The right paper is the key to getting the best results out of the pigments of oil pastels. This guide will help beginners understand the best surfaces for oil pastels, how to use oil pastels on paper, and what kind of paper to use for oil pastel art.

1. Textured Paper

Textured paper is often considered the best paper for oil pastels due to its ability to hold the pigment effectively. Paper texture, called a “tooth” in art language, is the reason the pastel sticks adhesive to it, so the artist can lay one color over another, blend different colors, apply chalks, etc.

Etchr’s Paper is fine-textured, a great choice for oil pastels.

2. Sandpaper

Painters used to apply a very thick siding layer on their polygonal substrates to make everything more solid. The paper layers needed to be sufficiently thick to absorb all the paint layers until the work was finished. The rough texture of this paper allows for very bright colors and blending capabilities.

UArt Sanded Paper is recommended for being a strong tooth.

3. Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper is the other paper that you can go for to be used for oil pastels. The heavyweight and textured surface is just perfect for oil pastels, and the paper can even bear the pressure that is put on in the course of application.

Hahnemuhle Watercolor Paper: Due to excellent quality and sustainability, this paper is a magnet to the oil pastels or color chalks that could be placed in many layers.

4. Canvas Paper

Paper that feels like a canvas with a golden texture, whereas it is not a rigid canvas is the case of a medium(down) suitable and flexible material. A highly wear-resistant surface will make oil pastel painting easy.

Mont Marte Canvas Paper is specifically designed for oil, pastel and acrylic painting.

5. Bristol Board

Bristol board is a smooth, heavyweight, excellent for detailed work paper with oil pastels. It’s not as textured as pastel paper, but it provides a good surface for blending and layering

Hahnemühle Bristol Board is best Known for its smooth surface and durability for beginners. 

6. Specialty Oil Pastel Paper

A few companies flog the rolls of paper to service the oil-use circular saws in their appliance industry. Their paper usually has a medium texture that works well with pastels, lacking modern particles that rub off easily.

Sennelier Oil Pastel Card is designed for use with oil pastels, this paper has a unique texture that enhances the application and blending of colors.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paper

• Consider the Texture: The paper with a relatively more textured surface has definite advantages like permeation of the pastels, allowing for the development of multiple layers, and blending.
• Thickness and Weight: Heavier paper is more durable and less likely to warp or tear under the pressure of applying oil pastels.
• Experiment: The right paper can be the one you never thought of before. Experimenting with the new one can help you to enhance your skills.
• Cost and Availability: High-quality papers can be expensive. However, as a beginner, starting with more affordable options can be a good way to practice.

Choosing the right paper for oil pastels is essential for creating easy oil pastel paintings and ensuring the best results in your artwork. Each paper has its unique benefits. Try out different papers until you find the one that perfectly fits your preferences and demands.