Lightfastness in Pastels
Why It Matters and How to Keep Your Colors Radiant
My Unison Pastels
Alright, let’s dive into a topic that’s pretty important if you’re into pastels and don’t want your art to go full “Ghost of Artworks Past” on you: lightfastness. Yeah, it sounds like a fancy technical term, but stay with me. I’ll keep it short, sweet, and maybe toss in a little giggle here and there to keep you awake.
What Is Lightfastness, Anyway?
So, here’s the deal: lightfastness is basically a color’s resilience against fading over time. You know how your car upholstery can fade if it bakes in the sun too long? Same thing happens to your art if you don’t watch out. Pastels, like any art medium, can lose their punch if they’re exposed to too much light over time. In other words, lightfastness is your artwork's sunscreen.
Pastel colors with high lightfastness will keep that bold, vibrant look you want, even if they’re displayed in a well-lit room. Low-lightfastness pastels, on the other hand, might start looking like they were cast in a black-and-white movie if exposed for too long. Not the vibe most of us are going for.
Why Lightfastness Matters
Imagine spending hours layering those buttery, dreamy pastels on a piece—every smudge, blend, and mark just right—only for it to look washed out in a couple of years. Nightmare fuel, right? That’s why understanding lightfastness is crucial. When we’re talking about creating art that will stand the test of time (and sunlight), knowing which colors have staying power is a must.
Plus, if you’re selling your work, collectors might just come after you if their prized purchase fades to oblivion. Not ideal.
How Is Lightfastness Measured?
Okay, here’s the nerdy part: lightfastness is often measured using standardized scales, with the Blue Wool Scale and the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) rating being the most common.
Blue Wool Scale: This scale ranges from 1 to 8, with 8 being the most lightfast and 1 being, well, not very sturdy. Think of it as your pastel’s “sun-tan” factor.
ASTM Ratings: ASTM ratings are more common in the U.S. and range from I to V, with I being the best and V being… well, let’s just say don’t expect it to hold up to a lot of natural light.
If you see either of these ratings on your pastels, now you know what they mean. And if not, start taking notes on which brands are lightfast—trust me, your future self will thank you.
Which Brands Are Lightfast?
Now, let’s talk brands! Some manufacturers go the extra mile to ensure their pastels hold up, while others… well, let’s just say they’re not really looking out for the long haul. Brands like Unison, Sennelier, and Schmincke are known for high-quality pastels with impressive lightfast ratings. These are your tried-and-true options if you’re serious about durability.
Tips to Protect Your Pastel Art
Even with high-lightfast pastels, there are ways to keep your work looking fresh out of the easel for years to come. Here’s how to protect that masterpiece:
Avoid Direct Sunlight: It’s simple, but powerful. Keep your art away from direct sunlight, and it’ll have a much better shot at longevity.
Use UV-Protective Glass: If you’re framing your pastel work, go for UV-protective glass. It’s a bit pricier but worth it if you want that artwork to stay strong.
Seal With Care: Pastels are delicate, so avoid using fixatives that might darken or alter your colors. If you do use one, go light, and test it first.
Keep it Indoors: I know, I know—you probably weren’t planning on decorating the patio with your pastel portrait. But just in case you get tempted to “bring the outdoors in,” let me stop you right there. Moisture, sunlight, dust—they’re all art killers.
The Bottom Line
Lightfastness isn’t just some artsy mumbo-jumbo; it’s the difference between your masterpiece aging like fine wine or disappearing like a ghost. By choosing high-lightfast pastels and keeping your artwork protected, you’re ensuring that your colors stay vibrant and true for years to come. And hey, if you’re selling your art, collectors will know you’re serious about quality. Win-win!
So, remember to check those ratings and think twice about the sunlight situation. After all, your art deserves to look as bold and brilliant tomorrow as it does today. 🌞
