Cody Casey
Pan pastels are a unique art medium that offers a dry velvety paint-like experience. They are known for their rich and ultra-soft colours, achieved through a high pigment load and minimal binder. While pan pastels are generally considered cleaner and less dusty than traditional pastel sticks, they can still create dust. The amount of dust generated depends on various factors, including the pressure applied and the tools used. Excessive swiping or pressing too hard on the pan can generate dust, as it did for one user who found themselves with dust all over themselves and their surroundings. However, with proper techniques, such as gentle swiping and the use of appropriate tools like Sofft sponges, artists can minimise dust creation and enjoy the benefits of pan pastels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do pan pastels create dust? | Yes, but less than pastel sticks. |
| How to avoid creating dust? | Avoid swiping the pan's surface too much or too hard. |
| How to avoid inhaling dust? | Use a dust mask, work outdoors, or in a well-ventilated room. |
| How to remove dust? | Use a wet cloth, a vacuum cleaner, or an air purifier. |
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What You'll Learn
Pan pastels are dusty, but less so than pastel sticks
Pan pastels do create dust, but they are less dusty than pastel sticks. This is because pastel sticks are held together in a stick shape, requiring a level of hardness, whereas pan pastels do not. As a result, pan pastel colours are rich and ultra-soft, with minimal binder and fillers and a very high pigment load. Pan pastels are also designed to be applied with Sofft Tools, which are made from a dense micropore sponge that can be washed and reused. This makes it easier to control and apply the pastel in a painterly way, generating less dust.
However, it is still possible to create dust with pan pastels, especially if you are not careful with your technique. For example, swiping the surface of the pan too hard or too often can generate excess dust, as this will overload the sponge. Similarly, pressing down too hard on the pan can create dust, so it is important to apply pastel with a light touch.
The dust generated by pan pastels can be a problem for some people, especially those with sensitivities or lung issues. To avoid inhaling pastel dust, it is recommended to wear a dust mask, such as an N95 mask, which is effective at keeping dust out of your lungs. Working vertically can also help, as any dust will simply fall down onto a catch tray or drop sheet, rather than into the air. Regularly cleaning your studio space will also help to keep dust levels low.
While pastel dust is often non-toxic, it is still not good for your lungs. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to avoid inhaling dust when using pan pastels, even though they are less dusty than pastel sticks.
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The amount of dust created depends on the brand and the paper used
The amount of dust created by pan pastels depends on a variety of factors, including the brand, the type of paper used, and the pressure applied. While pan pastels are generally considered to be less dusty than their stick counterparts, certain techniques and products can minimise the amount of dust produced.
The brand and type of pastel used can affect the amount of dust created. For example, oil pastels, which are bound with wax and oil, do not release airborne dust like soft pastels. Additionally, the formulation of pan pastels allows for rich and ultra-soft colours with minimal binder and fillers, resulting in a higher pigment load and less dust generation.
The type of paper used can also impact the amount of dust created. Using a surface like Pastelmat with Pan Pastels can reduce the amount of dust produced. Working vertically on an easel or a drawing board propped against a wall can also help, as any dust will simply fall downwards instead of being inhaled.
The pressure applied to the pastel and the swiping technique can significantly influence dust creation. Pressing too hard or swiping the pan's surface more than necessary can generate excess dust. It is recommended to apply pastel lightly and gently, as demonstrated by professional artists. Using tools like Sofft Tools, which are made from a dense micropore sponge, can aid in controlling the amount of colour picked up and reduce dust.
While most pastel dust is non-toxic, it is still important to take precautions to avoid inhaling it. Artists can use face masks, work outdoors, or in well-ventilated areas to minimise dust inhalation. Regular cleaning of the studio space and using tools like wet cloths, vacuum cleaners, or air filters can also help manage dust levels.
By considering these factors and adopting sensible working practices, artists can minimise the amount of dust created when using pan pastels and maintain a safe and enjoyable working environment.
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Pressing down too hard on the pastel pan will create more dust
Pan pastels are a unique art medium that offers artists a range of creative possibilities. While they provide advantages such as mixability, transparent layers, and ease of use, it is important to be mindful of the dust they can create.
When using pan pastels, it is essential to avoid pressing down too hard on the pastel pan. Pressing down with excessive force can result in the creation of more dust, leading to a messy workspace and potential health concerns. This is because pressing too hard can cause the pastel to break into smaller pieces, increasing the surface area from which dust can become airborne.
To minimize dust creation, a light touch is recommended. Gently swipe the pan's surface with a sponge or applicator to pick up the desired amount of colour. Be mindful that swiping too vigorously or repeatedly in the same area can overload the sponge and generate excess dust. It is better to build up colour gradually with multiple gentle swipes rather than applying heavy pressure.
Additionally, consider using tools specifically designed for pan pastels, such as Sofft Tools. These tools are made from a dense micropore sponge that can withstand studio use and effectively handle artist-grade pigments. They can also be washed and reused, making them a sustainable and cost-effective option.
By following these suggestions and adopting a delicate approach when working with pan pastels, artists can minimize dust creation and maximize the enjoyment of this versatile art medium. Remember, pan pastels are meant to be used with a light touch, allowing the colours to flow smoothly onto your chosen surface.
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Dust from pan pastels can be harmful if inhaled
While the majority of pastel dust is non-toxic, inhaling pastel dust is still harmful to your health. Pastel dust consists of extremely fine particles of both pigments and binders. When pastel dust is inhaled, some particles will deposit in the upper respiratory system and are swallowed along with other dust. However, a significant portion of the pastel dust particles, especially those from pigments, are small enough to get deep into the lungs' air sacs (alveoli), where they may remain indefinitely.
The pigments used in art materials fall into two groups: inorganic and organic. Inorganic pigments contain metals that are often toxic, such as chrome, cobalt, manganese, nickel and cadmium. Most organic pigments, which are complex hydrocarbons, haven't been studied for their long-term hazards, but many of them are members of chemical classes suspected to cause cancer.
The health risks of inhaling pastel dust are strong enough that every pastel artist should be made aware of them. While pastel dust may not be toxic, it can still clog up your lungs in the long term. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when working with pastels to minimize the amount of pastel dust in the air and to prevent inhalation. Some precautions that can be taken include working in a well-ventilated area, using a dust mask or respirator, and avoiding blowing on the paper to remove dust, as this will create a dust cloud. It is also recommended to work vertically so that any dust will simply fall down, and to regularly clean your studio space.
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Ways to reduce dust include using an easel and wearing a mask
Pan pastels do create dust, and while the majority of pastel dust is non-toxic, inhaling any kind of dust is bad for the lungs. To reduce dust when using pan pastels, one can use an easel or lean their drawing board against a wall. This way, any dust created will simply fall down and not settle on the artwork. A tray can be placed under the easel to collect the dust. Alternatively, a drop cloth or old sheet can be placed under the easel to catch the dust. The area around the easel should be cleaned regularly.
Another way to reduce dust is to avoid blowing on the artwork, as this creates a dust cloud. Instead, a wet cloth or vacuum cleaner can be used to remove dust from the artwork. It is also important to keep the work area and oneself clean and tidy. This includes washing hands before eating or drinking and avoiding touching one's face while working with pan pastels.
Additionally, wearing a mask can help reduce dust inhalation. Disposable respirator masks can be worn to allow for breathing out and prevent the buildup of stale air. Masks with HEPA filters are also recommended for filtering out dust particles. Wearing gloves can also help prevent the ingestion of pastel dust.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pan pastels do create dust. However, they create less dust than pastel sticks. Swiping the pan's surface more than necessary will generate excess dust, as will pressing down too hard.
To reduce the amount of dust created by pan pastels, use a light touch when swiping the pan's surface. Sofft Tools, which are made from a dense micropore sponge, can also be used to reduce dust.
Yes, inhaling pastel dust can be harmful to your lungs, even if the pigments are non-toxic. To protect yourself from inhaling dust, it is recommended to wear a dust mask, work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, and regularly clean your workspace.
