Top 15 Best Oil Pastels Reviews

Oil pastels make a vibrant and fun medium that is not only perfect for beginners but also requires very little in extra art supplies in order to get started. With their painterly strokers and impressive results, it is no wonder that oil pastels are favorite among seasoned artists who used acrylic and oils for a few years.

If you want to find the best oil pastels that will boost your art, you have come to the right place. Today, I will review and compare some of the best-selling sets in the market. I will also reveal the pros and cons in order to help you select the right set for you. So, without further ado, let’s jump into my buying guide.

Which Oil Pastels Are The Best?

Choosing the good oil pastels depends on your skill level. That is why I decided to highlight different sets of oil pastels for different skill levels. Make sure to read their detailed reviews below for additional info.

• Best Overall: Sakura Cray-Pas Expressionist  Oil Pastel Set
  “Perfect for beginners, a color chart included, safe and non-toxic, vibrant colors, blend well, affordable.”
• Runner Up: Pentel Arts Oil Pastels Set
  “Blend very easy, perfect for students and children, easy to use, fade-resistant and rich colors, versatile.”
• Best Budget: SCHMINCKE Finest Extra-Soft Artist Pastels
  “Unique color mixtures, great pigmentation quality, incredibly pure form, great lightfastness, cheap.”
• Best for Beginners: Caran D'ache Neopastel Oil Pastels Set
  “Ideal for blending, smooth and easy to use, even for beginners, reasonably-priced, great lightfastness.”
• Best for Professionals: Holbein Artists’ Oil Pastel Set
  “Blend quickly and easy, perfect for serious artists, a wide range of colors that do not dry out, durable.”
• Best for Children: Crayola Oil Pastels Classpack
  “Affordable, great value for the price, ideal for kindergarten and preschoolers, comfortable, non-toxic.”
• Best for Students: Sennelier Artist Oil Pastel Set
  “Exceptional lightfastness and opacity, versatile, easy to make several hues without blending pastels.”
• Best on Fabric: Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels
  “A color chart included, great for newbies, non-toxic and safe for children, ideal for artists on a budget.”
• Best on Wood: Cretacolor Watersoluble oil Pastels Aquatic Tin Set
  “Rich color range, versatile, blendable, high-quality tools, amazing pigmentation, and water solubility.”
• Best on Canvas: Sennelier Oil Pastel Set
  “Amazing consistency, super vibrant colors, easy to blend, a color chart included, versatile, easy to use.”

15 Best Oil Pastel Brands Comparison Chart 2021

In order to help you choose the right product for you, I have compared the most important features of some of the top-rated sets out there. Please, read my detailed reviews below before you make a choice.

Good Oil Pastels Reviews 2021

It is important to learn as much as you can about a certain product before you buy it. It is also important to know the pros and cons. I took the responsibility to review these sets in detail and provide the most detailed reviews out there. Let’s decide which one of these sets has the potential of boosting your work.

Sakura Cray-Pas Expressionist Oil Pastel Set

(Best Overall)

First, I have Sakura Cray-Pas Expressionist Oil Pastel Set. It is the perfect tool for beginners, high school and college students, and even professional artists. These oil pastels are super smooth to apply in order to boost your creativity with techniques like blending colors, broad strokes, building texture, and depth.

The set has a wide range of colors from muted to dramatic, quiet to flamboyant and allows you to dive into your imagination and express your creativity. You can use them on canvas, wood, cardboard, and paper. They are ideal for landscapes, handmade cards, scratch art, stenciling, wall art, portraits, still lifes, scrapbook projects and much more. You will get non-toxic and extra fine quality pigment formulations.

Pentel Arts Oil Pastels Set

(Runner Up)

Pentel Arts Oil Pastels Set deliver more vibrant color than chalk pastels. They will bring your artwork to life and boost your creativity. If you want fade-resistant and rich colors that apply smoothly, blend easily and bring out the best of your art, this set is for you. It will allow you to create subtle tints and shades.

You can use them on canvas, paper, and board. If you buy this set, you will get acid-free pastels that are resistant to humidity for longer-lasting paintings. Also, they come in a carrying case. These oil pastels are perfect for artists of all ages. They are non-toxic ACMI certified and favorite among professional artists.

Caran D'ache Neopastel Oil Pastels Set

(Best Oil Pastels for Beginners)

Caran D’ache Neopastel Oil Pastels Set is one of the best products on the market. It has a high-quality pigment that will bring your artwork to life and excellent purity of color that is highly resistant to light.

So, if you want a set of oil pastels that are super soft to the touch and super soft to apply, this set is for you. However, make sure to check the most important pros and cons before you make your purchase.

Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels Set

(Best Oil Pastels to Dry)

Looking for oil pastels with a smooth, lipstick-like consistency? If yes, look no further than Mungyo Set. It is a brilliant, convenient set made from the finest materials and pigments. If you want oil pastels that have a smooth consistency and rich color, this set is ideal for you. It is perfect for any artistic expression.

The oil pastels are very easy to blend dry or with solvents. You can use them for stippling, overlays, color gradations and scraping. If you buy this set, you will get 48 colors that make them ideal for layering and easy blending. However, let’s summarize the important pros and cons before you make a final decision.

Crayola Oil Pastels Classpack

(Best Oil Pastels for Classroom)

Crayola oil pastels class pack is made for convenience with a durable and organized storage that makes it easy to see all colors. These bulk oil pastels come in 24 each of orange, yellow, yellow-green, peaches, red, pink, blue, violet, green, and brown pastels. You will also get 48 of each black and white oil pastels.

If you want to take your artwork to the next level, this set is for you. It is ideal for classrooms because it contains a lot of colors. It is a great bargain for the price. You will get colorful, durable school supplies that give long-lasting results. They make the safest and non-toxic pastels for kids at the age of 4 and up.

Sennelier Oil Pastel Set

(Best Oil Pastels on Canvas)

Sennelier Oil Pastel Set is an artist-quality set that you can use on metal, canvas, wood, and paper. If you buy it, you will get 12 vibrant, rich colors that blend smoothly. The oil pastels have amazing consistency and come with a color chart. I personally recommend this set because it is super versatile and provides a quick, easy spreading on paper. However, it is a bit expensive. Now, let’s review the main pros and cons.

Holbein Artists’ Oil Pastel Set

(Best Oil Pastels for Professionals)

Holbein Artists’ Oil Pastel Set feels and moves like a fine chalk pastel. It is very easy to handle, blend and clean. If you want oil pastels that will not break or crumble and can be used on many surfaces, this set is for you. The pastels blend fast and easy and make the perfect tool for creating sharp edges and outlines.

The best part? Each color is available for individual purchase. However, if you need something to boost your artwork with, I suggest that you buy the whole set. It has a wide range of colors that do not dry out and provide long-lasting results. However, make sure to review the pros and cons of your final purchase.

Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels

(Best Oil Pastels on Fabric)

Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels make the perfect coloring tools for children, high school, college students, and even professional artists. If you want a set of pastels that are easy to blend and mix, this is the perfect set for you. They are non-toxic and will not peel, crack or flake. You can use them for various paint effects, overlaying color and much more. However, they are not recommended for use on fabrics, and ceramics intended to be washed. Now, let’s summarize the main pros and cons before you order it.

Sennelier Artist Oil Pastel Set

(Best Oil Pastels For Students)

Sennelier Artist Oil Pastel Set features 50 original colors designed by Pablo Picasso and Sennelier. It is an artist-quality set that you can use on canvas, metal, paper, and wood. They are the good oil pastels in the market. If you want something that will blend smoothly and offer long-lasting results, this set is for you.

Cretacolor Watersoluble oil Pastels Aquatic Tin Set

(Best Oil Pastels on Wood)

No matter if you are a beginner or a professional artist, you will love Cretacolor Water-soluble oil pastels set. It features 40 lightfast colors with exceptional softness and blending qualities. Thanks to these few qualities, this set became a favorite among many artists. They are ideal for mixing, blending and have a maximum color intensity. You can use them on glass, canvas, wood and more. Now, let’s read the cons.

Mungyo Gallery Oil Pastels Wood Box Set

Another set by Mungyo Gallery that will blow you away is the oil pastels wood box set of colors made of strong pigment content. They are brilliant and super easy to blend. You can use them for artist sketching or illustrating. If you want oil pastels with a smooth velvety texture that blends with fingers and brushes smoothly, this set is for you. You will get oil pastels with professional quality & amazing covering power.

ArtAspirer Oil Pastels ArtAspirer Oil Pastels Wood Box Set

ArtAspirer Oil Pastels offer so many advantages for beginners and professional artists, especially serious artists who are looking for a reliable and convenient set of oil pastels. These oil pastels allow you to draw and paint anywhere because they will not break or crumble and they do not leaven dust. These oil pastels are permanent, richly-pigmented and versatile, so you can use them on panels, paper or canvas.

Holbein Artist Oil Pastel Set

(Best Oil Pastels for Artists)

Another set that is worth your time and money are Holbein Artist Oil Pastel Set. They feel and move like fine chalk pastels. If you want oil pastels that are easy to handle, blend and clean, these tools are perfect for you. The pastels will not break or crumble and can be used on almost any surface. Also, they will not dry out. However, make sure to check the main pros and cons of this set before you actually purchase it.

Unison Soft Pastels Set

Unison Soft Pastels Set has 36 smooth pastels specially selected for landscapes. I personally recommend this set because it is the best and smoothest pastels that you will come across on the market. But here is the kicker. They are hand-made pastels that will boost your creativity and take your art to the next level.

If you want durable and lightfast oil pastels (5cm in length and 1.5 cm in width) that will last forever, this set is for you, however, make sure to check the pros and cons of this amazing set before you purchase it.

SCHMINCKE Finest Extra-Soft Artist Pastels

(Best Affordable Oil Pastels)

Last but not least, I have SCHIMINCKE Finest Extra-Soft Artist Pastels. If you want a multi-purpose set of vivid, highly-pigmented colors that will last for a very long time, look no further than SCHMINCKE Finest Extra-Soft Artist Pastels. They will help you realize your creative ideas and bring life to your artwork. But make sure to check the advantages and disadvantages of buying this set before you make a final choice.

Why Use Oil Pastels?

Oil pastels represent a unique drawing and painting medium for making color art. Thanks to their one-of-a-kind features, artists choose them over other color media. They act in a similar way to regular soft pastels but they have characteristics that are similar to that of crayons, so users confuse the two often.

Best Type of Oil Pastels

You can select between many options when it comes to oil pastels. However, only a few types are seen as best on the market. No matter if you are looking for a student grade or artist-grade oil pastels, only a few stand out in the pack. Keep reading to find out who they are and how to choose the right for you.

Oil pastels

Oil pastels are not the same as hard pastels and soft pastels. They are different because of the binder used in them. Oil pastels are usually pigment fixed with wax and oil binders like mineral oil or linseed.

This gives them buttery and smooth consistency and rich color. That is why they blend better than any other medium, especially on art paper. Some find it hard to blend because of their consistency. They do not need a fixative. Also, you can use them in conjunction with thinning chemicals such as turpentine.

Soft pastels

Soft pastels are more popular than any other medium. They have the highest amount of pigment of any other type. They have the least amount of binder which is usually gum arabic and sometimes chalks that give them a velvety texture. However, this also makes them delicate and very brittle. The biggest benefit of choosing soft pastels over other types is blending. They are easy to blend. This can also produce dust while working. So, keep in mind that some pigments such as cadmium pigments can be toxic if inhaled.

Hard pastels

Hard pastels use the same pigment as soft pastels, but they have much more binder to get firm forms. This type of pastel delivers less vivid colors because it has less pigment. However, if you want to make crisp lines and details that would otherwise be hard with soft pastels, hard pastels are the right choice for you. They are used for background color, outlining, preliminary sketching, and other fine detailing.

Pencil pastels

Last but not least, pencil pastels represent hard and medium oil pastels or paste. They make the perfect tool for precise lines and fine detail because they can be sharpened to a fine point. Pencil pastels are an interesting, user-friendly drawing and coloring tools that you can store away or carry around very easily.

How are Oil Pastels Made?

Unlike soft pastels which contain gum or a methylcellulose binder, oil pastels are created of pigment mixed with a wax binder and a non-drying oil. The surface of an oil pastel drawing is less powdery but it is more difficult to seal with a fixative. Oil pastels are popular among beginners and professional artists.

What is the Best Oil Pastel Brand?

Although many artists swear by Sennelier oil pastels and say that there is no better brand on the market, I would also recommend Sakura Oil Pastels, Caran d’Ache Neopastels, Holbein Artists’ Oil Pastels, Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels, and Crayola Oil Pastels that are worth your investment.

Why Won't My Oil Pastels Blend?

If your oil pastels do not blend properly, it could be two things. The first one is probably a smooth paper. And the second is because you have uploaded the first coating too heavily. If your paper has no “teeth”, it is possible that you experience blending problems. Also, it is better to apply a light first layer in order to blend your other layers perfectly. If you follow these two rules, you will get rich and brilliant blending.

What are Oil Pastels Used For?

Oil pastels represent a fast-medium because they are easy to use and convenient to carry. They are used mostly for sketching by professionals and newbies. However, you can also use them for sustained work.

What Paper Works Best With Oil Pastels?

If you want your oil pastels to blend smoothly, your paper has to have a tooth. Meaning, it should not be a smooth paper. Brands like Arches and Strathmore create nice, sturdy watercolor papers.

They create mixed media and canvas paper as well, and they both can be used with oil pastels. Sennelier also creates oil pastel pads for layering. The best oil pastel paper is thick and allows more layering if sanded or gritty.

What to Draw Oil Pastels?

Drawing with oil pastels is a super easy and fun activity that mixes the traits of pastels and wax crayons. And while the final result can be stunning, oil pastels are a bit hard to use and blend than other types. If you want to make the perfect drawing with oil pastels, you will have to use the right materials. Also, you will have to learn some techniques and put a bit of effort into your art.

Please, follow this guide for help.

What Fixative for Oil Pastels?

You can order a fixative with Sennelier or Daler-Romney. Some fixatives can be applied between pastel layers. These Daler-Romney and Sennelier are resin-based and can be used both as a final protective and between layers. If you want a fixative that adds a tooth to the surface, buy the Krylon workable fixative.

Tips When Using Oil Pastels

After doing my research on oil pastels, I have collected a few useful tips that beginners could find useful.

• Experiment with your oil pastels
• Never expect greatness without a practice
• You can blend with fingers, brushes, and cloth
• Always choose a quality set that costs moreover a cheap one
• Experiment with your surfaces as well (try different surfaces)
• You can combine oil pastels with oil paint but apply oil paints first
• Give yourself time and take breaks as you draw
• Finish bigger blocks first and add details later
• Use paper towels to keep your sticks clean
• Refer to this detailed guide for more help

Are Oil Pastels the Same as Wax Crayons?

Oil pastes use non-drying wax and oil while crayons use wax. Meaning, they are not the same products. However, besides the composition of these two, there is a huge difference in how they work. Oil pastels tend to smear and smudge, as a result, move very easily onto your hands or any surface that they touch.

Are Oil Pastels Toxic?

Yes, oil pastels have toxic pigments including lead chromate which can cause lung cancer and cadmium pigments which can cause lung and kidney damage. Therefore, they are considered human carcinogens. So, yes, some pastels could be toxic and harmful. However, this is only a hazard by accidental ingestion.

Are Oil Pastels Crayons?

Also known as wax oil crayons, oil pastels are a drawing and painting medium with traits similar to wax crayons and pastels but unlike soft pastel sticks made with a methylcellulose binder or a gum, oil pastels are consistent of pigment mixed with a wax binder and a non-drying oil. So, they are not the same thing.

Are Oil Pastels Washable?

Yes, they are washable. You can use ice cubes to chill oil pastels and make them easier to scrape away. You can also saturate a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and blot the stains. You can also use dish soap.

Are Oil Pastels Safe?

Oil pastels and crayons do not present an inhalation hazard, therefore, they are much safer than pastels. Some oil pastels may contain toxic pigments but cannot cause you harm. Permanent and workable spray fixatives contain toxic solvents as well. In general, oil pastels are safe for both adults and children to use.

Can Oil Pastels be Used on Skin?

Unfortunately, oil pastels have not been tested for skin use and they contain toxic pigments. I would not recommend using pastels on the skin. Also, you should protect your hands with gloves when using them.

How to Mix Oil Pastels?

Add one color of oil pastel straight onto your canvas and a second color straight next to the first color. Use your tool of choice to rub or blend the adjoining edges together until the two edges get smooth.

How Oil Pastels are Made?

Oil pastels represent pigments mixed with a binder to get a soft and easily blended, slightly greasy stick. The binder is made up of waxes and mineral oils. They have mineral oil. Therefore, they never really dry.

Oil Pastels for Beginners Step by Step

Yes, oil pastels can be a bit difficult to blend. However, that does not mean that you cannot learn how to use them. If you are an absolute beginner and you want to master oil pastels, please follow this step-by-step guide. With the right materials and techniques on hand, you can create wonderful and creative art.

Oil Pastels vs Soft Pastels

Soft pastels have a wax-like, creamy consistency. Oil pastels, on the other hand, deliver an intense hue. Soft pastels gave a more delicate, softer hue. However, both can be used on any surface with a “tooth”.

Oil Pastels and Watercolour

You can combine watercolors with oil pastels with the resist technique. This combination delivers great results. You can make different painting effects with this combo. Watch this video on how to do it right.

Oil Pastels vs Pastels

Both pastels and oil pastels have a wax-like creamy consistency. However, oil pastels deliver an intense hue. Both can be used on almost any surface. However, a paper with a “tooth” works best for oil pastels.

Oil Pastels vs Oil Sticks

Oil sticks are basically oil paint in a stick form, created with safflower or linseed oil. They eventually dry and cure like oil paint, developing a firm skin and hardening over time while oil pastels contain never do dry because they are made with non-drying mineral oil. That is the main difference between the two.

Oil Pastels vs Dry Pastels

Dry pastels are made from the same ingredients as soft pastels. However, they contain less pigment and more binder, unlike soft pastels. Oil pastels never dry because they are made of non-drying mineral oil.

Oil Pastel vs Crayon

Oil pastels use wax and a non-drying oil while crayons use wax. Oil pastels have a soft, creamy and rich texture and blend very easily. Also, they are ideal for shading, mixing, layering, blending, unlike crayons.

Oil Pastels vs Oil Paint

The biggest difference between oil paint and oil pastels is that oil pastels are made with non-drying oil. They do not dry, while oil paint is made with safflower or linseed oil, and eventually dries and hardens.

Oil Pastels vs Art Markers

Oil pastels do not dry because they are made with a non-drying oil. Art markers, on the other hand, can be alcohol-based and water-based. The main difference is that water-based are non-permanent while an alcohol-based art marker dries fast and is permanent. Oil pastels and art markers are amazing mediums.

Are Oil Pastels Like Crayons?

Oil pastels have similar traits to wax crayons and pastels. However, they consist of pigment mixed with a wax binder and a non-drying oil. Therefore, they never really dry. Also, unlike crayons, they blend nicely.

Oil Pastels Dark or Light First?

You can experiment with your oil pastels, meaning, you can apply both dark and light first. They are very tactile, lightfast and versatile. Please watch this step-by-step guide on how to blend oil pastels perfectly.

Oil Pastel Techniques

When it comes to making impressive masterpieces, oil pastels are one of the most popular tools used by both professionals and newbies. If you want to learn some techniques, please follow this detailed guide.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

If you want professional-grade oil pastels, look no further than Holbein Artists’ Oil Pastel Set. However, if you are a beginner, Caran D'ache Neopastel Oil Pastels Set is the perfect product for you.

For artists on a budget, I recommend SCHMINCKE Finest Extra-Soft Artist Pastels with great lightfastness. Have you used any of these items? Let me know in the comments below. And feel free to ask questions if you have any.