Using pastel gel pens is a subtle way to add visual interest to writing and artwork. They can help draw attention to important vocabulary terms in class notes, add details to handmade cards or other crafts, and more. Plus, pastel colors pop against dark backgrounds to create a unique contrasting effect on toned and dark papers. Read on or watch the video below to see the best pastel gel pens for writing and crafting.
Table of Contents
Pastel Gel Pen considerations
Flow and Dry Time
Gel pens need to strike the right balance when it comes to flow. If they do not deposit enough ink on the page, they will be scratchy and not sufficiently opaque. Too much ink, and they will bleed through the paper. Some pastel gel pens flow similarly to standard gel pens. They dry in a reasonable amount of time and can be used for note-taking. On the other hand, pastel gel pens made for crafting tend to have very wet flow. This makes them smoother and more opaque, especially on dark papers. However, they take longer to dry and are prone to smudging and bleeding.
Opacity
Opacity refers to how easily the ink shows up on a writing surface, particularly dark papers. Pastel gel pens that will be used for writing do not need to be very opaque to show up on white paper, but crafters will appreciate an ink formulation that pops on toned or dark papers. Opacity usually goes hand in hand with flow. A pastel gel pen with very wet ink flow tends to have more opaque ink.
Finish
Some pastel gel pens feature interesting finishes that add distinctive flair to artwork. Gel pens that are geared towards crafting (like the Sakura Souffle) create lines that are slightly raised when dry for a three-dimensional effect. On non-porous surfaces, the Souffle also has a glossy finish.
Fade and Water Resistance
Look for gel pens that are fade and water resistant to ensure that letters or artwork will stand the test of time. For casual usage like notes and doodling, fade resistance isn’t necessary, though water resistant ink can be paired with other art supplies—and survive a spilled water bottle. If pastel hues will be the star of an heirloom art piece, fade-resistant inks will make sure that colors stay true through the years.
Pastel Gel Pen Recommendations
Best Pastel Gel Pen for Note-Taking: Pilot G2 Pastel Gel Pen
These pastel colors use the same ink formulation as the original Pilot G2, so they make great note-taking pens. The ink also shows up well on dark paper, so it can be used for crafts in a pinch. The firm grip is comfortable to hold for long writing sessions and matches the color of the ink inside.
Best Fine-Tip Pastel Gel Pen: Pilot Juice Up Pastel Gel Pen
The Pilot Juice Up is one of the few pastel gel pens that boasts smooth writing with an extra-fine tip. It has the smallest tip size of any of our recommendations at just 0.4 mm. The unique “synergy tip” combines the precision of a needle point with the durability of a conical point. The ink shows up easily on both dark and light papers.
Most Opaque Pastel Gel Pen: Pentel Hybrid Milky Gel Pen
With its 0.8 mm tip, the Pentel Hybrid Milky Gel Pen lays down smooth, opaque lines. It stands out on light and dark papers and can even be used on glossy photos. The Hybrid Milky’s water based ink is acid free and scrapbook safe which makes it suitable for writing and crafting, from recording important information in your planner to adding highlights in your artwork.
Best Pastel Gel Pen for Arts and Crafts: Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight Gel Pen
For pastel shades that are difficult to find in other gel pens, the Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight is an excellent pick. The lineup includes six pastel shades like Fresh Green and Pale Brown. The 0.6 mm tip is suitable for writing and crafting, and the ink shows up equally well on both light and dark papers.
Best Pastel Gel Pen for Non-Porous Surfaces: Sakura Souffle Gel Pen
The Sakura Souffle is a favorite for craft and art projects. The ink dries to a glossy, raised finish for a unique three-dimensional effect. It has very wet flow and works best when writing or drawing slowly, so it’s prone to smudging and bleeding. We recommend using it on smooth papers and non-porous surfaces like plastic. When paired with absorbent papers, the Souffle’s ink may appear matte.
Pastel Gel Pen Writing Samples
Conclusion
Adding cute details to your notes or craft projects is a breeze with pastel gel pens. Let us know your favorite pastel gel pen in the comments below!
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Are you still not sure which pastel gel pen to try? Check out our Pastel Gel Pen Sampler! You can try out a variety of pens in a rainbow of colors. The sampler features the Pilot Juice Up, Sakura Decorese, Sakura Souffle, plus other softly-colored inks.
Pen Name | Flow | Dry Time | Opacity | Water Resistance | Finish |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pentel Hybrid Milky Gel Pens | Matte | ||||
Pilot G2 Pastel Gel Pens | Matte | ||||
Pilot Juice Gel Pens | Matte | ||||
Pilot Juice Up Pastel Gel Pens | Matte | ||||
Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight Gel Pens | Matte | ||||
Sakura Pastel Decorese Gel Pens | Semi-matte, raised | ||||
Sakura Souffle Gel Pens | Glossy, raised | ||||
Yasutomo Y&C Gel Xtreme Pastel Gel Pens | Matte | ||||
Zebra Sarasa Clip Milk Gel Pens | Matte |