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Art pad for pastel techniques, designed to accept energetic strokes and multiple pigment layers without saturation. Artists seeking tactile control and archival results will appreciate the adherent surface and tonal variety. How well does the Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card Pad cope with mixed-media and long-term preservation?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Surface Texture: Soft, slightly adhesive tooth that holds multiple pastel layers without saturation
- • Best for: Dry pastel artists, mixed-media illustrators and art students who layer pigments
- • Not ideal for: Artists who need ultra-smooth paper for fine ink or detailed pen work
360gsm glued block contains 12 sheets in 18 x 24 cm format with four tonal shades. Paper is acid-free, includes crystal interleaves for protection and supports both dry and wet pastel techniques.
Rich, buildable colour - with 360gsm Pastelmat card
360gsm weight combined with the Pastelmat surface allows pigments to sit on and within the paper without quickly saturating the tooth. The adherent surface accepts successive layers, letting colours deepen without losing grip.
Artists can layer confidently to achieve saturated tones and subtle transitions while maintaining surface texture.
Versatile mixed-media use - with a surface that retains properties when wet or gummed
Pastelmat's formulation keeps the grain stable when exposed to water, gumming or alcohol-based media, so the paper does not break down or lose grip. The surface is neither abrasive nor velvet-like, striking a balance for varied techniques.
Experimentation with washes or alcohol markers is possible without compromising the pastel tooth, expanding creative options.
Long-term preservation - with acid-free, neutral pH construction and protective interleaves
Acid-free composition and neutral pH reduce yellowing and degradation over time, while crystal paper inserts between sheets shield artwork during storage. The glued block finish allows neat removal of single sheets.
Finished pieces remain stable and are simple to store or present, giving confidence for commissioned work or study pieces.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card Pad
- 360gsm card, Allows heavy layering without warping or early saturation
- Four tonal shades, Provide immediate midtone and shadow options for faster studies
- Glued block with interleaves, Keeps sheets flat and protects surfaces during storage
- Wet and alcohol tolerant surface, Enables mixed-media experiments without losing grain or adhesion
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Material/Weight: 360gsm card
- Format/Size: 18 x 24 cm
- Sheets per pad: 12 sheets
- Shades included: Four shades (corn, buttercup, dark gray, light gray), three leaves each
- Surface/Finish: Soft, adherent Pastelmat surface
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use wet techniques on this paper?
A: Yes. The surface retains its grain when wet or gummed and tolerates alcohol without affecting its gripping properties.
Q: How many sheets and what size are included?
A: The glued block contains 12 sheets in an 18 x 24 cm format, with crystal paper inserts between sheets for protection.
Q: Is the paper suitable for long-term preservation?
A: Yes. The card is acid-free with a neutral pH, which helps preserve drawings over time.
🏆 Our Verdict
Ideal for pastel artists, mixed-media illustrators and students who need a robust surface for layering. The combination of a soft, adherent Pastelmat surface, 360gsm weight and protective interleaves makes it especially suited to deep layering and mixed techniques. While cost may be a consideration for some, archival quality and versatility deliver strong long-term value.
