Do Pastels Require Drying Time

Are you new to the world of pastels and wondering if they require drying time? Or are you a seasoned artist looking for the best way to dry your pastel creations? Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

Pastels are a unique medium that offer a range of possibilities for artists. From their vibrant colors to their soft texture, using pastels can be both exciting and challenging. One common question that many artists have is whether or not pastels require drying time. After all, no one wants to ruin a masterpiece by smudging it before it has had a chance to set.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of pastels and answer the question on every artist’s mind: do pastels require drying time? We’ll also dive into some tips and tricks for drying your pastel artwork effectively. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the wonderful world of pastels together.

What are pastels made of?

Pastels are a medium that is available in a variety of forms, including soft, hard, and oil pastels. The composition of the pastel varies based on its type. However, the common factor for all types of pastel is that they are composed of pigment and binder. Pigment provides color to the pastel while the binder holds it together.

Soft Pastels

Soft pastels are made by mixing powdered pigments with an inert binder such as gum tragacanth or methyl cellulose. They have a higher proportion of pigment than other types of pastels and produce a velvety texture when applied to paper. The quality and consistency of soft pastels depend on the purity of pigments used in them.

Hard Pastels

Hard pastels, also known as chalks, contain less pigment than soft pastels but more binder. They are typically mixed with kaolin clay or plaster to create a firm consistency. Hard pastels produce fine lines and work well for details.

Oil Pastels

Oil pastels contain wax and oil as binders, which makes them more durable than other types of pastel. They have a smooth texture and can be layered easily due to their oily consistency.

Listed below are some common ingredients used in making different types of pastel:

• Pigments: Provide color to the medium.
• Binder: Holds the pigment together.
• Gum Tragacanth: Used as an inert binder in soft pastels.
• Methyl Cellulose: Used as an inert binder in soft pastels.
• Kaolin Clay: Used as a filler in hard and soft chalk-like pastels.
• Plaster: Used as a filler in hard and soft chalk-like pastels.
• Wax: Used as a binder in oil pastels
• Oil: Used as a binder in oil pastels.

How long does it typically take for pastels to dry?

Unlike other mediums such as oil paints, pastels do not require drying time. They are ready to use straight out of the box. Pastel pigments are held together by binders that allow them to adhere to paper easily. As soon as the pigment is applied to the surface, it remains stable and does not require any additional time to dry.

The quick-drying feature of pastels has several advantages:

• Artists can layer colors on top of each other without worrying about smudging or blending.
• Pastel paintings do not crack over time like oil paintings.
• Pastel paintings do not require varnishing like oil paintings.

Is the drying time for pastels affected by the type of paper used?

The type of paper used for creating artwork with pastels can affect the final result but does not affect the drying time of the medium. However, different types of papers have different textures that can influence how well they hold onto pastel pigments.

Listed below are some common types of papers used for creating artwork with pastels:

• Ingres Paper: The texture of this paper is perfect for fine details and layering colors but may be too smooth for some artists’ preference.
• Vellum Paper: The texture is rougher than Ingres paper and holds onto pastel pigments better.
• Canson Mi-Teintes Paper: This paper has a unique texture that allows for easy blending of pastel colors while still retaining fine details.

Are there any techniques or methods that can be used to speed up the drying time of pastels?

As mentioned earlier, pastels do not require any drying time. However, artists may use fixatives to make their artwork more stable and prevent smudging or dusting off. Applying a fixative can dry out the pigment and binder mixture on top of the paper, but it does not speed up the drying time of the medium.

Here are some tips for using fixatives with pastels:

• Use a workable fixative if you want to add more layers on top of your existing artwork. Workable fixatives allow you to continue working on your artwork without damaging previous layers.
• Final fixatives should be used once your artwork is complete and ready for display or framing.
• Fine art spray varnishes can be used as final fixatives instead of traditional aerosol-based sprays. They offer superior protection against UV light damage and have a non-yellowing formula that preserves the color integrity of your artwork over time.

Does the humidity or temperature in the environment affect the drying time of pastels?

The humidity and temperature in an artist’s workspace can potentially affect how well pastels adhere to paper, but they do not affect the drying time of this medium since it does not require any. However, high humidity levels can increase moisture absorption by paper fibers that can cause colors to appear duller than intended.

Tips for maintaining ideal conditions when working with pastels:

• Store pastels in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption.
• Avoid working in humid environments as the paper may absorb moisture and affect the final appearance of your artwork.
• Use a dehumidifier if necessary to reduce humidity levels in your workspace.

Are there any risks associated with using pastels before they are fully dry?

Pastels do not require drying time, but it is essential to use fixatives to prevent smudging or accidental damage. The fixative should be applied only after the previous layer has been allowed to set for a few minutes. Applying too much fixative can cause colors to appear duller than intended and also make them difficult to blend.

Here are some precautions you can take while working with pastels:

• Wear gloves when handling soft or oil pastels as they can be messy and difficult to remove from skin.
• Clean your workspace frequently to avoid accidental smudges or dusting off of pastel pigments onto other areas of your artwork.
• Avoid blowing on your artwork as this can cause unwanted blending or smudging of colors.

How does the drying time of pastels compare to other mediums, such as oil paint or watercolor?

The drying time of pastels is significantly different from that of oil paints or watercolors. Oil paints require a longer drying time (days, weeks, or even months) due to their chemical composition and need for oxidation. Watercolors typically dry within minutes since they are made by mixing pigments with water.

The following table shows a comparison between drying times for different mediums:

Can you layer different colors of pastel on top of each other before they are fully dry?

Yes, artists can layer different colors of pastel on top of each other without waiting for them to dry. This is because pastels do not require any drying time. However, it is essential to use fixatives between layers to prevent smudging or dusting off.

Tips for layering different colors of pastel:

• Start with light colors and build up darker shades gradually.
• Avoid applying too much pressure while drawing as this can cause the bottom layer to blend with the top one.
• Use complementary colors to create depth and contrast in your artwork.
• Blend the edges between two different colors using a blending tool such as a tortillon or your finger.

In conclusion, pastels do not require drying time as they are a dry medium and their color is applied directly to the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions about Do Pastels Require Drying Time

Does pastel need to dry?
Oil pastel is different from oil paint in that it does not dry. This means that the drawing or painting made with oil pastels will always be susceptible to smudging and gathering dust on the surface. To protect the artwork, oil pastel drawings are always framed behind glass.

Can you use pastels wet?
Pastels and water can be used in two ways: drawing first and then adding water to create a watercolor-like effect, or wetting the surface and then drawing into it. Both techniques offer unique results.

How do you dry pastels?
To dry the pastel, place it onto a paper towel and leave it for around 24-48 hours until it is completely dry.

What is the weakness of pastel?
Working with pastels can be messy, as they can easily smudge on your hands, clothes, and workspace. Fixing pastel art with a spray can also cause it to lose its brightness, so it’s recommended to use the spray sparingly, if at all.

How do you seal soft pastels?
Take a piece and place it on a foam board, then use scrapbooking tape to secure each corner in place.

Can I paint over soft pastels?
Soft pastel can be overlaid with oil paint, as the solvents in the oil will seep into the pastel. The outlines drawn in pastel can be visible in the final painting, with some areas of the pastel remaining untouched by the oil paint, even if they are large sections.