Best Paper for Oil Pastels in 2026 [Top Expert Picks for Vibrant Art]

The Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper is a classic that many artists swear by, especially for oil pastels. It features a dual surface: one side is heavily textured while the other is lighter, giving you flexibility depending on your technique and desired effect.

I found that the slightly rough texture really grabs the pastel pigment beautifully, allowing vibrant layers without the colors turning muddy. Plus, being 50 percent cotton and gelatin-sized, it has a certain durability and archival quality that’s reassuring for serious artwork.

Compared to some other papers, the Mi-Teintes feels more premium and versatile. It’s great if you like switching between soft and hard pastels or mixing media since the paper holds up well to various tools.

If you want a really textured surface that takes oil pastels to another level, the Somime sanded pastel paper is a fantastic choice. With a whopping 600gsm weight, it’s thick and durable—perfect for building multiple layers of pastel.

I was impressed by the abrasive surface which holds color well and lets you blend without losing vibrancy. The assortment of six light, neutral colors also adds a creative edge, letting you pick a background tone that complements your artwork.

Compared to the softer textures of Canson or U.S. Art Supply, this sanded pad gave me more control over layering and blending, especially with oil pastels and charcoal. It’s a bit of a specialty paper but totally worth it if you want those luminous effects.

For artists who want a reliable, affordable pastel paper with decent texture, the U.S. Art Supply 2-pack is a solid pick. Each pad offers 16 sheets in four natural tones, which is great for adding subtle depth to your work.

The 80lb weight strikes a nice balance—not too thin but not overly heavy either—making it versatile for both soft and oil pastels. I found it worked well for sketching and layering, though it’s not as textured as sanded papers.

Compared to the more premium Canson or sanded Somime papers, this one is a budget-friendly option that still delivers good results, especially if you’re experimenting or working on studies.

The GR DZPLUS paper pad is a compact option that packs a punch with its heavyweight 123lb (200gsm) paper and dual-textured surfaces. It’s perfect for small to medium projects and travel, given its 5.9 x 5.9 inch size.

I appreciated how the paper balanced texture and smoothness, letting me work on both fine details and bold strokes with oil pastels. Its acid-free, pH-neutral quality also means your work will stand the test of time.

While smaller than most pads here, it’s a great choice if you want portability without sacrificing paper quality.

This U.S. Art Supply pad is designed not just for oil pastels but also for oil and acrylic painting, making it a versatile choice if you juggle mediums. The 90lb (190gsm) paper is thick enough to hold wet media without warping.

I found it especially useful as a palette paper for mixing colors and as a surface for oil pastels that require a bit more tooth. Having two pads with 30 sheets total means you’re set for multiple projects or practice sessions.

Compared to pure pastel papers, this one leans more toward painting but still performs well for oil pastel work, especially if you like to experiment.

The Paul Rubens pastel paper stands out for its smooth surface and high weight of 240gsm, which is excellent for clean application and correction with oil pastels. Its acid-free quality ensures your colors stay bright over time.

I liked how the fine texture made layering easy without losing vibrancy, and the smaller A5 size is great for on-the-go sketching or quick studies. The smoothness is a nice contrast to rougher papers, especially if you prefer more controlled strokes.

While it’s smaller and less textured than others, it’s ideal for artists who want precision and brightness in their pastel work.

MUNGYO’s pastel paper is a straightforward, no-frills option that gets the job done. Though the listing doesn’t have much detail, MUNGYO is known for quality art supplies, and this A4-sized pad with 30 sheets comes in a clean white shade ideal for oil pastels.

I found it to be a reliable choice for everyday use, especially if you want consistent results without the fuss of specialty textures. It’s a solid pick for beginners or anyone who needs standard pastel paper without extra features.

Compared to the more textured or heavyweight options, it’s lighter but still functional for basic oil pastel techniques.