PanPastel and Sofft Tools Tips and Techniques

[@kathrynholden4223]

I am s beginner discovering art in my "golden years". Saw Pan Pastels in so many art journal videos and now that I have a few I realize why everybody is crazy about them. Even my beginning efforts look fabulous because they are so creamy and easy to use. Expensive but will last almost forever. Thanks for the product and the video,!!

[@zanerobbins7604]

so its like eyeshadow for paper

[@TheXantheL]

hahaaa :)

[@DCata]

I love PanPastels! Use them all of the time in art journaling.

[@Hawise1]

I attended a local sketch night a week ago and one of the artists' there was using the Pan Pastels and let me try them. I was hooked from first go! When I arrived home that night I immediately went online and ordered some and the Sofft tools as well. I cannot wait for them to arrive and start playing with them! I am envious of your beautiful pallet there, I wish I had all of those colours coming to me (eventually I'll build up my pallet!). Thank you for posting this tutorial on using the tools, they look like fun! Cheers!

[@Blick_Art]

@348Silva If you are painting with pastel, the tools can be wiped onto a paper towel to make sure no more color is coming off the sponge - they are then ready for new color.

[@lindalangeheine5787]

I just ordered some and am very excited about trying them. Good video and great "invention"!

[@oneseeker2]

Beautiful colors!

[@Blick_Art]

@BlickVideos They can also be rinsed with soap and water.

[@attheranch873]

I LOVE this product!!! These are so easy to use 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MzBonafyde]

This was a very informative and useful video, thanks!

[@delila351]

Just bought my first few............thank you for showing me how to use them :)

[@kendramcconnell6047]

I love my pan pastels! Thanks for the techniques!

[@prettygeekchic]

These are so exciting!

[@MixedProductionsmixingthingsup]

Idk why i find this SOOO satisfiying (more than even SLIME?!?!?)

[@artbyjune]

useful and informative!

[@JonyRichArts]

Never heard of them too, but they seem cool for backgrounds

[@ArtFReaK94xx]

these look incredible :) dying to try em

[@azzakura1]

Lol those are really filled up with pigment!! :) I'll definately buy some! :)

[@lynettedalton-stitchinmyst7358]

you can use prismacolor and other colored pencils on top of the pan pastels

[@christierella]

Useful info.

[@mrRonin501]

They look pretty neat. I'm thinking cloudscapes or skysapes with those.

[@Blick_Art]

@TheJuicyLove08 You can purchase these individually or in a set online at Blick Art Materials

[@Blick_Art]

@himeXUlq Take a look at the Sofft Tools video on our channel. These tools work great with any pastel.

[@Becca-UK]

These look absolutely AWESOME!!!!!!!! I'm definitely going to get these :-) what paper can you use with them? I don't like pastel paper. Can they be used on any other paper? Thanks

[@Blick_Art]

Hello! Many pastel papers can actually be too aggressive for PanPastels. In fact, drawing papers like Rives BFK, Stonehenge, or Canson Edition Paper are good options to consider. They have a slight tooth for multiple layers but will not ruin your Sofft Sponges as quickly. Bristol board and illustration board are also good options. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!

[@mahamohamed3475]

Blick Art Materials are canvases aggressive for the panpastels?

[@Blick_Art]

dolores haze Yes, you can use PanPastels on canvas. Just be aware that depending on the surface texture, you may find that your Sofft Tools wear out more quickly and it may be more difficult to get fine details. For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@colincannings7946]

It would appear that I'm coming to the party a little late. However, one of the first questions that come to mind, while watching. Why are you wiping the applicator off on paper towel, after each single application, then add more?

[@Blick_Art]

We would have to contact the presenter to find out for certain, but we think it's just a practiced habit to keep colors clean. We know that with printmakers, the habit of carefully skimming ink out of the can and keeping a flat surface is so ingrained, that when they eat snacks, they never dip a chip, they always skim it across the surface!

[@mariannearmelle5708]

Do the tools have to be wet or are the pastels usable without water?

[@Blick_Art]

+Marianne Armelle The Pan Pastels are best used dry - with a dry brush or sponge - in their powder form. If you do decide to “wet” them, Pan Pastel recommends using rubbing alcohol instead of water as it will evaporate completely and will not compact/ruin the pan. If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@aidenharrah888]

so they don't smear? and what is the best type of paper to use?

[@Blick_Art]

+Aiden Harrah They don’t smear easily because you are not putting down nearly as much pastel as you would with stick color. However, the more layers you apply, the more likely they are to smear. As for the best paper to use, pastel paper works best but a watercolor paper, sanded paper, drawing paper, or even vellum textured bristol board will all work with PanPastels. If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@xarmant]

Could you answer one question, please: can it be used with any mediums and is any varnish to protect the work?

[@petic4302]

I would like to know if these pan pastels are lightfast, and also: how much do they cost? Thank you for the video!

[@Blick_Art]

Pan Pastels do have high lightfast ratings comparable to other professional pastel brands, and to get specific to color I have provided a link to view the official color chart for the Pan Pastel Colors: www.panpastel.com/images/pdfs/colorchart.pdf

[@MsRightseeksMrRight]

Blick Art Materials so 'pastels' are a chalk? difference between pan and sticks is binder? like what mineral oil? do you have to spray fixative to seal them? thanks

[@Blick_Art]

Cindy Z. Stewart Soft pastel sticks are very much like chalks, and the binder they traditionally use is gum tragacanth. Panpastels use minimal binder, and work done with them can be fixed or not in accordance with the artist’s preference. As always, if you have further questions, please feel welcome to contact Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. We’re happy to help!

[@MsRightseeksMrRight]

Blick Art Materials thank you so much! Lindsay the frugal crafter mentions 'dick blick' ALL the time (no you are not a sponsor of hers, though that would be a GREAT thing if you would!!!) about the great products & quality, prices, and great customer service she always receives from you! she uses you a lot, and in turn has talked about you to her subscribers, who in turn, go to you and BUY!! :) she is fabulous, you should look her up! :) :) :)

[@elizabethclothier3267]

I really love these. But..... I know I'll never be able to afford them :-(

[@The209788837]

What type medium paper works best with Pan pastels? Thank you .

[@Blick_Art]

D Allmer Hi there! A paper with a tooth is still the best for PanPastels, as it allows you to build up layers more easily. Cold press watercolor paper, drawing paper, charcoal paper, or printmaking paper are all good options to consider. If you have more questions, feel free to contact our Product Information Department at 800-933-2542 or [e-mail] .

[@aikanae1]

One more question - what is the binder used with these? That's as important as the pigment.

[@anjieBee484]

Are these like oil pastels or chalk? do they run with water?

[@brylidan]

can you use those sponges for oils acrylics or gouache ??

[@Blick_Art]

+Brylidan There’s no doubt they could be used for some techniques. We’d advise against using them with solvents, but otherwise - feel free to experiment!

[@ProfHighKick]

Can you use brushes with the Pan Pastels?

[@Blick_Art]

analyticalw Yes, you can! You may just find the effect to be more diffuse. The nice thing about the Sofft tools is that you get better control - you’ll find that more of the powder sticks to the tool and then transfer to the paper, but brushes can be used for softer color applications and are excellent for blending. For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@annewatman677]

Yes! I've used brushes and they work very nicely. But as you say, the color is more diffused.

[@lauramauel5652]

can you stamp an image on top of the pan pastel?

[@Blick_Art]

@Drech718 Spray fixative will hold some of the loose pastel particles in place, but framing is the best way to ensure is preservation. Contact our product information department for suggestions on fixatives and applications by emailing them at: info @ dick blick . com - or call toll free 1-800-933-2542.

[@TheArts2010]

ohh what is the kind of the color ?? Is it a water color or colors of chalk :S ?????

[@steffipangkawira]

hi, im interested to use this product, but im in indonesia. i dont think its available here, do you know where can i find them in malaysia or singapore?

[@Blick_Art]

Steffi Pangkawira Hello! You can check our website dickblick.com for PanPastel products. We will be able to provide a shipping quote around 2 days after the order is placed, at which time you can cancel if the cost is too high. If you would like to speak to a customer service rep for more info, please call: 1-309-343-6181 ext. 5405 (International) M-F: 6am-11pm CST, Sat-Sun: 7am-10pm CST. Thanks and have a great day!

[@samstones1548]

how are you supposed to clean them?

[@Blick_Art]

Hi Sam! 1. The pan pastel sofft tools may be washed with soap and water, but they are not designed to stand up to repeated washings. What I typically do is wipe all excess pastel off on a paper towel and they are usually good to go!

[@samstones1548]

thank you very much!

[@mahamohamed3475]

Blick Art Materials and if we dont have paper towels? do you think they'll get clean from just a normal piece of clothing? any material of clothing.

[@Blick_Art]

dolores haze A paper towel works best because of the texture pulls the excess pastel off the tool. Cotton, denim, canvas, or something similar with a texture that will grab the pastel would also work. For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@annabanana1984]

Do the 20 color sets come with the applicators? Thank you!

[@Blick_Art]

+annabanana1984 All of the sets of 20 include three Sofft Art Sponges, 10 Sofft Covers, three Sofft Mini Applicators, two Sofft Knives, and four storage jars. If you need additional applicators, you can find them here: www.dickblick.com/products/panpastel-sofft-tools/ If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@hinadave3838]

is it available in Gujarat, india?

[@Blick_Art]

+Hina Dave We do not know if you can purchase them locally, but this is an item we can ship to you from the US: www.dickblick.com If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@wolfeyesgreen1187]

What brand and where do buy

[@Blick_Art]

+WolfEyesGreen You can purchase the PanPastels on our website here! www.dickblick.com

[@Blick_Art]

Because of the unique processing in the creation of these pastels, minimal binder is used. For more information on these products, please contact our Product Information experts at Blick. You can contact them by email at: info@ dickblick . com or toll free at 1-800-933-2546.

[@JonyRichArts]

Never heard of them too, but they seem cool for backgrounds