
Pan pastels are soft, highly pigmented pastels in pan form. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel. Pan pastels can be used with sponge tools called Sofft Tools, which can be cleaned and reused. While pan pastels are meant to be used dry, they can be mixed with alcohol to create a wash. Pan pastels can be used over watercolours, inks, and acrylic grounds once dry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Form | Soft pastel in a pan |
| Oil-based | No |
| Texture | Chalk-like |
| Application | Dry |
| Tools | Sofft sponge tools |
| Blendable | Yes |
| Fixative | Workable fixative |
| Wash | Mix pastel powder with alcohol |
| Erasable | Yes |
| Compatible with other media | Yes |
| Use over watercolours | Yes, once dry |
| Use over acrylics | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Pan pastels are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel
- They are highly pigmented and blend well, producing very little dust
- Pan pastels can be used with sponge tools in different shapes and sizes
- Pan pastels can be used on a variety of surfaces, including glossy cardstock, pastel cardstock, and acrylic paper
- Pan pastels can be used over watercolours, inks, and acrylic grounds once dry

Pan pastels are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel
Pan pastels are a relatively new format of soft pastels that are set into pans or jars instead of being moulded into sticks. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel. They are made by mixing dry pigment with a gum binder and some filler to form a thick paste, which is then set into pans or jars. This format allows for much less binder and the highest pigment concentration of any pastel product.
The packaging protects the pigment, reduces waste, and allows for easy storage and transport. Pan pastels can be applied quickly and easily and are created to produce very little dust. They are highly pigmented and blend well, providing a soft texture to art projects. They can be used with their own Sofft tools, which are sponge tools in different shapes and sizes. It is important to note that pan pastels are intended to be used dry, and liquids should not be applied to the pan's surface.
However, pan pastels can be used to create interesting textures when painting. The pastel powder can be mixed with water, creating a suspension on the water's surface, which can then be used to paint. This can result in uneven washes with unique textures. Additionally, pan pastels can be used to create a pastel wash by mixing the pastel powder with alcohol.
Pan pastels offer a versatile and convenient medium for artists, providing a range of creative possibilities and ease of use.
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They are highly pigmented and blend well, producing very little dust
Pan pastels are soft, highly pigmented pastels that come in a pan form. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel. They are highly blendable and can be applied almost like paint. Pan pastels can be used with their own Sofft tools, which are sponge tools in different shapes and sizes. These sponges have a texture and stiffness that work well with the pan pastels.
Pan pastels are highly pigmented and blend well, producing very little dust. They can be applied smoothly and softly, allowing for fluid blending. This makes them a great addition to mixed media work. The pastel powder can be mixed with alcohol to create a wash, but it should not be mixed with water in the pan. Instead, the powder will stay in suspension on the water, creating interesting textures.
Pan pastels can be used on a variety of surfaces, including glossy cardstock, pastel cardstock, acrylic paper, and watercolour paper. They can also be used on top of watercolours, inks, and acrylic grounds once these are dry. When used on different papers, pan pastels can be erased or lightened once dry, although this may be more difficult on some papers.
Overall, pan pastels offer a unique and versatile way to add colour and texture to artwork, with the convenience of being packaged in pans.
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Pan pastels can be used with sponge tools in different shapes and sizes
Pan pastels are soft, highly pigmented pastels that come in a pan form. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel. One of the benefits of using pan pastels is that they can be used to apply colour quickly and easily. They are also created to produce very little dust.
To apply the pan pastels, gently pick up the colour with your sponge and add it to the surface. It is important to note that pan pastels are intended to be used dry and should not be mixed with water in the pan. If you want to create a pastel wash, you can take the pastel out of the pan and mix it with alcohol.
After you have added and blended the pan pastels onto your surface, you can use a workable fixative to seal the layer. This will allow you to continue adding additional layers of pan pastels or other mediums.
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Pan pastels can be used on a variety of surfaces, including glossy cardstock, pastel cardstock, and acrylic paper
Pan pastels are a soft, highly pigmented pastel that is in a pan form. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel. They can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including glossy cardstock, pastel cardstock, and acrylic paper.
Glossy cardstock is a super-smooth paper that can be used with pan pastels to create interesting textures. The base layer goes on smoothly, but as you add darker layers, they only adhere to certain areas, creating a unique effect. Using clear inkpads as a "tooth" can help the pan pastel adhere better to glossy cardstock.
Pastel cardstock is designed for use with regular pastel sticks and has a textured surface. When used with pan pastels, it creates a "distressed" edge effect.
Acrylic paper has a canvas-style texture that stands out when used with pan pastels. By blending the base layer into the crevices and using a lighter touch for subsequent applications, you can highlight the texture of the paper.
To apply pan pastels, you can use their own Sofft tools, which are reusable sponge tools in various shapes and sizes. These sponges have a texture and stiffness that works well with the pan pastels. You can also use velour make-up applicators, soft make-up sponges, and brushes for blending.
It's important to note that pan pastels are intended to be used dry. If you want to create a pastel wash, you can take the pastel out of the pan and mix it with alcohol. After applying and blending the pan pastels, use a workable fixative to seal the layer and protect your artwork.
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Pan pastels can be used over watercolours, inks, and acrylic grounds once dry
Pan pastels are soft pastels packed in pans, which makes them convenient to carry and store. They are highly pigmented and designed to produce minimal dust. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel, and they blend well.
Pan pastels are meant to be used dry, and they can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and boards. They can be used over watercolours, inks, and acrylic grounds, but it's important to note that the pan pastel itself should not be mixed with water. Instead, the pastel is applied dry over a surface that has been prepared with watercolours, inks, or acrylic grounds, once they are dry. This allows for interesting textures and effects in the final artwork.
When using pan pastels, artists can use the cover of the pan as a mixing area, and the pastel powder will stay in suspension on the water, creating a unique texture. To apply the pastel, one can use a sponge tool, such as the Sofft Tools designed for use with pan pastels, or a brush. The sponge tools come in different shapes and sizes and can be cleaned and reused.
For those who want to explore further, PanPastel offers unique opportunities when used over acrylic grounds. Almost all acrylic grounds scored high in terms of receptivity, layering, details, and erasing capabilities. The grounds that accepted PanPastel the best were either gritty or very absorbent, such as the Absorbent Ground and Light Molding Paste from the brand GOLDEN.
With their versatility and ease of use, pan pastels are a great addition to any artist's toolkit, allowing for the creation of beautiful and unique artworks.
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Frequently asked questions
Pan pastels are not meant to be mixed with water in the pan but are intended to be used dry. However, you can create a pastel wash by mixing pastel powder with alcohol or water.
Pan pastels can be applied with a variety of tools, including Sofft tools (sponges in different shapes and sizes), erasers, and brushes.
Pan pastels can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, cardstock, acrylic paper, watercolour paper, and canvas. They can also be used with water-based media, such as watercolours and inks, once the media is dry.











































