Oil Pastels

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Oil Pastels


Made with mineral oil, wax, and pigments, oil pastels might be described as having a waxy or crayon-like consistency. Considered more permanent than soft pastels or hard pastels, they also contain pigments that may be more intense, they are cleaner to use, and they won’t rub off as easily. Oil pastels also resist crumbling and don’t pose a health risk because they produce no pastel dust. However, they are more difficult to blend and never fully harden on your artwork, which also means the pastels will never dry out. Finished oil pastel artwork should be framed behind glass or sprayed with a fixative. Oil pastels should not be confused with oil-based colored pencils, which may contain a slight amount of oil to aid smoothness, increase durability, and prevent “wax bloom.” Blick sells a variety of oil pastel sets that are artist-grade, student-grade, or intended for younger artists who are graduating from crayons to oil pastels.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between hard/soft pastels and oil pastels?

    The main difference is in the texture. Hard and soft pastels could be described as "chalky." Oil pastels might be described as having a "waxy" or crayon like consistency. They are cleaner, and do not rub off as much. They resist crumbling and do not pose any health risk in terms of breathing dust. Oil pastels are also more permanent and offer intense pigments. However, they are more difficult to blend and never fully harden. Therefore, oil pastels can be smudged in storage.