Tillie Doyle
Pan pastels are artist-quality soft pastels packed in pans, which makes them convenient to carry and use. They are made to be used dry on paper and applied with a variety of tools. However, the question of whether pan pastels can be erased is a complex one. While some sources claim that pan pastels can be completely erased or at least lightened, others state that pastels cannot be entirely removed. The ability to erase pan pastels may depend on the type of paper and application technique used. Some artists recommend using toothier paper or applying a fixative to aid in the erasure process. Ultimately, while pan pastels may be challenging to erase completely, various techniques can help lighten or minimise the appearance of unwanted marks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Erasability | Pan pastels can be erased or lightened, depending on the paper. |
| Application | They are made to be used dry on paper and applied with a variety of tools. |
| Paper type | Pan pastels require toothier paper to grab the pigment and hold it on the surface. |
| Paper examples | Colourfix, La Carte, Wallis, Pastelmat, Canson Mi-Teintes, and sanded papers. |
| Erasing tools | A paintbrush, a piece of cotton, a knife, a utility knife blade, a kneaded eraser, or a piece of soft crustless bread. |
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What You'll Learn
Pan pastels can be erased from drafting film
The tooth of the drafting film can be easily disturbed, so it is important to be careful when erasing. Most erasers will work, but it is recommended to use a gentle hand to avoid removing the tooth with aggressive rubbing. Battery-operated erasers and kneadable erasers are particularly effective for removing pastel marks and tidying up pencil lines.
When working with drafting film, it is advised to use a paper towel under the palm of your hand or to wear cotton gloves with the fingers cut out. This prevents skin oils from getting on the film, which can interfere with the adherence of the pastel.
Drafting film is available in clear or matte cut sheets or rolls in different thicknesses. The clear or translucent nature of the film allows for interesting effects, such as painting on both sides to create a layered 3D look. The film can also be stacked in layers, with open spots to see through and create a unique visual experience.
In terms of brands, Grafix offers a student-grade drafting film in pad form called Dura-lar, as well as an artist-grade film available in sheets or rolls. Other brands include Dupont's "Mylar," Azon's "Herculene," and Yupo and Borden & Riley's "Denril," which are made with polypropylene.
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Pan pastels can be erased from Seawhite paper
Pan pastels are professional-quality soft pastels packed in pans, making them convenient to carry. They are made to be used dry on paper and can be applied with a variety of tools, including sponges, brushes, and Sofft Tools.
Pan pastels can be used on cartridge paper and coloured papers with a non-glossy surface. On most art papers, they can be erased with a standard plastic eraser or a kneaded eraser. However, it is important to note that pastels cannot be completely erased, and applying too much pressure while erasing may make the mark more pronounced. Instead, it is recommended to use a paintbrush to lightly sweep away the pastel particles or a piece of cotton to rub the area gently.
When using pan pastels on Seawhite paper, it is possible to erase them or at least lighten the area. Seawhite paper has a shine and can take the pan pastel and coloured pencils without lifting the paper surface. While it is possible to erase pan pastels from Seawhite paper, it may be more challenging than other papers, and the results may vary.
To improve the erasability of pan pastels on Seawhite paper, it is recommended to prime the surface with a layer of fixative before applying the pastel. Additionally, using sanded paper, such as LuxArchival, can provide better adhesion for the pan pastels, making it easier to erase any mistakes. Experimenting with different papers and techniques will help determine the best combination for the desired effects and ease of erasure.
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Pan pastels can be erased from Colourfix paper
Pan pastels are artist-quality soft pastels packed in pans, which makes them convenient to carry. They are made to be used dry on paper and applied with a variety of tools.
PanPastel Colors are professional artist-quality soft pastels packed in a unique pan format. With colors that are rich, ultra-soft, and super-blendable, you can apply PanPastel (dry) color like paint, making it great for painting, drawing, and mixed media.
While pastels cannot be completely erased, they can be lightened on certain papers. Pan pastels can be erased from Colourfix paper. Colourfix paper is a permanent colored substrate for gouache, inks, oil paints, and acrylics. It has a unique, fine tooth surface produced by screen printing Art Spectrum Colourfix Primer onto a heavy-weight Hot Press watercolor paper. It comes in a variety of colors and is available in 9″ × 12″ (23 cm × 30.5 cm) or 19½” × 27½” (50 cm × 70 cm) sheets.
To erase pan pastels from Colourfix paper, use a paintbrush to lightly go over the affected area and sweep away as many particles as possible. If that is not enough, rub with a small piece of cotton without pressing down too hard. If you have created thick layers, use a knife or a utility knife blade to remove as much material as possible. Scratch in the same direction as you drew. Do not use a conventional eraser, as it will rub the pigments into the paper.
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Pan pastels can be erased from La Carte paper
Pan pastels are artist-quality soft pastels packed in pans, which makes them convenient to carry. They can be used dry on paper or mixed with water. While pan pastels can be erased to some extent, the type of paper used plays a significant role in how effectively they can be removed. La Carte paper, in particular, requires extra care due to its sandy surface, which can be easily damaged by moisture.
When working with La Carte paper and pan pastels, it is important to avoid using conventional erasers, as they can abrade the delicate surface and dislodge the pastel particles, making the intrusion more pronounced. Instead, opt for softer erasing tools such as kneaded erasers or a small piece of soft crustless bread, gently tapping to lift the pastel particles off the paper. Another option is to use a paintbrush to lightly sweep away the pastel, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
Additionally, the texture of the paper can impact the erasability of pan pastels. Pan pastels work well on toothier papers, such as those prepared with Colourfix primer or Golden's Fiber Paste, as the tooth helps grab and hold the pigment in place. However, even with the right paper, completely erasing pan pastels can be challenging. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a knife or utility blade to carefully scrape away thick layers of pastel, always scratching in the same direction as the original stroke.
It is worth noting that some artists have found success in using an airbrush or a foam brush to remove pan pastels from certain types of paper. Experimentation with different papers and tools is often necessary to find the best approach for erasing pan pastels, especially when working with La Carte paper, which requires a delicate touch to preserve its sandy surface.
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Pan pastels can be lightened, if not erased, on some papers
Pan pastels are artist-quality soft pastels packed in pans, which makes them convenient to carry. They are meant to be used dry on paper and can be applied with a variety of tools, including sponges and paintbrushes.
While pan pastels can be erased to some extent, it is a bit more difficult to do so on certain types of paper. The ability to erase or lighten pan pastels depends on the paper's texture and toothiness, or how well the paper can hold the pastel pigment. For instance, pan pastels can be erased on Seawhite paper, which has a shine and a soft surface that takes the pastel equally well. However, the same pan pastel colour on the harder and less black Seawhite paper sample may lift the soft surface.
To erase pan pastels, avoid using a conventional eraser as it will likely rub the pigments into the paper. Instead, use a kneaded eraser, a piece of soft crustless bread, or a paintbrush to lightly sweep away the pastel particles. If that is not enough, try rubbing the area gently with a piece of cotton. If you have created thick layers, use a knife or a utility knife blade to carefully scrape off the pastel, always scratching in the same direction as you drew.
Some artists recommend using fixatives with pan pastels to unify an area with colour. For instance, you can spritz your underpainting with fixative and then apply a delicate 'glaze' of pan colour. You can also use blending powders, such as the Brush & Pencil brand, to lubricate the paper surface and prevent the waxes from the pencil core from sticking to the paper tooth.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pan pastels can be erased, but the ease of doing so depends on the type of paper used. Erasing pan pastels is easier on toothier paper, such as Colourfix, La Carte, Wallis, or Pastelmat. On smoother papers, like Seawhite, it may be more difficult to erase the pan pastels completely, but the area can often be lightened.
To erase pan pastels, it is recommended to use a kneaded eraser or a piece of soft crustless bread. A paintbrush can also be used to sweep away pastel particles, and a knife or razor blade can be used to scrape off thicker layers of pastel. It is important to avoid using a conventional eraser, as it can smudge the pigments and damage the paper.
Yes, instead of erasing, you can try drawing over the mistake with the background colour or applying a fixative and glazing over it with a light layer of pan pastel colour. Another option is to use a blending powder, such as the Brush & Pencil Powder Blender, which lubricates the surface and allows for easier erasure of coloured pencils without breaking up the colour.
