What are soft oil pastels?

Oil pastels made with a soft texture for smooth blending and layering. MEEDEN lists its set for layering, shading, scratching, impasto and dotting.

What is the difference between soft oil pastels and oil pastels?

Soft oil pastels are made to feel softer, so they generally lay down color with less pressure and blend easily. The listing does not compare MEEDEN's softness with any other brand.

How big are MEEDEN oil pastels?

Each stick measures 69 x 10 mm and is individually wrapped.

How do you use soft oil pastels?

Layer light colors first, blend with your finger or a paper stump, and scratch through the top layer with a tool to reveal the color below.

What surfaces do MEEDEN oil pastels work on?

The listing names card, oil pastel paper pads, canvas and other surfaces.

Are MEEDEN oil pastels non-toxic?

The listing says they are made from non-toxic materials with no irritating smell.

Most oil pastel colors

MEEDEN

MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels (72)

A set of 72 soft oil pastels that blend smoothly on card, paper or canvas. Each 69 x 10 mm stick is individually wrapped to keep colors and hands clean.

Best for: Hobby artists who want a wide range of soft, blendable oil pastel colors

Colors: 72
Size: 69 x 10 mm
Type: Soft oil pastel
Wrapping: Individual

Check price on Amazon

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Buy it if

You want a big range of 72 colors in one set
You want a soft texture for layering, blending and scratching techniques
You like each stick wrapped so colors stay clean

Skip it if

You want a lightfastness figure tied to a named standard. The level-3 figure is MEEDEN's own and the listing names no standard
You want pastels listed as acid-free. The Pentel Oil Pastels (50) say so; the MEEDEN listing does not

What the MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels (72) is

The MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels set has 72 colors of soft oil pastel. Each round stick measures 69 x 10 mm and is individually packaged, which MEEDEN says prevents accidental color crossing and keeps hands clean.

MEEDEN says the soft texture allows smooth blending, and lists the sticks for layering, shading, illustration, scratching, impasto and dotting. It rates the pigment at level-3 lightfastness.

Key features, explained

Based on the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

72 colors
MEEDEN says the range covers everything from basic color application to creative blending, so you reach more colors directly instead of mixing them.
Soft texture
The soft sticks blend smoothly on card, oil pastel paper, canvas and other surfaces, and MEEDEN says the round shape gives even coverage.
Made for layering and scratching
The listing names layering, shading, illustration, scratching, impasto and dotting. Scratching through a top layer to show the color below is called sgraffito, and soft oil pastels suit it.
Level-3 lightfastness
MEEDEN says the specialized pigment has level-3 lightfastness, so colors should resist fading and yellowing over time.
69 x 10 mm sticks, individually wrapped
Each stick has its own wrapping to prevent accidental color crossing and keep hands clean during long sessions.
Non-toxic with no strong smell
The listing says the pastels are made from non-toxic materials with no irritating smell, which suits classrooms, outdoor sketching and travel.