Pigment producers/manufacturers utilize a rating scale from 1-8 to indicate permanence, with 8 being the most lightfast. Professional Artist Grade pastel makers use only the best and most lightfast pigments available (both modern and mineral) to produce their ranges of pastel. With proper handling and protection, pastel is the most durable & permanent artist medium.
Dye-based colors are not used in Artist Grade lines of pastel. Hobby or student-grade materials may contain dye-based colors for cost and classroom safety use reasons. Dye-based colors are generally not considered lightfast.
Dakota Pastels carries the highest quality pastels available in the world, with 19 artist grade lines and 1 high quality pigment-based academic line.