Frequently asked questions about Seccorell
Welcome to our colorful world! Here you will find answers about the Seccorell Finger smudging technique and helpful tips for your next creative project. If you have a specific question that isn't listed here, please feel free to contact us at any time.
1. The uniqueness of the Finger smudging technique
What makes Seccorell Finger smudge pastels so unique?
Seccorell is a unique Finger smudging technique that bridges the gap between watercolor and pastel painting. The special feature is the self-production of the finest color pigments from solid sticks, which are then worked directly into the painting surface with the fingers. This works entirely without water or chemical fixation.
At what age is the Smudging technique suitable?
The application is possible starting from kindergarten age under supervision. The technique is particularly recommended for school children from the first grade onwards, as the targeted color extraction on the friction block requires appropriate fine motor skills and concentration.
Where is the Seccorell Smudging technique used?
Seccorell finds application in a variety of fields. The sets are suitable for creating main lesson books in schools, especially Waldorf schools, as well as for therapeutic purposes to train the senses. The technique is also appreciated by private hobbyists and professional artists in studios. Since no elaborate studio setup is required for its use, creative work can be done almost anywhere.
What makes Seccorell special from an educational perspective?
Working directly with one’s fingers promotes fine motor skills and the perception of one's own body geography. Through the conscious dosing and rubbing off of pigments, children learn to handle material with appreciation: Something is rubbed (destroyed) to create something completely new with their own strength.
2. Creative Application & Color Mixing
How does the Finger smudging technique work?
The Seccorell finger smudging technique is applied in four simple steps:
- Rubbing: The color stick is rubbed on the rubbing block directly above the painting surface.
- Brushing: The resulting pigment powder is transferred completely to the painting surface with the brush.
- Smudging: The color pigments are smudged into the paper with the fingers and worked thoroughly into the surface.
- Polishing: To achieve high smudge resistance and a silky sheen, the painted surface is finally polished with a cotton pad.
Can the colors be mixed?
Yes. Based on Goethe's color wheel, all rainbow colors, as well as various brown and gray tones, can be created from the three primary colors red, blue, and yellow. The colors can be mixed either by layering or by directly blending the pigments on the painting surface.
Can images be further edited at a later time?
Yes. The creation of a piece does not have to be done in one continuous working step. Further processing or additions are possible at any time, provided that the surface has not yet been fully saturated by the final polishing.
3. Substrates: Paper and more
What paper can I use?
In principle, all types of paper that offer good adhesion for colored pencils are suitable, provided the surface is not lacquered smooth. The paper's texture significantly influences the final optical result. On fine-pored drawing surfaces, the colors develop a stronger sheen, while on rough surfaces, they appear more matte and intense.
How does the color of the background affect the result?
Due to the high pigment density, even night motifs can be created. Lighter colors can be applied over darker glazes, or highlights can be easily created with a conventional eraser.
What other materials besides paper work?
Seccorell adheres excellently to untreated wood, to stones like pebbles or plaster, as well as to clay, eggshells, seashells, and even canvas. The only unsuitable surfaces are very smooth, lacquer-like surfaces or very smooth tracing paper, where the pigments cannot get a hold.
4. Safety, Cleaning and Durability
Are the colors skin-friendly and non-toxic?
Seccorell Finger smudge pastels are completely skin-friendly, harmless to health, and non-toxic. This makes them the ideal companion for children and for therapeutic applications.
Are Seccorell pictures lightfast and durable?
Yes, the pigments used have high lightfastness. The colors do not fade even in direct sunlight and retain their brilliance for many years, as we consistently rely on high-quality ingredients.
How do I keep my workspace clean?
To keep your work area clean, we recommend using newspaper or a sheet of scrap paper as a mat. Excess powder can simply be brushed onto it and rubbed in right away.
Can the colors be washed out of clothes and off hands?
If pigment gets on clothing, it can usually be removed easily with a normal machine wash. Residue on your fingers can simply be washed off with soap and water or removed with a damp cosmetic pad.
Are the pictures smudge-proof?
Yes, by thoroughly working in and then polishing with a cotton pad, the image becomes as smudge-proof as a colored pencil drawing. A fixative spray is not necessary.
5. Sustainability and the different sets
Can I buy individual color sticks and tools separately?
Yes. Seccorell can accompany you for many years. To ensure the longevity of your set, you can repurchase each color stick, every tool, and all accessories individually at any time. This way, your set remains complete and can grow with your needs.
Which set is the right one for my project?
We offer Seccorell in various set sizes. Our compact classics such as Mini, Scola, Pocket, and Rondo, each with 8 colors, are the ideal introduction for everyday school use. As a versatile intermediate option, Chroma offers 16 colors and an expanded color range in a sturdy metal box. For artists who want to explore the full potential of the finger smudging technique, the large Studio and Atelier sets, each with 24 colors, offer the complete selection.
Are the boxes and packaging sustainable?
Whenever possible, we consistently rely on sustainable materials. This includes durable metal boxes as well as environmentally friendly compartment inserts made from molded fiber paper to avoid plastics as much as possible. To protect the lantern painting pads, we currently still use a film, as we have not yet found an ideal plastic-free alternative. However, we are already working on an optimized solution.
Where do the products come from?
Seccorell comes from our German manufactory, MeiArt GmbH in Reutlingen. The brand was founded in 2007 by Thomas and Claudia Kinzler and is protected by both the German Patent and Trademark Office and throughout Europe.