Are Pentel oil pastels good?

Pentel says they apply smoothly, blend easily for shading and mixing, and are acid-free and humidity resistant. The listing does not give a lightfastness figure.

Are Pentel oil pastels toxic?

The listing does not include a safety certification, so check the packaging before giving them to young children.

What surfaces can I use Pentel oil pastels on?

Pentel lists paper, canvas and artboard.

How are oil pastels different from soft pastels?

Oil pastels have an oil and wax binder, so they are creamy and do not dust. Soft pastels are chalky and powdery.

Best classic oil pastels

Pentel

Pentel Oil Pastels (50)

A set of 50 oil pastel colors (PHN-50) that apply smoothly and blend for shading and mixing. They are acid-free and resist humidity for lasting drawings.

Best for: Artists who shade and mix color on paper, canvas or artboard

Colors: 50
Type: Oil pastel
Acid-free: Yes
Surfaces: Paper, canvas, artboard

Check price on Amazon

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Buy it if

You want a 50 color oil pastel set from Pentel
You want colors that blend easily for shading and mixing
You plan to draw on paper, canvas or artboard

Skip it if

You want each stick wrapped. The MEEDEN and Artecho sets wrap or sleeve every stick; the Pentel listing does not mention wrappers
You want even more colors. The MEEDEN set has 72
You want a stated lightfastness. MEEDEN lists level-3 lightfastness; Pentel does not give one

What the Pentel Oil Pastels (50) is

The Pentel Oil Pastels set (PHN-50) holds 50 colors of classic oil pastel. Pentel says the colors apply smoothly and blend easily for shading and color mixing, and that they are more vibrant than chalk pastels.

Pentel says the pastels are acid-free and resist the effects of humidity for longer lasting drawings. The listing names paper, canvas and artboard as the best surfaces.

Key features, explained

Based on the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

50 colors
A range of 50 colors, so you mix fewer shades yourself.
Smooth application and easy blending
Pentel says the colors go on smoothly and blend easily, so you can shade and mix colors directly on the page.
Brighter than chalk pastels
Pentel describes the oil pastels as more vibrant than chalk pastels.
Acid-free and humidity resistant
The pastels are acid-free and resist humidity, which Pentel says helps drawings last longer.
Paper, canvas and artboard
The listing names all three surfaces, so the same set works for sketchbook practice and small paintings on canvas.
Limited lifetime warranty
The listing includes a limited lifetime warranty from Pentel.