What is the difference between compressed and willow charcoal?

Compressed charcoal is pressed into dense sticks and, in general, makes darker marks that are harder to lift. PANDAFLY's willow listing says willow charcoal gives wispy, smoky lines that erase easily.

What is compressed charcoal used for?

The listing names sketching, drawing, shading, studies, life drawing and sketching scenes quickly.

How do I keep my hands clean using charcoal sticks?

Wrap the stick in a strip of paper or foil, or use a charcoal holder.

Can I make a fine point with a charcoal stick?

Yes. PANDAFLY suggests sanding the stick to a fine point for detailed work, and using the flat edge for broad strokes.

What paper works best for compressed charcoal?

The listing does not name a paper. In general, paper with some tooth, such as drawing or charcoal paper, holds charcoal better than smooth paper.

Best compressed charcoal

PANDAFLY

PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks (12)

A set of 12 compressed charcoal sticks in three grades, 4 soft, 4 medium and 4 hard, fired at high temperatures with a large flat surface for shading.

Best for: Budding artists doing life drawing and quick sketches in three grades

Sticks: 12
Grades: 4 soft, 4 medium, 4 hard
Type: Compressed
Safety: Non-toxic

Check price on Amazon

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Buy it if

You want velvety black charcoal for studies and life drawing
You draw large and want a flat side that shades wide areas fast
You want all three hardness levels in equal numbers

Skip it if

You want to keep your hands clean. In general, loose sticks are messier than pencils such as the MARKART Charcoal Pencils
You want charcoal the listing calls easily erased. The PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks are sold that way

What the PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks (12) is

The PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks set holds 12 sticks: 4 soft, 4 medium and 4 hard. PANDAFLY says the charcoal is fired at high temperatures and gives a velvety pure black.

The listing describes square sticks with a large flat surface for shading large areas, and says you can sand a stick to a fine point for detailed work.

Key features, explained

Based on the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

4 soft, 4 medium and 4 hard
An even split of grades. In general, harder charcoal gives lighter marks and softer charcoal gives the darkest blacks.
Large flat surface
The square sticks have a wide flat side for shading big areas in one pass, and the edge draws lines.
Sand to a point for detail
Rub a stick on sandpaper to shape a fine point when you need edges or small details.
Deep, velvety black
PANDAFLY says the compressed pure black charcoal produces a velvety surface.
Erasable and blendable
The listing says the sticks are erasable and blendable, with great tonal value. It names studies and life drawing as uses.
Non-toxic
The set is listed as non-toxic, and PANDAFLY says it suits budding artists and amateurs of all ages.

PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks (12) specifications

Type: Compressed charcoal sticks
Count: 12 sticks
Grades: 4 soft, 4 medium, 4 hard
Shape: Square with a large flat surface
Best uses: Sketching, shading, studies, life drawing
Safety: Non-toxic
Color: Black
Model: P931-12
Warranty: 2 year

Who the PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks (12) suits

Life drawing and quick sketches. The listing names studies, life drawing and sketching scenes quickly.
Practice across grades. Soft, medium and hard sticks in equal numbers.
Large shading areas. The listing says the large flat surface allows effective shading in large areas.

Look elsewhere if: you want wispy, easily erased marks. The PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks are sold for wispy sketches, with lines that can be easily blended, erased and layered.

PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks (12) vs similar picks

Spec	PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks (12)	Pacific Arc Compressed Charcoal	PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks (25)
Count	12 sticks	12 sticks	25 sticks
Grades	4 soft, 4 medium, 4 hard	Soft	Not listed
Type	Compressed	Compressed charcoal	Willow (vine)
Safety	Non-toxic	Not listed	Not listed
Choose it for	Three grades in equal numbers	An all-soft set for the darkest darks	Wispy lines, easily erased

PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks (12)
Count
12 sticks
Grades
4 soft, 4 medium, 4 hard
Type
Compressed
Safety
Non-toxic
Choose it for: Three grades in equal numbers
Pacific Arc Compressed Charcoal
Count
12 sticks
Grades
Soft
Type
Compressed charcoal
Safety
Not listed
Choose it for: An all-soft set for the darkest darks
PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks (25)
Count
25 sticks
Grades
Not listed
Type
Willow (vine)
Safety
Not listed
Choose it for: Wispy lines, easily erased

Before you buy

Compressed charcoal is messy. Wrap a stick in paper or foil, or use a holder, to keep your fingers clean.
In general, compressed charcoal pressed hard into paper is harder to lift than willow, so start light and build up.
The listing does not name a paper. In general, paper with some tooth holds charcoal better than smooth paper.
Spray finished drawings with fixative, because charcoal smudges easily.

Frequently asked questions about the PANDAFLY Compressed Charcoal Sticks (12)

What is the difference between compressed and willow charcoal?: Compressed charcoal is pressed into dense sticks and, in general, makes darker marks that are harder to lift. PANDAFLY's willow listing says willow charcoal gives wispy, smoky lines that erase easily.
What is compressed charcoal used for?: The listing names sketching, drawing, shading, studies, life drawing and sketching scenes quickly.
How do I keep my hands clean using charcoal sticks?: Wrap the stick in a strip of paper or foil, or use a charcoal holder.
Can I make a fine point with a charcoal stick?: Yes. PANDAFLY suggests sanding the stick to a fine point for detailed work, and using the flat edge for broad strokes.
What paper works best for compressed charcoal?: The listing does not name a paper. In general, paper with some tooth, such as drawing or charcoal paper, holds charcoal better than smooth paper.