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Popular Black Papers for Artists | A Comparison of 12 Brands

8/5/2022

A list of 12 Black paper brands - Archival and Acid Free options

Black paper is a great base colour, as it defies the natural process in developing art on a traditional light based paper. Instead of working from light to dark, as is the normal practice when working with coloured pencils, it is inverted. Since you already have a dark foundation, you select lighter versions of the tones you would usually choose for a light coloured paper. White positively 'pops' on a black surface, and it is this impact which draws artists to it. Black paper is extremely effective when used with metallic and interference colours, however, translucent pigments are less efficient than opaque pigments.

During our search for the 12 black surfaces we include in this article, we found there are far more options, with many companies producing their own ranges, in varying shades of black and different textures. The following article provides you with a selection of the most popular brands, including some lesser known, which are suitable for different mediums and offer varying textures, allowing you to choose the one(s) most relevant.

Somerset black
Archival & Acid free

St Cuthbert's Somerset black paper grain

WHERE to purchase

suppliers outside the uk

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Somerset is a very popular grade of printmaking paper from the historic St. Cuthbert’s Mill in the UK, first introduced in the early 1970’s. In addition to its popularity in printmaking, Somerset found success as a wonderful drawing paper due to its soft handle and supple feel. Made with improved black pigments, Somerset Black has a deep, warm shade combined with a soft velvet surface. The internal structure of the sheet exhibits even darker fibres, which gives dramatic results, especially when laser etched. It is made to archival standards from 100% cotton and is fade resistant to the Blue Wool scale 6+. Mould made from 100% cotton to high archival standards.
Read our Somerset article.

Company: St. Cuthbert's Mill
Weight: 280gsm
Texture: Velvet (Like NOT surface)
Composition: 100% Cotton
Suitable for: Pastel, pencil and charcoal. Block/relief printing, embossing, intaglio/etching, hand/stone lithography, laser printing, letterpress and silkscreen/serigraphy.
Sizes available: Sheets only (30" x 22" & 30" x 44")
Company base: UK
Accessibility: Limited suppliers.
Vegan: Yes

UArt Black paper
Archival

WHERE to purchase

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UART Premium Sanded Pastel Paper accepts a wide variety of wet media for underpainting without compromising or damaging the tooth. The company states that you can add layer upon layer, correcting and creating, without impairing the surface of your artwork. From the toothiest grade (240), which is ideal for blending and layering, to the finer grades that are perfect for delicate and detailed work. You can add layer on top of layer without losing tooth. The abrasive surface eliminates the need for fixatives. The colour of the paper fluctuates depending on which grades you are using: while the 400 & 500 grades provide a rich black texture, the 600 & 800 grades lean towards a dark charcoal colour, as the higher the grade, the smaller the pigments. UART employs a state-of-the-art manufacturing process that ensures a consistent grain application on every inch of the paper.
Read our UArt dark paper article.

Company: Uneeda
Grades: 400/500/600/800 (Abrasiveness)
Texture: Abrasive
Composition: Unsure - This is a sandpaper
Suitable for: Pastels, Pencils, Charcoal, Watercolour, and Conté. Accepts all wet media (alcohol, mineral spirits, turpentine, water) for underpainting.
Sizes available: Sheets, Mounted boards and rolls.
Company base: New York, USA
Accessibility: Accessible in various countries
Vegan: Yes

Stonehenge black
Archival & Acid free

WHERE to purchase

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Stonehenge was created in 1972 specifically as a 100% cotton deckled paper for the printmaking community. Over the years, it has gained worldwide recognition as a paper that works well across a range of other fine art applications. The paper of choice of many members of the Colored Pencil Society of America, Stonehenge has the ability to take multiple layers of wax-based and oil-based coloured pencil without any buildup, allowing colours to penetrate and absorb into the surface of the sheet. Neutral pH and no optical brightening agents (OBA's can cause fading).
Read our Stonehenge article.

Company: Legion
Weight: 250gsm
Texture: Vellum
Composition: 100% Cotton
Suitable for: Coloured Pencil, Pen & Ink, Pastel, Charcoal, Watercolour, Hand Lithography, Intaglio, Letterpress, Offset, Relief Printing and Silkscreen
Sizes available: Sheets & rolls
Company base: USA
Accessibility: Easier to access in the USA
Vegan: Yes

Velour pastel
Archival & Acid-free

Hahnemuhle Velvet pastel paper in Black and Light grey

WHERE to purchase

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Velour paper is an artist quality pastel paper with a velvety texture that grips soft pastel and give them a delicate soft edge. Hahnemuhle Velour is an artist-quality 260gsm pastel paper which is both acid-free and archival. It is composed of an acid-free backing sheet which is coated with inert synthetic fibres. This gives the surface a velvety feel which has sufficient tooth to hold soft pastel, as well as oil pastel, charcoal or soft pencils. Velour can hold a lot of pastel, so it is perfect for painterly pastel artists who create works with soft edges and is particularly suited to pet portraiture.

Company: Hahnemühle
Weight: 260gsm
Texture: Texture
Composition: Cellulose
Suitable for: Soft & Oil pastel, soft pencil, Charcoal and Conté crayons.
Sizes available: Sheets and pads
Company base: Germany
Accessibility: Although not widely available, it is accessible online.
Vegan: Yes

Aqua Stonehenge
Archival & Acid free

Legion Stonehenge Aqua black paper pads - Hot pressed 300gsm

WHERE to purchase

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Stonehenge Aqua Black Watercolour paper is a cotton paper with excellent wet-on-wet performance. Paint can be easily manipulated without drying up. Like any other top-quality watercolour paper, it withstands repeated wetting/drying with no damage to the paper. The paper allows for easy lifting and blending and ensures you have excellent control of your colours.Colours won't blur, bleed, or mix in undesirable ways like other black papers can. It holds multiple layers of colour and holds up to masking and scrubbing.

Company: Legion
Weight: 300gsm
Texture: Hot pressed and NOT
Composition: 100% Cotton
Suitable for: Coloured pencils, Pen & Ink, Pastel & Charcoal, Metallic/Interference/Iridescent paint, Gouache, Acrylics, Watercolour, Watercolour pencil, Pigment sticks, Markers, Calligraphy, Intaglio, Letterpress and Silkscreen.
Sizes available: Blocks, pads and sheets
Company base: USA
Accessibility: Available but easier to access in the USA
Vegan: Yes

Colourfix™ black
Archival & Acid Free

Art Spectrum Colourfix smooth paper pad in Black

WHERE to purchase

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Colourfix papers are sheets of high-quality, archival 300gsm hot pressed European watercolour paper, screen printed with Colourfix Primer. The natural, toothy surface will hold multiple layers of pastel without the need for fixative, allowing the velvet bloom and vibrant colour of pastel to be preserved. Erasing is also easy with Colourfix™ – simply lift off excess pastel with clear adhesive tape, brush off with a dry brush, or use a pencil eraser. Alternatively, errors can be overpainted or areas touched up with the matching colour of Art Spectrum Colourfix™ Primer. The tough, toothy surface can be sanded, scrubbed, soaked and reworked over and over.
Read our Colourfix smooth article.

Company: Art Spectrum
Weight: 340gsm
Texture: Fine (Smooth), Medium (Original) & Rough (Supertooth) surfaces
Composition: 100% Cotton and primer
Suitable for: Pastels, oil colours, acrylics, inks, oil pastels, gouache, watercolours and dry media such as charcoal and pencils.
Sizes available: Sheets and pads
Company base: Australia
Accessibility: Available across many countries.
Vegan: Yes

Tiziano pastel paper
Archival & Acid free

WHERE to purchase

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Tiziano is a high rag content, acid-free, pH neutral and with high archival permanence. The colours are highly lightfast. It is a cold press surface, containing cotton. Tiziano is Acid Free, produced with ECF pulp (Elemental Chlorine Free), FSC® certified from forests responsibly managed respectful of environmental, social and economic standards. Particularly suited to soft and oil pastels due to its good pigment uptake.

Company: Fabriano
Weight: 160gsm
Texture: Tooth
Composition: High rag content
Suitable for: Pastel, pencil, graphite, charcoal and airbrush. Can also be used with all printing techniques.
Sizes available: Sheets, pads and rolls
Company base: Italy
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Vegan: Yes (Synthetic sizing)

Mi-tientes 'Touch'
Acid free

WHERE to purchase

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Canson Mi-Teintes Touch Paper is particularly suited to soft and oil pastels as well as pencil, but is also suited to wet techniques and acrylics. The Touch Paper is micro-abrasive with a finely textured, sandblasted finish. It is lightfast and age-resistant. The innovative surface holds the pigments and creates the possibility of superimposition of colours and colour mixing. Colours are rendered remarkably, and fine details stand out.
Read our Mi-tientes Touch article.

Company: Canson
Weight: 350gsm
Texture: Abrasive surface (Medium)
Composition: watercolour paper and a primer
Suitable for: Pastel, sanguine, charcoal, chalk and acrylic.
Sizes available: Sheets & Pads
Company base: France
Accessibility: Not as accessible as its pastel paper
Vegan: No. (sized with gelatin)

Mi-tientes pastel paper
Acid free

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WHERE to purchase

This paper is a pulp-dyed colour paper that contains more than 50% cotton. It has the advantage of having a different texture on either side: a honeycombed side; and fine grain on the other. It has 50 light-resistant tones including the black. Pulp-dyed, colours are light-resistant and its high cotton content makes it both robust and flexible. Complies with ISO 9706 standards on permanence, to guarantee excellent conservation. It is acid-free and has no optical brightness additives (OBA's can cause fading).

Company: Canson
Weight: 160gsm
Texture: 2 sided - Fine and Textured (Like NOT paper)
Composition: Cotton rag (50% cotton)
Suitable for: Pastel, charcoal, sanguine, pencil, even watercolours and gouache. Handicrafts such as folding, cutting, gluing, making cards, etc.
Sizes available: Sheets, rolls and pads
Company base: France
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Vegan: No. (sized with gelatin)

Derwent Black Mixed Media paper (New)
Acid free

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Derwent Mixed Media black paper A4 pad - New product

WHERE to purchase

The Derwent Professional black paper pad is ideal for creating dramatic art with a variety of media types. This fine grain, smooth paper offers artists a dramatic backdrop that maximises the performance of metallic mediums, including metallic and opaque pencils, paints and inks. The heavyweight 300gsm composition provides a sturdy and reliable foundation of the highest quality for both wet and dry media, differing from other Derwent black paper surfaces that suit dry media only.

Company: Derwent
Weight: 300gsm
Texture: Smooth
Composition: 100% Recycled
Suitable for: Pens, pencils, markers, inks. Wet and dry media.
Sizes available: A4 Pad only
Company base: UK
Accessibility: New product 2022 - Derwent sell their products worldwide.
Vegan: Uncertain

Frisk Black watercolour paper
Acid free

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Frisk watercolour black paper pad 320gsm

Rough textured paper, keeps colours clean and bright. Wash and blend with all grades of watercolour. Extremely effective results with opaque, metallic and interference colours. Also available as a mixed media pad and a canvas pad.

Company: Artcoe
Weight: 320gsm
Texture: Textured
Composition: Unsure
Suitable for: Watercolour, pens, pencils, markers and brushes
Sizes available: Gummed pads (A6, A5, A4, A3)
Company base: UK
Accessibility: Products sold internationally
Vegan: Uncertain

Sakura sketchbook
Acid free

Royal Talens Sakura sketchbook black pad - Tiger drawing

WHERE to purchase

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Sakura Sketchbooks and Notebooks are suitable for all ages, and for both experienced and aspiring artists. The hardcover book comes with a pen holder that perfectly fits pens such as the Pigma Micron and Sakura Gelly Roll. In the back of the Sketch notebook, an expandable envelope is included for storing sketches and notes. The elastic closure band ensures the book stays closed and compact when travelling.

Company: Royal Talens
Weight: 140gsm
Texture: Smooth
Composition: Acid free
Suitable for: Ink, pencil, oil pastel & charcoal
Sizes available: Notebook only (5 sizes)
Company base: Netherlands
Accessibility: Accessible online
Vegan: Uncertain

Which black paper surface do you prefer?

What is your favourite black paper not on this list and what medium do you use with it?

Any hints and tips for artists using black paper with a particular medium?

Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below, so we can help inspire other artists.

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10 great products for blending soft pastels

8/5/2022

2 Comments

Are you an artist who uses soft pastels? Do you need help with blending techniques or want to learn more about how to mix pastels? We've done the research for you and compiled a list of the top ten tools that can improve your pastel work. Discover new ways to blend and create with our comprehensive guide.

Blending tools for soft pastels - sponges, blender, paper stump, Sofft tools, paintbrush, cotton buds and inscribe pastels

In this article, we will go over ten different techniques for blending soft pastels. We will also provide instructions on how to apply each technique and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Make up sponges for blending soft pastels

1. Sponges

When mixing soft pastels, sponges are the go-to tool for most artists. These are available in various shapes and sizes and can be easily found in art supply stores or even health and beauty stores that sell make-up sponges.

How to Apply:
To achieve a smooth blend, apply 2-3 shades of pastel to the paper and blend with circular movements. When working with small areas, use the wedge or tip of the sponge.
Good: Washable, providing longevity
Bad: May tear when used on highly abrasive paper

2. Blending stumps/ Tortillions

Blending stumps and tortillions are tools of tightly packed paper rolled into a pencil shape. These tools have fine tips that allow for blending in small areas and the ability to push pastel around to create or smooth out thin lines.

How to apply:
To achieve a smooth blend, apply circular motions with the tip or side of the stump. Use excess pastel on the tip to introduce extra pigment to another area of your paper.

Good: Low cost, can be 'sharpened' to remove the dirt
Bad: Quickly dirtied, Short life span, easily ripped and torn

Pan Pastel sofft tools and pastel colours

3. Pan Pastel Softt tools

Our Sofft tools are crafted from a unique micropore sponge formula, with each tool featuring a distinct shape and size that makes it perfect for blending and applying your pastels. You can easily replace the sponges, which are reusable and simple to clean.

How to apply:
Rub the sponge across the pastel and apply it to your paper. Afterwards, you can blend the pastel as desired.

Good: Re-usable. Economical. Easy to clean.
Bad: You will need to clean or change your sponge when moving between dark to light grades, to avoid muddying your colours.

4. Colour shapers

Silicone-made Colour Shapers are versatile tools for blending pastels and other mediums. The tips avoid absorbing material, which is perfect for applying, removing, scraping, and moving colours. Made of durable rubber composite, they help create texture and blend pastels seamlessly. The blue and ivory-coloured tips are soft and suitable for soft pastels. The darker coloured tips are firmer. These are useful for clay and other mediums.

How to apply: Before selecting your preferred tool, ensure you have enough pigment on your paper. Then, delicately blend the pigments for optimal results.

Good: Long life, easy to clean. Easy to hold
Bad: May not be ideal on highly abrasive paper

5. Pastel applicators

Sponge wands like these help blend small areas of pastel. You may find packs made explicitly for this technique called 'Sofft Mini sponge applicators' from the Pan Pastel company. However, general art stores may sell them too. You can purchase a pack of eyeshadow wands as an inexpensive replacement from your local health and beauty store. However, the sponge will likely be of different quality and may tear easily, but it may be worth a try.

How to Apply: Add 2-3 shades of pastel to the paper prior to mixing. To ensure a smooth coverage, mix using circular motions.

Good: Economical. Precise application.
Bad: May be hard to hold, especially for those who have issues with their hands. Only suitable for blending small areas.

6. Colourless blender

The PanPastel Colourless Blender is a versatile medium that can achieve different effects. It can help increase transparency and improve the flow of colour without altering the pigments' original hues. With this medium, you can create a more transparent mix or soften the application's flow.

How to apply:
This product can be used before applying colour, as a base layer, or mixed with the pigment after application.

Good: Easy to mix, non-crumbly. Low dust and less waste.
Bad: To be updated

7. Brushes

For a more precise and soft edge, using a short flat brush to blend your pastels is recommended. This type of brush is sturdier, offering more control. It's important to select the appropriate brush size for each area and to clean off any excess pastel after use to prevent colours from mixing and becoming muddy.

How to apply:
Gently brush your pastels outwards to soften or in a rotational direction to soften hard lines after applying your layers.

Good: Firm application. Targeted application.
Bad: Abrasive paper may break the hair in the brush.

8. Fingers

If you're a pastel artist, you may have used your fingers to blend your pastels. While this is a convenient way to blend larger areas, it can be messy and may mix your colours if you don't clean your fingers between colours. To avoid this, use a damp cloth to remove pastels from your fingers and dry them with a towel before mixing the following colours.

How to apply:
Blend in circular motions with clean fingers to fill in the peaks of the paper and create a smooth layer.

Good: Cost-free, quick and easy
Bad: Messy applications. Abrasive paper can damage your skin.

Bamboo cotton buds in a cardboard box - Eco friendly option

9. Cotton buds or Q-tips

Artists can make use of cotton buds, which are an affordable option. They can blend small areas of pastel drawings and be conveniently disposed of once used.

How to apply: To achieve smooth coverage, use circular motions when blending over layers of pigment.

Good: Low cost and economical.
Bad: When you're searching for Q-tips, consider looking for eco-friendly options instead of plastic ones. Remember that cotton tips might not be the best choice for every project, as they can get stuck on abrasive paper.

10. Pastel on pastel

Blending pastels is possible without a unique tool by layering one colour over another. This technique works well with soft and hard pastels, but the final effect will depend on the type of paper or surface used. Smooth surfaces may not blend as well as abrasive ones.

How to apply: Apply each colour on top of the other and push the pastels into the paper's peaks. Lighter applications will enable you to add more layers.

Good: No extra tools are needed.
Bad: May not create an even blend of colour.

What products do you use to blend soft pastels?

Do you have other product suggestions we haven't included here?
Please share your own hints and tips with us in the comments section below.

2 Comments

Popular Black Papers for Artists | A Comparison of 12 Brands

A list of 12 Black paper brands - Archival and Acid Free options

Somerset black
Archival & Acid free

UArt Black paper
Archival

Stonehenge black
Archival & Acid free

Velour pastel
Archival & Acid-free

Aqua Stonehenge
Archival & Acid free

Colourfix™ black
Archival & Acid Free

Tiziano pastel paper
Archival & Acid free

Mi-tientes 'Touch'
Acid free

Mi-tientes pastel paper
Acid free

Derwent Black Mixed Media paper (New)
Acid free

Frisk Black watercolour paper
Acid free

Sakura sketchbook
Acid free

10 great products for blending soft pastels

1. Sponges

2. Blending stumps/ Tortillions

3. Pan Pastel Softt tools

4. Colour shapers

5. Pastel applicators

6. Colourless blender

7. Brushes

8. Fingers

9. Cotton buds or Q-tips

10. Pastel on pastel

What products do you use to blend soft pastels?

Do you have other product suggestions we haven't included here?
Please share your own hints and tips with us in the comments section below.

Author

Archives

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Popular Black Papers for Artists | A Comparison of 12 Brands

A list of 12 Black paper brands - Archival and Acid Free options

Somerset black​Archival & Acid free

UArt Black paper​Archival

Stonehenge black​Archival & Acid free

Velour pastel​Archival & Acid-free

Aqua Stonehenge​Archival & Acid free

Colourfix™ blackArchival & Acid Free

Tiziano pastel paperArchival & Acid free

Mi-tientes 'Touch'Acid free

Mi-tientes pastel paper​Acid free

Derwent Black Mixed Media paper (New)Acid free

Frisk Black watercolour paperAcid free

Sakura sketchbookAcid free

Which black paper surface do you prefer?What is your favourite black paper not on this list and what medium do you use with it?Any hints and tips for artists using black paper with a particular medium?Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below, so we can help inspire other artists.

10 great products for blending soft pastels

1. Sponges

2. Blending stumps/ Tortillions

3. Pan Pastel Softt tools

4. Colour shapers

5. Pastel applicators

6. Colourless blender

7. Brushes

8. Fingers

9. Cotton buds or Q-tips

10. Pastel on pastel

What products do you use to blend soft pastels?​​Do you have other product suggestions we haven't included here?Please share your own hints and tips with us in the comments section below.

Author

Archives

Categories

QUICK LINKS

HOW TO SUPPORT US

Somerset black
Archival & Acid free

UArt Black paper
Archival

Stonehenge black
Archival & Acid free

Velour pastel
Archival & Acid-free

Aqua Stonehenge
Archival & Acid free

Colourfix™ black
Archival & Acid Free

Tiziano pastel paper
Archival & Acid free

Mi-tientes 'Touch'
Acid free

Mi-tientes pastel paper
Acid free

Derwent Black Mixed Media paper (New)
Acid free

Frisk Black watercolour paper
Acid free

Sakura sketchbook
Acid free

What products do you use to blend soft pastels?

Do you have other product suggestions we haven't included here?
Please share your own hints and tips with us in the comments section below.