Pastelmat Original Tints-12x16

PastelMat is a truly unique new pastel surface from Clairfontaine of France. It has a smooth, velvety feel making it gentle to the touch while displaying an incredible ability to grab and hold multiple layers of soft pastel. It’s ability to tenaciously hold multiple layers of pastel significantly reduces or eliminates the need for fixative. PastelMat is produced on a premium card surface (360gsm/170lb) that is both acid free and lightfast. It is ideal for use with all dry media and resistant to water and solvents so that it can be used with wet media under painting.

Eight beautiful subtle colors are available in single sheets. Pads are available in three sizes and two different color selections. Pad A has White, Anthracite, Brown and Sienna. Pad B has Sand, Maize (creamy antique white), Dark Grey and Light Grey. Each pad contains 3 sheets each of 4 colors that are separated with glassine interleaving.

The following is from the mills information wonderfully describing the paper: "Clairefontaine developed this paper to meet the specific expectations of the most demanding pastel artists. Its single and original surfacing is a true innovation, which combines the advantages of two papers traditionally used: "Velour surface" and "Pounce". The fine particles are sufficiently well fixed for a smooth surface and an optimal comfort of use. Its unique velvety surface, made from a fine coating of cellulose fibers, has the ability to grab and hold multiple layers of even the softest pastels. The character "fixing" of this surface with such a pleasant touch is so extraordinary that the superpositions of multiple layers of colours, the realization of flat tints, precise details or delicate and transparent veils are easy to achieve. The use of fixative is not necessary anymore. The art of the pastel is sublimated. Subtleties, freshness, the luminosity and the delicacy of the colours that make the charm of this technique burst in all their splendour. Advice note: the rigidity, the weight, the non-acidity as well as the light resistance of this paper guarantee the good conservation of the work. Nevertheless, it is recommended to protect each artwork using a sheet of acid-free translucent paper."