review gelatos vs gelsticks

[@lynn2cu]

I totally agree with your findings! I bought the kids version months ago when I noticed the price difference in the "crafters" version and the "kids". I was quite pleased with the results from the cheaper version but to really know the diff I had to see for myself...so I bought the "crafters" version with a coupon...close call but I honestly liked the kids better! (I also was able to use a coupon for those at JoAnns, yay!) Great demo! Thanks for sharing!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Well according to almost anyone who has used them (but not to the company that makes them LOL!) They seem the same to me too except for the greater range of colors in Gelatos, thanks for watching:)

[@siiiriously3226]

i think it is GREAT that you are telling your opinion, even if you got them for free from the company.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@henrycruiser yes, they were sold by amazon. the brand is faber castell:)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I asked the person who contacted me if Gelatos were non-toxic because I have seen people disolve the gelatos in water and make spray mists and the lady at Faber Castel assured me that they are non toxic and contain no harmful chemicals.

[@brebeebe7258]

Oh. thank you!! thank you!!! thank you!! I had a ton of gelatos in my cart and was getting ready to blow $$ I don't have and noticed it was telling me others who bought the gelatos bought the gel sticks so I came here and found this. I just purchased a ton of get sticks for soo much cheaper and for my mixed media art, I don't think I'm gonna loose anything. I'm so glad you are so honest. Too many people would have fudged this to make it look like we need the most expensive things. You just got another new subscriber!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

+Bre Beebe thanks!

[@ElizabethKilbride]

+Bre Beebe One thing you can always count on with Lindsay is honesty. She has gained my respect over and over again because she's always honest about product results. Even though she entices me to try new things, which cost me more money in the long run, her honesty has also saved me tons of money at the same time on various products. Now she's enticing me to try out these gel sticks versus the gelatos. So guess what I'm buying this weekend... yup the 12 set. Thanks Lindsay, now lets see if I can do something with them to make money. :) Hugs my friend, keep up the great work.

[@lilaboss6894]

I'm watching this in 2021 and it is still as relevant as it was almost 9 years ago. Thank you, Lindsay - you always know how to look out for the rest of us with your honest reviews! (I love how you have a note written on your left hand about your taxes! LOL!)

[@LemiaCrescent]

This was interesting. I'd be really curious about lightfastness though between the gel sticks and gelatos. That may be where the difference lies.

[@gdoreen75]

Thanks so much for your honest comparison and review. This is why I trust and respect your opinions as much as I do.

[@nancyloomis3046]

From what I'm reading about the difference between gel sticks and gelatos, it's the permanence and lightfastness. I would guess the basic gel medium ingredients and color formulations may be the same, so in a side-by-side comparison, you won't see much diff. But with time, the difference would probably be apparent. Also, I would guess the gelatos would probably perform better (color mixing, textures, etc.,) when combined with other products. I am planning to teach some arts/crafts classes and if I decide to ever use this particular type of product, I would use the gel sticks over the gelatos in class due to the cost difference. And the classes would probably be for cards or scrapbooking so permanence and lightfastness is not the most critical issue. I am slowly building a collection of gelatos, and really love the incredible soft colors I can get using a dabber, but I use these for my own personal artwork as I am super-picky about quality. Thanks Lindsey!

[@TheKlh54]

Well color me slightly embarrassed! I never knew you could watercolor with the gelatos/gel sticks! Thank you so much for the side by side comparison. I have had a small set of the gelatos for quite some time now and wasn't exactly impressed with them so I tossed them in a drawer and forgot about them! After watching this video I tried them for watercoloring and I love the rich pigment! Amazing. Love your fun videos. Keep them coming:)

[@karibeneck]

So glad I watched yet another FrugalCrafter video!! Taking your advice, I bought and use the gel sticks for kids. Budget friendly and work just as well. Thanks again!

[@roostercrow1000]

I'm so glad you didn't forget cause you know, I would really hate not to be able to watch the frugal crafter because the string on the finger wasn't added. Now, Ink-a-dinka-do needs to send you something. I went out and bought that gear and stamp set, as well as a friend of mine after seeing mine of course, just because of your demonstration. you are great and love watching you,

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Hey, I just wanted to say that I went to BAM bookstore and the metallic set of 6 gelsticks were $3 and the set of 12 was $5 and they had lots left! Maybe a BAM near you will have this deal, as I said before I cannot tell the difference between Gelatoes and Gel sticks:) They had other faber castel stuff on clearance too!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

yes they did contact me ans swore up and down that they were different, maybe so, but I cannot tell, hey they are both awesome but the cheap ones are just as awesome in my opinion;)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

they said that the Gelatos were formulated to be more lightfast and acid free BUT I made a swatch of all the colors, covers half and exposed it to light and saw no difference between either brand. I asked for the lightfast ratings which all art supplies should have and they said the "chemists" did not provide that information to them. I think they are the same thing. More interesting colors in Gelatos tho, both are awesome, don't get me wrong! But I think $10 for 4 colors is a bit much.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You will like them esp. the metallic ones. A friend of mine said she just got a pack of eash on clearance at BAM bookstore so you might want to try there first otherwise you can find them on amazon:)

[@kmslhowell]

A great video and the gel sticks are on my wish list at Amazon to pick up. Watching you do techniques with them makes me very interested in picking them up. Thanks, Marla

[@KonaSitkaRose]

I just ♥ your reviews and always check your blog before trying something new :D Thanks Lindsay!

[@FoundandRedesigned]

I can't wait to try your techniques! I found a set of gel sticks at good will for $1.99! Gotta try it! Thanks for your ideas.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

awesome, I love it when I help someone get more use out of what they already own!

[@charsbabushka]

This is a great demo. Thank you very much. Sometimes we tend to think that if it is more expensive, then it has to be better. You just proved this is not always true. Also if it weren't for people like you, I would not know what most of these things were used for. Thanks again.

[@t000dle000]

I haven't gotten either one yet, but certainly would go for the cheaper ones. Thanks for taking the time to do the test.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Where are you? Sometimes you can find the childrens version called Gel Sticks (they seem like the same thing to me) at art supply shops or try watersoluble crayons or pastels;)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They are worth the wait, have fun! I'm guessing 2 weeks?

[@USMCmom2016]

The Faber Castell website says that the Metallic Gel Sticks for kids are acid free. Here's the write-up. They glide on paper unbelievably smooth and are water soluble to create watercolor effects. These unbelievably smooth gel sticks have awesome effects on dark papers They are water-soluble so adding a little water creates a watercolor effect You can layer and blend multiple colors together or mix with the original gel sticks for amazing artistic creations Non-toxic, conforms to ASTM D-4236 and acid free Includes 6 vibrant colors

[@silverpromidi]

Thanks for doing this all these years back Lindsay, I have been looking at getting Gelatos but the price to get them is crazy for me and I saw Gel sticks on a site and wondered what the difference was if any. Now you have answered my question and I may just get to a set of gel sticks and start creating :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Check out the gel crayons from us art supply or doodle hog. They have more colors and are even cheaper for the same product!

[@silverpromidi]

@@thefrugalcrafter thanks :) I'm in Aus and found this site that has a couple of the gelsticks in packs and they help a lot of kids in Australia and in other countries with a part of the sales going to a charity of their choice, last year it was one from Sth Africa - LALELA.org - that helps kids with not only art but self esteem and a whole bunch of other 'non-tangible' parts of life. They are called "lifeofproducts.com' they also have packs which is a great idea lol going to invest in some of these for those art journals I am going to start in on - feel the fear and do it anyway -

[@jrupton1]

I wish I had seen your video sooner! A couple of months ago, I bought several sets of different colored gelatos from Michael's. Not really using them since I can't seem to water color well. I sure wish I had known about the cheaper ones. I'm going to watch your other video on using gelatos/gel sticks and see if I can't do better. TFS

[@intheredcold9216]

Just buy the gelatos with a coupon from ur favorite craft store then u will be getting them for about the same price as the gel sticks. I love em.

[@sewgoodall]

Thanks for the video. I did not even know they made gel sticks. I recently got some gelatos at 50% off at Michaels and bought a couple more at 50% off at JoAnns this week. I have not tried them yet but I will check out your other video on how to use them. Thanks.

[@tammygibbs1929]

Thank you for your review of the gel sticks. I found it helpful and supporting of other reviews I have watched. The one difference that has come up in many reviews between the Gelatos and the gel sticks, is the permanency of the gel stick vs. the gelato. I have watched several KZbin reviews and read multiple reviews on Amazon and the difference being that the Gelatos dry permanent. I have not heard anyone comparing the two products address this question. Do you have an opinion regarding permanency between the Gelatos and the gel stick?

[@blahblahart5]

Did you kbnow that you can erase Gelatos? I found this out by erasing the pencil line that I use as a guide for matting. Its a cool effect. : )

[@thefrugalcrafter]

cool, I did not know that;)

[@KimberlyOnnen]

Great comparison! I was going to buy the bigger set of metallic Gelatos but decided to go for the Gel Stick metallic set instead. I have the big set of Gelatos that I haven't used yet... (YET, but I will.) :)

[@merryanndobbs]

Do you need to "fix" the gel sticks when making a card? Does the product dry to become permanent or will it still rub off days later? BTW--thanks for the comparison, Lindsay! I love that you look find lower cost alternatives.

[@KarenKruger1970]

I just bought the set of gelatos at mucheals with the 50% off coupon. I got 12 or so colors in a starter kit with so fabrics and a stamps and paid $12.50 not to bad. I do want to get the gelstick metalic pack too. Love my coupons.

[@majorgeneralmalaise]

Supposedly, the difference between the gelatos and the gel sticks are that the gelatos are acid free, lightfast and permanent. I'm wondering how the lightfast test worked out.

[@nickisenn4133]

Thanks so much for the review....I have actually been using only kids gel stick version for a couple of years. JoAnn carries them in the childrens dept. I have taken flak for it! I will be passing this video along!ha...ha..It did appear the gel sticks spread better with water!

[@lizzardlaw]

I've just come back here with a follow-up comment. Seems like my gel sticks dried out after a year. Especially the florescent colors. Any similar experiences? Any way to revive them once dry?

[@mcescher1957]

Yep, my guess is, they had them for kids for a long time, and figured out that with the popularity of the papercrafting/multi-media hobby, they could make a mint by changing the labels and adding a brush. I mean, that IS different right? Different labels and a brush. Sometimes I wonder if we crafters are really that dense. I'm thankful for people like you to WAKE US UP!! lol You are the best...(wonder if they are sorry they sent you the gelatos...) :0)

[@DanAndLJsCrookedCreekCreations]

This was very interesting! I had never seen the gel sticks before. I do have several of the gelatos and love them. Did FC tell you what the differences were between the two? Are they both Acid Free? This could make a difference to someone who is scrapbooking and may want to preserve or protect their photos and pages for years to come...just a thought.

[@vmtee]

This is awesome... I didn't really realize they were "different" --- has faber-castell contacted you since you did the comparison video? (Just wondering) I also ordered the gel sticks and the metalilics as well from Amazon today.I've been wanting to pull the trigger on these bad boys but haven't b/c of the cost! Thanks for your vid on where to get them cheaper. BTW, i didn't know that Jo's had these in the kids section as well! *mind blown* haha -again, thanks for hte vids and keep them coming.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I don't know. The gelatos are and they seem the same to me :)

[@happycluck4163]

I was wondering if these products are actually the same thing since they are made by the same company, so I'm so glad I happened upon your video! I recently ordered the gel sticks from Amazon, not only because they were cheaper, but because they came in a broader set of colors within one set. I still want to try the gelatos, but only when I have a substantial coupon. As far as lightfastness and archiveness, right now I am only starting out in art journaling, so not too terribly concerned there for now. I suspected that they were pretty much the same product, except gelatos offers more colors over all. I love your videos Lindsay! Thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Happy Cluck I really think the difference is the colors available. Gelatos had more colors in trendy palettes but I uses them both together:)

[@BeingBeverly1]

I'll weigh in: the acid-free component is an important difference. As a professional art conservator, I would never use anything for my precious family scrapbooking album that wasn't acid-free (esp adhesives), colourfast, and other critical properties. But hey, as a crafter, I love to mix cheaper products in with my casual art products for cards, atc's, kid projects, etc. Then again, if its 'for sale', I've got to look at what needs quality. So I guess it boils down to your intended purpose.

[@paytgreen621]

what is the brush you were using? it's handle is gorgeous! I might just be because it's shiny

[@henrycruiser]

I cannot find these sold by amazon, only by faber castell and the shipping from them is outrageous. Where did you find the set of twelve? Was it sold by amazon?

[@86karlz]

thanks for this vid :).. I live in Australia and can only get the gelatos at very few online stores and had to get my gel sticks from America.. so I would just be happy to be able to buy them in stores here!

[@barbaratroxell6682]

That is so neat on embossed card stock

[@ChelleBeeby]

Exactly what 86karlz said!! I think the minute companies say "papercrafters" their accountants get all excited with how much MORE money they're about to make! I've used both and I cannot see the diff (except price) maybe I'm using them wrong? Also, in Aust, you are lucky to find them!!

[@homeschmomof4]

Thanks to your videos, I picked up the gel sticks at JoAnns! (but I also have the Gelatos, as well) Great comparison!

[@elizacombs9976]

thanks for this video - wondering if you have any experience with kwik stix? and how they compare to gel crayons?

[@charfredrickson4606]

I've been using gelatos for awhile now and I can never seem to have them look like in any of your videos. They seem to smear; never dry or get out the lines. Love 'em but they don't love me. Help!

[@jeanieferretti4203]

That was very interesting. I did not know they had a child's kind. Thank you

[@AkesSamenos11]

I am in Romania, and I have ordered the gel sticks ---but guess how much I have to wait until I get them! :(

[@FortheBudgies]

Well it looks like they now only make the gel sticks in 12 colors. I guess they figured out that no one thought it was worth it to pay extra for gelatos when the gel sticks were available. So now they just have the more expensive gelatos.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

FortheBudgies they only had 12 colors of the regular ones and 6 of the metallic shades so 18 in all. That is the advantage of the gelatos, the pretty colors:)

[@FortheBudgies]

thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich ahhhh I thought there used to be more gel stick colors. My bad. I need to buy more craft supplies like I need a whole in the head so its probably better that their isn't a wider color selection of gel sticks to tempt me!

[@paisleyturtle]

Great comparison video! My mom bought me the gel sticks versions (both sets) & I had a "real" gelato I had gotten in gold from a set I found at TJ Maxx - agree SAME THING! As for saying if acid free, I bet if you look @ the Gel Sticks they conform to the same regulations, but I don't care on cards & art journals. Also a quick tip for clear stamps - hit them with a finger nail file lightly - it will remove the residues from production and give them some tooth to hold inks/paints/etc :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

the best way to learn is by playing with them:)

[@Buncobuddy]

I just found the 12 pack of gel sticks for $10.80 on Amazon, and the 6 pack of metallics for $7.74. I purchased the 12 pack at Joann's with a 50% off coupon, but purchased the 6 pack on Amazon.

[@carolhoover-whippy2580]

Lindsay can you tell me if the Gel Sticks and the Gelatos are waterproof? Do you have to wet them to dissolve the pigment then let them dry to be waterproof? Can you just color with them to be waterproof or will they still be active if used like a crayon and no water is brushed over them? I ask because I would like to do more art on top of them, using them like a background. I don't want the color to reactivate and mix with my sketches on top of them. Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

no they are not, they will reactivate with water.

[@carolhoover-whippy2580]

Thank you so much.

[@89CamaroRSgirl]

Are the gel sticks acid free?

[@anyacavan3877]

My guess it that lightfast or archival quality is what you pay extra for

[@mfargasch]

Gel sticks did seem to blend better. What is lightfast in this case?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Since neither products says is reckon neither are but I have had no problem with fading myself.

[@fh8150]

well by all means I'm not an artist but I use these and have a question. When doing back grounds I have a hard time blending out the scribble strokes to put it on. I use lots of water but in the background I can still see it. Any suggestions? Thank you

[@thefrugalcrafter]

fonda hughes try blending with a baby wipe.

[@fh8150]

I will thanks a bunch

[@anitaholmes6824]

fonda hughes You can also use your fingers to blend

[@lOwlEyesl]

Could you tell me what you are using as a blending tool ? Did you make it or did you get it from the sponsor? Thanks for this review. I too don't see much difference between the gel sticks and the gelatos, although I have heard that the gelatos are archival whereas the gel sticks are not.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

lOwlEyesl do you mean the fun foam on a chothspin?

[@lOwlEyesl]

yep! Thank you Lindsay!

[@KonaSitkaRose]

Touche - Thanks for answering the burning question in my mind... gel sticks or gelatos. YAY. I bought the right ones for me ;)

[@ThePaperCastle]

Great video! I have gel sticks and gelatos, and like you, I can't tell the difference between the two. I'll take cheaper over a more expensive "name brand" any day of the week. TFS, Heather

[@alathenasidericus]

Are both safe for kids? What if a kid decides to chew? or use it as lipstick...I'm juste wondering what could be the difference between the Gelatos and GelSticks. Cause there has to be one... Otherwise, it's a total rip off...

[@julianaleo631]

I've been trying to find the Gel Sticks... in my area...no one has heard of them (South NJ). And I can't find them on Amazon either. I can find the Gelatos on Amazon....no Gel sticks? sigh...frustrating when you live far away from the city. So...where to get Gel Sticks??? Especially for the price range. Thanks! Juliana

[@melsbels74yi]

Try searching " gel sticks " and " gel crayons "

[@melsbels74yi]

I also see some under " pastel gel "

[@julianaleo631]

Melissa Whisenant Thank you Melissa - isn't it strange that this stuff is more available online - than in local stores?! I live in South Jersey - and neither Michaels, ACMoore or Hobby Lobby has these! AMAZON has been the best thus far. Thank you again!

[@lorianzaldo1041]

Juliana Leo I found this on Amazon today Faber-Castell Metallic Gel Sticks 6 ct that is at least a start for you. Have fun crafting , L~

[@julianaleo631]

L Anzaldo Thank you - I did find them...also bought some from Dick Blicks... Now I got to start using them. LOL

[@1jmass]

I love your videos. Will you leave the comments on the screen a bit longer? Sometimes by the time I realize they are there, they disappear.

[@winston3518]

Thanks for the comparison. I think I will stick to my gel sticks.

[@lorianzaldo1041]

Thank you Lindsay for such a great video. You always take good care of your subscribers. Have a great day,L~

[@tanyaisis]

Tham you for the review injust ordered the gel kids version

[@AkesSamenos11]

lucky you! We don´t have them here at all...;(

[@tainadelcaribe]

You can always pause the video to read them for a couple of seconds.

[@adelinahalimi1744]

Hold the stamp down longer

[@Limor1278]

I have been using Gelatos now since they have been out on the market and had tried the gel sticks as well. As an artist I am looking for several things from a product and one of them is permanent. Gel Sticks are not permanent therefore you will become frustrated when blending and adding mediums to them in your art journaling and mixed media projects. Gelatos are light fast and that's huge when I'm creating a piece to go in my house or selling a piece of art to someone. If you are a scrapbooker the Acid Free is a huge deal as you do not want to have your photos or project disintegrate with time. Gelatos also now come in a Double Scoop Barrel which has double the pigment and double the size which is a huge deal if you are wanting to make large scale projects. Gel Sticks were never designed to blend with Art Mediums which you will see the difference when you blend with the Whipped Spackle, Gesso, Gel Medium and so on. I would recommend also testing gel sticks on a prepped surface since you did not do that and you will see the differenced between the two. This video was not a good representation of the product in my personal opinion.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I did a light fast test and the gel sticks fared as well as gelatos and I talked to Faber Castell and asked for their light-fast ratings and they said that they did not have that information, that does not sound like artist quality permanent supplies to me. I urge you to try the gel sticks and gelatos together to see if you can see a difference because truly I think that they are the same exact product marketed to kids and crafters. The gelatos come in a nicer variety of colors and a higher price but that is the only difference I can tell. If a product is truly "artist quality" it should have a lightfast rating and simply saying something is permanent doesn't cut it with me. I believe my review was in fact fair because I used both products side by side and contacted the company for additional info. Do try the gel sticks before judging them, I think you will find they are not different at all...

[@genesis0525]

Limor Webber ii

[@salenam4510]

Thank you

[@deeinny821]

Can you say....IDENTICAL?? Nothing like the marketing department of a company saying....hey lets repackage them for a different segment of the population...slap a fancier name on them and triple the price. Thankfully we have you to expose the truth... sadly I wonder how many other companies have done this with their products.

[@ejtapiz]

Thanks for a tips

[@barbm2375]

The gelatos being acid-free is probably the main difference...

[@juanitadurie]

Faber Castell says on their website that all their children's premium products, which include the gel sticks, are acid-free.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

no difference as of yet, honestly, having both I think they are the same, they look and act the same and neither is fading...hmmmmm

[@hayzzelnt]

thanks so much for this!

[@TheKlh54]

Oh and I will be buying the gel sticks since there is no difference ;)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

ha ha, I didn't:)

[@sitara39]

gel stick

[@Engelhafen]

They are the same thing

[@sharonfrench1087]

Hmmmm very interesting

[@alathenasidericus]

Don't forget your Prop tax! :)

[@Creativespiration]

looks the same!

[@julianaleo631]

I'd love to get FREE samples lol