Prismacolor NuPastels: A Complete Guide to The Versatile Hard Pastel

Prismacolor NuPastels are hard pastels recognised for their firm texture and versatility in artistic applications. Unlike soft pastels, they offer a creamy consistency with reduced dust, appealing to both beginners and experienced artists. This article provides a balanced guide to these pastels, covering their features, strengths, limitations, and practical considerations for artists evaluating their suitability.

​Overview of Prismacolor NuPastels

​Prismacolor NuPastels are hard pastels distinguished by their firm, rectangular sticks, offering a balance of control and versatility for artists. Composed of powdered pigment with a higher binder content than soft pastels, they produce a creamy texture with less dust and greater durability. Available in sets ranging from 12 to 96 colours, NuPastels cater to a wide range of artistic projects, from sketching to mixed media. Marketed under Prismacolor by Sanford (now Newell Brands), these pastels have been a staple for decades. While their muted colour palette contrasts with the vibrancy of soft pastels, their robustness makes them a practical choice for detailed work and initial layers.

Key Features

Prismacolor NuPastels stand out among hard pastels for their distinct characteristics, which cater to a variety of artistic needs. This section explores their primary attributes, including texture and application, versatility, colour range, and durability and cleanliness, providing a clear understanding of what these pastels offer artists.

Texture and Application

​NuPastels have a creamy yet firm texture, allowing smooth application with controlled pressure. Unlike soft pastels, their harder composition enables artists to create fine lines or broad strokes by adjusting the stick’s edge. They can be sharpened to a point for precision or dulled for wider coverage, making them suitable for both detailed and expressive work. On textured surfaces like Pastelmat, Colourfix and Mi Tientes 'Touch', their pigment adheres well, producing consistent results, though smooth papers may yield less intensity.

Versatility

​These pastels support a range of techniques, from dry sketching to wet applications using water or mineral spirits, which create fluid, paint-like effects. NuPastels integrate effectively with mixed media, complementing materials like watercolours or coloured pencils. Their firmness makes them ideal for underpainting or initial sketches, providing a stable base for layering with softer pastels or other mediums, accommodating diverse artistic approaches.

Colour Range

Available in sets of 12 to 96 colours, NuPastels offer a broad palette, with notable strength in skin tones and vibrant hues. Each stick is labelled with a colour code (e.g., 229-P for Black), simplifying reordering. NuPastels are currently only sold ​in sets, not as open stock, though availability may vary by retailer. While their colours are less vivid than those of soft pastels, the range supports varied projects, from portraiture to landscapes, though artists may need supplementary pastels for highly saturated effects.

PLACE COLOUR CHART - SPLIT IT INTO 4 IMAGES(24each) OR 5(19.2 each) IF NEED BE. (CREATE A COLOUR CHART FOR KO-FI AND CHARGE)

Durability and Cleanliness

NuPastels are more robust than soft pastels, resisting breakage during use or transport, which enhances their longevity. Their firm composition produces minimal dust, reducing mess and making them practical for studio or classroom settings. This durability and low dust output appeal to artists seeking a cleaner, more economical option, though care in storage is needed to prevent minor chipping.

Performance and Use Cases

This section evaluates Prismacolor NuPastels’ performance in practical applications, covering blending, detail work, and their suitability for various artists and projects, providing a balanced perspective on their capabilities.

Blending & Layering

​NuPastels blend smoothly on gritty surfaces like Pastelmat, creating gradual transitions with minimal dust. Layering builds depth, though more pressure is needed compared to soft pastels. On smooth papers, blends may appear fainter, requiring additional layers for vibrancy. This performance suits artists prioritizing clean, controlled applications over highly saturated effects.

Detail Work

The firm texture of NuPastels supports precise lines, ideal for intricate details such as facial features or botanical illustrations. Sharpened sticks enhance accuracy, and their slow wear rate sustains fine work. Details stand out on textured papers, though smooth surfaces may reduce sharpness, limiting contrast in highly detailed pieces.
​[Image: Detailed artwork, Alt text: “Detailed portrait drawn with Prismacolor NuPastels”]

Showcase: NuPastels In Action - Autumn Leaf

This section presents four images from a tutorial available on our website, showcasing Prismacolor NuPastels used to create an autumn leaf. Spanning early stages to completion, the images illustrate how NuPastels’ firm texture and creamy consistency facilitate layering and detailing, with low dust production enhancing control. They offer a practical example of the pastels’ performance in a detailed artwork.

Loose base layers

Blending layers with a sponge

Applying secondary layers which merge together without further blending

Create the realism with pastel pencils

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Recommended Article Layout
DONE THE FIRST SECTIONS, THIS IS CONTINUED....
5. Performance and Use Cases (H2)

• Tag: H2
• Subsections (H3):
  • Blending and Layering (H3): Explain how layering aids blending, with tips for gritty papers like Pastelmat.
  • Detail Work (H3): Highlight suitability for fine lines and intricate designs.
  • Who They’re For (H3): Discuss appeal for beginners (affordability), professionals (control), and specific projects (illustrations, coloring books).
• Content: Provide practical insights, e.g., how NuPastels perform on different papers or in mixed media. Mention limitations (e.g., less vibrant for large backgrounds).
• Length: 250–300 words total (80–100 per subsection).
• Purpose: Connects features to real-world applications, showing readers how to use NuPastels.
• Why Here: Builds on features by showing practical benefits, keeping the article actionable.

6. Pros and Cons (H2)

• Tag: H2
• Content: List pros (affordability, versatility, durability) and cons (lightfastness concerns, muted colors). Use bullet points for clarity.
• Length: 100–150 words.
• Purpose: Offers a balanced review, aiding decision-making.
• Why Here: Summarizes strengths and weaknesses after detailing performance, preparing readers for tips.

7. Tips for Using Prismacolor NuPastels (H2)

• Tag: H2
• Content: Provide actionable advice:
  • Choose gritty papers for vibrant results.
  • Experiment with wet techniques (e.g., water for liquid effects).
  • Protect artwork with UV glass due to lightfastness concerns.
  • Combine with soft pastels for contrast (e.g., NuPastels for details).
  • Store in foam to prevent breakage.
• Length: 150–200 words (bullet points or short paragraphs).
• Purpose: Empowers readers with practical guidance, aligning with your site’s tutorial focus.
• Why Here: Follows pros/cons to give readers tools for success, maintaining engagement.

8. Lightfastness and Archival Considerations (H2)

• Tag: H2
• Content: Address the lack of ASTM lightfast ratings, potential for synthetic pigments (student-grade), and solutions like UV glass or museum-quality framing. Suggest contacting Prismacolor for pigment details if archival quality matters.
• Length: 100–150 words.
• Purpose: Tackles a common artist concern transparently, building trust.
• Why Here: Placed near the end to avoid deterring readers early, but critical for informed use.

9. Conclusion (H2)

• Tag: H2
• Content: Summarize NuPastels’ strengths (versatility, affordability, durability) and ideal uses (details, illustrations). Encourage readers to try them for projects and explore your site’s tutorials for pastel techniques. Include a call-to-action (e.g., “Share your NuPastel artwork in the comments!”).
• Length: 100–150 words.
• Purpose: Wraps up the article, reinforces key points, and drives engagement.
• Why Here: Closes the article logically, leaving readers inspired.

10. Related Articles and Tutorials (H2)

• Tag: H2
• Content: Link to other SBSA content, e.g., pastel tutorials, paper reviews, or comparisons with brands like Faber-Castell. Suggest a free NuPastel tutorial (if available).
• Length: 50–100 words.
• Purpose: Boosts site engagement and SEO by linking relevant content.
• Why Here: Ends with a nudge to explore more, keeping readers on your site.

Nu pastels are classed as Hard Pastels. Hard pastels are made from powdered pigment, the same ingredients as soft pastels, but will usually contain more binder and less pigment. This means the colours are more muted than a soft pastel range such as Unison.  They are ideal for creating initial sketches and useful for applying finer detail. They create less dust and do not break as easy as the softer brands. 

​Colours Available: 96
​
​Sets Available:
Open stock (Individually) In a box 12, 24, 36, 48 & 96 

Costs: RRP £1.57 Each (Ave)

Product features:

• ​60 colour shades in various ranges
• Charcoal-like feel
• Can be blended and smudged, partially aquarellable
• Highly pigmented colours
• Excellent light-fastness
• Can be used wet or dry
• 4.4 mm diameter lead
• Great results on dark backgrounds and specialist papers
• ​Certified non-toxic
  

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SETS AVAILABLE

12

24

48

96

The Colour Chart

As far as I can see, pastels do not have an official lightfast grading (ASTM) I have seen discussions online for future plans, but as there are no requirements at the moment, it is unlikely the NuPastels were created to be 100% lightfast. Like many mediums, there are certain colours that will fade much faster. The worst culprits tend to be the pinks, purples, oranges and some blues. The most reliable colours tend to be the greys, white, black and browns, along with many of the earthy greens too. An artist called Rick Petersen, has created his own unscientific, lightfast chart which you can view HERE. This may help you decide which colours to avoid if creating works that will be hung. If you are creating pastel art for print purposes only, lightfastness is not important.

Below is a home made chart of every colour available in the NuPastel range (96 colours) Usually I would include lightfast ratings, but as already discussed, none are available. 

Student or artist grade pastels?

It is highly likely that the NuPastels are a student grade pastel. Student grade pastels are also pigment & binder but some pigments are man made rather than from natural sources to keep costs low. This can affect lightfastness. Prismacolor offers such little information on these pastels, it is difficult to know for sure if any (or all) of their pigments are man made without contacting the company direct. ​ You can always protect your pastel portrait from premature fading by fitting  UV or museum quality glass into your frame. More expensive, but worth it in the long run.

Visit PRISMACOLOR NUPASTELS WEBPAGE

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Other related articles that may be of interest
​

Pastelmat is an ideal paper for Pastellists, find out why!

New to pastels? Need some help deciding where to start?

10 Tools for the perfect blending experience

Try the autumn leaf art tutorial using the Prismacolor NuPastels

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Autumn Leaf Tutorial using NuPastels

​Little pressure is required on gritty papers like Pastelmat and they grab the pigments well, making the colours more vibrant than smooth papers can. The firmness of the NuPastels allow you to create thin lines and very fine detail and the pastels do not wear down as quick or break/crumble easily.

​Wish to try this tutorial? Click here

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The history of the Prismacolor NuPastels

NuPastels have been around for many years. Below is a cropped section from an old promotional leaflet (circa 1999) when they were part of the Karisma range - who remembers the Karismacolor pencils?  The two colours shown in this leaflet can still be found in the NuPastel range. These colours are 257-P Deep Cadmium Yellow and 336-P Carnival Red. When part of the Karisma range, there were only 48 colours available.
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​Prismacolor NuPastels are primarily composed of pigments and binders. The exact composition isn't widely published, but they are known to be non-toxic and free from silica. All of the Prismacolor colored pencil component materials are not completely animal-free, as they use waxes that are animal-derived. While Prismacolor does not intentionally use any animal-derived ingredients in the Nupastel line, they are unable to guarantee that they are completely vegan-friendly.