Did you know that not all colored pencils are created the same? Traditionally, a true colored pencil utilized either wax or oil-based binder to hold the pigment together and allow it to spread easily. While wax-based colored pencils are more prevalent, oil-based colored pencils certainly have their place.
Common brands of oil-based colored pencils include Faber-Castell, Lyra Rembrandt, Caran d’Ache, and more. Any colored pencil that uses an oil-based core to hold its pigment together is considered an oil-based colored pencil.
While they may be a more expensive choice, you can’t go wrong with adding them to your toolset. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to know it all or an advanced artist who is looking to add more details to your work, there’s so much to know about how oil-based colored pencils can help you.
Oil-based colored pencils are great for adult coloring books as well as other types of art projects. In this article, we will go more in-depth on the common brands of oil-based colored pencils, the history of colored pencils, oil vs wax colored pencils, pastel pencils vs oil-based pencils as well as techniques you can use while coloring.
Common Brands
While there are many different sets of oil-based colored pencils, your best bet is to go with what’s tried and true. Here are the most common and best-rated sets.
- Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer and Polychroma: ($325 for 120 Pencils with Wooden Case) These may cost a pretty penny, but they are the most well-known and best-selling sets. Albrecht Dürer has a hexagonal shaft, and its core is completely water-soluble. Polychroma has a circular shaft.
- Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor: ($24 for 12 Pencils) These are significantly more affordable, so they work better on a budget or for someone who is starting with oil-based colored pencils.
- Caran d’Ache Pablo: ($208 for 120 Pencils) A wide array of colors for a far lower price. You may need several passes to build depth.
- Spectrum Noir: ($31 per set) A relatively new wax and oil hybrid that boasts the best of both worlds. There are five sets of 24 pencils, each set in a different quadrant of the color wheel.
- Koh-i-noor Polycolor: ($65 for 72) Another affordable option. These are known for having a more fragile core than other oil-based pencils.
A Brief History of Colored Pencils
Colored pencils weren’t noted in history until the 19th century. Staedtler, a German company owned by Johann Sebastian Staedtler, invented colored oil pencils in 1834 to provide more contrast when marking papers.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that companies like Faber-Castell and Caran d’Ache started producing them for art purposes. Since then people have been attracted to the ease of application that colored pencils have to offer, making them both a staple and a valuable tool.
Oil vs Wax
Odds are you’ve come into contact with wax-based colored pencils before. The material for their core is cheaper, and it’s easier to manufacture. This means wax-based colored pencils are cheaper. Because they don’t smear as easily novices and even seasoned artists prefer them.
Wax-based colored pencils are prone to what is called wax bloom. This happens when the binder slowly evaporates and leaves a light, waxy film on the surface.
Oil-based colored pencils are more expensive, but the price pays off. They have a unique ability to blend because of their core, and it’s easier to stack their application. Plus, you don’t have to deal with wax bloom.
Because the core is harder it can also be sharpened to a finer point, making them great to use for details. This also means they’re less likely to break. How many pencils have you lost to a fall off the table? I know I’ve lost too many.
Are Pastel Pencils and Oil-Based Colored Pencils the Same?
Pastel pencils are not the same thing as oil-based colored pencils for a few reasons. A pastel core includes dry pigment, chalk, and a binding compound. The core is dry, while oil-based colored pencils lean to an oilier core (shocking, right?). The oil is more likely to build up, and you can reach a point where it becomes difficult to add more layers.
Pastel pencils are more pigmented than oil-based colored pencils. This means they are more opaque, and will more easily fill a page and blend. You’re more likely to over-blend with pastel pencils than you are with oil-based colored pencils.
Oil-based colored pencils are more transparent, which means you’re more likely to see the layer underneath. This prevents over blending, but can also make the blending process more tedious and frustrating.
Check out our list of the best cheap colored pencils HERE!
Techniques to Get You By
- Work in Layers: Look for opportunities to layer colors instead of using a premixed one. The more variety you have the more natural and developed it will look. If you aren’t sure, use a test strip of paper.
- Apply Heavily: The more layers you have, the more product you have, and the more easily the colors will move, blend, and burnish. Just don’t break your points on this.
- Fine Tune Details and Redefine Last: Plan for the small details, but don’t bother putting them on paper until the end. Otherwise, you’re bound to blend them out.
- Take Your Time: Colored pencils are a committed medium to work with. They take time to layer, blend, and burnish. Don’t rush the process, or you’ll be kicking yourself. Instead, take advantage of the extra control you have over details.
Burnishing
When you’re done with your piece you’re going to need to blend the colors into the tooth of the paper to create an even look. There are different ways to do this.
- Use a white/cream-colored pencil. The lighter pencil works with the colors you’ve already applied to the paper. The only downside is this can lighten the value of the colors you’ve already laid down.
- Use solvent. A solvent is a liquid that is applied to thin the colored pencil medium. You should always test your solvent on the paper and medium before applying it to your piece. It’s more commonly and effectively used with oil-colored pencils.
More on Solvents
The three most popular solvents are rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, and turpentine. While all work in the same way, there are some differences to note between the three.
- Rubbing Alcohol is very mild, and would be better with wax-based colored pencils. You can use cotton balls swabs or brushes to blend the color. Because it is so mild you could probably get away with using more pressure.
- Mineral Oil is a heartier blender than rubbing alcohol. It’s better to use a bristle or soft brush to blend, and normal pressure should suffice.
- Turpentine is easily the most potent of the three. You would do better to use a weightier paper. Because it breaks the binder down more completely, there is a possibility of removing the color if you aren’t careful
Be Prepared for These Mistakes
As with any medium, some challenges come along with using colored pencils. I’ve listed a few so you can deal with them if they arise, or maybe even avoid them.
- Not Blending: You can try to avoid this by practicing and testing what you have for what you intend to do. You may eventually need to try a different set or technique.
- Colors Not Deep: Try putting down more passes. Don’t push down hard when you do this. Just be solid and firm so you don’t break the tip of your pencil.
- Erasing: Don’t expect oil or wax-based colored pencils to erase. The best way to prevent this is to start with a light base until you have a good foundation to build on.
- Point Won’t Stay Sharp: We all know we need that fine tip for details. This is where it’s important to use harder-core oil pencils. If that still isn’t working you can try looking for specialized thin-core pencils like Prismacolor Verithin (wax-based, but has one of the hardest cores.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use oil-based and wax-based colored pencils together?
You can! Most people use both. They are not opposites, and they work well in conjunction. This can be a great way to save some time or money while still reaching your intended level of detail.
Do I need to use oil-based colored pencils to do quality work?
You don’t need them to do quality work; they just might make your life easier. Oil-based colored pencils are another tool that you should be aware of. Plenty of people can create quality work using simple academic colored pencils.
Can I use oil-based colored pencils in my coloring book?
Because of their thin point, oil-based colored pencils can be a great tool for coloring books. Because of their sharp point, they do well with some of the more detailed coloring pages. Just watch out for smudging. If you have an issue with it you can always separate the pages or use a spray fixative.
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