What is the difference between Pan Pastels and regular pastels?

Compared to sticks PanPastel Colors are semi-transparent, mixable and low dust. They are also a quicker and cleaner way to achieve more uniform coverage for large blocks of color. *Pans contain 40% more than average pastel sticks, & yield at least 4-5 times more coverage.

Can you use water with Pan Pastels?

PanPastel Colors can be used over watercolors, inks etc once dry. Sofft® Tools can be used with any water-based artist’s medium – eliminating the brush stroke for smooth marks and glazes. TIP: For PanPastel wet wash techniques with water add 25-50% rubbing alcohol for best results. IMPORTANT!

What are PanPastel mediums for?

The PanPastel Colorless Blender is a medium that can be used for a variety of new effects including increasing transparency and enhancing color “flow”. It can be used before color is applied (under the color), or mixed with the color after it is applied.

What is the best paper to use with Pan Pastels?

PanPastel Colors are very versatile and will work well on most surfaces (non-glossy) – from smooth (low tooth) papers to toothy (textured) surfaces and everything in-between.

Are Pan Pastels messy?

I find them super convenient because they’re not messy like soft pastels. You can easily create quick, spontaneous drawings with little preparation or clean up and still enjoy the pleasing qualities of pastels. For this reason they’re well suited to outdoor work.

Do PanPastels need a fixative?

Although it is not essential, any spray pastel fixative /varnish can be used to protect PanPastel artwork. Whether or not to use fixative and the technique chosen depends on personal preference and the working method.

How do you seal pan pastels?

Using DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish to seal PanPastels.

Mix half water with half Ultra Matte Varnish in a small spray bottle.
Shake well. Really well.
Spray a light mist and let dry.
Spray a 2nd coat and let dry.
Test to see if the PanPastels smudge any and if they do, spray again.