Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Dee
Are you ready to explore the world of oil pencils? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking for a new medium to experiment with, oil pencils can offer a unique and versatile drawing experience. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with oil pencils, including some of the best tried and tested pencil sets. We will go over how they work and talk about how you can use them to create stunning works of art. Also, make sure to check out my article on the best pencil cases for artists.
So grab your pencils, and let’s dive in!
**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**
Our top 3 Oil Pencils (sets)
Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, oil pencils can be a great addition to your art supplies. They offer a unique texture and can be used for a variety of techniques.
These are our three top recommendations…
| Brand | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Premier | Soft, creamy leads; wide color selection | $$ |
| Faber-Castell Polychromos | Oil-based leads; lightfast pigments | $$$ |
| Caran d’Ache Luminance | Highly pigmented; lightfast; soft leads | $$$$ |
11 Best Oil-Based Pencil Sets
With so many oil based pencils on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth investing in. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best oil pencils available, based on factors such as quality, versatility, and customer reviews. Read on to find the perfect set for your next masterpiece!
Here is a comprehensive list of Oil based pencil sets that work beautifully and are great for a range of art styles and techniques.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Premier oil-based colored pencils are popular among artists, designers, and hobbyists for their high-quality pigments and smooth, creamy texture. These pencils are made with a blend of wax, oil, and pigment, which allows for a rich, vibrant color that is easy to blend and layer.
One of the main advantages of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils is their softness. They have a soft, thick lead that lays down color easily and smoothly, making them a great choice for coloring, sketching, and drawing.
The softness of the lead also allows for easy blending and shading, allowing artists to create a wide range of effects and textures.
Another advantage of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils is their lightfastness. The pigments used in these pencils are of high quality and have been tested to ensure that they will not fade over time.
This means that artwork created with Prismacolor Premier pencils will retain its vibrancy and color for years to come.
Pros:
- High-quality pigments: Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are known for their rich, vibrant colors that are easy to blend and layer. The pigments used in these pencils are of high quality and have been tested for lightfastness, ensuring that artwork created with them will last for years to come.
- Soft, creamy texture: The softness of the lead in Prismacolor Premier colored pencils makes them easy to use for coloring, sketching, and drawing. They are also great for blending and shading, allowing artists to create a wide range of effects and textures.
- Wide range of colors: Prismacolor Premier colored pencils come in a wide range of colors, from bright and bold to subtle and muted. This makes it easy for artists to find the colors they need for their projects, whether they are working on a small sketch or a large-scale drawing.
Cons:
- Price: Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are more expensive than some other brands of colored pencils, which may be a drawback for some artists on a budget.
- Fragility: The softness of the lead in Prismacolor Premier colored pencils can also make them more prone to breakage than harder pencils. This may be frustrating for artists who need to sharpen their pencils frequently.
- Smudging: The softness of the lead in Prismacolor Premier colored pencils can also make them more prone to smudging than harder pencils. This can be a problem for artists who need to keep their artwork clean and smudge-free.
Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are available in a wide range of colors, from bright and bold to subtle and muted. They also come in a variety of sets, from small sets of 12 to large sets of 150 or more.
This makes it easy for artists to find the colors they need for their projects, whether they are working on a small sketch or a large-scale drawing.
Overall, Prismacolor Premier oil-based colored pencils are a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality, versatile colored pencils. With their softness, lightfastness, and wide range of colors, they are sure to be a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit.
[Related: 18 Texture Drawing Examples]
Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencil Set of 40
The Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencil set is a high-quality set of colored pencils that is popular among artists and designers. These pencils are known for their lightfastness, smooth texture, and vibrant colors.
One of the main advantages of the Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencils are their lightfastness. The pigments used in these pencils have been tested to ensure that they will not fade over time, making them a great choice for artists who want their work to last for years.
Another advantage of the Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencils is their smooth texture. These pencils have a creamy, wax-based lead that lays down color easily and smoothly, making them a great choice for blending and shading.
Pros:
- Lightfastness: The pigments used in the Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencils are of high quality and have been tested for lightfastness, ensuring that artwork created with them will last for years.
- Smooth texture: The creamy, wax-based lead of these pencils makes them easy to use for blending and shading, allowing artists to create a wide range of effects and textures.
- Wide range of colors: The Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencil Set of 40 comes in a wide range of colors, making it easy for artists to find the colors they need for their projects.
Cons:
- Price: The Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencil Set of 40 is more expensive than some other brands of colored pencils, which may be a drawback for some artists on a budget.
- Fragility: The softness of the lead in these pencils can make them more prone to breakage than harder pencils. This may be frustrating for artists who need to sharpen their pencils frequently.
- Smudging: The softness of the lead in these pencils can also make them more prone to smudging than harder pencils. This can be a problem for artists who need to keep their artwork clean and smudge
Finally, the Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencil Set of 40 comes in a wide range of colors, from bright and bold to subtle and muted. This makes it easy for artists to find the colors they need for their projects, whether you are working on a small sketch or a large-scale drawing.
Mooker Oil Pastel Pencils
If you’re looking for high-quality oil pastel pencils, Mooker Oil Pastel Pencils are a great choice. They are strong, bright, and better quality than many of their competitors, making them an excellent choice for artists, teens, and children.
Pros
- The oil-based core is innovative and allows for sturdier and more pigmented sketching pencils that hold a finer point, so you can draw more precisely.
- The high lightfast quality of the pencils means that your artwork won’t fade with exposure to light.
- The soft, thick cores of the pencils allow for smooth layering, making them perfect for adult coloring books, oil pastel pictures, and manga-inspired art.
Cons
- The pencils may not blend as easily as some other brands, making them challenging for more advanced artists.
- The included sketchbook paper could be of higher quality.
- The color variety may not be as extensive as other sets on the market.
If you’re looking for a high-quality set of oil pastel pencils, the Mooker Oil Pastel Pencils are an excellent choice. They are perfect for artists of all ages and skill levels, and the included color variety makes them a great gift for kids, friends, and students.
The pencils are well-constructed and built to last, with a strong, bright pigment that produces vibrant, long-lasting artworks. The innovative oil-based core allows for sturdier and more pigmented sketching pencils that hold a finer point, so you can draw more precisely. The high lightfast quality of the pencils means that your artwork won’t fade with exposure to light, ensuring that your creations will last for years to come.
The soft, thick cores of the pencils allow for smooth layering, making them perfect for adult coloring books, oil pastel pictures, and manga-inspired art. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, the Mooker Oil Pastel Pencils are sure to impress.
H&B 122 Colored Pencils Kit
If you’re looking for a professional-grade colored pencil set that offers a wide range of colors and high-quality pigments, then the H&B 122 Colored Pencils Kit is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The set includes 120 different vivid colors, which makes it easy to create any color you need for your artwork.
- The pencils are made of high-quality, environmentally friendly wood, and the cores are made of lightfast pigment that won’t fade over time.
- The set comes with a premium vinyl eraser and pencil sharpener, making it convenient for artistic creation.
Cons
- The pencils are oil-based, which may not be suitable for everyone’s preferences.
- The case is not the most durable, so you may need to be careful when transporting it.
- The pencils may be a bit pricey for some people.
Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencil Set
If you’re looking for high-quality colored pencils that are perfect for blending and shading, the Faber-Castell Polychromos set is a great choice.
Pros
- The leads are strong and don’t break easily, so you can use them for a long time without having to replace them.
- The colors are vibrant and blend well together, allowing you to create beautiful, professional-looking artwork.
- The metal tin is sturdy and keeps the pencils organized and protected, making it easy to take them with you wherever you go.
Cons
- The pencils are a bit more expensive than some other brands, but the quality is worth the price.
- The set only comes with 60 pencils, so if you need a wider range of colors, you may need to purchase additional sets or individual pencils.
- The leads are quite hard, so they may not be the best choice for artists who prefer softer, more buttery pencils.
The H&B 122 Colored Pencils Kit is perfect for professional artists and art students who want to take their artwork to the next level. The bold colors provide smooth coloring, easy blending, shading, and layering, making it easy to create stunning pieces of art. The pencils are labeled and numbered for easy color identification, and the set comes with a convenient zippered carry case to store and protect your coloring pencils.
If you’re looking for a high-quality colored pencil set that offers a wide range of colors and is perfect for blending, shading, mixing, and layering shades, then the H&B 122 Colored Pencils Kit is definitely worth considering.
If you’re looking for high-quality colored pencils that are perfect for blending and shading, the Faber-Castell Polychromos set is a great choice. The leads are strong and don’t break easily, so you can use them for a long time without having to replace them.
The colors are vibrant and blend well together, allowing you to create beautiful, professional-looking artwork.
The metal tin is sturdy and keeps the pencils organized and protected, making it easy to take them with you wherever you go.
However, the pencils are a bit more expensive than some other brands, and the set only comes with 60 pencils, so if you need a wider range of colors, you may need to purchase additional sets or individual pencils.
Additionally, the leads are quite hard, so they may not be the best choice for artists who prefer softer, more buttery pencils.
Bajotien Oil Pencils
Looking for a versatile set of oil pencils that will allow you to create stunning artwork? Look no further than the Bajotien Oil Pencils. With its vibrant colors, design, and professional level, this set is perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists.
Pros
- The set comprises 180 assorted colors, making it perfect for a wide range of artistic projects, including adult coloring books, doodling, and more.
- Each premium coloring pencil has its own individual color number which makes it easy to pick up the color you need. The soft core writes smoothly and lays down different shades well.
- The 180 sketching pencils are designed to retain their full intensity, making them perfect for expressing any artistic presentation with unique and exciting colors.
Cons
- The pencils come in a metal box packing with 6 handy plastic trays to keep the pencils very well protected and nicely organized, but the trays can be a bit difficult to remove from the box.
- The oil pencils are not as smooth as some other brands, so they may require a bit more pressure to achieve the desired effect.
- Some of the green and blue pencils may be a bit granule, making it difficult to color with them.
If you’re looking for a set of oil pencils that will allow you to create stunning artwork, the Bajotien Oil Pencils are an excellent choice. With their vibrant colors, design, and professional-level quality, these pencils are perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists.
The Bajotien Oil Pencils are a great gift for anyone who loves to draw, color, or create art. They’re suitable for professionals and also great for coloring to relieve stress and anxiety.
The Bajotien Oil Pencils are made of high-quality wood and come in a set of 180. The set is portable and comes in a metal box packing with 6 handy plastic trays to keep the pencils very well protected and nicely organized.
The oil color pencils set is gradually varied in color sequence, which allows you to layer your artwork in a unique and exciting way.
Art-n-Fly Oil Pastel Pencils
If you’re looking for high-quality oil pastel pencils that will help you create vibrant and long-lasting artworks, then the Art-n-Fly Oil Pastel Pencils are definitely worth considering.
Pros
- These oil pastel pencils have an innovative oil-based core that makes them sturdier and more pigmented than wax sketch pencils, allowing them to hold a finer point and never finish with a waxy film.
- With 48 vibrant colors in an incredible range, including a white pencil and skin tone colored pencils, these professional-grade art pencils are perfect for adult coloring books, oil pastel pictures, and manga-inspired art.
- All of our painting, drawing, & art supplies are made to last, and this color pencil set is no exception. Our professional colored pencils are lightfast, meaning they won’t fade with exposure to light!
Cons
- Some users may find that these oil pastel pencils take many layers to graduate to the color they are after.
- While these pencils sharpen okay, they can be hard and don’t blend well.
- There really should be a few more color options.
If you’re looking for oil pastel pencils that are smooth and layer flawlessly, then the Art-n-Fly Oil Pastel Pencils are a great choice. They are perfect for beginners and professionals alike, and their innovative oil-based core ensures that they are sturdier and more pigmented than wax sketch pencils. Whether you’re creating oil pastel pictures or manga-inspired art, these pencils will help you create vibrant and long-lasting artworks that you’ll be proud to display.
H & B 180 Colored Pencils Kit
If you’re looking for a high-quality colored pencil set that offers a wide range of colors, then the H & B 180 Colored Pencils Kit is a great option. With a range of colors that can meet any color you need when you draw, it’s perfect for professional artists and art students alike.
Pros
- The kit contains 180 different vivid colors that provide smooth coloring, easy blending, shading, and layering.
- Each art pencil is labeled and numbered for easy color identification, making it easy to find the color you need quickly.
- The bold colored pencils are made of high-quality environmentally friendly wood (basswood) and the cores are made of lightfast pigment that won’t fade over time and break-resistant, ensuring that your artwork will last for years to come.
Cons
- The zippered nylon bag is a bit small and can be difficult to fit all the pencils in.
- The pencils are a bit softer than some other brands, which can lead to more frequent sharpening.
- The pencils can be a bit pricey compared to other sets on the market.
The H & B 180 Colored Pencils Kit is perfect for anyone who wants to upgrade their artwork to an artist-grade level.
The travel zipper bag makes it easy to take your pencils with you wherever you go, so you can draw and color anytime, anywhere.
The kit is also a great gift for adults, artists, teens, women, men, kids, boys, and girls on any occasion. Overall, this is a high-quality set of colored pencils that is definitely worth the investment.
Magicfly 72 Colored Pencils Set
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly set of oil-based colored pencils that perform well, then the Magicfly 72 Colored Pencils Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set comes with 72 assorted colors, providing smooth coloring and shading.
- The soft core colored pencils are made of non-toxic materials, which are safe for users and environment.
- Each pencil is marked with color name, color number & light-fastness for easy recognition.
Cons
- The cores are made of soft leads, so manual sharpening is suggested instead of electric pencil sharpener.
- There are no names or numbers on the pencils, so it can be difficult to keep track of which color is which.
- The set doesn’t come with a color chart or swatches, so color matching can be a bit of a challenge.
The Magicfly 72 Colored Pencils Set is a practical and versatile option for those who love drawing, coloring books, sketching, shading, and more. The high quality and range of colors guarantee a wonderful drawing experience. Plus, it makes for a great gift for those who love art and creativity.
The soft leads of these pencils make them easy to blend and mix to create other specific colors or shadow effects. They lay down smoothly and are highly pigmented, providing vivid and bright colors. The delicate storage box that comes with the set makes it easy to organize the pencils and keep them in good condition.
Overall, the Magicfly 72 Colored Pencils Set is a great option for those who want a budget-friendly set of oil-based colored pencils that perform well and provide a great drawing experience.
MARTCOLOR Skin Tone Colored Pencils
If you want to create stunning portraits, sketches, or illustrations with realistic skin tones and hair colors, MARTCOLOR Skin Tone Colored Pencils are a must-have.
Pros
- The set includes 24 of the most popular skin and hair tone color shades, which are vivid, richly pigmented, and light-fast.
- The pencils are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for both beginners and professional artists to use.
- The pencils are versatile and can be used for various applications, including drawing, sketching, coloring, crafting, designing, and illustrating.
Cons
- The pencils may not be suitable for those who prefer oil pastel pencils instead of colored pencils.
- The set doesn’t come with a sharpener, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t have one already.
- The pencils may not be as smooth as some other brands, so you may need to layer them more to achieve the desired effect.
If you’re looking for a high-quality and affordable set of skin tone colored pencils, MARTCOLOR Skin Tone Colored Pencils are an excellent choice. These pencils are perfect for creating realistic portraits, sketches, and illustrations, and they’re versatile enough to be used for various applications.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, these pencils will help you unleash your creativity and produce stunning artwork.
Castle Art Supplies Gold Standard 120 Coloring Pencils Set
Looking for a high-quality set of oil-based colored pencils that will take your creative projects to the next level? Look no further than the Castle Art Supplies Gold Standard 120 Coloring Pencils Set.
Pros
- 120 color choices for ultimate flexibility and versatility
- Oil-based formula provides greater hardness and resistance to breakage
- Superior control over color layering and blending for highly detailed areas
Cons
- Higher price point than some other colored pencil sets
- Some users report issues with color consistency between pencils
- Not suitable for young children due to small parts and choking hazard
Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, the Castle Art Supplies Gold Standard 120 Coloring Pencils Set is an excellent choice for all your coloring needs.
The oil-based formula ensures that the colors stay vibrant and true, even after multiple layers and blending. Additionally, the set comes with a handy 36-page handbook filled with tips and techniques to help you make the most of your pencils.
One of the standout features of this set is the exceptional color coverage, which allows you to achieve rich, deep tones with ease. The pencils are also longer lasting than many other brands, meaning you’ll spend less time sharpening and more time creating.
While the higher price point may be a drawback for some, the quality and versatility of the Castle Art Supplies Gold Standard 120 Coloring Pencils Set makes it a worthwhile investment for serious artists and hobbyists.
So why wait? Order your set today and start creating your next masterpiece!
Buying Guide
Choosing the Best Oil Pencil
When it comes to choosing the best oil pencil, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some features you should look for:
- Quality of Pigment: Look for oil pencils that use high-quality pigments that are lightfast and resist fading over time.
- Color Selection: Consider the range of colors available in the set. Choose a set that has a variety of colors to suit your needs.
- Softness of Lead: The softness of the lead determines how easily it blends and how much pigment it lays down. Softer leads are better for blending, while harder leads are better for detail work.
- Price: Oil pencils can range in price from affordable to quite expensive. Consider your budget and choose a set that fits your needs.
5 Top Tips for Using Oil Pencils
- Use a light hand: Oil-based pencils are known for their softness, which means they can easily lay down too much color if you press too hard. To avoid this, use a light hand when coloring or drawing with oil-based pencils. This will help you control the amount of color you’re putting down and create a more subtle effect.
- Layer colors: One of the great things about oil-based pencils is that they are easy to layer. Start with a light layer of color and then add more layers to create depth and dimension. This will help you create a more realistic and nuanced effect in your artwork.
- Blend colors: Oil-based pencils are also great for blending colors. Use a blending tool or your finger to blend colors together and create a smooth transition between colors. This will help you create a more seamless and professional-looking effect in your artwork.
- Experiment with different surfaces: Oil-based pencils can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and wood. Experiment with different surfaces to see which ones work best for your style and technique. This will help you create unique and interesting effects in your artwork.
- Use a fixative: Oil-based pencils can smudge easily, especially if you’re working on a surface that doesn’t hold the pigment well. To prevent smudging, use a fixative spray to seal your artwork once you’re finished. This will help protect your artwork and ensure that it stays looking great for years to come.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a solid understanding of what oil pencils are and how to use them to create beautiful works of art. Remember, like any other artistic medium, mastery of oil pencils takes time and practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques, and don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out as expected. With patience and persistence, you can unlock the full potential of oil pencils and take your artwork to the next level.
So, grab your favorite pencil set and start exploring the possibilities of this exciting medium today!
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