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Pastel card pad designed for artists who need a surface that accepts many pigment layers without saturation, Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card Pad. Soft, adherent Pastelmat surface and heavy 360gsm card give confidence when shading and blending. Is the anthracite tone and archival, acid-free construction right for studio and display work?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Surface Texture: Soft, adherent Pastelmat surface that grips pigment while remaining smooth
- • Best for: Pastel artists and illustrators who layer pigments and work with mixed media
- • Not ideal for: Uses that require very thin, translucent or tracing paper
Glued block contains twelve 24 x 30cm sheets of 360gsm anthracite card. Acid-free paper supports dry pastel, and maintains its grain even when used with wet techniques or alcohol.
Multiply Layers Without Saturation – Thanks to the soft, adherent Pastelmat surface
Surface chemistry balances grip and smoothness so pigments sit on the surface rather than sinking in, allowing repeated passes without clogging the tooth. The texture is neither abrasive like sandpaper nor plush like velvet paper, giving consistent handling for sticks and pencils.
Artists can build rich colour and subtle shading across many layers, reducing the need for fixatives while preserving tonal clarity.
Work Wet or Dry – With robust 360gsm card that retains its grain
High grammage board resists buckling when exposed to light wetting or gumming, and the Pastelmat surface keeps its gripping properties after contact with water or alcohol. The glued block format keeps sheets flat until detached.
Mixed-media approaches, including gentle wet techniques, remain possible without losing the surface quality required for further pastel work.
Preserve Art for the Long Term – Thanks to acid-free, neutral pH construction
Paper has a neutral pH and is manufactured to be acid-free, reducing the chemical degradation that causes yellowing and brittleness over time. A crystal paper spacer protects adjacent sheets from smudging during storage.
Artwork keeps colour fidelity and structural integrity, making the pad suitable for pieces intended for display or archiving.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card Pad
- 360gsm card – Accepts heavy layering without buckling or tearing
- Anthracite colour – Enhances pigment contrast for richer midtones and highlights
- Crystal paper spacer – Prevents smudging by separating finished sheets
- Glued pad finish – Allows neat removal of sheets for framing or scanning
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Pastel card pad
- Brand: Clairefontaine (Pastelmat line)
- Format: Pad No.6
- Size: 24 x 30 cm
- Sheets: 12 sheets
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the paper be used for wet techniques or mixed media?
A: Yes, the surface supports wet techniques and alcohol without affecting its grain or gripping surface.
Q: How many sheets are in the pad and how are they protected?
A: The glued block contains 12 sheets and includes a crystal paper spacer between each sheet to protect drawings.
Q: Is the paper suitable for long-term preservation of artwork?
A: Yes, the paper is acid-free with a neutral pH, which helps preserve drawings over time.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for pastel artists and mixed-media illustrators who need a heavy, reliable working surface. Soft, adherent Pastelmat texture combined with 360gsm card and acid-free construction allows extensive layering and wet technique use while protecting the work. The archival qualities and protective spacer make the pad a studio-grade choice for pieces intended to last.
