How To Make Your Own Pastel Paper

[@Puckerization]

Ceiling paint works a charm. It has a fine tooth, drys ultra matte and is cheap.

[@PawełSrokosz]

You can use sponge roller, smooth surface after the first application, no brush marks.

[@kerry5586]

Clear liquitex gesso is also good as it is naturally gritty.

[@unboundbytiffany]

Too sandpaper like for my taste and hard to get that smooth blend with accurate details as I like it. I'm determined to find the perfect recipe for a pastelmat equivalent diy pastel surface 🤣 if only! But yeah I do use the liquitex gesso mixed with the pastel primer/ground (art spectrum I think?) And water. But it's still so sandpaper like. Meh :(

[@kerry5586]

@@unboundbytiffany Have you tried putting it on with a sponge brush? You get a much smoother surface doing it that was.

[@unboundbytiffany]

@@kerry5586 yea, and agreed I just still think I need to try the pumice and something more velvety in my 'recipe'. I really want to recreate pastelmat texture hah. So I don't destroy my sofft tools and be able to re-add tooth to failed pieces of pastelmat/art I've got piled up hahaha

[@kerry5586]

@@unboundbytiffany I sometimes add pumice to the liquitex clear gesso and it makes it more gritty, even with the finest pumice available.

[@unboundbytiffany]

@Kerry I think it's because liquitex has its own fine grit. Some gesso brands are smoother. So you can get a more individualized/personalized? (Cant think of the right word atm sorry haha) texture when adding pumice powder in whichever grit you get. I am also thinking of trying marble powder as it's possibly a bit smoother in feeling than pumice. But I've been trying to research the other cellulose fibers and their combinations to see if I can get as close to pastelmat as possible, because being able to add back tooth my artworks could be a lifesaver on the sad sad occasion I'm damn near finished with a very extensive piece and have already destroyed the tooth and it just won't take, but it's too detailed for the sanded textures of art spectrum primers, or liquitex gesso. Hmm. I've also been experimenting with a mixture of gesso, a.s. primer and watercolor grounds, but haven't had the opportunity to actually really work on the mixture much yet. I'm always soo curious to experiment with 'concoctions' I can make with things I already have ahahaha

[@jam4441]

To help with surface bending you can paint the backside (with any acryilic paint) first ...it doesnt have to be pretty but fairly even. Let backside dry ( it will be bent ) then paint front with acrylic/pumice mix or other acrylic based media. This will even out the bend to make a flat surface .

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you! Great tip!

[@cpm4324]

I use a drywall mud spreader, when applying the Gesso or other pastel textures to the surfaces. Unlike brushes, this low-cost tool will provide a smooth and seamless pastel textures over almost any surface you use. I have even used it to spread Golden Pastel Ground on block watercolor paper and the paper didn't buckle. You can pre-spray on workable fixative to the block paper to provide a little seal as well.

[@LevisNdaguri]

Thanks soo much i have learned a lot and improved on my art work. From Kenya

[@debbieritter1096]

I might add that one pastel artist recommended trying clear gesso on your surface- several layers drying in between- it too adds a grainy texture for pastels :)

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks for the info!

[@kerry5586]

Another option for cheap mountboard is to contact a local picture framer for offcuts. I got a big box full of them really cheaply.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

That's an excellent idea! I tend to have offcuts myself, but a local framer would definitely have them.

[@dkehlenbach]

Hi Emma - thanks for sharing this and for all you do for the pastel community!. I too have been experimenting with different surfaces. I found that if I want a smooth surface, I use a foam brush. For a moderate surface I use a regular brush and for a really textured surface I use a stiff, ragged brush. I've been using mostly Liquitex Clear Gesso but have experimented with Golden's Fine Pumice Powder too. Hope this helps!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

That's great information! Thank you!

[@jam4441]

Would you mind explaining a little more about the golden fine pumice powder? Do you mix it with a liquid or gel medium or something else? I have been using the Liquitex clear gesso also but am finding it a little too course. Many thanks .

[@dkehlenbach]

@@jam4441 you can dilute it or tint it since it’s a light grey color. I haven’t tried that yet. You can put it on quite thick too. It is not as course as the Liquitex clear gesso so if you’re looking for something a little smoother, this might work nicely. Hope this helps!

[@jam4441]

@@dkehlenbach many thanks

[@charityfelton423]

This was really helpful, Emma! Thank you so much for sharing the tips.

[@pletlpeter6857]

You crumble the textures into an even finer powder with a metal spoon. Use a wood spoon or something less aggressive than metal. And less water in the second mixture. Just a few drops and work the surface with the brush.

[@wildearthfarm4632]

Liquitex clear gesso works a charm!

[@ppaladino]

I prepared some surfaces using white glue, water and calcium carbonate (sold as a "dry bath" for rodents). I like using a touch of pigment, and a mortar and pestle to grind the carbonate if it sounds pleasant. Ok, I have these things because i like making pastel sticks, any media like paint , acrylic media, glue, whatever with gritty mineral may be tested. That's why this video is so interesting

[@dshe8637]

Just seeing the acrylic paint on that lovely table made me wince😮 Acrylic paint sticks like crazy once it dries and sets. It's especially fond of getting into wood grain 😢

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Table cleaned fine, although probably should have covered it for the sake of the video! It is a rather old desk that I intend to sand and revarnish at some point anyway. It was totally scratched on the top before I started abusing it lol.

[@dshe8637]

@@EmmaColbertArt Thank you for the reply 👍 I do love wooden furniture 😊

[@sirhudson7791]

If you want the gritty mixtures to go on smoother , i prefer gesso undiluted. If you lightly wet the surface before your gritty mix blends smoother than on dry paper. No brush marks..... works great with pumice......

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Great tips! I bet it's like baking, everyone's got their own secret twist!

[@darranthompson8202]

Do u mean add prumice power to gesso.

[@sirhudson7791]

@@darranthompson8202 my post is more related to getting smoother application on the paper/board. i pref undiluted liquitex gesso as it has an even particle size and resists heavy scrubbing. but got brush strokes unless watered down (but i find diluted gesso has a lesser bond like this and if like me you scrub layers with hog brushes you run a risk of getting bald spots with diluted gesso. hense why i wet paper first so the thick gesso melts into the paper much more and has a better even tooth straight out the bottle. ive seen lots of posts re airbrushing....... to get smooth finish. yes you can add pumice, slate or marble dust and it goes on smoother than on dry paper. just gota play around and find what works best for you. im aiming for as close to lux archival.

[@sirhudson7791]

@@darranthompson8202 works for both.

[@mjpete27]

Always a joy watching you create even just an alternative surface! Thanks for the great video content!

[@angelacrockett1275]

Very cool Emma, thank you! Definitely going to give this a try

[@monetcafe]

Well done, Emma! So thorough. I love making my own pastel surfaces. Excellent video.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you! Artists like you have inspired me to branch out more into different surfaces and techniques. I always recommend your wonderful channel!

[@patriciadavis2545]

Thanks. Didn’t know Golden makes pastel paint. Good to know!👏🏻🖌️

[@mailie6403]

I'm very excited about this tutorial. Can't wait to make my own. Thank you Emma for the work you put into this video.

[@freizeitvideos5739]

I have used your tutorial - perfect for drawing thank you for sharing the info

[@sirhudson7791]

Great another recipe to try. Winsor & newton clear gesso is grittier than liquitex clear gesso (i prefer liquitex as it has a uniform and fine grain) - brilliant for charcoal n chalk type drawing applications as well as pastel. And just dial up grit as req for multiple layers, usually i like W&N with pumice for total grrrrrr. Havent used any pro sanded papers but would be interested in hearing how our diy jobs compare.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Great info thank you! I think the pro sanded papers and Pastelmat have something extra. I'm not sure how they do it, but I do think their prices are often justified as I can't seem to replicate them. My paper comparison talks about a lot of different papers at kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIDFhp-ZYq-BgZY

[@anettedouglasdotter]

Thank you so much, Emma! ❤ Absolutely wonderful way to make your own surface! 😊 Can make an underpainting and surface at the same time too! 👍

[@darranthompson8202]

Thanks emma am a newbie and didnt want to pay a fortune on expensive pastel paper in order to mess it up 😂 so this is really helpfull thanks .

[@reneerikolsen9694]

Great advise and perfect demonstration.

[@ninner196]

Very nice Emma. I used to keep my method even quite a bit more simplified. I would purchase hot pressed 140lb watercolor paper and Art Spectrum multimedia and pastel primer. It comes in clear also and I am able to use the cheap sponge brush wide as possible. It can be watered down or left as a higher sanded grit paper. Since I paint in watercolor and like to add pastel over my dried painting, this method does not smear my watercolor by using the sponge painting brushes. Some may not be happy when I say this but it was just as good as the very very expensive paper that begins with an L. The Art Spectrum paper is popular especially in Australia, New Zealand and is available more maybe in the UK. So color can be added or it can be left clear and it lasts years in the container. It can be used over Grafix boards that are firmer too. This method or the one that you shared when applied to 100% cotton paper becomes archival. 😊

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Great information thank you! I like the fact that you can design this surface to suit your needs for a particular painting. Underpainting included, therefore not stuck to the colour choices of paper already out there. Thanks for your comment, I'm sure everyone will gain a lot from the comments in this thread!

[@ninner196]

@@EmmaColbertArt Your very welcome!

[@Vor1954]

To prevent or minimize the warping of the matboard after applying the pastel ground, I first prime the matboard with paint or primer sprayed on using rattle-can paints. Montana makes a very good white primer.

[@marytesta3003]

This is an excellent video. Thank you very much.

[@kentjensen4504]

Being an artist and J.K. Rowling fan it's impossble for me not to think Hermione Granger grew into a beautiful woman, became Irish, and started painting in pastels.

[@angieconley6501]

Thank you. This was very informative and educational. I learned a lot from this video. 😊

[@kaymounts8244]

Hi Emma, yes, is the pumice fine or coarse? Great tutorial!

[@orchidpaint9885]

Thank you for the great money saving tip.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

You're welcome! There are some great comments under this video with extra suggestions and even cheaper options and ingredients...

[@sarahmitchell9247]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@ArsPraestigium]

It looks like your friend may have used a thin MDF board as a surface, which would aid in reducing the warping. It is, however, probably a little more expensive than the artboard card stock.

[@pletlpeter6857]

That acrylic paint is really expensive. The specialized ground is better because you can use less, you don't need to prepare it, no need for water and you can put tempera or guache for color which is cheaper than acrylic.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Good to know thanks!

[@anuradhaagrawal8283]

thanks a lot artist Emma. !

[@hedonismbot3274]

I worked with art spectrum pastel primer but I still prefer pastelmat because it seems smoother and still takes more layers. Was my impression at least. And my thoughts where that for the time it takes to prepare paper I might as well pay more money. I think the primer would be great for landscapes tho. I just applied it to acid free cardboard. Thanks for the video :)

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Yes I agree totally. That's why I do buy the expensive papers as I see them as worth the money. I too like this idea to create something different and bespoke to your needs for a particular painting. But I'll not be giving up on Pasetlmat, Velour and Fisher 400 any time soon!

[@hedonismbot3274]

@@EmmaColbertArt i gotta try the velour some time. I did a landscape with watercolor underpainting on hahnemühle expression watercolor paper. I loved the texture of it for pastels also. Worked great.

[@unboundbytiffany]

@hedonismbot3274 the velour is awesome, definitely very different but I think much more forgiving than any other surface I've tried but yeah I still prefer pastelmat over any other I've tried. But I'm determined to someday be able to create that velvety non sanded yet sanded paper texture of pastelmat DIY style hahaha. Someday. Until then, they get my money. Lots of it. Hahahaha

[@hedonismbot3274]

@@unboundbytiffany haha yeah... unfortunately pastel primer doesn't even get to that pastelmat greatness if you use sand paper on it. I guess pastelmat is sprayed on by a machine or something ? It is just so homogeneous (had to ask google if that word exists in english. It does.). I really gotta try that velour now xD but is also pretty expensive. Similar to the last pastelmat price I got when it was 20% cheaper.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Emma ,I s the pumice fine or coarse?

[@jimlad01]

If you were to simply sand a gesso surface with coarse grit sandpaper wouldn't that suffice as a pastel ready support?

[@scottgabriele1215]

Emma, is it possible for it to be rolled onto the surface with a mini trim roller?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I would think so. Application can vary depending on the effect you want. A smooth thin application with more layers might be better for detailed work.

[@darrynvarey7050]

So for anyone watching, not any fine grade pumice will work. You're going to want to look for 4F/FFFF grade pumice. That will be fine enough to use. Ask me how I know....

[@veronicah6766]

What brand and size is the brush you are using. I don't see it in supplies- I may be looking in the wrong place. Thanks

[@momokothecat6935]

I can't find dry pumice in my country. Can I use Dental Pumice instead?

[@carolekinnear3221]

Emma,love this, but is there a specific grit of pumice powder you use. TIA

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Because I don't do this often, I literally just bought one pumice powder to experiment with so that's definitely something to try. The one I used is 240 mesh.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Honestly, I tried all of these handmade surface..nothing compared to UART sanded paper and pastelmat .. maybe because I use pastel pencils mainly rather than soft pastels. I found these handmade surfaces are either too gritty or too fine. They don't hold many layers .But excellent video to try again maybe. Maybe my preparation wasn't exact as you did.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I think you can experiment with the mixture to make it finer or more coarse. And then with the application too. As some have said it can be applied with a roller to get it smooth. But there is also a good reason why the likes of Pastelmat cost so much. They really are good!

[@mathewfines8727]

I would have to think that applying a layer to the reverse side would solve the warping issue.

[@Nasauniverse001]

Great. Could you wet the back if the card to correct the bending.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Yes I thought that afterwards. That's a good fix for the warping!

[@ruthburley7386]

Great video! I noticed there are different grits of pumice powder. Apparently 240 mesh equates to a coarse grit compared to 360 which is a finer grit. I googled what was on the label of your pumice powder & found this info. After testing it out, do you think a finer pumice powder might work better? Thanks!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Yes it's the 240 mesh I used, probably should have said that! I think I would prefer a finer one but I'm interested to try different feeling surfaces. The finer the grit the more detail will be possible I think.

[@ruthburley7386]

Thanks @@EmmaColbertArt !!!

[@nicolab9565]

Thank you for posting this very helpful video. Can you tell me what grade of pumice you use, please?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I used 240 mesh pumice

[@nicolab9565]

@@EmmaColbertArt Thank you!

[@davidampofonkrumah]

What grit is the pumice powder

[@EmmaColbertArt]

The one I have is 240

[@aau7186]

Thanks!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you so much! Appreciate it!

[@jillcherrick3113]

Emma how well do the pastel pencils and pans work on this paper. The reason I ask this is I m new to pastels . I did 3 18x24 pieces with a vintage brand pastel called Grumbacher soft pastelsl ( it was a brand new set that my dad found in the trash.) I had a very big mess when I was finished. Its why Im trying the pencils. I would love to be able to afford the pastelmat papers however they are way beyond budget, and would never be able to make my money back in the area I live in. Thank you for the time you take to do these tutorials. I know they are a lot of work. Jill C. Huachuca Arizona😊

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks for the comment! I think both the Pans and pencils will work very well on this type of suface. Usually the rougher surfaces accept those very well. And you can make it as rough or smooth as you want really. It's worth experimenting if you're priced out by Pastelmat. I've seen many artists use home made surfaces to great effect.

[@gabudaichamuda2545]

Can this be used with Bristol board?

[@OldSchoolChinny]

Possibly a silly suggestion but I wonder if cement powder might be a viable substitute for the pumice in this method? It’s very finely ground….🤔

[@EmmaColbertArt]

That is an interesting question that I do not know the answer to haha! If you find out, let me know

[@dshe8637]

Cement powder ight be fun to try, but it's not archival, so it might affect your pigments over time

[@sonyaj66]

I wouldn't recommend using powdered cement for this purpose; it's got ingredients in it that are not archival (I make poured concrete pots, and have a bag of Portland cement) and it is actually harmful if it gets on your skin, and definitely require a good dusk mask or respirator to use. It's not inert like pumice or calcium carbonate is. I've experimented with making my own textured pastel papers, and the clear gesso mixed with acrylic and water has been the most consistent for me. But, that's also kind of pricey. I also have used medium grit pumice mixed with acrylic and water (the pumice was used with handmade pastels, which I also make). Medium grit is too aggressive - I do not recommend it (learn the hard way). I've not tried either the calcium carbonate powder or kaolin clay, also used in making pastels, or marble dust, which is what gesso is made from, and from my readings, is a less purified version of calcium carbonate that you can buy for food-grade uses. Another alternative that I may try, since I see it's available, is using aluminum oxide grit - like what is on sandpaper - that's used in rock tumblers. There's a #500 grit through one company on Amazon, though with kind of pricey shipping. Another alternative is possibly using either carborundum powder or gel (Akua), which are used by printmakers in making textured collagraph plates. The gel is probably very similar to golden pumice ground gel, but it's black. I have no idea what the grit is, though. So, those are even MORE options for people to try!

[@marytesta3003]

I have a bunch of paint canvases. Would a few layers cover that enough?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Do you mean with soft pastel? I believe you can use canvas, you can use any surface really. But usually it will be primed with some sort of pastel ground. Something that catches the pigment.

[@marytesta3003]

@EmmaColbertArt OK. I have clear gesso. I'll put some layers and try it. I have a lot of canvases, so it would be nice to use them.

[@raginighag6595]

Is there any solution which can create a paper like Hahnemuhle velour cause I love it but its way tooo much costlier than even pastelmat where I live. Or is there any cheap alternative available. 😊❤😊

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Don't think it's possible to make velour but one other option which you might find closer to home is suede board. Ask a local framer if they have any. It's used as mount or matt board in framing sometimes. It's also nice to paint on a bit like velour.

[@zanleekain117]

I love this, but for us international friends who don't have art supply stores handy, is there an alternative to the pumice powder that might work too?

[@kerry5586]

I bought pumice powder very cheaply off eBay.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I think the pumice should be easily sourced online? I'm not sure where you are or how difficult that would be.

[@fairycorpses6691]

Can i use colored pencils on it?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I think it would be better to apply it more evenly and smoothly for pencil work but yes I think it would work.

[@chantalcorriveau5652]

Where to find the board..?.you cut them by yourself?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Search for 'mount board' or 'matt board' if you're in the US. Local art shops, framers and online. And a good sharp craft knife with a metal ruler is always useful in your studio.

[@manuelcastillo6251]

Muchas gracias I will do boss I love it thank you beautiful 😍

[@jam4441]

Just doing a quick google search to come up with some fine pumice and came across two interesting sources .One was dentistry pumice for cleaning / abrading teeth . The other was in woodworking for french polishing furniture to glassy finishes. Has anyone here tried either types of ultra fine pumice powder?

[@jensissons5709]

you can get pumice powder from soap making suppliers . its used as an exfoliant in soap.

[@dshe8637]

I use 'superfine' facial exfoliating grade

[@aduf2002]

How can we make our own pastel sticks, please let there be a video on that too

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I have not made a video on that. I'd like to have a go at making some so maybe I'll make a video soon!

[@leslieharris9088]

KZbin videos already exist on how to make your own sticks.

[@markokalac7466]

Pls someone answer me 🙏🙏 Can I use any pumice powder (are they all the same?) because I can only find the one for pilling in my country 😅, and idk if it's finner and more crushed ? Will that still work??

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I honestly don't know the answer to this. But I hope someone can answer it :-) If you try it let us know!

[@dshe8637]

I got a superfine grade advertised as a face exfoliant. It's perfect

[@markokalac7466]

@@dshe8637 ok thx for the response! I haven't bought the powder yet, but Im glad that it works

[@leslieharris9088]

Did you end up preferring one over the other?

[@AbdMuizCholan]

I like the 3 rabbits painting..... Enter Islam and success

[@leitzschdl]

Umrühren 😘