When it comes to pastel work, the surface you choose can make all the difference. Clairefontaine, a brand renowned for its high-quality artist papers, offers two exceptional options for pastel artists: Pastelmat and Pastelgrain. While both are designed for pastel techniques, they have distinct qualities that cater to different artistic preferences and styles. In this guide, we’ll break down the key features of each and help you determine which is best suited for your creative needs.
Clairefontaine Pastelmat has gained a strong reputation among pastel artists for its unique ability to hold multiple layers of pastel without the need for fixative. Its surface is velvety yet grippy, thanks to a fine cellulose coating that provides excellent adhesion for pigment. Unlike traditional sanded papers, Pastelmat is soft to the touch and doesn’t wear down pastel sticks or brushes as quickly.
Pastelmat paper allows artists to master the application of pigment with fine or impasto lines. This unique paper is also resistant to wet techniques and can be used to apply a base with water-based paint or denatured alcohol. It resists erasing and remains soft for finger blending.
Pastelmat pad 360g
Assorted colours with glassine
paper dividers for protection
Velvety surface
with lower pigment consumption
(40%)
Layers of pastel without
saturation and without the need
for a fixative
Velvety Surface – Powerful pigment absorption for vibrant colours that
remains stable without fixatives.
Easy on Fingertips – Gentle finger blending.
Layering & Blending – Supports repeated layering to build up tonal
values. Blending colours is easy.
Control – Mastery of pigment application with thin or impasto lines.
Minimal Pastel Dust – Less abrasive velvety surface produces only
trace amounts of pastel dust.
Cost savings – Less pastel powder consumption than with traditional
sanded papers (between 30% and 40% less).
Wet Media – Supports washes of water or denatured alcohol for
creating initial layer underpaintings.
100% Natural – No abrasive chemicals.
Archival Quality – Neutral pH/Acid-free.
The ideal paper for artists working in hyperrealism, enabling them to
achieve impressive results!
Shop the Pastelmat range here.
The new PastelGrain paper keeps all the unique properties of Pastelmat but offers a creative surface with a more pronounced grain! It's ideal for artists with a more edgy style or looking for effects to intensify textures.
PastelGrain pad 360g
assorted colours with glassine paper dividers for protection
Intense surface
a more pronounced grain, opening the door to new experiences
Texture
a more intensely textured surface that preserves all its unique properties
Intense Surface – Powerful pigment absorption for vibrant colours that
remains stable without fixatives.
Easy on Fingertips – Gentle finger blending.
Layering & Blending – Supports repeated layering to build up tonal
values. Blending colours is easy.
Control – Mastery of pigment application with thin or impasto lines.
Minimal Pastel Dust – Less abrasive velvety surface produces only
trace amounts of pastel dust.
Cost savings – Less pastel powder consumption than with traditional
sanded papers (between 25% and 35% less).
Wet Media – Supports washes of water or denatured alcohol for
creating initial layer underpaintings.
100% Natural – No abrasive chemicals.
Archival Quality – Neutral pH/Acid-free.
The ideal paper for artists with a more nervous style, working more in
the abstract or wishing to accentuate textures!
While Pastelgrain doesn’t allow for as many layers as Pastelmat, it is perfect for artists who enjoy bold mark-making and textured effects. Its responsiveness to various pastel techniques makes it well-suited for lively, energetic compositions.
The choice between Pastelmat and Pastelgrain ultimately depends on your artistic style and working preferences:
- If you prefer smooth blending, rich layering, and minimal fixative use, Pastelmat is the way to go.
- If you enjoy expressive textures, bold strokes, and traditional pastel techniques, Pastelgrain may be your ideal surface.
Both options offer excellent quality and are available in a variety of colours, giving artists even more flexibility in their work.
• Soft and velvety surface
• Allows for very precise blending and lines
• Excellent for precision work and hyperrealism
• More intensely grained surface
• Allows you to highlight textures and create relief
• Ideally suited to abstract work and figurative models
Clairefontaine’s Pastelmat and Pastelgrain each bring unique qualities to the table, allowing for a range of creative possibilities. By experimenting with both, you’ll discover which surface best complements your artistic vision.
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