Poor Quality Pastelmat Issues - How to Spot It

Pastelmat is one of the most popular surfaces for realism pastel pencil work. However, it's not always without issue and if you're a beginner, you might not know what to be looking out for! I'm going to explain what Pastelmat should feel like and what it looks and feels like when the surface isn't properly formed.

What is Pastelmat?

Pastelmat has a flocked surface, which means it feels slightly soft to the touch, a bit like short velvet. There are other flocked papers out there, like Velour which has a thicker 'pile' or tooth and is even softer, as well as, Cason Mi-Tientes Velvet paper which isn't as soft as Velour but slightly more fabric-like than Pastelmat.

This flocked surface allows tiny pieces of pastel to get caught in the hair-like fibers and stay there. This paper can take multiple layers of pastel and you're able to build depth and texture into your work in a way you can't with traditional pastel papers that only have a textured or ribbed surface.

However, as with anything, Pastelmat sometimes isn't quite right. Very occasionally, a manufacturing error means that this flocked surface isn't as open as it ought to be and your pastel won't take properly to it. When this has happened to me in the past, I find these irregularities like patchwork, it isn't usually all over the whole page. 

 

Issues with Pastelmat

In the photo, which was posted by a member of the community, you can see that the texture of the page looks lumpy and hard. The pastel isn't taking to the paper and the drawing suffers as a consequence. This is unpleasant to draw on and also very frustrating as you won't be able to get a good finish on this surface.

 

You can also find that the surface is slightly off without being like the above image. I have had Pastelmat paper (not the board) come with a slightly harder surface than I'm used to. You can draw on this, but it is a little more grainy than usual and not quite as pleasant. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's damaged and send it back, but it is frustrating all the same.

 

Alternatives to Pastelmat Paper

Alternatives to Pastelmat paper start with Pastelmat board. I have to say, beyond me accidentally denting the board in storage (which, of course, if my fault), I haven't had an issue with Pastelmat board. The board is more expensive than the paper but I would say the surface is better, too. It's a bit softer and more forgiving to draw on. 

 

Canson Mi-tientes Vs Pastelmat

Outside of Clairefontaine Pastelmat, we have Canson Mi-Tientes Velvet paper. This came out in 2024 and made a bit of a splash on the pastel pencil scene. I'd say it's the closest alternative to Pastelmat...and probably better. The velvet paper is about as good as Pastelmat board, but, it is on a paper, and a similar price to Pastelmat paper.

The main issue I have with Canson Mi-Tientes Velvet paper, is that it isn't currently available in multiple different packs, like Pastelmat. I reckon this is just because it's the new boy on the block, but for now it's mostly available in variety packs of different colours, which I don't personally like. That is of 2025, so Google to see what your options are.

You can see me draw on Canson Mi-Tientes Velvet paper here: drawing on Canson Velvet paper

 

Hahnemuhle Velour vs Pastelmat

Another option is the Hahnemuhle Velour paper. This is cheaper than both of the other pastel papers, but it is also the most different. This has a thicker tooth to it, so it's softer and even more like velvet. Because of this, the drawing experience is a bit different and the techniques change a little.

I actually really like drawing on this pastel paper, but you do need to have softer brands of pastel pencils, Faber Castell is not a good match. You want Stabilo Carbothello, Caran d'Ache and Conte, that kind of thing. You also need to use a fixative as the pastel comes off this paper much more easily than the others. 

You can see me compare Pastelmat and Velour paper here.

 

Should you Buy Pastelmat?

Overall, I would still say Pastelmat is a good option and I use it a lot. I can see myself using more of the Canson Velvet paper as it becomes easier to get hold of, however, I do love the way Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils work on Pastelmat board and will always return to this. While this paper isn't cheap, no artist papers are cheap, from oil papers to watercolours, any artist grade paper is expensive, so I don't think Pastelmat can be daemonised for this.

The paper is still a good option, especially when you need to save a little cash, but know what to look for and when to return if it's damaged!