Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card Pad No.6 (12 Sheets) 360gsm Anthracite – 24 x 30cm

What it is

Clairefontaine Pastelmat is a glued pad featuring 360gsm pastel card in an anthracite finish. This block is specifically designed for dry pastel techniques and comes with 12 sheets that are separated by crystal paper spacers to protect each drawing. The glued binding allows easy tearing of sheets, making it convenient for ongoing projects.

Why it might be worth considering

On the surface, it looks like a straightforward pastel pad, but the surface of Pastelmat is described as soft and adherent, enabling multiple pigment layers without saturation effects or the need for fixative. It sits between abrasive sandpaper and velvet-like paper, offering a distinct feel that can amplify both energetic marks and soft blading. Importantly, the paper remains workable even when used with wet or gum methods and with alcohol, without altering its texture or grip.

Best uses and what to expect in practice

If your medium is dry pastel, this paper is intended to be forgiving for layering and layering again without muddying colours. The anthracite colour provides a neutral, mid-tone surface that can help with value contrast and bold strokes. In real-world use, you might notice that the surface grips pigment well enough for expressive lines while still allowing gentle shading. It is not just for dry media, the claim that it holds up under wet techniques expands its versatility for mixed-media approaches, though results will depend on technique and solvent used.

Pros and what makes it stand out

• 360gsm thickness provides a sturdy feel and helps avoid warping typical of lighter-weight papers.
• The surface is described as uniquely adhesive, supporting multiple pigment layers without saturation.
• Suitable for both dry pastel and select wet techniques, including alcohol-based media, without compromising the grain.
• Acid-free with a neutral pH helps preserve drawings over time.
• The pad format with spacers reduces rubbing between sheets and simplifies storage between sessions.

Cons or limitations to consider

• The unique surface is not a universal match for every pastel brand or technique, some artists may prefer a paper with a different tooth for particular brands. The advantage of strong layering might also feel different from textured or slightly grittier papers.
• While described as versatile for wet methods, it remains a pastel paper first, if your practice relies heavily on heavy wet washes, the suitability could vary depending on application and layering.
• The anthracite base is a tonal choice that influences value decisions, if you work primarily on white or high-contrast surfaces, you may want to experiment first.

Who it’s for

This pad is well-suited for pastel artists who want a mid-tone starting point, enjoy layering multiple pigment applications, and appreciate a surface that resists saturation without needing fixatives. It may appeal to those exploring mixed-media approaches where alcohol or light water is part of the process, provided you test compatibility with your chosen media.

When it makes sense to buy

If you’re seeking a durable, mid-weight pastel surface that supports thick layering and a variety of techniques, Pastelmat No.6 offers a practical balance between control and expressiveness. The neutral ash tone can help in achieving dynamic contrast, and the glue-bound format can be handy for ongoing projects.

Before you buy: what to check

• Confirm you’re comfortable with the anthracite surface and how it affects your tonal work.
• Consider whether you need a thicker, sturdier base for heavy-handed strokes or a more flexible surface for fine lines.
• If you use other brands, it’s worth noting how the surface feels and grips with your typical pastels.

Practical example of use

Imagine starting a still-life study with soft pastels: you sketch the basic shapes with a light hand on the mid-tone surface, then deepen shadows by layering darker pigments. The Pastelmat surface allows multiple passes without the paper becoming overly saturated, keeping colours clean as you build depth. A light wash or alcohol stroke can be attempted to refine shapes without destroying the grain.

FAQ

• Is Pastelmat suitable for all dry pastels? Yes, it’s designed for dry pastel and supports layering without saturating.
• Can I use wet techniques on this paper? The manufacturer states it supports wet techniques and alcohol without affecting the grain, though results can vary by medium and method.
• How accessible is the paper in the UK market? This pad is available through UK retailer channels, including amazon UK.

Decision time

Is it worth it?

Worth considering if you want a robust, mid-tone surface that supports multiple pastel layers and light wet techniques, with a practical block format for ongoing work. If your practice leans heavily on white or highly textured papers, this may sit differently in your kit.