Fine art paper for pastel techniques, designed to accept heavy layering while keeping pigments vivid. Clairefontaine Pastelmat Paper Pack supplies a reassuring surface that helps artists blend confidently and build depth. Is the A3 dark-grey pack the right choice for studies and finished pieces?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Surface Texture: Soft, adherent Pastelmat surface grips pigment, allowing multiple layers without saturation
- • Best for: Dry pastel artists and coloured pencil users who want strong layering and smooth blending
- • Not ideal for: Those who prefer either highly abrasive or ultra-soft velvet textures for specialised effects
Five A3 sheets of 360g Pastelmat card in dark grey. Surface supports energetic strokes and soft shadings while accepting wet techniques without losing its grip.
Richer, deeper colour – thanks to soft, adherent surface
Surface tooth holds successive layers of pastel so pigments build rather than clog, preventing saturation and reducing the need for fixative. The paper accepts both energetic strokes and delicate shading without losing grip.
Stronger colour saturation and smoother blends result from continued layering, making finished pieces feel more resolved and vibrant.
Mix media confidently – with wet- and alcohol-resistant stock
Pastelmat retains its grain when wet or gummed and withstands alcohol-based media without collapse of the tooth. The board keeps its gripping surface after exposure to wet techniques.
Combine washes or solvent blending with dry pastels without destroying the surface, so experimentation with mixed media becomes practical.
Archive-ready work – thanks to acid-free, neutral pH board
Neutral pH, acid-free composition reduces the chemical causes of paper degradation, while 360g weight provides physical durability for handling and framing.
Final artworks resist yellowing and remain robust for display or sale, supporting long-term preservation.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Clairefontaine Pastelmat Paper Pack
- 360g card stock – prevents buckling during heavy layering and when using wet techniques
- Dark grey sheets – provides an instant mid-tone background to speed up composition work
- A3 format – suits studies and display pieces without trimming or resizing
- Pack of 5 – allows multiple practice pieces or a small exhibition series
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Office Product
- Product type: Pastelmat paper pack
- Size: A3, 29.7 x 42 cm
- Sheets: 5
- Weight: 360 g/m²
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this paper suitable for dry pastel work?
A: Yes. The surface is described as ideal for dry pastel, allowing energetic strokes and soft shadings while supporting multiple layers of pigment.
Q: Can the sheets handle wet techniques or solvents?
A: Yes. The paper retains its grain when wet or gummed and supports alcohol-based and wet techniques without affecting the gripping surface.
Q: Will artworks last over time on this paper?
A: Yes. The board is acid-free with a neutral pH, which helps preserve drawings and reduces the risk of chemical degradation over time.
🏆 Our Verdict
Ideal for pastel artists who want reliable layering, blending and mixed-media flexibility. The combination of a soft, adherent surface, 360g weight and acid-free composition makes it particularly suited to finished pieces and experimental work. While aimed at serious practice and display, the pack format and A3 size deliver practical value for ongoing studio use.
