Prismacolor Premier Nupastels Firm Pastel Sticks, 36 Count - Best

Our review of the Prismacolor Premier Nupastels finds them especially well suited to artists who need rich, blendable color with controlled handling. The set of 36 firm pastel sticks offers a creamy pigment that works for both fine detail and broader layering, and the ability to use them wet or dry gives painters and illustrators flexibility. While sturdiness can be a concern in transit, the overall color payoff and controlled, less-powdery texture make this a worthwhile kit for portrait work, tightly rendered drawings, and mixed wet-dry effects.

Key Features

• Size: Each stick measures 3 5/8 in long and 1/4 in square, providing a comfortable working length with a firm profile for detailed marks.
• Firm texture: The NuPastel formula is rich and creamy yet firm enough to resist excessive breakage during use, helping maintain fine points for detail.
• Wet or dry use: These pastels can be applied dry for traditional pastel effects or used wet to create layered, shimmering finishes and varied textures.
• Blending and shading: Highly pigmented, velvety colors blend smoothly for subtle transitions and portraits without producing as much loose dust as softer pastels.
• Color range: The 36 vivid shades give a broad palette for skin tones, landscapes, and illustrative work, reducing the need to mix or buy extras.

Who It's For

These pastels are aimed at both serious hobbyists and professional artists who want a more controlled pastel experience for detailed illustration, portraiture, and mixed-media work. The firm sticks let you sharpen edges and render tight lines while still allowing buttery blending when needed.

Beginners will also find value in the forgiving, blendable pigments, though those seeking extremely soft, powdery pastel for very loose, painterly effects may prefer a softer pastel variety. If shipping durability is a priority, consider carefully packing or buying locally to avoid broken sticks on arrival.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich, highly pigmented colors deliver strong coverage and vibrant mixes for portraits and illustrations.
• The creamy yet firm texture supports both blending and fine detail without excessive dust.
• Usable wet or dry, adding flexibility for layered effects and mixed-media techniques.
• 36 vivid shades provide a broad, ready-to-use palette for many projects.

Cons

• Some shipments show sticks broken in two or three pieces, so care is needed in handling or packing.
• Firmness trades off some of the ultra-soft pastel feel that painters seeking maximum dust and softness might prefer.

Specifications

Brand	Prismacolor
Product	Premier NuPastel Firm Pastel Sticks
Count	36 pastels
Dimensions per stick	3 5/8 in long x 1/4 in square
Texture	Rich, creamy pigment with firm body
Use	Wet or dry application for blending and shading

Our Verdict

The Prismacolor Premier NuPastels 36-count set is a strong choice for artists who need vibrant, blendable colors with the control of a firmer stick. It offers good value for detailed work, portraits, and mixed wet-dry techniques, though buyers should be aware of occasional breakage during shipping and the slightly firmer feel compared with ultra-soft pastels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these pastels be used with water?
Yes, the NuPastel formula accepts wet application, allowing for layered and shimmering effects as well as traditional dry blending.

Are they suitable for detailed work?
Yes, the 1/4 in square firm sticks can be sharpened or used on edge to render fine lines and tight detail.

Do they produce a lot of dust?
They produce less loose powder than very soft pastels due to their firmer, creamy texture, but some dust is still normal with pastel work.