Faber-Castell Compressed PITT Charcoal Sticks - Extra Soft - 3 Pack

The Faber-Castell PITT charcoal sticks in extra soft grade provide supreme artist quality for your...

Best current price£7.00from Hobbycraft Trading Ltd

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Hobbycraft Trading LtdFaber-Castell Extra Soft Pressed Charcoal 3 Pack
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OnBuy.comFaber-Castell Pack Of 3 Compressed Pitt Charcoal Sticks Black, Extra Soft
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£10.69
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Product Information

Full details

The Faber-Castell PITT Compressed Charcoal Sticks are designed for professional artists and students who demand supreme pigment intensity and versatile mark-making capabilities for expressive sketching and drawing. These extra-soft, oil-free sticks offer a deep black finish that glides smoothly across the page, making them an excellent choice for bold gestural work or fine-tuned shading. While their soft composition provides unmatched blending potential, users should be aware that these sticks are prone to smudging and require a fixative spray to preserve finished artwork.

All features

Model Part Number129996
BrandFaber-Castell

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Are these sticks oil-based?

No, the PITT compressed charcoal sticks are entirely oil and grease-free.

Can I use these with other media?

Yes, they are highly compatible with graphite and other dry charcoal products, though they should generally be applied as one of the final layers due to their softness.

Does this charcoal erase easily?

Yes, because it is oil-free, it can be erased easily with a kneaded eraser, though it may leave a light stain depending on the paper quality.

How should I store these sticks?

Store them in a cool, dry environment, preferably in a flat tray or the original box to avoid breakage.

Do I need a fixative?

Yes, a fixative is highly recommended for finished works to prevent the charcoal from smearing.

Troubleshooting

Charcoal is creating too much dust

Reduce the pressure applied to the stick and switch to a paper with more 'tooth' or texture.

Drawing is smearing outside of intended areas

Use a piece of tracing paper or a clean sheet under your hand while working to prevent transferring oils or pigment from your skin.

Unable to achieve sharp, precise lines

Use a piece of sandpaper to sharpen the end of the charcoal stick into a chisel or point as needed.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptionally deep and intense black pigment
  • Easy to smudge, blend, and layer
  • Oil-free formula ensures no waxy residue on paper
  • Versatile for both bold gestures and fine detail
  • Easily erasable for correcting mistakes or creating highlights

Cons

  • High potential for smudging due to soft grade
  • Can be messy to handle compared to wood-encased pencils
  • Requires fixative to prevent permanent smearing after completion

Setup, Compatibility & Care

To get the best results, prepare your workspace with a heavy-weight, textured drawing paper; the surface tooth helps grab the pigment particles and prevents excessive dusting. For cleanup, keep a kneaded eraser nearby to lift highlights or correct shading errors.

When caring for your sticks, store them in a cool, dry place inside their original packaging or a protective tin to prevent breakage, as the extra-soft composition makes them more fragile than hard-grade alternatives. Once a drawing is complete, it is highly recommended to apply a professional-grade charcoal fixative in a well-ventilated area to secure the loose pigment to the paper and prevent accidental smearing.

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