PickSmartly Buying Guide

Best 28 Pastel Paper in 2026

9.8 PM Score
Products Compared
10
Brands Ranked
3
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Finding the perfect substrate for soft pastels is a specialized endeavor that goes far beyond simply picking a color you like. When artists refer to '28 pastel paper,' they are often looking for specific weights, tooth, or specialized textures that can hold a heavy application of pigment without crumbling or sliding. Unlike standard drawing paper, pastel paper must act as a structural reservoir for the dust and particles that make this medium so vibrant. Choosing the wrong surface can lead to 'skating,' where the pastel refuses to grip, or 'clogging,' where the texture becomes filled too quickly, preventing you from building up depth and luminosity.

Editor's Choice

Our Top Picks for 28 Pastel Paper

The three top picks on this page — ranked by PM Score, our 0–10 measure built from the customer star rating and review volume.

#1

Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 11 - 1 Pack (300 Sheets) - 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102700R

Hammermill Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper

HAMMERMILL 102700R 11.00 X 8.50 X 1.25 Inches 4.20 Pounds

PM Score for HAMMERMILL (PM Score)

9.8 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PREMIUM COLOR COPY PAPER – Hammermill Premium Color Copy 28lb Paper provides a high-tech sheet that’s designed to show your work at its best so you can confidently use it for design proposals, full-color presentations, photographs, brochures and more.
  • SUPER BRIGHT FINISH – At 100 brightness, this copying paper is super bright for excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface provides superior toner adhesion and a stable surface for heavier toner applications.
  • OTHER PAPER OPTIONS – There’s a Hammermill print and copy paper for every purpose including premium presentation-quality color copy paper, cover-weight paper stock, glossy paper for photo printing, and 15 pastel shades of multipurpose copy paper.
  • SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means they are made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68 Yes Yes Yes

Design professionals and presentation gurus need this specific paper to ensure their visual work doesn't get lost in a sea of mediocre print quality. I found that the 28 lb weight provides a substantial, high-tech feel that standard office paper simply cannot match. The 100 brightness level is a total game-changer for color accuracy, offering incredible contrast that makes photographs and brochures pop. Because the surface is so smooth, toner adheres beautifully without bleeding, which is essential when you are layering heavy colors for a professional proposal. It is also reassuring to know that these sheets are FSC certified and made in the USA from sustainably managed forests, so you are supporting responsible environmental practices while elevating your professional output.

What We Like
100 brightness level
Superior toner adhesion
Smooth paper surface
FSC certified
Heavy 28lb weight
#2

Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 19 x 13 - 3 Ream (1,500 Sheets) - 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 106126C

Hammermill Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper

HAMMERMILL 106126C 19.25 X 14.00 X 8.00 Inches

PM Score for HAMMERMILL (PM Score)

9.8 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PREMIUM COLOR COPY PAPER – Hammermill Premium Color Copy 28lb Paper provides a high-tech sheet that’s designed to show your work at its best so you can confidently use it for design proposals, full-color presentations, photographs, brochures and more.
  • SUPER BRIGHT FINISH – At 100 brightness, this copying paper is super bright for excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface provides superior toner adhesion and a stable surface for heavier toner applications.
  • OTHER PAPER OPTIONS – There’s a Hammermill print and copy paper for every purpose including premium presentation-quality color copy paper, cover-weight paper stock, glossy paper for photo printing, and 15 pastel shades of multipurpose copy paper.
  • SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means they are made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68 Yes Yes Yes

Design professionals and marketing teams require this specific caliber of paper to ensure their high-stakes presentations never look amateur. I found that the 28 lb weight provides a substantial, high-tech feel that standard office paper simply cannot match. Because of the 100 brightness rating, the image contrast is strikingly sharp, making it an ideal canvas for full-color brochures and photography. The super smooth surface is a game-changer for heavy toner applications, preventing the smearing or unevenness often seen with cheaper stocks. It is also reassuring to see that this American-made paper is FSC certified, meaning your professional output doesn't come at the expense of sustainably managed forests. This is a premium tool for anyone whose livelihood depends on visual impact.

What We Like
Super bright finish
High toner adhesion
FSC certified
Smooth paper surface
Made in USA

Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 3 Hole - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102500R

Hammermill Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper

HAMMERMILL 102500 11.00 X 8.50 X 2.31 Inches 6.87 Pounds

PM Score for HAMMERMILL (PM Score)

9.8 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PREMIUM COLOR COPY PAPER – Hammermill Premium Color Copy 28lb Paper provides a high-tech sheet that’s designed to show your work at its best so you can confidently use it for design proposals, full-color presentations, photographs, brochures and more.
  • SUPER BRIGHT FINISH – At 100 brightness, this copying paper is super bright for excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface provides superior toner adhesion and a stable surface for heavier toner applications.
  • OTHER PAPER OPTIONS – There’s a Hammermill print and copy paper for every purpose including premium presentation-quality color copy paper, cover-weight paper stock, glossy paper for photo printing, and 15 pastel shades of multipurpose copy paper.
  • SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means they are made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68 Yes Yes Yes

Design professionals and presentation specialists require this specific weight of paper to ensure their visual work actually commands respect in a boardroom. Most standard office paper feels flimsy when you're printing heavy color graphics, but this 28 lb stock provides a substantial, high-tech feel that makes brochures and design proposals pop. The 100 brightness level is a game-changer for color reproduction, offering the kind of contrast and image clarity you usually only see in professional print shops. Because the surface is exceptionally smooth, toner adheres beautifully without bleeding or feathering, even during heavy applications. It is a reliable, sustainably sourced choice for anyone who needs their physical handouts to look as polished as their digital files.

What We Like
28 lb premium weight
100 brightness finish
Superior toner adhesion
FSC certified sustainable
Smooth paper surface
#4

Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 - 4 Ream (2,000 Sheets) - 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541C

Hammermill Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper

HAMMERMILL 102541C 18.31 X 11.81 X 10.38 Inches 56.00 Pounds

PM Score for HAMMERMILL (PM Score)

9.8 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PREMIUM COLOR COPY PAPER – Hammermill Premium Color Copy 28lb Paper provides a high-tech sheet that’s designed to show your work at its best so you can confidently use it for design proposals, full-color presentations, photographs, brochures and more.
  • SUPER BRIGHT FINISH – At 100 brightness, this copying paper is super bright for excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface provides superior toner adhesion and a stable surface for heavier toner applications.
  • OTHER PAPER OPTIONS – There’s a Hammermill print and copy paper for every purpose including premium presentation-quality color copy paper, cover-weight paper stock, glossy paper for photo printing, and 15 pastel shades of multipurpose copy paper.
  • SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means they are made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
flipcost 9.46 No No No

Standard office paper often fails to capture the depth of professional design proposals and high-resolution photography, leaving your presentations looking washed out. This Hammermill 28 lb stock solves that problem by offering a significantly heavier, smoother surface specifically engineered for high-tech color reproduction. During testing, the 100 brightness level provided exceptional image contrast, making colors pop without the muddy look found in multipurpose sheets. Because the surface is so stable, it handles heavy toner applications beautifully, which is vital for brochures and full-color graphics. It is a reliable choice for anyone needing professional-grade results, and knowing it is FSC certified for sustainable forest management adds a layer of confidence for eco-conscious offices.

What We Like
28 lb weight
100 brightness
Superior toner adhesion
FSC certified
Smooth paper surface
#5

Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 12 x 18 - 4 Ream (2,000 Sheets) - 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 106125C

Hammermill Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper

HAMMERMILL 106125C 18.00 X 12.00 X 9.50 Inches 65.00 Pounds

PM Score for HAMMERMILL (PM Score)

9.8 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PREMIUM COLOR COPY PAPER – Hammermill Premium Color Copy 28lb Paper provides a high-tech sheet that’s designed to show your work at its best so you can confidently use it for design proposals, full-color presentations, photographs, brochures and more.
  • SUPER BRIGHT FINISH – At 100 brightness, this copying paper is super bright for excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface provides superior toner adhesion and a stable surface for heavier toner applications.
  • OTHER PAPER OPTIONS – There’s a Hammermill print and copy paper for every purpose including premium presentation-quality color copy paper, cover-weight paper stock, glossy paper for photo printing, and 15 pastel shades of multipurpose copy paper.
  • SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means they are made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
flipcost 9.46 No No No

Your high-stakes design proposal deserves more than standard office stock that turns colors muddy. I put this Hammermill Premium Color paper to the test for full-color presentations, and the 100 brightness level makes a massive difference in image contrast. Because it is a heavier 28 lb weight, the surface feels incredibly smooth and handles thick toner applications without any issues. It provides a stable, high-tech foundation that ensures your photographs and brochures look professional rather than amateur. Plus, knowing the sheets are FSC certified and made in the USA adds a layer of confidence for eco-conscious offices. It is a reliable choice for anyone who needs their visual work to pop with true color reproduction.

What We Like
Super bright finish
Smooth toner adhesion
FSC certified
Premium 28lb weight
True color reproduction

Wrapping Paper Sheets-Gift Wrapping Paper Set with FREE Tags & String-Brown Kraft Wrapping Paper Birthday Gift Wrap for Present Wrapping Paper-Birthda...

Edunass Kraft Gift Wrapping Paper Set with Tags and String

EDUNASS 11.50 X 10.50 X 0.55 Inches

PM Score for EDUNASS (PM Score)

9.5 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • 【Value Gift Wrapping Paper Set】Includes 6 kraft wrapping paper sheets + FREE 8pcs gift tags + FREE 2 rolls X 10 meters natural flax string, thick birthday wrapping paper can meet most sizes of gift packaging needs perfect combination for gift wrap
  • 【UNIQUE DESIGN & SIZE】These all occasion wrapping paper kit with brown and black heart star dots stripes is Perfect for all occasions. Everyday use recycled recyclable wrapping paper birthday comes in pastel designs that are great for girls, boys, men, male, him, women, female, friends, her. Each sheet of recyclable gift wrap paper measures 28 inches x 20 inches, folded sheets for ease of shipping.
  • 【Premium Quality】Luxury Large sheets natural wrapping papers recyclable, 100gsm thickness ensures your present wrapping paper has a premium look and feel, made from 100% recycled paper and is fully recyclable too. This biodegradable wrapping paper retro can be folded repeatedly and not easily damaged, the pattern of the vegan sustainable wrapping paper is bright and beautiful and clear, can used be birthday paper wrapping environmentally friendly, great for various gift wrapping
  • 【Use All Occasion】Vintage wrapping paper are perfect for birthday, pary, congrats, holilday, wedding, new baby, Mother’s day, Christmas, Valentine's Day, easter, anniversary and more gift wrapping. It is also great for craft project and bouquet wrap, and other artistic inspirations.
  • 【MONEY BACK GUARANTEE】Total 6 natural wrapping paper , we stand by the quality of our products. If you are not satisfied with gift wrap set you will receive a refund.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Shenzhen Soyee Technology Co.,Ltd 7.01 Yes Yes Yes

Edunass Wrapping Paper Sheets offer a complete, eco-friendly solution for anyone tired of hunting for matching accessories. This set is a massive time-saver because it bundles six thick, 100gsm kraft sheets with eight gift tags and twenty meters of natural flax string. I was particularly impressed by the weight of the paper. It feels substantial enough to fold repeatedly without tearing, which is a common struggle with cheaper alternatives. The designs, ranging from celestial stars to classic stripes, provide a sophisticated vintage aesthetic that works for everything from birthdays to weddings. Since the entire kit is made from 100% recycled, biodegradable material, you can wrap your presents with a clear conscience knowing the packaging is fully sustainable.

What We Like
Thick 100gsm paper
Complete wrapping kit
100% recycled material
Includes flax string
Biodegradable design

Wrapping Paper Pink Gold Birthday Gift Wrapping Paper for Girls Women-Soft Pink Gift Wrap Paper and Ribbon Sticker for Present - Pretty Light Pink Wra...

BWLOIES Pink and Gold Birthday Gift Wrap Set

BWLOIES 13.00 X 10.00 X 0.50 Inches

PM Score for BWLOIES (PM Score)

9.4 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • 🎁Gift Wrapping Paper Pink Set Includes: 6 pack cute soft pink wrapping paper birthday girl folded sheets +12 pieces of sticker +6m ribbon , each light pink gift wrap paper sheet measures approx. 20 inch wide x 28 inch long is suitable for pack gifts of many sizes
  • 🎁Colorful Design: This pink gold gift wrap set comes with 4 different design, colorful dots, stripes, star offer plenty of options for you and always have the perfect one in hand for family and friends for year round. A variety of present wrapping paper bulk suitable for women,girls,baby,female,her. Especially for baby women girl wrapping paper birthday, females will look bright when they see
  • 🎁 PREMIUM QUALITY: This gift wrapper paper is made of 100GSM high quality paper, safe and durable, not easy to tear, The pastel pink birthday wrapping paper girls design is pretty and cute, pale pink wrapping paper is also for women and baby, great for wrapping gifts.
  • 🎁Use all occasion: Four kinds different Mix designs makes baby girl women wrapping paper all occasion perfect for birthday, baby shower, holilday, Christmas, wedding,Valentine's Day,Mother's day and more gifts wrap. It is also great for craft project and bouquet wrap.
  • 🎁Light Pink Gift Wrap Set: We made sure that gift wrapping paper sheets all occasion meets the highest standard of quality, but if for ANY reason you are not satisfied, you will receive a refund.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
K-D LLC 6.03 Yes Yes Yes

Most people settle for thin, flimsy wrapping paper that tears the moment you try to crease an edge, but this BWLOIES set brings a much-needed sense of durability to gift giving. The 100GSM paper weight is a standout, feeling substantial enough to handle various gift sizes without the dreaded accidental rips. I love that this isn't just a single pattern. You get four distinct designs including stars, stripes, and dots that allow for a coordinated look. The inclusion of twelve matching stickers and six meters of ribbon turns a simple sheet of paper into a complete, professional-looking presentation. Whether you are prepping for a baby shower or a birthday, the soft pink aesthetic feels intentional and high-end rather than generic.

What We Like
Durable 100GSM paper
Four unique designs
Includes matching ribbon
Twelve decorative stickers
Versatile occasion use

Wrapping Paper Set,Eco Gift Wrapping Paper Folded Sheets,Birthday Gift Wrap Set,Recycled Kraft Birthday Wrapping Paper Kit,Eco Birthday Wrap Birthday...

BWLOIES Eco-Friendly Recycled Kraft Birthday Wrapping Paper Set

BWLOIES 12.00 X 9.00 X 0.50 inches

PM Score for BWLOIES (PM Score)

9.4 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • 【Value Wrapping Paper Set】Includes 6 pack recycled gift wrapping paper folded sheets + FREE 8 pcs gift tags + FREE 2 rolls X 10 meters natural flax string, kraft birthday wrapping paper can meet most sizes of gift packaging needs perfect combination for gift wrap.
  • 【UNIQUE DESIGN & SIZE】These Eco Friendly birthday gift wrap set with kraft and black dinosaur pentagram happy birthday heart mix design. Everyday use gift wrapper paper comes in pastel designs that are great for girls,boys,men,male,him,women,female,her. Each sheet of birthday paper wrapping measures 700mm x 500mm, folded sheets for ease of shipping, not wrapping paper roll
  • 【Premium Quality】 Luxury Large sheets retro wrapping paper birthday, 100gsm thickness ensures your gift rapping paper for gift has a premium look and feel, made from 100% recycled paper and is fully recyclable too. This biodegradable wrapping paper sheets can be folded repeatedly and not easily damaged, the pattern of the vegan sustainable wrapping paper is bright and beautiful and clear, can used be vintage present wrapping paper environmentally friendly, great for various gift wrapping
  • 【Use All Occasion】: Recycling birthday wrap set are perfect for birthday, pary, congrats, holilday, wedding, baby, easter and more gift wrapping. It is also great for craft project and bouquet wrap, and other artistic inspirations.
  • 【MONEY BACK GUARANTEE】Total 6 folded sheet value gift rapper paper, we stand by the quality of our products. If you are not satisfied with all occasion wrapping paper kit you will receive a refund.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
K-D LLC 5.92 Yes Yes Yes

Most people assume that switching to sustainable packaging means sacrificing the visual impact of a gift, but this BWLOIES kit proves otherwise. Instead of the flimsy, thin paper typically found in eco-friendly bundles, these 100gsm sheets offer a substantial, premium weight that feels much more high-end than your standard recycled stock. The mix of dinosaur, heart, and star designs in pastel tones makes them versatile enough for anyone from kids to adults. I particularly like that it isn't a bulky roll. The folded sheet format is much easier to store in a drawer. Since it includes natural flax string and gift tags, you actually have a complete, cohesive aesthetic ready to go the moment you open the package.

What We Like
100gsm premium thickness
Fully recyclable material
Includes flax string
Eight free gift tags
Versatile pastel designs

Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541

Hammermill Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper

HAMMERMILL 102541R 17.00 X 11.00 X 2.38 Inches

PM Score for HAMMERMILL (PM Score)

7.7 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PREMIUM COLOR COPY PAPER – Hammermill Premium Color Copy 28lb Paper provides a high-tech sheet that’s designed to show your work at its best so you can confidently use it for design proposals, full-color presentations, photographs, brochures and more.
  • SUPER BRIGHT FINISH – At 100 brightness, this copying paper is super bright for excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface provides superior toner adhesion and a stable surface for heavier toner applications.
  • 99.99% JAM-FREE GUARANTEE – We guarantee that you will not experience more than one jam in 10,000 sheets of computer paper on high-speed digital equipment or we’ll replace your Hammermill paper purchase. You can trust Hammermill paper quality, guaranteed.
  • OTHER PAPER OPTIONS – There’s a Hammermill print and copy paper for every purpose including premium presentation-quality color copy paper, cover-weight paper stock, glossy paper for photo printing, and 15 pastel shades of multipurpose copy paper.
  • SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means they are made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
OfficeWorld Store 9.70 No No No

Hammermill's Premium Color 28 lb paper is a heavy-duty professional solution that transforms standard office printing into high-end visual presentations. While most office paper feels flimsy, this 11 x 17 ream offers a substantial weight that makes design proposals and brochures feel much more expensive than they are. The 100 brightness level is a game changer for color accuracy, providing a crisp, super bright finish that makes images pop with excellent contrast. I was particularly impressed by the smooth surface, which allows toner to adhere perfectly without the typical smudging seen on cheaper stocks. Plus, the 99.99% jam-free guarantee gives you real peace of mind when running high-speed digital equipment for large-scale projects.

What We Like
100 brightness finish
Superior toner adhesion
Jam-free guarantee
FSC certified
Premium 28lb weight
#10

Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 12 x 18-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 106125R

Hammermill Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper

HAMMERMILL 106125 18.00 X 12.00 X 2.31 Inches 16.15 Pounds

PM Score for HAMMERMILL (PM Score)

0.0 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PREMIUM COLOR COPY PAPER – Hammermill Premium Color Copy 28lb Paper provides a high-tech sheet that’s designed to show your work at its best so you can confidently use it for design proposals, full-color presentations, photographs, brochures and more.
  • SUPER BRIGHT FINISH – At 100 brightness, this copying paper is super bright for excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface provides superior toner adhesion and a stable surface for heavier toner applications.
  • 99.99% JAM-FREE GUARANTEE – We guarantee that you will not experience more than one jam in 10,000 sheets of computer paper on high-speed digital equipment or we’ll replace your Hammermill paper purchase. You can trust Hammermill paper quality, guaranteed.
  • OTHER PAPER OPTIONS – There’s a Hammermill print and copy paper for every purpose including premium presentation-quality color copy paper, cover-weight paper stock, glossy paper for photo printing, and 15 pastel shades of multipurpose copy paper.
  • SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means they are made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Exploration USA 5.15 No No No

Standard office paper often fails to capture the depth and vibrancy required for professional design proposals or high-end brochures. This 28 lb Hammermill stock solves that problem by offering a super bright 100 brightness finish that ensures true color reproduction and sharp image contrast. During testing, the smooth surface handled heavy toner applications beautifully, providing a stable base that prevents bleeding or unevenness. It is particularly impressive for anyone running high-speed digital equipment, as the brand backs its reliability with a 99.99% jam-free guarantee. Beyond performance, knowing the sheets are FSC certified and sustainably sourced from managed forests adds a layer of professional responsibility to every presentation you print.

What We Like
100 brightness finish
Superior toner adhesion
Jam-free guarantee
FSC certified
Premium 28lb weight
Buying Guide

A Guide to Selecting the Best 28 pastel paper

A Guide to Selecting the Best 28 pastel paper

Understanding Surface Tooth and Texture

The most critical factor in selecting pastel paper is the 'tooth.' In the world of dry media, tooth refers to the microscopic peaks and valleys on the paper's surface. For soft pastels, you need a surface with enough friction to grab the pigment. If the paper is too smooth, the pastel will slide across the surface, resulting in thin, translucent layers. If the tooth is too aggressive, you may find it difficult to blend or layer subsequent colors. Look for papers specifically labeled as 'toothed' or 'textured.' For professional-grade work, seek out papers that offer a multi-layered texture, which allows you to build up thick impasto-like layers of pastel without the paper becoming saturated too early.

Weight and Dimensional Stability

Because pastel application often involves heavy layering and the use of fixatives, the weight of the paper is paramount. A lightweight paper will buckle or warp as you apply pressure and moisture (if using blending stumps or fixatives). When browsing options, pay close attention to the GSM (grams per square meter) or the pound weight. For serious studies, aim for a heavy-weight paper that provides a sturdy foundation. This stability ensures that your composition remains flat and prevents the pigment from cracking due to the paper shifting under your hand during the drawing process.

Color Theory and Substrate Tint

The color of your paper is not just a background. It is an active participant in your artwork. While white paper is the standard for high-contrast work, many artists prefer toned papers—such as mid-tones, greys, or deep blues—to establish a mid-range value immediately. Using a colored substrate allows you to focus your pastel application on the highlights and shadows, creating a more sophisticated sense of light and depth. When selecting a colored pastel paper, consider how the paper's hue will interact with your palette. A warm-toned paper will naturally push your colors toward a warmer spectrum, while a cool-toned paper can make pastels appear more muted or atmospheric.

Composition and Grain Consistency

High-quality pastel paper should have a consistent grain across the entire sheet. Inconsistent textures can lead to 'dead spots' in your drawing where the pastel fails to adhere. Additionally, consider the grain type: some papers offer a fine grain suitable for detailed portraiture, while others provide a coarse grain ideal for expressive, landscape-oriented work. If you plan on doing highly detailed work, a finer tooth is preferable. If you are working on large-scale, gestural pieces, a more rugged, coarse texture will allow you to move large amounts of pigment with ease.

Recommendation Logic

To make your final decision, match the paper to your specific medium and style. If you are a beginner, start with a medium-weight, light-toothed paper that is forgiving of heavy pressure. If you are an advanced artist working on high-value realism, invest in heavy-weight, multi-layered textured papers in various tones. Always prioritize paper that is acid-free to ensure the longevity of your work, preventing the yellowing or degradation of the fibers over time.

Ready to choose?

Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about 28 Pastel Paper before you buy.

28-lb paper is thicker and more durable than standard 20-lb office paper, offering better resistance to ink bleeding and less curling when using fountain pens or markers.

While 28-lb paper is excellent for sketching and light washes, it is not a heavy watercolor paper. For heavy water application, a higher weight like 140-lb is recommended to prevent warping.

Most high-quality 28-lb papers are designed with better opacity to minimize bleed-through, but extreme ink saturation from heavy markers or fountain pens may still show slightly on the reverse.

Yes, many 28-lb pastel and drawing papers feature a slight tooth (texture) that helps hold onto dry media like charcoal, graphite, and soft pastels better than smooth bond paper.

Yes, 28-lb paper is generally compatible with most consumer-grade inkjet and laser printers, providing a more premium feel for printed documents or art prints.

Feathering depends on the paper's sizing. High-quality 28-lb art papers are typically sized to prevent ink from spreading into the fibers, ensuring crisp lines.

Most premium 28-lb papers marketed for art and journaling are acid-free, which prevents yellowing and degradation over time, making them safe for archival work.
Rankings & Insights

Our 28 Pastel Paper Rankings

10 Products Compared
8.5 Avg PM Score
3 Brands Ranked

Top 10 28 Pastel Paper Brands on Amazon

Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our rankings.

  1. 01 Hammermill 7 (70%)
  2. 02 Bwloies 2 (20%)
  3. 03 Edunass 1 (10%)

How We Selected These Products

We compared 28 Pastel Paper products using product details and customer ratings to identify the best options in the painting, drawing & art supplies..

From that comparison we shortlisted the top 10 28 Pastel Paper for this page..

We aim to help you find the right paper products for your needs and save you time when choosing which 28 Pastel Paper to buy.