Pastels Tip #2 Fixing a Broken Pastel

Fixing a Broken Pastel

What do you do when a pastel shatters or with tiny pieces of broken pastel that you can't hold? Don't throw them away, it's simple to make them into a new, usable pastel. You can also use this method to make some new pastel sticks from scratch, or to fix a broken one should you wish to.

1. Remove all bits of label that may still be sticking to the pastel pieces.
2. Sort the bits by color or mix following the rules of color theory if you want to create a new color .
3. Break or grind the pastel pieces up as much as you can.
4. Add one or two teaspoons of distilled water to the broken pastel.
5. Don’t use straight tap water as this may contain chlorine which will bleach the pastel pigment or other chemicals or minerals that may interact with it.
6. Mix into a thick paste with a palette knife or your fingers.
7. Roll the paste up into a pastel shape using your fingers.
8. If it’s too wet, remove some of the excess moisture with a piece of absorbent paper, such as paper towel.
9. Leave to dry at room temperature for at least 24 hours.

Tips:

1. If you’re using pieces of extremely soft pigment, using skimmed milk instead of water will make your new pastel slightly harder.