How Compressed Charcoal Is Made

by Steve Mason

How Compressed Charcoal is made

Compressed charcoal is typically made by combining powdered charcoal (from wood, often willow or vine) with a small binder (gum, wax, clay) and sometimes pigment or other additives. The result is a solid stick that is denser and darker than natural vine or willow charcoal, offering deeper blacks, more control, and less fragility. Because of the binder, compressed sticks hold together better, maintain sharper edges, and allow for strong contrast and refined work.

Product Reviews

Below are three standout products, each representing a trusted brand, followed by when and how to best use them in your drawing practice.

Table of Contents

Faber‑Castell Pitt Compressed Charcoal Sticks

Review:
These sticks from Faber-Castell are labelled “artist quality”, grease- and oil-free, and provide an “intensive black” tone. The set I inspected includes Extra Soft grades, which are great for expressive, bold strokes. The texture is smooth and consistent, which makes blending and layering easier.
When to use:

  • When you need deep, rich blacks and dramatic contrast in your drawing.
  • Ideal for finished artwork rather than quick sketches.
  • Excellent for shading large areas, creating velvety darks, and strong edges.

Pros: high pigment load; reliable brand; smooth application.
Cons: softer grades may smudge easily if not fixed; more expensive.

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Jakar Compressed Charcoal Sketching Sticks

Review:
The Jakar set of compressed charcoal sticks (12 sticks, assorted greys or blacks) offers excellent value. The sticks are described as “top quality charcoal … dense … produces a strong mark.” Crafty Arts The brand is positioned as student-mid level, making it accessible.
When to use:

  • Great for students or intermediate artists exploring compressed charcoal for the first time.
  • Useful for sketching, tonal work, outlines, and shading practice.
  • Works well when you want variety of tones (e.g., an “assorted greys” set) to learn gradation.

Pros: affordable; good for learning and practice; decent tonal variety.
Cons: may not achieve the deepest blacks of premium sticks; quality may vary with heavy use.

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Summary – Which to Choose?

  • If you want premium quality and are working on serious pieces: go with Faber-Castell Pitt.
  • If you are learning or practising, on a budget: Jakar gives the best value.

When to Use Compressed Charcoal

  • Use for deep shadows, solid black areas, and strong contrast.
  • Use when you need a stick that holds its shape, maintains sharp edges, or can deliver bold strokes.
  • Use when you desire a medium that sits between vine/willow (which are softer and lighter) and charcoal pencils (which are more contained).
  • Good for finished artworks, tonal studies, large sketches, or pieces with dramatic chiaroscuro.

In contrast, vine/willow are better for quick sketches, lighter tonal work, and gestural drawings. (Many artists layer from lighter vine/willow to compressed charcoal for full effect.) Reddit

 

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