What’s the difference between soft and hard pastels, and how do I choose the right type for my art?

Soft pastels and hard pastels each have unique benefits! Soft pastels are known for their rich color vibrancy and ease of blending, making them ideal for expressive, painterly effects and layering. Hard pastels are firmer and produce sharper lines, which are perfect for details, sketching, and underdrawings. If you love blending and bold colors, try soft pastels. If you prefer controlled lines or want to sketch before using softer colors, start with hard pastels. Many artists use both for the best results!

Are the pastels in the Soft & Hard Pastels collection safe and non-toxic?

Yes! All the pastels in our collection at WoodArtSupply are made with artist-grade pigments and are certified non-toxic. They are safe for both adults and supervised use by children. However, we recommend washing your hands after use and working in a ventilated space, since pastel dust can get airborne during blending.

How should I store my soft and hard pastels to keep them in good condition?

To keep your pastels protected and ready to use, store them in their original box or a specialty pastel case. Separate soft and hard pastels to avoid unnecessary breakage and dust transfer. Keep your pastels in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid stacking heavy items on top so the delicate sticks don’t break. Gently wipe off excess dust before storage for an organized and long-lasting collection.

Do I need special paper or tools to get the best results with these pastels?

Using the right paper makes a big difference! Choose papers with a little texture (tooth), such as pastel paper or sanded paper, to help the pastel grip and blend smoothly. You don’t need many tools, but blending stumps, soft brushes, and even your fingers can help achieve different effects. Fixative spray can also protect your finished artwork from smudging.

What are some tips for beginners to get started with soft and hard pastels?

Start simple: choose just a few colors to play with blending and mark-making. Use hard pastels for initial sketching and outlines, then layer soft pastels for rich colors and smooth blends. Go light, then layer gradually for depth—pressing too hard can break the stick. Work from dark to light and experiment with blending tools. Don’t forget to fix your finished piece with a fixative spray to preserve your art!

Soft & Hard Pastels

8% off

Jack Richeson
Jack Richeson 4280600 Signature Round Half Stick Pastels

Sale price $73.32 Regular price $79.95
Prismacolor
27055 Premier NuPastel Firm Pastel Color Sticks, 96-Count,Multicolor (1-Pack)

Regular price $91.74
Schmincke
Schmincke - Pastels, 15 colors"Portrait", 77 415 097, boxed set with 15 pastels, handmade pastels, brilliant, velvety matt, highly lightfast colors

Regular price $63.29
2% off

PanPastel
PanPastel Artist Pastels by GOLDEN, 80 Color Set, Professional Artist Pastels, Unique Pan Format (cake-like)

Sale price $409.63 Regular price $419.58
Rupas
Rupas Soft Dry Pastel 48 Color Set Square Chalk

Regular price $12.99
MUNGYO
Mungyo Gallery Semi-Hard Pastels Cardboard Box Set of 12 - Earth Tones

Regular price $24.54
PanPastel
PanPastel Artist Pastels by GOLDEN, Grayscale Set, 7 Color, Professional Artist Pastels, Unique Pan Format (cake-like)

Regular price $45.98
PanPastel
PanPastel Artist Pastels by GOLDEN, Flower Coloring 1 - Susan Tierney Cockburn Set, 10 Color, Professional Artist Pastels, Unique Pan Format (cake-like)

Regular price $66.90
10% off

Paul Rubens
Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 50 Vibrant Colors Soft Pastels, Oil Pastels for Artists, Students, Oil Pastel Set Ideal for Sketching, Decorative Painting, Making Pictures Like Oil Painting

Sale price $26.99 Regular price $29.99
5% off

YoCoSII
MUNGYO Soft Pastel 64 Color Set Square Chalk (US English Version)

Sale price $12.40 Regular price $12.99
20% off

MEEDEN
MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels Set: 72 Vibrant Colors Oil Pastels for Artists Beginners Adults - Smooth Oil Pastel Crayons for Art Supplies, Painting, Drawing, Blending, Layering, Shading

Sale price $23.96 Regular price $29.95
29% off

Artecho
Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 50 Colors (8 x 60 mm), Soft Oil Pastels for Art Painting, Drawing, Blending, Art Supplies for Artists, Beginners, Students, Teachers

Sale price $14.24 Regular price $19.99
Jack Richeson
Jack Richeson 427336 Signature Assorted Hard Square Pastels (Set of 36)

Regular price $57.78
PanPastel
PanPastel Artist Pastels by GOLDEN, Sky, Land & Sea - Les Darlow Set, 20 Color, Professional Artist Pastels, Unique Pan Format (cake-like)

Regular price $116.47
MUNGYO
Mungyo Gallery Semi-Hard Pastels Cardboard Box Set of 12 - Assorted Colors

Regular price $21.97
Mungyo Gallery
Mungyo Gallery Soft Pastel Squares Cardboard Box Set of 48 - Assorted Colors

Regular price $31.22
Sold out

HA SHI
HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels, 48 colors with additional 2pcs, Non Toxic Art Supplies, Drawing Media for Artist Stick Pastel for Professional, Kids, Beauty Nail Art, Pan Chalk Pastels

Regular price $11.85
MAIMOUFIN
MAIMOUFIN 12-Pack Earth Tone Square Soft Pastels Water-Soluble Blendable Artist Drawing Pastels Set for Artists & Hobbyists Drawing, Painting & Sketching (Brown)

Regular price $12.59
Sold out
23% off

Arts Pal
Artspal Soft Oil Pastels Set, 24 Vibrant Colors, Oil Pastel Crayons for Artists, Beginners, Teachers, Students, Great Blending and Layering for Art Supplies, Art Painting, Drawing (10 x 70 mm)

Sale price $9.99 Regular price $12.99
Paul Rubens
Paul Rubens Oil Pastels Set - 72 Vibrant Colors, Ultra-Soft and Creamy Texture, Easy to Blend for Artists and Beginners - Bullet Head Design for Drawing, Painting, Sketching - New Packaging

Regular price $42.99

Soft & Hard Pastel Benefits

Intense Pigment
Pastel sticks consist almost entirely of pure pigment, so colors are rich and luminous straight from the stick.
Versatile Textures
Soft pastels smear and blend for velvety gradients; hard pastels hold a firm edge for crisp lines and hatching.
Direct Application
No brushes or solvents—apply color directly to paper, feeling every subtle shift in tone under your hand.
Rapid Layering
Build complex color relationships quickly by overlaying sticks, dusts, and powders without long drying times.
Portable & Immediate
Compact sets and minimal tools make pastels ideal for sketching on location or fast studio studies.

Soft vs. Hard Pastels

Feature	Soft Pastels	Hard Pastels
Pigment Load	Very high—intense, chalky color	Moderate—less dust, more controlled marks
Stick Density	Velvety, crumbly	Firm, less breakage
Blending Ability	Excellent for smooth gradations	Best for fine lines, underdrawing
Typical Uses	Landscapes, portraits, expressive strokes	Hatching, detailed work, initial layers
Dust Generation	Heavy—requires good ventilation or mask	Light—easier clean-up

Choosing Your Pastels

Match to Your Style
If you crave broad, painterly effects and rich blends, focus on soft pastels. For precise lines and structural underlayers, start with hards.
Select Quality & Grade
Artist-grade sticks use permanent pigments and more binder; student-grade sticks cost less but may fade over time.
Pick the Right Surface
Rough or toothed pastel papers bite pigment better; smoother pastel boards work well with hard sticks and fine detail.
Consider Dust Control
Use pastel mats or trays to catch excess dust; if you’re sensitive, choose harder sticks and work with light layers.
Plan Storage
Store sticks in shallow trays or pastel boxes lined with foam to prevent breakage and preserve edges.

Bonus Tips

Layer Hard Under, Soft Over
Sketch initial shapes with hard pastels, then build color depth with softer sticks for cleaner results.
Blend Strategically
Use paper stumps, brushes, or fingers—avoid over-blending to maintain vibrancy and texture.
Fix Lightly
Apply a workable fixative between layers to hold underdrawings, then finish with a light varnish to preserve the top layers.
Keep Swatch Charts
Test each stick on your chosen paper to see its true hue and opacity before committing to a drawing.
Clean Tools Regularly
Wipe blender stumps and brushes to prevent muddying colors when switching between hues.

FAQs

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