10 great products for blending soft pastels

Are you an artist who uses soft pastels? Do you need help with blending techniques or want to learn more about how to mix pastels? We've done the research for you and compiled a list of the top ten tools that can improve your pastel work. Discover new ways to blend and create with our comprehensive guide.

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In this article, we will go over ten different techniques for blending soft pastels. We will also provide instructions on how to apply each technique and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

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1. Sponges

When mixing soft pastels, sponges are the go-to tool for most artists. These are available in various shapes and sizes and can be easily found in art supply stores or even health and beauty stores that sell make-up sponges.

How to Apply:
To achieve a smooth blend, apply 2-3 shades of pastel to the paper and blend with circular movements. When working with small areas, use the wedge or tip of the sponge.​
Good: Washable, providing longevity
Bad: May tear when used on highly abrasive paper

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2. Blending stumps/ Tortillions

Blending stumps and tortillions are tools of tightly packed paper rolled into a pencil shape. These tools have fine tips that allow for blending in small areas and the ability to push pastel around to create or smooth out thin lines.
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How to apply:
To achieve a smooth blend, apply circular motions with the tip or side of the stump. Use excess pastel on the tip to introduce extra pigment to another area of your paper.

Good: Low cost, can be 'sharpened' to remove the dirt
Bad: Quickly dirtied, Short life span, easily ripped and torn

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3. Pan Pastel Softt tools

Our Sofft tools are crafted from a unique micropore sponge formula, with each tool featuring a distinct shape and size that makes it perfect for blending and applying your pastels. You can easily replace the sponges, which are reusable and simple to clean. 

How to apply:
Rub the sponge across the pastel and apply it to your paper. Afterwards, you can blend the pastel as desired.

Good: Re-usable. Economical. Easy to clean.
Bad: You will need to clean or change your sponge when moving between dark to light grades, to avoid muddying your colours.

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4. Colour shapers

Silicone-made Colour Shapers are versatile tools for blending pastels and other mediums. The tips avoid absorbing material, which is perfect for applying, removing, scraping, and moving colours. Made of durable rubber composite, they help create texture and blend pastels seamlessly. The blue and ivory-coloured tips are soft and suitable for soft pastels. The darker coloured tips are firmer. These are useful for clay and other mediums.

How to apply: Before selecting your preferred tool, ensure you have enough pigment on your paper. Then, delicately blend the pigments for optimal results.​

Good: Long life, easy to clean. Easy to hold
Bad: May not be ideal on highly abrasive paper

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5. Pastel applicators

Sponge wands like these help blend small areas of pastel. You may find packs made explicitly for this technique called 'Sofft Mini sponge applicators' from the Pan Pastel company. However, general art stores may sell them too. You can purchase a pack of eyeshadow wands as an inexpensive replacement from your local health and beauty store. However, the sponge will likely be of different quality and may tear easily, but it may be worth a try.​

How to Apply: Add 2-3 shades of pastel to the paper prior to mixing.  To ensure a smooth coverage, mix using circular motions. 

Good: Economical. Precise application. 
Bad: May be hard to hold, especially for those who have issues with their hands. Only suitable for blending small areas.

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6. Colourless blender

The PanPastel Colourless Blender is a versatile medium that can achieve different effects. It can help increase transparency and improve the flow of colour without altering the pigments' original hues. With this medium, you can create a more transparent mix or soften the application's flow. 

How to apply:
This product can be used before applying colour, as a base layer, or mixed with the pigment after application.​

Good: Easy to mix, non-crumbly. Low dust and less waste.
​Bad: To be updated

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7. Brushes

For a more precise and soft edge, using a short flat brush to blend your pastels is recommended. This type of brush is sturdier, offering more control. It's important to select the appropriate brush size for each area and to clean off any excess pastel after use to prevent colours from mixing and becoming muddy.
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How to apply:
Gently brush your pastels outwards to soften or in a rotational direction to soften hard lines after applying your layers.

Good: Firm application. Targeted application.
Bad: Abrasive paper may break the hair in the brush. 

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8. Fingers

If you're a pastel artist, you may have used your fingers to blend your pastels. While this is a convenient way to blend larger areas, it can be messy and may mix your colours if you don't clean your fingers between colours. To avoid this, use a damp cloth to remove pastels from your fingers and dry them with a towel before mixing the following colours. 

How to apply:
Blend in circular motions with clean fingers to fill in the peaks of the paper and create a smooth layer.

Good: Cost-free, quick and easy
Bad: Messy applications. Abrasive paper can damage your skin.

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9. Cotton buds or Q-tips

Artists can make use of cotton buds, which are an affordable option. They can blend small areas of pastel drawings and be conveniently disposed of once used.

How to apply: To achieve smooth coverage, use circular motions when blending over layers of pigment.​

Good: Low cost and economical.
Bad: When you're searching for Q-tips, consider looking for eco-friendly options instead of plastic ones. Remember that cotton tips might not be the best choice for every project, as they can get stuck on abrasive paper.

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10. Pastel on pastel

Blending pastels is possible without a unique tool by layering one colour over another. This technique works well with soft and hard pastels, but the final effect will depend on the type of paper or surface used. Smooth surfaces may not blend as well as abrasive ones. 

How to apply: Apply each colour on top of the other and push the pastels into the paper's peaks. Lighter applications will enable you to add more layers.

Good: No extra tools are needed. 
​Bad: May not create an even blend of colour.

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What products do you use to blend soft pastels?
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​Do you have other product suggestions we haven't included here?
Please share your own hints and tips with us in the comments section below.