
( Brand: Clairefontaine ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: EXA-96007 ), ( UPC: 329680960075 ), ( Size: 24 X 30 Cm ), ( Style: Card Pad No 2 ), ( Gtin: 03329680960075 )
The **Clairefontaine Exa-96007 96007C Pastelmat Glued 24x30 cm** is a meticulously crafted, high-quality art paper designed to elevate the precision and finesse of your creative projects. Engineered by Clairefontaine, a brand synonymous with excellence in artist-grade materials, this paper combines the smooth, velvety texture of their renowned *Exa* series with the unique, matte-finish *Pastelmat* surface, creating an ideal medium for blending, layering, and delicate shading. The *Glued* variant ensures enhanced stability and durability, preventing warping or curling critical for long-term projects, collages, or layered techniques where crisp edges and consistent performance are essential. Measuring precisely **24 cm by 30 cm**, this sheet offers a generous, versatile workspace for artists, illustrators, and designers who demand both professional-grade quality and a tactile experience that enhances their workflow. The paper s acid-free composition guarantees longevity, protecting your artwork from yellowing or degradation over time, while its slightly textured surface provides just enough grip to prevent slipping during intense work sessions. Whether you re experimenting with pastels, watercolors, or mixed-media techniques, this paper s balanced matte finish neither too rough nor overly slick allows pigments to breathe while maintaining vibrant, true-to-life colors. The *Exa* series renowned opacity further ensures that your work remains flawless even when layered or backlit, making it a reliable choice for both studio and exhibition-quality pieces. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned professionals, this sheet embodies the marriage of innovation and tradition, offering a premium surface that inspires confidence in every stroke.
**Pros and Cons of buying a Clairefontaine Exa-96007 (96007C) Pastelmat Glued 24x30 cm Set**
### **Pros**
1. **High-Quality Paper** Clairefontaine is renowned for its premium, acid-free, and archival-quality paper, making it ideal for professional artists, illustrators, and archival projects. The Pastelmat surface is specifically designed to hold pastel pigments securely without excessive dusting.
2. **Glue-Bound Sheets** The glue binding ensures the sheets stay flat and prevent curling, which is particularly useful for pastel work where texture and stability are important. This feature is less common in budget-friendly paper brands.
3. **Professional-Grade Surface** The Pastelmat texture provides a slightly textured yet smooth surface that works well for blending and layering pastels. It reduces the risk of pastel particles embedding into the paper, which can happen with smoother surfaces.
4. **Durability and Longevity** Clairefontaine paper is known for its resistance to yellowing and degradation over time, making it suitable for long-term projects, exhibitions, or personal keepsakes.
5. **Consistent Color Rendering** The paper has a neutral, non-reflective surface that allows for accurate color representation, which is crucial for artists who prioritize color fidelity.
6. **Versatility** While primarily designed for pastels, the paper can also be used with pencils, charcoal, or light watercolor applications, though it is not ideal for heavy water-based media.
7. **Brand Reputation** Clairefontaine is a trusted name in the art supply industry, often recommended by professionals for its reliability and performance.
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### **Cons**
1. **Expensive** Clairefontaine products are positioned in the premium price range, making them significantly more costly than mass-produced or student-grade paper. This may be a barrier for hobbyists or those on a tight budget.
2. **Limited Availability** Depending on your location, Clairefontaine products may not be as widely stocked as more common brands like Canson or Strathmore. You may need to order online or from specialty art supply stores.
3. **Not Ideal for All Media** While excellent for pastels, this paper is not suitable for heavy ink, watercolor, or oil paints, which can bleed or damage the surface. Artists using multiple media may need to invest in additional paper types.
4. **Weight and Bulk** The glue-bound sheets are heavier and bulkier than loose sheets, which can make storage and transport less convenient. If you work with many different paper sizes, this may add to your storage space requirements.
5. **Learning Curve for Pastel Artists** If you are new to pastels, the texture of Pastelmat may feel different from smoother papers, and you may need to adjust your technique to avoid excessive dusting or smudging.
6. **Environmental Impact** Like many premium art papers, Clairefontaine products may have a higher environmental footprint due to production methods, though the brand does offer some eco-friendly options in other product lines.
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### **Conclusion**
The Clairefontaine Exa-96007 (96007C) Pastelmat glued 24x30 cm set is an excellent choice for artists who prioritize quality, durability, and professional results in pastel work. Its glue-bound sheets, high-quality paper, and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious artists, illustrators, or those working on long-term projects. However, the high cost and limited versatility for other media may not justify the purchase for casual artists or those with diverse artistic needs.
### **Recommendation**
**Buy if:**- You are a professional artist, illustrator, or serious pastel enthusiast who values archival quality and durability.
- You primarily work with pastels and need a stable, dust-minimizing surface.
- You are willing to invest in high-end materials that will last for years.
- You have access to a reliable supplier and can accommodate the higher cost.
**Avoid if:**- You are a beginner or hobbyist on a budget and can opt for more affordable alternatives like Canson Pastelmat or Strathmore 500 Series.
- You frequently use media other than pastels, as this paper is not versatile for watercolor, ink, or oil.
- You prefer loose sheets over glue-bound ones for easier storage and transport.
- You are sensitive to price and can find comparable quality at a lower cost from other brands.
For most professionals, the Clairefontaine Exa-96007 is a well-deserved investment in quality, while budget-conscious artists may find equally good alternatives elsewhere.
Paper Finish: Premium Matte. Manufacturer: Claire aine. Unit Count: 1.0 Count. Material: Paper.
Recommended Uses For Product: Drawing. Brand Name: Claire aine. The paper is also suitable for dry pastels. Material Type: Paper.
Global Trade Identification Number: 75. Paper Size: 24 x 30 cm. Sheet Size: 24 x 30 cm. Item Type Name: pen.
The paper is suitable for all dry techniques, lead, sanguine, charcoal and more. Color: Pastel.