practical choice for daily sketching and finished studies?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Surface Texture: Traditional laid finish that grips dry media for controlled shading
- • Best for: Artists working with charcoal, oil pastels and crayons seeking tonal control
- • Not ideal for: Heavy wet media or painting techniques that require sizing
Natural white 64 lb (95 gsm) charcoal paper with a traditional laid finish suited to charcoal, oil pastels and crayons. Glue-bound 9x12 pad contains 32 acid-free sheets for reliable sketching and study work.
Precise shading control – With a traditional laid finish
Laid texture creates a subtle tooth that holds charcoal and pastel particles on the surface, allowing gradual tonal transitions. The tooth reduces unwanted smudging while permitting controlled blending with tools.
Greater control when building tones and gradients, ideal for detailed studies and finished sketches.
Consistent handling for layering – Thanks to 64 lb / 95 gsm weight
Paper weight of 64 lb (95 gsm) gives enough stiffness to stand up to repeated passes and erasing without excessive buckling. The weight balances flexibility with durability for everyday practice.
Sheets cope with multiple layers and erasures, making them suitable for practice sessions and progressive work.
Archival stability for lasting work – With acid-free composition
Acid-free paper resists yellowing and degradation over time by avoiding acidic residues that break down fibres. The formulation helps preserve tones and paper integrity for longer.
Drawings and studies retain their appearance over time, so sketches remain suitable for portfolios and reference.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Strathmore Charcoal Paper Pad
- 64 lb / 95 gsm weight – Provides a sturdy feel that handles multiple erasures
- Natural white tonality – Keeps mid-tones neutral for accurate charcoal contrast rendering
- Glue-bound pad format – Secures sheets flat, making display and storage straightforward
- 32 sheets per pad – Enough pages for regular practice without frequent replacements
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Charcoal and dry media paper
- Brand: Strathmore
- Series: 300 Series
- Paper weight: 64 lb / 95 gsm
- Finish: Traditional laid finish
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this paper suitable for oil pastels?
A: Yes. Product descriptions list oil pastels alongside charcoal and crayons as suitable media for the laid surface.
Q: How thick is the paper?
A: Paper weight is 64 lb, which is the same as 95 gsm, giving moderate stiffness for layering and erasing.
Q: How many sheets are included and what is the format?
A: The pad is glue bound and contains 32 sheets sized 9" x 12", presented as a natural white pad.
🏆 Our Verdict
Best suited to charcoal and pastel artists who want controlled shading and reliable sheets for practice and finished studies. The traditional laid finish, 64 lb (95 gsm) weight and acid-free construction make for consistent handling and archival stability. With a practical glue-bound 9x12 pad format and 32 sheets, the pad represents solid long-term value for regular sketching and study work.
