The most common feedback we receive from artists who have switched to our art paper is that they agree both the tooth and the consistency of UART are miles ahead of other pastel papers. Unlike other manufacturers, UART employs a state-of-the-art manufacturing process that ensures a consistent grain application on every inch of the paper. In addition, our paper allows for seamless blending while reducing flaking, maintaining the look of your pastel. While UART is of the highest-quality pastel papers, it’s also incredibly affordable, rivaling lesser quality papers in terms of value.

• Loose sheets: 9×12, 12×18, 18×24, 21×27, 24×36, 27×40 inches

• Mounted boards: 8×10, 9×12, 11×14, 12×12, 12×16, 16×16, 16×20, 18×24 inches

• Pads: 9×12 in., 10 sheets per pad inches

• Roll: 56 in. wide × 9 m long

UART paper works not only with soft and hard pastels, but also with charcoal, colored pencils, graphite, and both water- and oil-based media. Alcohol-based markers or inks can also be used, and thanks to its sanded surface, the paper holds multiple layers well, often without the need for a fixative.

UART paper does NOT require any fixatives. One of the biggest advantage of using our sanded pastel paper is that almost all the pastel material stays on the paper. The sanded surface allows for maximum “absorption” and leaves very minimum material waste. We do recommend to frame your painting with a spacer between your artwork and the glass.

With its sturdiness, thickness and grade, UART can manage traditional underpainting without any adverse side effects. However, for additional peace-of-mind when underpainting, we suggest purchasing our mounted pastel boards or mounting the sanded art paper yourself before applying liquid media. The paper will wave if left unmounted. For more information about underpainting techniques on UART, please check out our videos page.

Unfortunately, curling is a natural occurrence in sandpaper and is by no means not a defect of the paper. Relative humidity (RH) is a very important factor in the storage of our sanded papers. Optimum storing conditions are 35% to 50% RH at a temperature range of 60F to 80F. High humidity in the bonding (resin) will force the paper to curl upwards (grit side up) while low humidity will push the paper to curl downwards.

To eliminate any curling issues, we recommend that you dry mount our paper prior to painting or drawing on a rigid surface such as foam core or gatorboard. We also recommend storing our paper in its original package or in a tightly sealed plastic container. The container should be kept away from windows and any direct heat sources.

If you paper has already curled, there are a few ways to correct this issue, although we do not guarantee that the techniques will eliminate curling completely:

1. Start by reverse rolling the paper. If the paper is curling upwards, roll it in the opposite way. Tie it with a couple of rubber bands for a few hours.

2. Remove the rubber bands and lay the paper on a flat surface. To protect the paper, cover it with kraft paper or any covering material and place heavy objects on top such as large books, weights, bricks, etc… to keep the paper for curling back.

3. If possible, store it in a tightly sealed container in a cool place.

The video below demonstrates a wet and dry technique to remove the curling:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHh3zW9dI34

Keep sheets in their original packaging or a tightly sealed plastic container, away from direct sunlight and heat. Store at moderate humidity (35–50 % RH) and room temperature (60–80 °F) to prevent curling or damage.

Any grade and size of UART paper can be purchased pre-mounted on illustration board at a price that’s competitive with any other professionally-mounted pieces. However, if you prefer to mount the paper yourself, we suggest using Grafix Double Tack Mounting Film. It is also acid free and comes in 9″x12″, 18″24″ & 24″x36″ sheets.

As an alternative, you can purchase our own Peel’N’Stick sheets. More info about those sheets HERE

Our paper is available to purchase through our retailers’ stores as well as through Amazon.com.

We do not offer free sample packs at this time, but our paper is available for purchase in packs, pads, mounted boards, and Peel’n’Stick sheets.