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Oil Pastel vs. Soft Pastel: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

  • Writer: Kate Fassett
    Kate Fassett
  • Jul 2
  • 3 min read

If you've ever wandered into the pastel aisle at your local art store and found yourself staring at two very different-looking boxes—one creamy and crayon-like, the other powdery and chalky—you’re not alone. Oil pastels and soft pastels may share a name, but they behave in surprisingly different ways. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist looking to try something new, understanding the core differences between oil pastel vs soft pastel will help you choose the one that fits your style, goals, and process.

What Are Oil Pastels?

Oil pastels are made with pigment, non-drying oil, and wax, which gives them a creamy, buttery texture and a vivid, saturated color payoff. Artists often love oil pastels for their bold, expressive strokes and the ease with which they can be blended—whether with fingers, blending tools, or solvents like mineral spirits. Because they produce no dust, oil pastels are less messy than their soft pastel counterparts, making them a convenient choice for quick sketches, outdoor work, or portable studio setups. They’re also relatively low-maintenance in terms of supplies and cleanup.


However, oil pastels do have their quirks. Their waxy consistency can feel greasy to some artists, and the sticks don’t always lend themselves well to fine details or precision work. Layering can be satisfying but requires a bit of finesse—too much pressure or poor color choices can result in muddied areas. And since oil pastels never fully dry, they’re prone to smudging unless sealed with a fixative or protected behind glass. Still, for artists who love working with bold color and painterly strokes, oil pastels offer an energetic and tactile creative experience.


What Are Soft Pastels?

Soft pastels are composed primarily of pure pigment with just a small amount of binder, which gives them their signature dry, velvety texture. This minimal binding allows for incredibly rich color and effortless blending. Artists who work with soft pastels often appreciate how easily they can layer colors, create soft gradients, and build up depth through light touch and repeated application. The sticks can produce both bold lines and subtle shading, making them well-suited for everything from loose, expressive work to highly detailed realism.


That said, working with soft pastels does come with some challenges. Because they are so powdery, they generate quite a bit of dust during use, which can be messy and may require ventilation or cleanup precautions. The sticks themselves are also fragile and prone to breaking if dropped or pressed too hard. Finished pieces are delicate and must be handled with care—typically sealed with fixative spray or protected in a frame under glass to prevent smudging or loss of pigment. Despite these considerations, many artists are drawn to the immediacy and vibrancy of soft pastels, especially when working on textured surfaces like sanded paper or pastel board that can grip and hold multiple layers of color.


Key Differences at a Glance

Feature

Oil Pastels

Soft Pastels

Texture

Creamy, oily

Dry, chalky

Blending

Finger, tool, or solvent-based

Finger, tool, or dry blending

Dust

None

Lots

Surface Needs

Smooth or lightly textured

Heavily textured paper (like sanded)

Permanence

Smudges unless sealed

Fragile without fixative or framing

Best For

Bold color, expressive strokes

Subtle blends, fine details, realism

Portability

Very portable

Less portable

Oil Pastels vs Soft Pastel


Choose Oil Pastels If You:

  • Want a low-mess, on-the-go medium

  • Love expressive, bold strokes

  • Don’t mind a looser, more painterly feel

  • Prefer blending with your hands or tools

  • Enjoy layering and color blocking


Choose Soft Pastels If You:

  • Prefer control, precision, or fine detail

  • Love smooth blends and painterly gradients

  • Don’t mind working with fixative or dust

  • Want the closest feel to pure pigment


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