Oil pastels used to be the waxy, stubborn sticks shoved into the back of a craft drawer. They felt more like school supplies than serious art materials.
Modern chemistry changed everything. Today, the Best Oil Pastel Brands offer a texture like soft butter that glides across paper with genuine elegance. You have plenty of great options to consider as you build your kit.
Key Takeaways
- Look for a high pigment concentration to ensure your colors remain vivid even when layered.
- Prioritize extra soft formulas if you enjoy creating smooth gradients and intricate blending effects.
- Check the physical size of the sticks because larger sizes are better for broad strokes and background coverage.
- Invest in sets with a higher count if you prefer to have a wide spectrum of pre-mixed shades at your fingertips.
- Consider the storage container, as a sturdy wooden box protects your delicate tools from breakage during transit.
| Reliable Starter Staple |  |
Pentel 12-Color Oil Pastel Set | Extremely portable size | Consistent color payoff | Durable stick structure | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Studio Essential |  |
Mungyo Gallery Professional Soft Pastels | Excellent color blending | High pigment concentration | Smooth application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Expansive Student Palette |  |
Pentel 50-Color Oil Pastel Set | Great color variety | Good for fine detail | Affordable for students | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Premium Artistic Standard |  |
Sennelier French Professional Pastels | Exceptional pigment richness | Permanent soft texture | Professional artist quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Comprehensive Professional Kit |  |
Sennelier French 48-Color Pastel Set | Extensive color range | Superior color depth | Consistent professional performance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Accessible Creative Set |  |
Artecho 48-Color Soft Pastel Set | Good color selection | Easy to blend | Suitable for beginners | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Elegant Gift Choice |  |
Mungyo Professional 72-Color Wooden Set | Beautiful storage case | Huge color variety | Professional blendability | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Serious Color Library |  |
Mungyo Gallery 72-Color Pastel Set | Large color range | Smooth blending texture | High pigment quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Massive Palette Power |  |
Mont Marte 120-Piece Soft Set | Massive color range | Very buttery texture | Great for large works | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precision Detail Tool |  |
Meeden 48-Color Artist Pastel Set | Includes extra black/white | Good for gradients | Versatile application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Pentel 12-Color Oil Pastel Set
If you are just beginning to explore the medium, this small set is a perfect starting point. These sticks are firm, which makes them less prone to smudging while you practice basic techniques.
Because the pigment is relatively hard, you might find it difficult to achieve thick, expressive layers. They function more like high-quality crayons than professional-grade painting tools.
- Brand:Pentel
- Set Type:Introductory
- Color Count:12
- Stick Format:Round
- Additional Feature:Non-toxic formula
- Additional Feature:Fade-resistant pigments
- Additional Feature:Easy to manage shape
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Mungyo Gallery Professional Soft Pastels
These pastels offer a creamy texture that feels like butter under your fingers. You will appreciate how they glide across paper, making them a top choice for blending colors into smooth gradients.
The pigment density is quite high, providing a vibrant finish that holds its own against more expensive alternatives. Just be careful, as they are soft enough to break if you apply too much pressure.
- Brand:Mungyo
- Set Type:Professional
- Color Count:48
- Stick Format:Round
- Formula Consistency:Soft
- Additional Feature:Lightfast color range
- Additional Feature:Wide color variety
- Additional Feature:Professional grade pigments
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Pentel 50-Color Oil Pastel Set
When you need a larger range of shades without spending a fortune, this set is your answer. You get a wide spectrum of colors that allows for more complex shading and layering than the smaller packs.
The sticks remain firm and responsive, which is helpful if you prefer drawing fine details. Keep in mind that these will not provide the same rich, oily feel as professional artist-grade brands.
- Brand:Pentel
- Set Type:Student
- Color Count:50
- Stick Format:Round
- Additional Feature:Non-toxic ingredients
- Additional Feature:Consistent color quality
- Additional Feature:Wide range of hues
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Sennelier French Professional Pastels
Sennelier is effectively the gold standard for professional oil pastels. These sticks contain a high amount of pigment and a unique binder that keeps them permanently soft, meaning they never fully harden on the page.
You can use them on almost any surface, including canvas or wood. Because they are so soft, they are best suited for experienced artists who know how to manage a delicate medium.
- Brand:Sennelier
- Set Type:Professional
- Color Count:24
- Formula Consistency:Extra soft
- Additional Feature:Highly lightfast pigments
- Additional Feature:Adheres to many surfaces
- Additional Feature:Made in France
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Sennelier French 48-Color Pastel Set
This set gives you the same unmatched texture and intensity as the smaller Sennelier collection but with double the options. Having 48 distinct colors at your disposal allows for much more nuanced color mixing and sophisticated transitions.
Like all Sennelier products, these are highly pigmented and feel like paint in solid form. You should invest in a quality fixative to protect your work, as these pastels stay malleable for a long time.
- Brand:Sennelier
- Set Type:Professional
- Color Count:48
- Formula Consistency:Extra soft
- Additional Feature:Vibrant artistic pigments
- Additional Feature:Excellent lightfastness
- Additional Feature:Versatile application techniques
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Artecho 48-Color Soft Pastel Set
If you want a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice color variety, this set is worth considering. The sticks are designed to be soft and blendable, making them appropriate for both students and hobbyists.
The colors show up well on various paper types. The only downside is that the pigment density is lower than high-end brands, so you may need to apply several layers to get deep saturation.
- Brand:Artecho
- Set Type:Student
- Color Count:48
- Stick Format:Round
- Additional Feature:Vibrant color palette
- Additional Feature:Smooth drawing experience
- Additional Feature:Versatile for various skill levels
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Mungyo Professional 72-Color Wooden Set
This collection is as much a delight to display as it is to use. The wooden case keeps your 72 colors organized and protected, making it a fantastic gift for any artist in your life.
The pastels themselves maintain the high blending quality Mungyo is known for. With so many colors included, you will rarely find yourself wishing for a shade you do not have.
- Brand:Mungyo
- Set Type:Professional
- Color Count:72
- Storage Case:Wooden
- Formula Consistency:Soft
- Additional Feature:High quality pigments
- Additional Feature:Organized color layout
- Additional Feature:Professional grade results
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Mungyo Gallery 72-Color Pastel Set
This set focuses purely on the volume of colors without the extra cost of a fancy wooden box. It is the ideal workhorse set for artists who frequently use a wide range of hues in their compositions.
The sticks offer a buttery consistency that blends beautifully under light pressure. Be aware that the wide range of colors means you will need to find your own storage solution to keep them safe.
- Brand:Mungyo
- Set Type:Professional
- Color Count:72
- Formula Consistency:Soft
- Additional Feature:Vibrant finish
- Additional Feature:Excellent for layering
- Additional Feature:Consistent color output
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Mont Marte 120-Piece Soft Set
When you have a project that demands every imaginable shade, this 120-piece collection provides incredible coverage. These pastels are very soft and buttery, allowing for quick, bold marks and effortless blending across large areas.
Having so many colors means you spend less time mixing and more time applying pigment to the page. However, because they are so soft, they tend to wear down quickly during heavy use.
- Brand:Mont Marte
- Set Type:Student/Artist
- Color Count:120
- Formula Consistency:Extra soft
- Additional Feature:Vibrant, bright hues
- Additional Feature:Versatile blending capability
- Additional Feature:Premium pigment quality
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Meeden 48-Color Artist Pastel Set
This set includes an extra set of black and white sticks, which is incredibly helpful for adjusting your tints and shades. The sticks are designed to be versatile for various techniques, such as stippling and gradients.
They strike a good balance between hardness and softness, giving you enough control for details while remaining blendable. It is a solid choice for artists who want professional results at a reasonable level of accessibility.
- Brand:Meeden
- Set Type:Professional
- Color Count:48 (+4 extra)
- Formula Consistency:Soft
- Additional Feature:Designed for stippling
- Additional Feature:Excellent for overlaying
- Additional Feature:High pigment concentration
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to seal my oil pastel drawings?
Unlike charcoal or dry pastels, oil pastels do not require a fixative to prevent smudging because they remain slightly tacky. In fact, many artists prefer to place their work behind glass with a mat board to keep the surface from touching the frame. If you must seal them, use a specialized spray designed specifically for oil-based media to avoid clouding or yellowing.
Can I blend oil pastels with my fingers?
You certainly can, as the warmth of your skin helps soften the binders and creates a smooth transition between colors. However, using a paper stump or a silicone color shaper gives you more control and keeps your hands clean. These tools are particularly helpful for managing small areas without getting pigment everywhere.
What kind of paper works best for this medium?
Since these sticks contain oil, you should choose a heavy, acid-free paper with a slight tooth or texture to grab the pigment. Bristol board is a popular choice for those who want a smooth surface, while textured pastel paper helps hold thicker layers in place. Avoid thin printer paper, as the oil will eventually seep through and leave unsightly grease spots.
Are oil pastels the same thing as oil sticks?
They sound similar, but they are quite different animals. Oil sticks are essentially oil paint in stick form that dries completely over time, while oil pastels are formulated with non-drying wax and oil. If you want a piece that eventually cures and hardens, reach for oil bars instead of pastels.
How do I clean up after a painting session?
Clean your hands with a mild soap or a baby wipe to remove the oils, which is usually enough for most brands. If you use solvents like mineral spirits to blend your work, make sure you work in a well-ventilated room to keep the air clear. Always store your pastels in a cool, dry place to prevent the sticks from melting or losing their shape.
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