How to Choose Pastel Pencils: A Practical Guide

How to choose pastel pencils? The short answer is to first decide what you will draw and how much control you need, then compare core hardness, colour application, the shades in the set, and the information provided by the manufacturer. The largest set is not automatically the best choice—the important question is whether you will actually use the colours it contains.

If you work on details, fine lines, and controlled shading, pay attention to the pencil’s precision and its ability to retain a point after sharpening. For broad, intense areas of colour, you may prefer a softer application. Make your final decision based not on the appearance of the packaging but on the result you expect.

How to Choose Pastel Pencils: The Main Criteria

The first criterion is core hardness. A relatively hard core helps you control lines, small shapes, and edges. A soft core deposits colour more freely and feels different when blending layers, although the point may need sharpening more often. If the hardness is not specified in the description, do not draw conclusions from the pencil’s appearance alone.

The second consideration is the colour selection. For portraits, a practical range of skin, hair, shadow, and neutral shades is useful. Landscapes often require a balanced palette of greens, earth tones, sky colours, and bright accents. At the beginning, a varied basic set may be more useful than numerous shades that are very similar to one another.

• Hardness: Choose it according to the lines and colour application you need.
• Shades: Count the colours that are useful to you, not simply every colour in the set.
• Replacements: Find out whether frequently used pencils are sold individually.
• Information: Compare the manufacturer’s specifications when they are available.
• Budget: Consider not only the initial set but also the cost of replenishing it later.

Size, Material, and Intended Use

The shape and size of the pencil barrel affect comfort, but there is no universal choice. During long sessions, it is important that the pencil rests naturally in your hand without requiring an excessively tight grip. If possible, test one pencil or a small set before buying a full range.

The wooden barrel is relevant to both protecting the core and sharpening it. Check which type of sharpener is recommended and how easily you can achieve the point you need. Overly aggressive sharpening can use up the material quickly, so short movements and constant attention to the point are preferable.

Match your choice to the intended use: a compact set is convenient for sketches and small studies; detailed work calls for controlled lines and useful neutral shades; and for mixed media, you should check in advance how each material responds to the layers you plan to apply.

How to Compare Options Step by Step

Begin your comparison with three short notes: what you draw, which format you work in, and which colours you use most often. Next, identify the essential shades and only then compare set sizes. This prevents a large colour count from overshadowing the decision.

Then read the product description and look for specific information: the number of pencils, a colour list or visual chart, an indication of hardness, the option to replace individual colours, and care recommendations. If any detail is not shown, do not treat it as a confirmed feature.

A Simple Test Chart

After your purchase, make a colour chart on the same paper you plan to use. With each colour, draw a light line, a section with medium pressure, and a more intense swatch. Then try layering two colours. This small sample will show the actual colour more accurately and make it easier to choose shades later.

Choosing Paper for Pastel Pencils

Pastel pencils interact directly with the surface during use, so choose the paper as thoughtfully as the pencils. The same pencil leaves different marks on a textured surface and a smooth sheet. Consider the level of detail you want, the number of layers, and how visible you want the paper texture to remain.

To explore different formats and intended uses, you can view pastel papers and pads. Test a new combination on a small area of the sheet first: check the line, layering, an erasing attempt, and how the surface behaves. A test area is especially useful before starting the finished work.

Pastel pencils and oil pastels are not the same material. Therefore, when choosing a pad intended for oil pastels, do not assume that it is automatically ideal for every pastel pencil as well—test it first. To compare formats, see the MM Oil Pastel Pad 200gsm A3, 20 sheets and the MM Oil Pastel Pad 200gsm A4, 20 sheets. When choosing between them, consider your workspace and preferred format.

Common Mistakes When Choosing

The most common mistake is judging a set solely by the number of pencils. A large range of colours is useful only when the shades suit your subjects. Another mistake is confusing different types of pastel: similar names do not mean that they are used in the same way.

It is also a mistake to fill in unknown specifications with assumptions. If the description does not state how soft the core is or provide a particular measurement, base your decision on other confirmed details. Starting with a small set or a single pencil is often more considered than choosing a large set with uncertain characteristics.

Another mistake is overlooking the paper. Assessing a pencil on just one random sheet may be misleading. Make test charts on the same surface so that you can compare colours and application under equal conditions.

Practical Tips for Use and Care

Start with light pressure and increase the intensity gradually. Pressing hard from the outset may make it more difficult to add further layers to the surface. Test your preferred combinations on a separate sheet and note the blends you use frequently.

• Protect pencils from impacts and falls.
• Do not rush when sharpening, and watch the point with every movement.
• Compare light and dark colours on separate test strips.
• Write the pencil’s name or number on the colour chart if it has one.
• Test a new paper and pencil on a small area first.

Conclusion: Start with Your Goal

The right pastel pencils are the set that suits your subject, required line control, colour needs, and budget. Compare the shades you will actually use, confirmed specifications, and replacement options, then test the result on suitable paper. This approach simplifies the choice and gives you a practical working set rather than unnecessary colours.