Cody Casey
Pan Pastels are a highly pigmented, soft pastel in a pan format. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel. They can be applied to clay using a brush, sponge, or finger. They are commonly used with polymer clay, and can be applied to both raw clay and mixed into liquid polymer clay. They can also be applied to baked clay, although they do not stick as well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pastel | Soft, highly pigmented pastel in a pan form |
| Application | Applied to unbaked polymer clay using brushes, sponges, fingers, or Sofft tools |
| Adhesion | Adheres well to polymer clay, especially when applied to raw clay |
| Toxicity | High-grade pastels may contain toxic pigments such as cadmium and nickel |
| Baking | Can be baked on a ceramic tile with deli paper, covered with a foil lid or placed in a foil pan |
| Sealing | Not necessary unless the pastel will receive high wear or is likely to get dirty |
| Durability | Long-lasting, with intense and rich colors that provide good coverage |
| Versatility | Can be used on both raw and baked clay, as well as mixed into liquid polymer clay |
| Texture | Soft and easy to blend, with a chalk-like feel |
| Dust | Produces very little dust due to its pan form |
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What You'll Learn
Using brushes, sponges, or fingers to apply Pan Pastel to clay
Pan Pastels are a soft, highly pigmented pastel that comes in a pan form. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel. They are commonly used with polymer clay. They can be applied to clay using brushes, sponges, or fingers.
Polymer artists apply powdered pastels to unbaked polymer clay, usually using a brush, or sometimes a sponge or finger. The pastel chalks stick well to polymer clay. They can be used on both raw clay and mixed into liquid polymer clay. They can also be used on baked clay, although they do not stick as well.
There are a variety of brushes and sponges available to use with Pan Pastels. The pastel colours can be blended easily, and different colours can be used together. For example, one source describes how they blended a pale blue down the length of a piece of clay, before swiping purple across it with an applicator brush. Another source describes double-loading a sponge with colour and brushing it over a stencil attached to the clay.
Pan Pastels can also be used with silkscreens using a sponge applicator. If using an ultra-fine mesh, it is important to be careful not to clog the screen and to ensure that the screen is dry.
It is worth noting that Pan Pastel containers and lids are made from styrene and will fuse with unbaked polymer clay if left touching.
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Baking clay with Pan Pastel: using tin foil, ceramic tiles, or silicon sheets
Baking clay with Pan Pastel using tin foil, ceramic tiles, or silicon sheets is a great way to create unique and vibrant polymer clay pieces. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:
Tin Foil or Aluminum Pans
Using tin foil or aluminum pans is a convenient way to bake your clay creations with Pan Pastel. You can place your clay directly on a sheet of tin foil and cover it with another sheet to prevent any dust or contamination. Alternatively, you can use aluminum pans of various depths to accommodate taller clay pieces. Binder clips can be used to hold the foil or pans together securely. This method is especially useful when working with multiple colours or when you want to avoid direct contact with the oven rack.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are an excellent heat-resistant surface for baking polymer clay. They can be placed directly on the oven rack or inside a covered metal pan. Using a plain sheet of white copy paper between the tile and your clay creation will prevent shiny spots where the clay touches the tile. Ceramic tiles are great for maintaining even heat distribution and can also be used as a work surface for clay projects, as the clay clings to the tile, making it easier to work on fine details. Remember that tiles take longer to heat up, so you may need to bake your creations for a bit longer.
Silicon Sheets
Silicon sheets, also known as deli sheets, can be used as a base for your clay projects. Simply slide your clay creation, along with the silicon sheet, onto a tile or baking pan before placing it in the oven. This method ensures that your pastel colours are trapped and do not smudge or transfer.
Application Techniques
When applying Pan Pastel to clay, remember that a little goes a long way. Use a brush, sponge, or your fingers to apply the pastel powder to the unbaked polymer clay. You can also mix pastel shavings directly into the clay for a more intense colour. Always handle Pan Pastels with care, as they can easily stain your hands and surfaces.
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Sealing Pan Pastel on clay
One method for sealing Pan Pastel on clay is to use a spray sealant. Spray sealants, such as matte sealant or DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish, can be applied in light coats to prevent smudging. It is recommended to mix half water with half Ultra Matte Varnish in a small spray bottle, shake well, and then spray a light mist, letting it dry before applying a second coat. Testing for smudging after the second coat can help determine if additional sprays are needed.
Another option for sealing Pan Pastel on clay is to use a brush-on sealant. However, it is important to apply thin coats in a single direction to avoid smudging or smearing the pigment. One product that can be used is Deco Media Varnish, which has been found to effectively prevent smudging and produce a subtle finish.
Additionally, when working with Pan Pastel on clay, it is important to consider the application technique. Using too much Pan Pastel can result in excess pigment that can smudge the clay surface. It is recommended to build up the colour gradually and use light layers. This can be achieved by using a small amount of Pan Pastel and building up the colour as needed.
Furthermore, when sealing Pan Pastel on clay, it is essential to consider the type of clay and its surface preparation. For example, when working with bisqued ceramic clay, the choice of tools can impact the final result. Softer tools, such as sponges, tend to work better than harder tools like knives, which can tear the clay. Priming the clay surface with products like Liquitex Gesso can also enhance the adhesion of the Pan Pastel and reduce smudging.
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Erasing Pan Pastel from baked clay
PanPastels are a brand of soft pastels that are sold in pan form instead of sticks. They are easy to use and can be applied to unbaked polymer clay using a brush, sponge, or finger.
If you want to erase PanPastel from baked clay, you can try the following methods:
- If you have applied PanPastel to a textured baked surface, you can scrub it in and then erase over the top to create an antiqued effect.
- You can also try using an eraser to lighten or completely erase the PanPastel, depending on the surface you have applied it to. This method may be more or less difficult depending on the type of paper or surface used.
- Another option is to use an old paintbrush handle or a sliver cut from a sponge sleeve to create a narrow "brush" to remove the PanPastel. This method may result in loose long lines and may not give you a rich colour or precise control.
- Finally, you can try using sponge "fingers", which are stiffer than sponge sleeves and may provide more precise control. You can cut a shorter section, trim the end, and super glue different shapes to the ends to create your own tools.
It is important to note that PanPastels are not meant to stick to plain surfaces such as baked polymer clay, so they may be more challenging to erase or remove completely.
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Using Pan Pastel with silkscreens
Preparing the Clay:
Before you begin, it's important to choose the right type of clay and silkscreen. For best results, use soft and unbaked polymer clay, as it has a naturally sticky surface that will allow the Pan Pastel to adhere properly. Condition the clay and place it on a piece of scrap paper to protect your work surface.
Applying Pan Pastel with Silkscreens:
Start by choosing the desired colour or colours of Pan Pastel. Load your brush or sponge applicator with the Pan Pastel powder by gently stroking it across the surface of the pan. You can use various tools for application, such as sponge-tipped tools, makeup brushes, or inexpensive craft paint brushes. Just ensure that your brushes are soft and fluffy enough to hold the powder without scratching the clay surface.
When you're ready to apply the Pan Pastel, always use a very dry brush to avoid clogging the silkscreen. Never use a damp silkscreen when working with powders or pastels, as the moisture will cause the powder to clog the screen instantly. Even if it appears dry, leave the silkscreen to air dry overnight before use to ensure no tiny water droplets remain.
Gently apply the Pan Pastel to the silkscreen and then carefully place the silkscreen onto the prepared clay surface. You can use a pouncing or swiping motion to apply the colour, depending on the desired effect. Remember to use light pressure to avoid distorting the texture of the clay.
Creating Different Effects:
You can create various effects by using multiple colours and blending them on the clay surface. Try using silkscreens with different thread counts to achieve clearer or more intricate designs. For example, Moiko Silkscreens offer a range of screens with lower thread counts, allowing for a "looser" mesh that enables more particles to pass through.
Additionally, you can use your finger to gently blend the Pan Pastel on the clay, creating a beautiful gradient effect. You can also try double loading a sponge with colour and brushing it over a stencil attached to the clay for more intricate designs. Experiment with different sponges, stencils, and applicators to explore the endless creative possibilities.
Care and Maintenance:
Always remember to handle silkscreens with care, especially when created with powder, as they can be delicate. Avoid using clay sheets with heavy manipulation, and consider sealing the surface if it will endure heavy wear and tear. Wash your silkscreens in warm soapy water, and use a soft toothbrush to remove any stubborn powder residues. Always clean your brushes properly as well, ensuring they are completely dry before use to avoid clogging.
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Frequently asked questions
Pan Pastels are a brand name for a specific pastel product by the ColorFin company. They are pigment-rich, professional-grade soft pastels in a stackable pan format.
Pan Pastels can be applied to raw clay or mixed into liquid polymer clay. They can also be applied to baked clay, although they don't stick as well. You can use a brush, sponge, or your fingers to apply the pastel.
Make sure to use a dry screen when working with powder. You can also try double loading a sponge with colour and brushing it over a stencil attached to the clay to create different effects. If you want to seal your clay, you can use any polymer clay-safe finishes.
High-grade pastels can be toxic due to the high pigment load containing substances like cadmium and nickel. However, when used on raw polymer clay, the pastel adheres well and is not likely to create a cloud of toxic dust.
