Art Crayons (formerly Gelatos) multi-purpose medium is the "go to" color option for mixed media artist's and paper crafters alike! This dynamic medium is a compact, odorless, acid-free pigment stick that glides on creamy smooth for vibrant color and coverage. They blend easily with or without water and can be used on any porous surface. While we cannot divulge the exact formula of what the Art Grayons are made of, they are a creamy, highly pigmented water-soluble medium.
Art Crayons are very versatile!
- Add water to create a mist
- Mix with your favorite mediums
- Combine to create new colors
- Add water to create watercolors
- Layer
- Add shimmer
- Highlight in journals, day planners and more!
Art Crayons Are Perfect for Porous Surfaces
Faber-Castell Art Crayons can be used on any porous surface. They are great for adding color and sheen to paper, canvas, chipboard, wood, fabric, ribbon journal boards and many other surfaces.
Fade Resistance & Permanency
Art Crayons are resistant to fading under normal lighting conditions. However, some colors will have more noticeable fading than others. Art Crayons are permanent once dry when used with water. When applied to a porous surface dry, the pigment is not erasable. They should not be expected to be permanent when applied to a non-porous surface, if they are not completely dissolved and dry. We suggest using a sealant to protect any surfaces to which Art Crayons have been applied.
Art Crayons On Fabric
Art Crayons can be used on fabric, but we recommend using a sealant that is suitable for the surface which you are working on. When used on fabric or canvas Art Crayons will be permanent in that they will stain the material. It is advised to perform a test on a swatch before applying to any finished work. We do not recommend laundering any items to which Art Crayons have been applied. As different brands and mediums of art materials are formulated in different ways using different ingredients that may interact in a negative way, we always recommend testing the materials together before starting work to ensure you will achieve your desired result.
Dissolving Art Crayons
To completely dissolve Art Crayons, use warm to hot water and use the back of a spatula to "smash" all of the pigment fragments and mix until smooth.
Art Crayons Dry Time
Drying time will vary depending on how heavily the Art Crayons are applied, if they are used with a medium or water and the weather/humidity. You can use a hair dryer to speed the process along if you wish. The best way to tell if completely dry is to rub your finger over the surface and see if any color rubs off. When no color comes off, they are dry.
Art Crayons On Vellum
Art Crayons are water-soluble and dry permanently on a porous surface. For that reason, they are not permanent on vellum unless they are blended into a medium such as gel, glaze or gesso. However, as this creates a "wet" medium, it will cause vellum to curl.
Sealing Art Crayons
When it comes to sealing Art Crayons artwork, it generally depends on the application. A light application would be a basic watercolor technique. This could be sealed with a simple spray fixative. A heavy application would include some of our mixed media techniques. If there is a thicker application of Art Crayonson the page, a gel medium or glaze would be recommended. The user should be careful when applying to avoid the Art Crayons from smearing or moving on the page. We always recommend testing small samples to make sure you are achieving the desired result.
The Difference Between Art Crayons & Gel Sticks
Our Playing & Learning Gel Sticks inspired the Art Crayons products. We found that children and adults appreciated the ease of use, smooth application and versatility. However, only the Gel Sticks have been certified as a child safe product by the CPSIA. Our Gel Sticks are offered in a basic color palette of 12 colors and 6 metallic colors. Our Creative Studio Art Crayons have a similar formulation, but are offered in many, many more colors and finishes that appeal to the hobby artist. The different colors and finishes that the Art Crayons are offered in may slightly affect the product texture and appearance.
* Gelatos were re-branded in new sets as Art Crayons, to be released in Fall '25. Gelatos and Art Crayons are the same product/formulation - only the packaging has changed.