Pastels FAQs
What’s the difference in application between soft pastels and oil pastels?
Soft pastels are powdery and blendable, ideal for layered, airy effects; they produce dust and require textured paper and sometimes fixative. Oil pastels are creamy, less dusty, and behave more like paint — you can blend them with solvents or tools and create impasto textures, but they may be trickier to frame under glass without special spacers.
Can I combine watercolors or acrylics with pastels?
Yes — water-based underpaintings (watercolor or thinned acrylic) make excellent foundations for pastel layers because they set the value structure. Avoid applying heavy, glossy acrylics on top of pastels; instead, use acrylics sparingly as a ground. Oil pastels can be used over acrylic once it’s fully cured, but combining oil pastels directly with watercolors can be more experimental due to differing binder properties.
How do I choose the right paper or surface for pastel work?
Pick paper with enough tooth to hold pigment: Pastel-specific papers (e.g., Canson Mi-Teintes, Pastelmat) are formulated for grip and archival quality. For oil pastels, heavier textured papers or primed boards work well. For PanPastels, a specially textured surface or Pastelmat gives the best grip and blending performance. Test a few surfaces to find one that complements your style.
Are student-grade pastels a waste of money compared to artist-grade?
Not at all. Student-grade pastels are excellent for practice, studies, and learning techniques because they’re more affordable. They typically contain less pigment and more binder, so colors may be less intense and lightfastness may be lower, but they’re perfect for getting comfortable with materials before investing in artist-grade sticks.
How can I avoid pastel dust and keep my workspace clean?
Control dust by working gently, using blending tools instead of fingers when possible, and cleaning with a slightly damp cloth rather than sweeping air. Use a spray fixative lightly between layers if needed, work with a drop cloth or dedicated mat, and ventilate the room — especially when sanding or using aerosols. Storing pastels in boxes and limiting the number of sticks in a single tray reduces cross-contamination and mess.