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Clairefontaine Paint'ON Black Paper Pad Review: Heavyweight black paper for mixed-media

Clairefontaine - Ref 975170C - Paint'ON Multi-Technique Black Paper Pad (20 Sheets) - A3 Size, 250gsm Heavyweight Paper, Slight Rough Grain, Acid Free, pH Neutral
Clairefontaine - Ref 975170C - Paint'ON Multi-Technique Black Paper Pad (20 Sheets) - A3 Size, 250gsm Heavyweight Paper, Slight Rough Grain, Acid Free, pH Neutral
4.8
[Versatile 100% Cellulose]  Heavyweight paper balances dry and wet techniques; resists scratching and supports multiple coats.
[Slightly Rough Grain]  Black-tinted textured surface enhances color intensity and highlights light and iridescent shades.
[Multi-Technical Paper]  Suitable for pencil, felt-tip, pen, gouache, ink, and acrylic for versatile mixed-media use.
[A3 Glued Pad]  30 sheets, glued pad lets you preserve artworks or detach them cleanly without tearing.
[Acid-Free & Certified]  PEFC-certified, pH-neutral acid-free paper ensures long-term preservation of drawings.
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A specialist pad for artists, Clairefontaine Paint'ON Black Paper Pad delivers heavyweight black paper that balances dry and wet techniques and resists scratching. Deep black surface makes colours and iridescent highlights stand out for dramatic sketches and mixed-media pieces. Will it suit a professional portfolio or classroom use?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Surface Texture: Slightly rough grain combined with a black-tinted surface enhances contrast and helps pigments adhere
  • Best for: Mixed-media artists using pencil, pens, gouache, ink or acrylic on dark backgrounds
  • Not ideal for: Artists who need a white or light-toned substrate for works

Heavyweight 250gsm, 100% cellulose black paper supplied in an A3 glued pad. Suited to both dry and wet techniques and able to take several coats while maintaining surface integrity.


Layering Without Damage - Thanks to 250gsm heavyweight paper

250gsm cellulose increases stiffness and surface strength so abrasive marks are less likely and multiple paint layers stay supported. Good absorption capacity helps wet media settle without immediately soaking through.

Allows several coats of gouache, ink or acrylic while resisting scratching and tearing.

Strong Colour Contrast on Black - With black-tinted, slightly rough grain surface

A black-tinted base lowers background reflectance while a slight grain provides micro-texture for pigment adhesion. Light, metallic and opaque pigments reflect more clearly against the dark ground.

Makes highlights, iridescent effects and opaque colours appear more vivid for dramatic results.

Long-Term Preservation - Thanks to acid-free, pH-neutral, PEFC-certified paper

Acid-free, pH-neutral cellulose limits chemical degradation that leads to yellowing and brittleness over time. PEFC certification indicates fibre sourcing meets recognised forest stewardship standards.

Keeps drawings and mixed-media pieces in better condition for portfolios and display over time.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Clairefontaine Paint'ON Black Paper Pad
  1. Multi-technical paper - Handles pencil, pens, gouache, ink and acrylic reliably for mixed-media applications.
  2. Good absorption capacity - Accepts several coats without surface breakdown or excessive bleeding.
  3. Glued A3 pad - Keeps sheets secure and detaches cleanly for display or framing.
  4. Archival, acid-free paper - Preserves work longer and resists yellowing over time.
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: Office Product
  • Brand: Clairefontaine
  • Product: Paint'ON Black Paper Pad
  • Size: A3
  • Sheets: 20 (product title) / 30 (product description)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this paper be used with acrylic paints?

A: Yes. Product descriptions list acrylic specifically and note the heavyweight paper supports several coats, making acrylics suitable for use.

Q: Is the paper archival and pH stable?

A: Yes. The paper is acid-free and pH-neutral, which is stated to preserve drawings over time, and it is PEFC-certified.

Q: Can I use pencils and pens on this paper?

A: Yes. The slightly rough grain is suitable for drawing with pencil, felt-tip pen or pen while still working well with wet media.

🏆 Our Verdict

Well suited to mixed-media artists, illustrators and students who want dramatic black backgrounds and reliable handling. The 250gsm, slightly rough black paper balances wet and dry techniques while enhancing colour contrast and preserving highlights. Archival, acid-free construction makes it a durable, long-term choice for portfolios and display.