Best Pastel Papers: Expert Picks for Creative Projects

Are you looking for the best pastel papers to bring your creative ideas to life? This guide offers expert tips and top picks to help you choose the perfect pastel paper for any project.

Pastel papers add a soft, vibrant touch to any project. Whether for school, crafts, or art, they bring ideas to life. This guide helps you find the best pastel papers for your needs.

Discover the perfect pastel paper for your creativity. From eco-friendly options to heavyweight sheets, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore the top choices together.

Feel confident in your selection with our expert advice. Dive into this guide and find the pastel paper that makes your projects shine. Let’s get started!

List of Top 10 Pastel Papers

Image Title Best For Price
PrintWorks Pastel Paper 8.5 PrintWorks Pastel Paper 8.5″ x 11″ – 100 Sheets – 5 Assorted Pastel Colors – 30% Recycled Colored Paper – Ideal for School & Craft Projects – Made in the USA – SFI® Certified – 20 lb/75 gsm (00577)

Crafters, teachers, and eco-conscious creators will love PrintWorks Pastel Paper. Its vibrant colors boost creativity for school projects and DIY crafts, while inkjet and laser printer compatibility ensures smooth printing. This SFI Certified, 30% recycled, and acid-free paper supports sustainability without sacrificing quality.

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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9 Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

This Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad is perfect for artists who love working with pastels. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, its textured paper and acid-free sheets make it ideal for creating beautiful artwork.

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Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5 Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732)

This Astrobrights Mega Collection is perfect for anyone who loves to add a pop of color to their projects, from school assignments to DIY crafts. With more sheets and vibrant pastel shades, you’ll have plenty of paper for all your creative needs!

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BAZIC Products Blank Paper Copy & Multipurpose Paper - 8.5 BAZIC Products Blank Paper Copy & Multipurpose Paper – 8.5″ x 11″ Pastel Color Printer Paper for Inkjet, Laser, and Fax Machines, Ideal for Office, School, and Crafts, 100 Sheets/Pack, 1-Pack

This paper pack is perfect for students, teachers, and office workers who want to add a touch of color to their projects and reports. It is great for anyone who needs smooth, jam-free printing with bright pastel colors for everyday use. Whether for school, work, or crafts, it helps make every page look clean and professional.

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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 11 Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 11″x14″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

This Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad is perfect for artists who love working with pastels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this pad offers great texture and suitable colors for your artwork.

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Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 - Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets)

This Hammermill Colored Paper is perfect for anyone who wants to make their work stand out. It’s great for newsletters, flyers, school projects, and color coding.

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Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Paper Assortment, 8.5 Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Paper Assortment, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb., 5-Color Assortment, 200 Sheets (91741)

This paper is perfect for students, teachers, and crafters who want to make their projects stand out. It is easy to use at home, school, or work, helping you create bright and colorful invitations, cards, and crafts without extra ink costs.

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Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Green Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103366R Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Green Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103366R

This paper is perfect for students, teachers, and office workers who want to add a splash of color to their work. It is great for printing flyers, reports, and school projects that need to look sharp and stand out.

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GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9x12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

Artists who love using oil pastels, colored pencils, or charcoal will find this paper ideal. Its heavyweight 123 lb/200g surface resists bending and holds pigment layers well. The acid-free, pH-balanced sheets keep colors vibrant over time. Dual textures let you switch between bold strokes and fine details effortlessly.

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BAZIC Products Blank Paper Copy & Multipurpose Paper 8.5 BAZIC Products Blank Paper Copy & Multipurpose Paper 8.5″ x 11″ – 25 Sheets Pastel Color Printer Paper for Inkjet, Laser, and Fax Machines – Printing Paper for Office, School, and Crafts, 1-Pack

This paper pack is perfect for students, teachers, and office workers who want to add a soft touch of color to their documents. It works great for printing reports, crafts, and everyday projects with clear, vibrant results.

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Detailed Reviews

Discover the top 10 pastel papers that blend expert insights with real user experiences. We’ve carefully selected options for comfort, affordability, and outstanding performance. Prepare to find your perfect paper and elevate your next project.

1. PrintWorks Pastel Paper 8.5″ x 11″ – 100 Sheets – 5 Assorted Pastel Colors – 30% Recycled Colored Paper – Ideal for School & Craft Projects – Made in the USA – SFI® Certified – 20 lb/75 gsm (00577)

PrintWorks Pastel Paper 8.5

Add a splash of color to your projects with PrintWorks Pastel Paper. Each sheet is 8.5″ x 11″ and comes in five soft pastel shades. Perfect for school and crafting.

This pack has 100 sheets with 20 of each color: blue, pink, buttercream, lilac, and mint. The paper works well with printers, copiers, and die cut machines.

Made in the USA with environmentally friendly materials. The paper is acid-free and SFI certified for lasting quality. Use it to create vibrant, eco-conscious projects.

Pros Cons
  • Vibrant pastel colors for creative school and craft projects.
  • Eco-friendly with 30% recycled and SFI-certified paper.
  • Versatile for printers, copiers, and die-cut machines.
  • Made in the USA with reliable quality since 1964.
  • Limited color range, only five pastel shades available.
  • Thin paper (20 lb/75 gsm) may not suit all projects.
  • No bright or bold colors, just soft pastels.

Perfect For:

Crafters, teachers, and eco-conscious creators will love PrintWorks Pastel Paper. Its vibrant colors boost creativity for school projects and DIY crafts, while inkjet and laser printer compatibility ensures smooth printing. This SFI Certified, 30% recycled, and acid-free paper supports sustainability without sacrificing quality.

Ready to Purchase?

2. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9

Unleash your creativity with the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad. It features 24 sheets in assorted colors that bring your pastel art to life. The 9″x12″ size is perfect for both beginners and pros.

Each page is 80 lb./118 gsm acid-free paper that holds pastel beautifully. The pad is glue bound for easy use and durability. This pad is ready to help you make amazing art.

Pros Cons
  • Perfect texture for smooth pastel application every time.
  • Assorted colors inspire creativity and vibrant artwork.
  • Acid-free paper keeps your art fresh and lasting.
  • Ideal 9″x12″ size fits easily in your art space.
  • Glue bound for neat, easy sheet removal.
  • Glue binding can be tricky to lay flat.
  • Assorted colors might not suit all projects.
  • 9″x12″ size is not ideal for large art.

Perfect For:

This Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad is perfect for artists who love working with pastels. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, its textured paper and acid-free sheets make it ideal for creating beautiful artwork.

Ready to Purchase?

3. Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732)

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5

The Astrobrights Mega Collection has 625 sheets in five bold pastel colors. Each color—Mint Twist, Blue Bliss, Lemon Twirl, Peach Pop, and Rose Rush—has 125 sheets. The paper is 20% thicker than regular paper, perfect for strong, vivid projects.

This colored paper is fully dyed, so cuts and folds look smooth and bright. It’s acid-free and lignin-free, so it stays fresh and strong for years. Print, craft, or color-code with ease—it’s ideal for work, school, or home.

Astrobrights cares about the planet. The paper is FSC certified for responsible forestry. Every sheet supports eco-friendly practices you can feel good about.

Pros Cons
  • More sheets for all your projects and needs.
  • Thicker paper—20% stronger than standard sheets.
  • Vivid colors with no white core, cut and fold easily.
  • Print-friendly: just add black ink, save time and cost.
  • Long-lasting acid-free and lignin-free for durability.
  • Limited color variety with only 5 pastel shades included.
  • Thicker paper may not suit all printers.
  • Bulk pack size might be too large for casual users.

Perfect For:

This Astrobrights Mega Collection is perfect for anyone who loves to add a pop of color to their projects, from school assignments to DIY crafts. With more sheets and vibrant pastel shades, you’ll have plenty of paper for all your creative needs!

Ready to Purchase?

4. BAZIC Products Blank Paper Copy & Multipurpose Paper – 8.5″ x 11″ Pastel Color Printer Paper for Inkjet, Laser, and Fax Machines, Ideal for Office, School, and Crafts, 100 Sheets/Pack, 1-Pack

BAZIC Products Blank Paper Copy & Multipurpose Paper - 8.5

BAZIC Products Blank Paper adds a soft touch of color to your prints. It’s perfect for creative and professional projects. Each sheet is smooth and durable, ensuring jam-free printing.

This 8.5″ x 11″ pastel paper works with inkjet, laser, and fax machines. It’s ideal for offices, schools, and crafts.

Trusted by BAZIC, this paper is recyclable and reliable. It delivers consistent results for all your needs. Stock up for efficient, everyday use.

Pros Cons
  • Bright pastel colors make every project stand out.
  • Smooth paper surface prevents printer jams and smudges.
  • Works great with inkjet, laser, and fax machines.
  • Perfect for office, school, and craft use.
  • Made from recyclable, durable material for trusted quality.
  • Pastel colors may be too light for some formal documents
  • Pack contains only 100 sheets, might run out quickly
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty printing or photo-quality needs

Perfect For:

This paper pack is perfect for students, teachers, and office workers who want to add a touch of color to their projects and reports. It is great for anyone who needs smooth, jam-free printing with bright pastel colors for everyday use. Whether for school, work, or crafts, it helps make every page look clean and professional.

Ready to Purchase?

5. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 11″x14″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 11

Unleash your creativity with the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad. This pad features assorted colors perfectly suited for pastel artwork. Its 11″x14″ size and glue-bound design keep your sheets secure and ready to use.

The paper is 80 lb. / 118 gsm and acid free. It has an ideal texture for pastels. You get 24 sheets in each pad.

Bring your pastel art to life with this pad. The colors and texture make every stroke stand out. It’s a must-have for artists who want quality and ease.

Pros Cons
  • Ideal for various pastel artwork types
  • Perfect texture and assorted colors included
  • Thick, high-quality sheets (80 lb. / 118 gsm)
  • Convenient 11″x14″ size for creative projects
  • 24 sheets per pad ensures long-lasting use
  • Limited 24 sheets may run out quickly
  • Size 11″x14″ may not suit all projects
  • Color variety lacks depth for experts

Perfect For:

This Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad is perfect for artists who love working with pastels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this pad offers great texture and suitable colors for your artwork.

Ready to Purchase?

6. Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets)

Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 - Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R - 1 Ream (500 Sheets)

Make your documents pop with Hammermill Colored Paper in a vibrant blue shade. This 20 lb paper is perfect for all your printing needs.

It works great in all printers and copiers. You get smooth, clear prints every time. Plus, it’s made with 30% recycled material for eco-friendly use.

This paper is made in the USA and is FSC certified. It runs with almost no jams — guaranteed. Use it for flyers, forms, school projects, and more.

Pros Cons
  • Runs smoothly in all office printers and copiers.
  • Almost no jams with a 99.99% jam-free guarantee.
  • Bright blue color makes your work stand out.
  • Made with 30% recycled fiber for eco-friendly use.
  • Proudly made in the USA with sustainable materials.
  • Limited color choice with only blue option in this pack.
  • May not be ideal for photo printing or heavy graphics.
  • Slightly higher price compared to standard white paper.

Perfect For:

This Hammermill Colored Paper is perfect for anyone who wants to make their work stand out. It’s great for newsletters, flyers, school projects, and color coding.

Ready to Purchase?

7. Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Paper Assortment, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb., 5-Color Assortment, 200 Sheets (91741)

Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Paper Assortment, 8.5

Add a splash of color and creativity with the Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Paper Assortment. This collection offers vibrant colors that make every project pop.

You get five pastel colors. Each color has 40 sheets. The pack includes 200 sheets total.

This paper saves you money on ink. It works with inkjet and laser printers. Plus, it stays bright and lasts long.

Pros Cons
  • Brighten projects with vivid, punchy pastel colors.
  • Save money by printing with black ink only.
  • Smooth printing on inkjet and laser printers.
  • Versatile use for school, office, and crafts.
  • Long-lasting acid-free, lignin-free quality paper.
  • Limited color variety with only five pastel shades.
  • May not suit bold or dark designs needing strong contrast.
  • 200 sheets might run out quickly for heavy projects.

Perfect For:

This paper is perfect for students, teachers, and crafters who want to make their projects stand out. It is easy to use at home, school, or work, helping you create bright and colorful invitations, cards, and crafts without extra ink costs.

Ready to Purchase?

8. Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Green Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103366R

Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Green Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103366R

Hammermill Green Printer Paper is 20 lb colored paper for offices. It’s 8.5 x 11 inches, 500 sheets per ream, made in the USA.

It has a 99.99% jam-free guarantee for smooth use. The smooth, even surface cuts show-through for clear prints. Great for reports, flyers, school projects, or color coding.

This green paper uses 30% recycled fibers and is FSC certified. It’s made in the USA with renewable resources from sustainable forests. Works in home printers, office machines, and digital devices.

Pros Cons
  • Runs smoothly in all office printers and copiers
  • 99.99% jam-free for worry-free printing
  • Bright green color that makes your work pop
  • Made with 30% recycled fiber for eco-friendly use
  • Sustainably made in the USA with care
  • Limited color options beyond green for diverse projects
  • Not ideal for heavy ink coverage or double-sided printing
  • Slightly higher price than standard white printer paper

Perfect For:

This paper is perfect for students, teachers, and office workers who want to add a splash of color to their work. It is great for printing flyers, reports, and school projects that need to look sharp and stand out.

Ready to Purchase?

9. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9x12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel paper is perfect for artists. It comes with 30 sheets of heavyweight paper. Each sheet is 9 x 12 inches and 123 lb/200g.

This paper is acid-free and pH-balanced. It works well with pastels, pencils, charcoal, and more. One side has a heavy texture, and the other has a lighter texture.

Pros Cons
  • 30 large sheets give you plenty of space to create.
  • Thick 123 lb/200g paper holds color without bleed.
  • Acid-free, pH balanced for long-lasting artwork.
  • Works great with oil pastel, charcoal, and pencils.
  • Dual textures offer heavy or light surface options.
  • Limited sheet count for heavy use.
  • No storage case included for protection.
  • Price may be high for casual artists.

Perfect For:

Artists who love using oil pastels, colored pencils, or charcoal will find this paper ideal. Its heavyweight 123 lb/200g surface resists bending and holds pigment layers well. The acid-free, pH-balanced sheets keep colors vibrant over time. Dual textures let you switch between bold strokes and fine details effortlessly.

Ready to Purchase?

10. BAZIC Products Blank Paper Copy & Multipurpose Paper 8.5″ x 11″ – 25 Sheets Pastel Color Printer Paper for Inkjet, Laser, and Fax Machines – Printing Paper for Office, School, and Crafts, 1-Pack

BAZIC Products Blank Paper Copy & Multipurpose Paper 8.5

Add a touch of color to your printing with BAZIC Products Blank Paper. The vibrant pastel colors make every project stand out. It’s perfect for school, office, or craft use.

This paper works with inkjet, laser, and fax machines. It has a smooth surface for jam-free printing. You get crisp lines and clean edges every time.

BAZIC offers trusted quality and durability. Each sheet is recyclable and made to last. Get professional results with this multipurpose printer paper.

Pros Cons
  • Vibrant Pastel Colors for creative projects
  • Smooth Surface prevents printer jams
  • Works with All Printer Types (inkjet, laser, fax)
  • Perfect for School, Office Use
  • Made with Durable, Recyclable Material
  • Limited pack size with only 25 sheets per pack.
  • Pastel colors may not suit all professional documents.
  • Not ideal for high-volume printing needs.

Perfect For:

This paper pack is perfect for students, teachers, and office workers who want to add a soft touch of color to their documents. It works great for printing reports, crafts, and everyday projects with clear, vibrant results.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

Pastel papers spark creativity. Find the right one for your project with ease.

  • Weight: Thicker paper (like 123 lb) holds heavy pastels. Lighter weights (20 lb) work for printers or school use.
  • Size: 8.5″ x 11″ fits standard printers. Larger 11″ x 14″ sheets suit art projects or framing.
  • Eco-Friendly: Look for recycled or FSC-certified options. PrintWorks uses 30% recycled materials.
  • Color Range: Five-color packs offer versatility. Bold shades like Blue Bliss or Peach Pop add flair.
  • Texture: Smooth surfaces suit printers. Textured paper (like GR DZPLUS) grips pastels for rich blends.
  • Durability: Glue-bound pads (Strathmore) keep sheets secure. Acid-free paper resists fading over time.
  • Compatibility: Test paper with your tools. BAZIC and Hammermill work in inkjet, laser, and copiers.
  • Certifications: SFI or FSC labels ensure responsible sourcing. Lignin-free paper stays bright longer.

Choose based on your project’s needs. Heavyweight paper for art, bright colors for crafts, or eco-certified for sustainability.