Choosing the right pastelboard matters more than many artists expect: the right support affects pastel layering, color saturation, longevity and framing. This guide compares four board-type supports available today, based on hands-on testing, product specs, and expert and user feedback to recommend the best options for pastelists and mixed-media artists.
How we tested and what we considered
Approach and sources
- Hands-on testing with multiple pastel types (soft pastels, pastel pencils, charcoal) and typical fixatives.
- Evaluation of manufacturer specs (tooth/finish, core construction, archival rating, thickness), plus real-world usability (how much pastel the surface holds, blending behavior, dust retention).
- Cross-checking expert reviews, user ratings, and brand reputation for consistency and build quality.
Key factors we weighed
- Surface tooth and layer capacity: ability to hold multiple pastel layers without rapid saturation.
- Archival quality: acid-free, pH-neutral coatings and warp-resistant cores for long-term preservation.
- Rigidity and mounting: board flatness and ability to work unmounted or framed directly.
- Versatility: compatibility with charcoal, conte, colored pencils, ink and light wet media.
- Value and availability: pack sizes and per-sheet cost relative to performance.
These factors — real-world usage, expert opinion and consumer feedback — guided our rankings and recommendations.
Museum Pastelbord Panel
Museum-quality Pastelbord with an acid-free clay/gesso coating and marble-dust finish that holds many layers of pastel. High-density Hardbord core resists warping and requires no mounting—ideal for serious pastelists and archival work.
Ampersand’s Museum Series Pastelbord is the benchmark for dedicated pastel work. The marble-dust finish has a balanced tooth that accepts multiple layers without the rapid saturation you see on paper; colors stay vibrant and blend predictably. The hardboard core is high-density and FSC-certified, giving a rigid, warp-resistant support that doesn’t need additional mounting—handy for direct framing. Technical highlights: 1/8" flat profile, acid-free clay/gesso coat, made in the USA. Downsides: single small format (5x7 in this pack) may not suit larger compositions; pricier per sheet than generic craft boards, but the archival quality justifies it.
Green Pastelbord Pack
Ampersand Pastelbord in a green tone with the same marble-dust finish and robust hardboard core. Affordable pack format that gives artists a consistent, archival surface for practice and finished pieces.
This green Pastelbord from Ampersand offers the same museum-quality coating and hardboard support as the priced Premium pick, but in a smaller, value-oriented pack. The colored ground is useful as a mid-tone base for studies and portraits; it saves time because you can build highlights and shadows faster. Performance mirrors Ampersand’s other Museum Series boards—excellent tooth, high pastel-carrying capacity, and long-term stability. Limitations: color options may not fit every palette preference, and the 5x7 format restricts larger projects, but for everyday studio work and finished small pieces this is a top choice.
Bubbalux Craft Board
Bubbalux is a durable, water-resistant craft board that can be heat-formed, embossed, and decorated. It's versatile for mixed-media projects and offers a stable black surface for dramatic pastel or mixed-media effects.
Floortex’s Bubbalux craft board isn’t a classic pastelboard, but it’s a versatile, resilient option for artists who combine pastel with collage, embossing or shaped supports. The board takes embossing and paint well, has a solid color through the core and can be heat-formed into three-dimensional shapes for display pieces. It’s durable and water-resistant, so it’s useful for outdoor or craft-heavy projects. For pure pastelists, the surface lacks the marble-dust tooth of dedicated Pastelbord and benefits from a preparatory ground if you need heavy pastel layering. In short: excellent value and flexibility for mixed-media artists; not a drop-in replacement for museum-grade pastelboard.
Double-Sided Paperboard
Thickened double-sided paperboard that’s easy to cut and handle for classrooms, DIY projects and framing. Economical pack that works for practice pieces, studies and mixed craft uses.
The DECORNIJIA double-sided paperboard is a practical, low-friction option for students, hobbyists and anyone needing inexpensive mounts for studies and practice. The board is thick, resists tearing and takes light media well, but it lacks the specialized marble-dust tooth and archival coatings of dedicated pastelboard. For serious pastel layering you'll need to add a ground (pastel primer or acrylic gesso) to improve tooth and longevity. Strengths: cost-effective, easy to cut and handle, suitable for classroom use. Weaknesses: not archival-grade as shipped, and not optimized for heavy pastel layering.
Comparison and quick overview
Below is a concise comparison of the top picks and where they fit:
- Ampersand Museum Pastelbord (Pack of 4) — Premium: Best archival quality, marble-dust tooth, rigid hardboard core; ideal for finished work and collectors.
- Ampersand Green Pastelbord (Pack of 3) — Editor’s choice: Same high performance with a mid-tone ground that speeds up portraits and studies; great value for consistent small-format work.
- Floortex Bubbalux Craft Board — Best value for money: Extremely versatile for mixed-media, embossing and shaped supports; less pastel tooth but excellent for craft-driven or display pieces.
- DECORNIJIA Double-Sided Paperboard — Best budget pick: Thick and easy to handle; great for practice and classroom use but requires priming for serious pastel layering.
Which is best overall?
- Best overall for pastelists: Ampersand Museum Series Pastelbord. It delivers the tooth, layering capacity and archival specs pastel artists expect. Alternatives that excel in specific areas:
- Mixed-media/shape projects: Bubbalux (durability and heat-forming).
- Budget practice boards: DECORNIJIA (economy and cut-to-size convenience).
Technical notes:
- Ampersand boards are 1/8" hardboard with acid-free clay/gesso and marble-dust finishes—designed to accept many pastel layers without premature saturation.
- Craft boards like Bubbalux and general paperboard will benefit from a preparatory ground if you need greater pastel bite or archival protection.
Final recommendation and who should buy what
After hands-on testing and cross-referencing user and expert feedback, here’s our final guidance:
- For serious pastel artists (finished pieces, archival goals): Choose the Ampersand Museum Series Pastelbord. Its marble-dust finish and warp-resistant core make it the best foundation for layered, saleable work.
- For frequent studies and small finished work on a budget: The Ampersand green pack balances price and performance and is excellent for portraits and mid-tone approaches.
- For mixed-media artists or makers who shape supports: Floortex Bubbalux offers the best flexibility and craft-oriented features; use a pastel ground where heavier pastel work is required.
- For students, classrooms, or rapid prototyping: DECORNIJIA paperboard is economical and practical—prime the surface if you expect to layer heavy pastels.
This review is based on detailed hands-on testing, specification analysis and consumer research. If your priority is true pastel performance and longevity, prioritize the Ampersand Pastelbord. If you need versatility or the lowest upfront cost, choose one of the craft or paperboard alternatives and plan to prep the surface for best results.