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An art pad designed for pastel techniques, promising a surface that accepts energetic strokes and repeated pigment layers without saturation. Artists gain confidence knowing colours stay vibrant and delicate blends hold up through working and fixing. Does Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card Pad justify its specialist feel for regular studio practice?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Paper Texture: Soft, slightly toothy surface that grips pastel pigments firmly
- • Best for: Dry pastel artists who build multiple layers and blend heavily
- • Not ideal for: Fine ink or ultra-smooth marker techniques requiring a glassy surface
360gsm Pastelmat card supplied in a glued block of 12 sheets, with crystal spacers between each sheet. The surface grips pastels for many layers and remains stable when exposed to water or alcohol.
Rich layering without saturation - with a soft, adherent 360gsm Pastelmat surface
The specialised Pastelmat finish combines a fine tooth with an adherent coating that takes pigment on the surface rather than letting it sink in. High 360gsm weight prevents warping while allowing repeated applications of pastel without saturation.
Artists can build intense colour depth and subtle transitions without losing highlight detail. Less reliance on fixative makes progressive work and reworking easier.
Protected sheets for easy handling - thanks to glued block format with crystal spacers
Sheets are supplied in a glued block with a crystal paper spacer between each sheet to prevent abrasion and smudging. The glued edge allows neat tear-out when a finished piece needs removing.
Work on individual sheets with reduced risk of dusting or transfer to adjacent pages. Clean detachment makes framing or scanning straightforward.
Versatile wet-and-dry use - with a grain that endures moisture and alcohol
Surface formulation retains its gripping qualities even when exposed to water or alcohol-based media, so the grain and adhesion do not break down during mixed-technique work. The card keeps its texture after gumming or light wet washes.
Combine pastel with occasional wet techniques or alcohol-based blending without losing the paper's tooth. Results are consistent whether working purely dry or integrating small wet steps.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card Pad
- 360gsm Card - Supports heavy pastel layers without buckling or tearing
- Four Assorted Shades - Allows immediate contrast checks and quicker colour decisions
- Acid-Free, Neutral pH - Ensures long-term preservation of artwork and accurate pigments
- Crystal Spacers Between Sheets - Protects finished pieces and prevents smudging during storage
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Weight: 360gsm
- Format: 24 x 30 cm
- Sheets: 12 sheets per pad
- Colours: Corn, buttercup, dark grey, light grey (3 leaves of each)
- Surface: Soft, adherent Pastelmat finish
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Pastelmat be used with wet techniques?
A: Yes. The surface supports wet techniques and alcohol without affecting its grain or gripping surface, so light wet work and gummed mounting are possible.
Q: What sizes and colours are included in the pad?
A: The pad is 24 x 30 cm and contains 12 sheets in four shades: corn, buttercup, dark grey and light grey, with three leaves of each shade.
Q: Do I need to use a fixative while layering pastels?
A: No fixative is required to build multiple layers, as the paper allows repeated pigment application without saturation.
🏆 Our Verdict
Ideal for pastel artists who need a robust surface for repeated layering and mixed-technique work. The standout feature is the Pastelmat surface and 360gsm weight, which hold pigment firmly while remaining stable when wet. While cost may be above economy pads, the durability and archival properties deliver long-term value for serious studio use.
