Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle Pastels - Set Of 10 Assorted Dark Colours

Name: Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle Pastels - Set Of 10 Assorted Dark Colours
Brand: Caran d'Ache
SKU: dplk6wck2g
Price: 35.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

The Caran d’Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle Pastels 50 Years Special Edition Dark Colours Set features ...

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This Caran d’Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle Pastels 50 Years Special Edition Dark Colours Set is for artists, students, and hobbyists seeking high-quality, water-soluble pastels for expressive artwork. The key benefit is the ability to create rich tones, smooth gradients, and dramatic effects by blending with water. A potential caveat is that these are wax-oil based, so they have a unique texture that may differ from traditional chalk pastels. This set features 10 highly pigmented, water-soluble pastels in assorted dark colours, offering excellent versatility for sketching, illustration, and mixed-media projects, all housed in a commemorative tin.

All features

Model Part Number	7500.919
Brand	Caran d'Ache

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Are these pastels truly water-soluble?

Yes, Caran d’Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle Pastels are designed to be water-soluble. When water is applied to the dried pastel marks, the pigment re-wets and can be blended like watercolour.

What is the difference between Neocolor I and Neocolor II?

Neocolor I are traditional wax pastels, while Neocolor II are water-soluble wax pastels. Neocolor II can be used dry or activated with water for watercolour effects.

Can I use these on dark paper?

Yes, the high pigmentation of these pastels allows them to show up on dark paper, especially when applied with a damp brush or layered, though lighter colours would provide more contrast.

What surfaces can I use these pastels on besides paper?

These pastels are versatile and can be used on cardboard, wood, pottery, stone, cork, metal, and glass. Results may vary based on surface texture and absorbency.

How do I achieve a true watercolour wash effect?

For a wash effect, you can either apply the pastels to wet paper and blend, or draw with the dry pastels and then use a wet brush to activate and blend the pigment on the paper.

Are these pastels suitable for beginners?

Yes, they are suitable for beginners due to their ease of use and versatile effects. The ability to blend with water offers a forgiving way to learn colour mixing and layering.

What are the exclusive colours in this special edition set?

This special edition includes three exclusive colours: 526 Zinc Ochre, 096 Dark Garnet, and 629 Caput Mortuum, alongside seven standard dark colours.

Troubleshooting

Pastel breaks easily

Handle with care, especially when applying pressure. Ensure pastels are stored properly in their tin to prevent damage.

Colour appears dull after blending with water

Use a good quality brush with minimal water. Too much water can dilute the pigment. Try applying pigment to a wet brush directly for more intense colour.

Pastel feels too waxy

This is the characteristic texture of Neocolor II. For a softer feel, use a wet brush to activate the pigment and create smoother strokes.

Difficulty removing colour from a surface

For non-porous surfaces like glass, use a damp cloth and mild soap. For paper, attempt to lift with a damp brush while wet, or use a kneaded eraser once dry. Some staining is normal.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent blendability with water for watercolour effects.
Highly pigmented colours provide intense and lasting results.
Unique soft, velvety texture offers smooth application.
Commemorative edition adds collectible value.
Durable and portable packaging ideal for artists on the go.

Cons

As a wax-oil based pastel, the texture may differ from user expectations for traditional chalk pastels.
Limited colour range in this specific dark colours set.
Water-soluble nature means careful handling is needed to avoid accidental activation.
Can be more expensive than basic pastel sets.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup: These pastels require no setup beyond removing them from their packaging. They are ready for immediate use.

Compatibility: Caran d’Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle Pastels are highly versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces including:

Paper
Cardboard
Wood
Pottery
Stone
Cork
Metal
Glass

For optimal results, use on paper with a suitable tooth to hold the pigment. For water-activated techniques, heavier weight paper or watercolour paper is recommended.

Care:

Storage: Store the pastels in their original metal tin, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, to preserve their texture and colour integrity.
Cleaning: To clean the pastels themselves, gently wipe with a dry, soft cloth. If a pastel becomes marked, a slightly damp cloth can be used very sparingly, ensuring it dries completely before re-capping or storing.
Surface Cleaning: Clean applied pastels from non-porous surfaces like glass or metal with a damp cloth. For porous surfaces like paper, corrections are best made with a damp brush or eraser while the pigment is still wet. Once dry, they function more like a traditional wax crayon or oil pastel.